Carnival Breeze: 3/9/14 Review (w/ pictures)

[sprint180]

want more! Really would like to go on the Breeze.

[cruizinisthebest]

the pic of that old oak tree lined road is beautiful. Is the old church at the end of that road?

 

Subscribing just so I can see pics of the Breeze. :)

[PalmettoNative]

the pic of that old oak tree lined road is beautiful. Is the old church at the end of that road?

 

Subscribing just so I can see pics of the Breeze. :)

 

No the church is located a couple of miles from the street you see. But driving around that area it is not uncommon to find many a drive lined like this.

 

 

I'll try to get things up as quickly as possible. I'm playing catch up this week at the office and we have an engineer visiting from Germany today so my internet time maybe limited.

[HarperSays]

Can't wait for more! I love the hungry wife bit, especially the dog hair covered french fry, but only because it may or may not be something I would find in my own car. Great review so far!

[ch27088]

Thank you for sharing your review with us. Can't wait to finish reading and viewing the pictures. We are in Alabama and taking a cruise out of New Orleans in October, and I'm so ready for it. Thanks again, hurry and finish posting please!!!

[PalmettoNative]

My apologizes for not posting anything today...my good friend and cousin in law passed away last night after a short battle with cancer.

 

Plus sitting through a 6 hour training technical presentation today gave little time to type up any updates...but I'll start working on it

[KPfromCT]

So sorry for your loss.:(

Take your time.

We understand that life happens.......

[jolyroger]

So sorry for your loss...when the time comes and your ready to continue with your review we"ll be here, until then please take care.

[cruizinisthebest]

My apologizes for not posting anything today...my good friend and cousin in law passed away last night after a short battle with cancer.

 

Plus sitting through a 6 hour training technical presentation today gave little time to type up any updates...but I'll start working on it

 

Sorry for your loss. There's plenty of time to post pics.

[Havana Daydreamer]

So sorry for your loss. Sailing the Breeze for a much needed vacation this Sunday. You are a very talented writer and photographer!

[PalmettoNative]

Embarking Day

 

So finally that day we all crave had arrived. Sadly the hotel shuttle didn't leave until 1145am...so somehow we had to kill about five hours. My toothbrush had won the battle over plaque and the revenge of a night filled with garlic and a mouthful of Listerine conquered the gum disease gingivitis...so what does one do with 4.5hrs remaining? If you guessed grab some breakfast and dirty up those pearly whites...you are right. The hotel breakfast is your typical lineup: waffle station, yogurt, scrambled powered eggs, cereal...you know the deal.

 

After some grub, we meandered across the street to Publix and grabbed a couple of last minute supplies. We had already packed a 12 pack of Dr. Pepper and two bottles of wine, so we didn't need much. Then on the way back we stopped next door at Starbucks for an overpriced coffee and tea...then it was back to the hotel where after a second battle with the enamel enemies, a weary battle had left me triumphant and tired. We grabbed a little cat nap then headed down stairs to meet up with the shuttle.

 

Again the shuttle was included in our hotel stay and the 12 person van was towing an adorable little U-Haul that we piled our luggage in. Sadly the van lacked any air conditioning...but thankfully it wasn't a long drive and we got our first glimpse of our home for the next week. She is very impressive and gives a good first impression.

 

 

 

So once gave the porter our bags and made our way to the terminal, we noticed a large number of people gathered outside, but thankfully they seemed content with wondering around outside...I couldn't understand their reasons but was glad they made it easier for us to get inside and started. It took a mere 10-15 minutes to get our passports and documents checked and get through security. Once upstairs it only took about 15 mins to get through the queue and get our S&S cards...the up the stairs to the customary 'Welcome Aboard' photo and across the gangway and we were on board by 1245pm. The process was as smooth as I remembered from our first cruise.

 

Once on board we were welcomed with a very nicely decorated atrium. I was pleased with how visually appealing the layout and decorations were. We only had the Carnival Valor to compare it too, but I really enjoyed the initial impression. We wondered Deck 3 and checked out the Sapphire Dining Room (we had Any Time Dining)

 

 

We wondered down to our room to drop off our carry-on gear and get a look at our room. We really liked the balcony...and I'm afraid I might have officially ruined any future cruise by this room.

