TwinPrincessMermaids

Save your money and try Carnival. My DH said if we don't try them we don't know and how right he was.

They already HAVE tried CCL... That's the difference. You had already done DCL and were giving CCL a shot. They have already done CCL and NCL so they already know what to expect. Having said that, I personally think they should at least get to try DCL once so THEY can form an opinion. They want an extra special cruise and there is NOTHING special or magical about Carnival. I stopped getting excited years ago when I stepped on board. Its just a glitzy hotel that takes you to some amazing places. The ports have always been great, the sea days, not so much. So that's all you are getting for 7 days on CCL, a few extra sea days, compared to a stunning 3-4 day cruise with impeccable service (speaking from my own experience, I know not everyone has that experience) but there is nothing magical about a Carnival cruise.

For myself personally, I LOVED the shows on the Disney Dream because from a vocal perspective, the talent was outstanding. It was also nice to be served in the dining room. I'm not being snotty, but I have been cruising since I was 11 and serving yourself drinks in the MDR (like when I had to pour my own coffee on the CCL Dream at the fancy breakfast) is just below par, even for CCL.

My own opinion? Save your money and don't book CCL. Stay home. That's what I would like to do the next time CCL comes up on our radar. At least then I can communicate with those who are taking my food orders and not get sick throughout the cruise. DCL is much better equipped to handle food sensitivities and the serving staff on our last one couldn't be bothered. They were overwhelmed and couldn't understand us. The 3 person serving team is a horrible idea.

I did just recieve a Sandals brochure but really not sure my husband would be thrilled. He likes being on the go. We always chose port intense cruises. And usually venture off on our own at each port. I haven't ruled it out. I'd really like to splurge on a suite or aft wrap this time. However we've been looking at the cruise out of SanJuan and I'm not sure I can justify that wrap balcony with only one sea day.

Just from our personal experience, we LOVE Sandals for our honeymoon (laid back, don't have to rush to port first thing in the morning) but I haven't been able to get my honey to go back, not even for our 10th. That man LOVES cruising, and we have done like 8 cruises to 1 AI. He just always likes something to do, a change of scenery, and he loves to cruise...

I came as a pirate wench with a full cavalier hat and corset and we standing up on deck. There were plenty of pirates and I didn't know anything about a deck show, I just thought it would be fire works.

A pirate comes up behind me and says in a low voice, "We are about to commandeer the ship!" and I said "are you a guest?" "A guest of what? We are going to take the ship!" so I said "I see you have a hat like mine, only much bigger." or something along those lines. He made a comment back, and then WOOSH he went down the ladder and the lights came on and all the pirates came out and "commandeered the vessel!"

Pretty fun stuff. Guess I looked piratey enough for him to invite me to join in their ship hijacking! :D

I did a 7 day on the Carnival Dream last March and then a 3 night on the Disney Dream a month later in April.

After getting off my Gold status Carnival, I thought I didn't care if I ever cruised again. I was 'cruised out' and done. Until Dad decided with all the mechnical failures of CCL (this is truth, not meant to pick an argument, first the Triumph in Feb and then our ship got stuck and cancelled sailings just over a week after we got off of it) that Mom wouldn't go on a cruise unless it was a Disney cruise, and he was right, she is a bit paranoid and would not have gone on a CCL. He booked it to surprise her and we all flew and drove in to surprise them.

That 3 night was the most amazing experience for us. We have a 4day planned next. For the price of the 7 Day Interior Dream (somewhat newer ship? which was WAY crowded and super unfriendly with the worst service across every dining experience, breakfast to dinner) we got a 3 night last minute veranda deal on Disney. Same price, unbelievable deluxe veranda room. Best room I have ever had ever. This next one is a 4 day and it is the same price but its interior (so far). So we find we can cruise the same price for a few less but absolutely awesome days on Disney. The only difference are the trivia/karaoke/hairy chest contest sea days that CCL offers. Not much of a selling point for me.

I know some people like longer vacation, but I was just ready to get off that ship. Considering we spend over $1500 when it was said and done (more when you consider boarding dogs, gas, cruise parking) that is a lot of money to spend just to be glad to be home. I'd rather spend that, hit a day or two at th e park, and have an unbelievable cruise experience.

So i won't be cruising CCL any more if I can help it. The only way I would is if my honey takes me on our DCL first and THEN drags me on the CCL with our booze cruise loving friends...and even then, the horrible service, non stop bingo sales in yo face, and photo heckling, and constant 'buy a drink' heckling and waiting for waters after a hot sunny day would not be an experience I would look forward too. I seriously wish CCL would go back to the way they were in 2007-11 when they had happy staff, great menus, happy service, and weren't so desperate...

I'll gladly sail 3 or 4 days with DCL than set foot on another CCL. That is based solely on my last two sailings. On the other hand, we have very high expectations for Disney and on almost everything, we were just amazed.

This thread is like wow...:eek: Is this the new normal?

Our maintenance issues August 2013 were in 2 different cabins on deck 2. The first' date=' they never did fix (that's why we moved). The second was eventually fixed after many attempts by housekeeping and FINALLY sending a plumber.

 

Lloyd (from India) is usually the head of hotel on the Magic. You'll see him in the atrium before dinner on most evenings. He is VERY serious about upkeep. So, if you have a problem, first talk to your stateroom host and Guest Services. However, if it isn't fixed within a few hours, talk to Lloyd if you see him around the ship. He will take notes and follow up with you to be sure it was done.

 

When are you cruising? Come back and tell me who is going to be on for the trans-Atlantic? (Captain, CD, ACD, will Cedomir be there, etc.....)[/quote']

 

We are on the 5/5! I'll try to remember to get the scoop. I'm learning to have a phone/camera on me at all times (can't always expect a photographer) as well as a note pad ("what was his name?") so I will try.

Food is subjective. I'll leave that alone.

I'm concerned about room maintenance as we have one group with us who is on the 2nd floor, and I think that's where most of the maintenance problems have been? We are aft decks 7 (one veranda, two interiors), one mid ship deck 6 (interior) and on aft deck 2 (interior deluxe room.) Its only a 4 day but I'm hoping its as magical as our 3 day Dream was last year. So maintenance concerns me...

My suggestion is, if you can't do a long Panama or TA cruise for a decent price, look for a 3/4 or 5 day for a good price and dip your toes in to DCL cruising. My only DCL so far was a 3 day and it BLEW OUR MINDS. Up to that point, I always wondered why any one would cruise less than a week, but on DCL, its not a requirement to be amazed. While I would like a week, other family didn't want to commit to 7 days again on a ship (after a 7 day CCL in 2007) so we are doing a 4 day and tacking on some park days to it.

If you can get an IGT (interior) OGT (oceanview) VGT (veranda) short notice sail (non refundable and non transferable and all cruise fare due right away), it is a good deal. We did that and had 3 spectacular deluxe double bathroom veranda rooms. This next one, we booked early (July of '13 for May '14) and got interiors (some of us, others got verandas) and used a 10% off coupon that was mailed to us. We got the 4 day for $522 pp cruise fare, which is about what we paid for our CCL Dream 7 day spa interior which was a very disappointing cruise (to me anyway). Our cruise fare includes Castaway Cay which is AWESOME! And none of my CCLs have included their private islands so far.

So yeah, either jump at a *GT rate and pack and go like we did last April and had the best family trip in years (until this May of course, which should even top that) or book quite a bit ahead of time.

For additional savings, we have the Disney Chase rewards card that gives 1% Disney dollars on all purchases (free card) and the 2% Disney dollars for all items of Disney (including vacations), gas, restaurants and groceries (premier card costs $49 annual fee) and we have both. We got $50 Disney gift card for signing up for the free card (that went towards our cruise deposit which only cost $22 pp thanks to the gift card and rewards) and then we got a $200 gift card when we applied for the Premier card. With the gift cards and rewards from March 2013 by Feb 2014, we only had to pay HALF our cruise out of pocket. Even with taxes and tips, our cruise is costing $300 pp. AND we are working on using about $150 or more towards Disney tickets or On Board expenses.

Others use Target cards and get discounts buying the Disney gift cards, others book through CostCo and get money back, others book through Travel Agents who offer lots of On Board Credits, and many others book while on board for a guaranteed 10% off and possible smaller deposits.

I hope that helps OP! Once you cruise DCL, it might be difficult to go back to CCL. I always found the ports to be wonderful on CCL but our last two shipboard experiences have gotten stale and really poorly serviced. DCL is a VERY high quality superior ship experience for us (and I can only speak to my personal experience, but I have also heard others agree.)

I just can't take it anymore!:eek:

A lot of cheerleading for someone who hasn't sailed Carnival in 5 years. Many changes since you last sailed.

Thanks for saying it. 2007 was an outstanding cruise, 2011 was a great cruise. 2012 was good..2013 was a bad experience.

For the PPs that have already said it, we are entitled to reviewing our experiences, good or bad. I give glowing remarks to those that earn it, and if those who didn't earn a bad mark, than maybe its more of a trend of critiques rather than just bashing. (Like the person who had never even been on any cruise, definitely bashing. Or those who haven't personally sailed CCL, thats bashing. But if we have? And we are disappointed? Not bashing, not to me.)