 

 

[jcsuzeta]

My apologizes for not posting anything today...my good friend and cousin in law passed away last night after a short battle with cancer.

 

 

 

Plus sitting through a 6 hour training technical presentation today gave little time to type up any updates...but I'll start working on it

 

 

So sorry for your loss. Prayers up!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[pirate4me2]

Sorry to hear about your loss.

Thank you for taking time to do this review. Your pictures are amazing!

[KPfromCT]

Embarking Day

 

 

 

So finally that day we all crave had arrived. Sadly the hotel shuttle didn't leave until 1145am...so somehow we had to kill about five hours. My toothbrush had won the battle over plaque and the revenge of a night filled with garlic and a mouthful of Listerine conquered the gum disease gingivitis...so what does one do with 4.5hrs remaining? If you guessed grab some breakfast and dirty up those pearly whites...you are right. The hotel breakfast is your typical lineup: waffle station, yogurt, scrambled powered eggs, cereal...you know the deal.

 

 

 

After some grub, we meandered across the street to Publix and grabbed a couple of last minute supplies. We had already packed a 12 pack of Dr. Pepper and two bottles of wine, so we didn't need much. Then on the way back we stopped next door at Starbucks for an overpriced coffee and tea...then it was back to the hotel where after a second battle with the enamel enemies, a weary battle had left me triumphant and tired. We grabbed a little cat nap then headed down stairs to meet up with the shuttle.

 

 

 

Again the shuttle was included in our hotel stay and the 12 person van was towing an adorable little U-Haul that we piled our luggage in. Sadly the van lacked any air conditioning...but thankfully it wasn't a long drive and we got our first glimpse of our home for the next week. She is very impressive and gives a good first impression.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So once gave the porter our bags and made our way to the terminal, we noticed a large number of people gathered outside, but thankfully they seemed content with wondering around outside...I couldn't understand their reasons but was glad they made it easier for us to get inside and started. It took a mere 10-15 minutes to get our passports and documents checked and get through security. Once upstairs it only took about 15 mins to get through the queue and get our S&S cards...the up the stairs to the customary 'Welcome Aboard' photo and across the gangway and we were on board by 1245pm. The process was as smooth as I remembered from our first cruise.

 

 

 

Once on board we were welcomed with a very nicely decorated atrium. I was pleased with how visually appealing the layout and decorations were. We only had the Carnival Valor to compare it too, but I really enjoyed the initial impression. We wondered Deck 3 and checked out the Sapphire Dining Room (we had Any Time Dining)

 

 

 

 

 

 

We wondered down to our room to drop off our carry-on gear and get a look at our room. We really liked the balcony...and I'm afraid I might have officially ruined any future cruise by this room.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Was this a cove? I have not seen the low back chairs before.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Kfoot]

My condolences to you and your family. Haven't sail on the Breeze yet, so looking forward to your reviews and pics.

[PalmettoNative]

Was this a cove? I have not seen the low back chairs before.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Yes this was our Cove Balcony. Quaint, but really all you could need unless you want to have a dance party out there or something. Probably about 5ft x 7ft, great for a couple lounging watching the sunrise or sunset enjoying a cup of coffee or a glass of wine...or enjoying a lovely Cuban cigar...but that's later.

[missdebi]

Sorry to hear about your friend my prayers are with you and your family.

Awesome review.

[missdebi]

Forget to ask what exit off of I-95 is the church?

[PalmettoNative]

Forget to ask what exit off of I-95 is the church?

 

Exit 33 (I-95 in South Carolina)

 

You can Google it here.

Old Sheldon Church Ruins

Old Sheldon Church Rd

Yemassee, SC 29945

[tgregory519]

Looking forward to this review!!

 

My husband and I are also traveling by car to Miami from NC!

 

We'll be on the Breeze on May 18th

 

 

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[missdebi]

Exit 33 (I-95 in South Carolina)

 

You can Google it here.

Old Sheldon Church Ruins

Old Sheldon Church Rd

Yemassee, SC 29945

 

Thanks! Googled it. We are flying for our Breeze cruise in July but we have a motorhome so we will be visiting the area, we are in NC and hopefully will be on I 95 soon!!