My good thoughts: Great entertainment crew on Dream, my 'bashing' thoughts: worst service staff I have ever experienced, enough that I was happy to get off the ship and go home, and I didn't think I'd be cruising anymore even as gold VFIP. (That was partially true, I cruise other cruise lines now.)

Brace yourself before you go to Palo...make sure you're HUNGRY...check BP & heart rate, LOL....make sure you look at all to eat before you attack...remember what I wrote- don't miss the chicken parm..it is out of this world..you must order it from the menu..it is NOT in the buffet....if you don't like it, don't eat it...this brunch at any decent hotel would cost $50+...I ordered eggs benedict from the menu PLUS the chicken parm along with the rest at the tables...we didn't eat again till dinner...make sure you post something when you get back...when are you leaving?

 

Big Al

The whole trip is going to be UNREAL! Just beyond awesome, we have been planning it basically since we set foot on the Dream last April.

5/3- Family day at EPCOT ANNNDDD its my Anniversary!!! We booked Tutto in Italy (another first!) as a family. What could be better? (Twinkie's anniversary is the week before.)

5/4- Hollywood Studios WHAT WHAT!!!!!!! THat is our FAVORITE park.

5/5- Boarding the lovely (I hope!) Magic

5/6- Playing with the Sea Lions again at Blue Lagoon

5/7- Castaway Cay, oh boy. Run the 5k! Pose on the beach with all our mermaids! (4 so far at least!) try to eat some where in there. Afternoon Catamaran Snorkel Excursion! :D Too tired after 3 mile run to swim to the fishes, we get to cruise to the fishies! Twinkie has a spa appt, then its show or something and pirate night! Might be the longest day in history!

5/8- Finally a Sea Day! Thank goodness yesterday will be very active, cuz its time for Brunch Extraordinaire!

5/9- Debarkation and SeaWorld (in the plans so far and I make my own mind up so no one please mention a documentary, I already know about it)

5/10- Possibly Busch Gardens & family dinner show at Columbia in Tampa

5/11- Say good bye to all my family and fly back to KY?! We will forget about that day.....

So anyway yeah! Its probably a never to be repeated trip. I've lost 13 pounds and have another 10-12 to go! And I have 7 weeks to do it.... :eek:

But training for the 5k and mermaid training (olympic pool with mermaid monofin) is definitely helping!

WAHOO!

(Sorry OP, I couldn't resist, back to the thread. Host, please don't delete me...)

"What Time is the Midnight Buffet"

Yes, that is a classic!

Another funny one our comedian was saying, referring to the husband telling the wife "Hurry up and finish your dessert, we don't want to miss the midnight buffet!"

Regarding the OP's comments, I still have no idea why Disney has a perceived age limit. We cruise it with no kids in our mid 30s and LOVE it. I do think that the 18-20 yr old age might have some difficulty if you didn't have a great party crew going together, but other than that, I think they fulfill on every level. I certainly wouldn't say that DisneyWorld has an age limit, we are super stoked to go again in 2 months. They go together. When you outgrow Its a Small World, there is always Rockin Coaster. (Ahem, if outgrowing IASW were even possible... :D )

Big Al, for the first time, we have PALO brunch booked and I'm super stoked! I've never paid for a meal on a cruise, but for $25 and caviar and seafood and mimosas, I really couldn't pass it up! I hope our BIL is as happy with the Magic as you (and I!) were on the Dream. He has claimed it will be his last cruise! (1 7day CCL HOliday in 2007 the only thing to compare.) Guess we find out in about 60 days!

Yay!

OP, Fantasy is my absolute Dream ship. I can't wait to sail her. I would sail Oasis too if it was a really good deal but with our Disney rewards cards, we are sailing our 4 day at half the price, so for us, Disney is a GREAT deal. I'd hate to take money from my future dream Fantasy cruise before I go on Oasis, but I would do either, I think my honey would like it.

We seriously were amazed with our Disney cruise, and it was only a 3 day. I would gladly sail 3 or 4 days on Disney than a non-Oasis class RCI 7 day.

Glad you liked your trip though!

Oh. Yes there are lots of gluten free soy sauces :) tamari is one.

 

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Forums mobile app

Thanks!

Hello OP!

Sounds like a GREAT vacation to me! My last CCL included a full day at MK (we came prior) and it was WONDERFUL! Ariel and Belle parts of new Fantasyland were highlights. (We also hit HS the next day.) And we also did the Catamaran Snorkel through SeaHorse at Nassau and it was WONDERFUL TOO! The beach and reef was beautiful, the channel was lovely, and we instantly loved our trip to Nassau which is more than I can say for most!

I came as a mermaid, (obviously!?) and the guests were so delighted that their catamaran had caught a mermaid, that the crew made sure a rum punch was in the mermaid's hand at all times coming back...(despite what my friends tried to say a few days later, I DID remember talking to them and remembered the rest of Nassau...but yes, a nap was definitely in order before dinner! :D)

We are doing another SeaHorse catamaran in May, we liked it so much. It seems to be our go-to excursion. Some sea, some sea life, some relaxation, secure and beautiful views.

This time, we are going back to Blue Lagoon in Nassau to play with the Sea Lions and then doing the Catamaran (same company I guess) in Castaway.

LOVE that crew and excursion! Beautiful water! :)

Also on my last CCL I was quite happy to get off the Dream. We had been on her for a week, and I was done with the unfriendly service....That, AND we were headed to EPCOT (actually did all 4 parks that day)! *LOL* Which makes it much more fun to debark the ship....

If you are replying to me, yes, I know what the first or second ingredient of soy sauce is. I haven't personally come across wheat-free soy sauce so far, so that's why I said GF soy sauce was new to me (and therefore I'm not surprised that CCL didn't have it, I haven't seen it either.) I also was just saying that there is some discussion regarding the fact that the fermentation process of soy sauce renders the harmful gluten protein harmless, even if the first ingredient is wheat. This is a theory in the works though.

GF soy sauce in of itself is new to me. Although I have heard theories that the fermentation of the soy sauce actually kills the harmful gluten properties. Might explain why I can tolerate it a lot better than other stuff (altho its pretty salty so I sometimes skip it anyway). Drs and scientists are looking more into the fermentation theory. Asian food can be tricky to find GF. I'm glad I have more of a sensitivity than an all out allergy. Happy digestional battle fighting!

Btw, as a new cruiser, you might not THINK you are cruising with a life jacket, but you are. All cruisers regardless of how many times they have cruised, must attend a safety briefing or muster and go to their emergency station. You used to have to bring lifejackets, but I don't think you have to bring those to your muster station any more. They will show you how to wear it, and they are available in your staterooms.

So long story short, you will indeed be cruising in the open sea WITH a lifejacket.

Happy sails. :)

Actually I'm pretty sure I remember Burlesque shows being advertised on our CCL cruises, but they were NOT in the main auditorium and they were for adults. I can't remember which cruises, although I have been on the Triumph, but I remember going "huh" (like oookayyy) to myself. :eek: They definitely had them but I never saw it myself.

Its definitely the best line to cruise with a baby, that's for sure. Their princess photos/pirate photos/character photos ARE SOO CUTE! And if they act up a bit, people already expect that lil ones will be there. If YOU want to cruise as a family, DCL is your best bet. And the CMs are WONDERFUL.

Its my DREAM to sail on the Fantasy. That's all I can say to that question. There is probably only one way I would chose to sail Wonder first. 1) Alaska 2) Hawaii (because Wonder is the only one on that side of the world!) Alaska being more likely because Twinkie lives in Seattle... So by the time I sail Fantasy, she might be the last of the Disney Fleet of 4 for me to get on!

But if wishes were hopes and hopes were dreams...

Buutttt...if we are already eating at PALO, and we put the request in a few days early, they may know to make it for us since we won't be doing Dinner? And that would save them from breaking the MDR rule since we would already be paying for PALO.... yes yes? :)

We are super happy that the DCL Dream is so far the only ship I have ever cruised on that didn't deliberately funnel everyone through the smokey casino to get from one end of the ship to the other. MAAAYYYBE MS Holiday didn't, but I can't remember. All the rest did for sure, and there are difficult ways around it do to the 'you can't get there from here' ship design. Not having a casino is absolutely one of our most favorite things about the cruise line. It is NOT a vegas style ship for once. We hate bingo, so not having it forced on us was great too (ahem CCL Dream.... :mad: -elbow elbow-)

Plenty of us doing the WOBBLE and club dances on the Dream during Pirate night for our 3 days last April. Speaking of wobble, I was downright LIMPING back to my cabin! hahah! Depends on who you cruise with, I think. Adult karaoke was 'lively' to put it mildly as well. (But we had that 'interesting' dancer...) In May for our 4 day, we have 11 of us and I figure the guys will probably head to OGills and that leaves us girls with plenty of karaoke and dancing... too bad you didn't cruise with us!:D