[Jenal2]

St Jean Sur Richelieu here... Sounds about right but it felt a lot colder than that today! Hate to one up you but we are on the Breeze Sunday.. :D Hope most of this review is posted by then!

 

We will be leaving on Sunday with you. Cant Wait!

[iloverags2]

I am so sorry for your loss.

 

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this review/trip report. I'm thoroughly enjoying it, especially since I have my eye on sailing the Breeze.

[PalmettoNative]

On Board Day 1

 

Once we dropped off the carry on bags off in our room it was time to explore our new home. I mean this place is bloody huge. We headed up to the Lido Deck (Deck 10) and made our way to grab some lunch. The Mongolia Wok station had a small line, and I like to hit this place at least once, so I knocked it out and joined the other coughing patrons in line and watched through the smoke and heavy smell of schezwan sauce. I had a giggle at the small boy in fron tof me who seemed displeased at the selection of items available...

 

"Uh mom, I don't see anything I like here"

"Well you like corn."

"Yeah but that's it"

"Then just wait over there and we will get you something else"

"But I'm hungry now...I guess I'll just eat corn and noodles. Mmmmm(sarcastically)"

 

...and low and behold that kid loaded up a giant bowl of corn and noodles, I on the other hand was not so picky and by the time I arrived to the wok master by bowl runeth over...and of course that didn't even include the meat yet.

[i'm starting to see where the 6-7lbs I gained this trip started from...]

As always the Mongolian Wok station does not disappoint, how could it. And if you didn't already know...don't limit your meat selection to just one...go for them all, because I envision a cruise ship experience like the folks in Wall-E in a few more trips...(if you get this joke you know what I'm saying).

 

My wife opted for a different approach and went to the buffet line, but of course that didn't stop her from poaching from my delicious bowl. Next time its a bowl of just onions to keep her out...in the immortal words of Joey Tribbiani "JOEY DOESN"T SHARE FOOD!!!" But to make sure I kept our vacation started on the right food, I politely cursed her under my breath and smiled...pondering my future revenge.

 

After our tapeworms were satisfied, we wandered our way out on deck...blinded by the warm Florida sun and confronted by something humans call "heat" (something rarely seen this winter), my vision became clear only to see half naked bodies were everywhere, adult tasty beverages were flowing, the vibrations of beach and reggae music were playing...let's face it...I almost can't think of a better way to vacation. We moved up a couple of decks to the top where you are greeted with the Splash Zone, Ropes Course, Putt Putt area, Basketball Court, outdoor gym equipment, walking track...basically just about anything that required physical exertion was here. And I wanted no part of it...it looked like the Devil's Equipment...I mean this would severely hinder my tasty beverage and food intake. I was on vacation...exercise could wait.

[Now that I am home 7lbs heavier...and with a 40 mile cycling event in the NC Mountains less than 4 weeks away...I am really paying for my gluttony]

 

 

 

 

We scoped out the Serenity area, by far our favorite area...I mean I love my kid, I just don't love all your crazy ones. (Those offended by this statement are probably the ones with the crazy ones I heard running up and down the hallways shouting all manners of profanities). But kids will be kids and I'm all for that being a 6ft man-child myself...but this area is a nice and welcome retreat. Its a huge area too, two hot tubs (one on each side of the ship) and tons of pods and chairs for enjoying that sun.

 

After the first initial upper deck inspection we headed down the Deck 5 Promenade to see the fun shops, casino, Piano Bar 88, Limelight Lounge, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse...there were some other things on this deck (Ocean Plaza, coffee bar, sushi, dance club just didn't want you to think I didn't see those).

 

It was time for the standard muster drill, which didn't last all that long. We were in the Sapphire Dining room, which was nice to sit down in the air conditioning while they went through their demonstration. Then it was time for the sail away. Many of us already know of the front decks, but for those that don't...do yourself a favor and make your way forward to around Decks 6-7 and enjoy a front row near 300° view. It's never crowded up here on the two cruises we have been on, so you don't have to fight for a spot on the railing.

 

 

 

[LREcruise02]

Oh you had me at the Friends quote :) great review so far!!

 

 

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