thesmiths Posted September 13, 2019 #1 Share Posted September 13, 2019 We had a great cruise. Booked this cruise to celebrate my 60th in Grand Turk and also to sail up and down the Hudson. Went into this cruise to relax , enjoy and we did just that. We had an Aft Wrap Departing was great down the Hudson. Coming back up the Hudson early morning and seeing the WTC lit up the day after 9/11 was reality. First Sea Day was a bit bumpy going around Dorian. Did not bother us as a matter of fact I thought it was pretty cool pounding some decent swells, Others did not enjoy so much, saw Barf Bags were placed by the elevators. We had anytime dining and used the Hub, we eat dinner around 5:30, requested a table when leaving cabin and by the time we got to 3 it was ready. Different table and server the 4 nights we ate there. Never an issue. Eating at 5:30 gave us plenty of time to see the 7:30 show and go to the 8:30 comedy. Did Sea Day Brunch once. Was nice. Had Omelettes the other mornings from either the Deli or Sea Food Shack. Never a wait. Dinner at the Steakhouse after Jacks @ Grand Turk to celebrate my 60th. Had another good day at Jacks and Shots with the staff to celebrate, Always good to see Janet and the rest. Jerk Chicken was excellent and Topher made an appearance. San Juan got off the ship for an hour, walked a bit, hit Walgreens for a few things and more soda and back to the Sky Bar to watch the Eagles, They have the NFL ticket, Stefan the bartender was great, we were the first ones at the bar ( 11:30 am so got center bar seats) Got packed, standing room only. Amber Cove we did a private tour with Iguana Mama's just the 2 of us. Our Guide ( and personal Bartender) Alexandar the Great was Excellent and Driver Indiana Jones did a wonderful job driving us around. We did the Cable Car, Basically the first ones there, very neat experience. Went to the Cathedral and then they took us to a beach where a Local Dolores cooked us a ice meal on the beach. Was just my wife & I on the beach ourselves, 2 loungers were already set up. Alexendar the Great kept the drinks flowing for me! We did the Cucina Italian one night for dinner and was great. Had Lobster Rolls at Seafood Shack and they were very good. Ate everywhere except Lucky Bowl, was on the list to do it but never made it. We do not eat Sushi. Great Staff all over the ship. Our Cabin Steward Chai 6 Aft was excellent and became friends by the end. Hated to say good bye. Made it to 3 shows one of which they asked for volunteers for VIP sitting and they gave the guys Tux Tshirts and girls some fleece and head bands , they had six 2 seat tables set up in front of the stage, was neat to sit there they offered free champagne and refreshments. Went to 3 comedies and was not that hot as people have said, we sat near the bar each time. I read a bunch of negatives about this ship. We found none about the ship. We always found a table to eat at no matter what venue or part of lido were at. ( Never ate inside of the Lido) Always found loungers. Always found spot in the pool if wanted to get cooled off. Always found loungers at Serenity and was able to get in that hot tub or any other when we wanted. One time we ate at the buffet line and the line was back to the plates and silverware. Normal. The many times we walked through to go get a burger or burrito it was busy in there but no different then any other Carnival ship we have been on. Plenty of options to eat at in case you found that line too long. Only negatives we had were many people and their rudeness. But that happens anywhere and does not bother me and if I does I have zero filter ( I'll call it) and will tell you about it and move on. I say when she sails from down south the amount of rudeness would not be as bad. For those that are tentative that have a cruise booked, go enjoy. It is a great ship, great crew. When I get time I will post some pics. Let me know if you have any questions. I will be back to answer when I can. 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Jamman54 Posted September 13, 2019 #2 Share Posted September 13, 2019 Thanks for the review! We'll be on her for 13 days starting Monday. Can't wait! 😎 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdemps Posted September 13, 2019 #3 Share Posted September 13, 2019 We're booked for FEB 22, 2020 and I was thinking the people complaining cruise during peak family season so the cabins are at higher occupancy. It's never the case when we cruise in winter so I was hopeful the lines and seat situation was just because of the summer madness with all the kids. Thanks for the review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhillyFan33579 Posted September 13, 2019 #4 Share Posted September 13, 2019 Best part of your review was reading you got to watch the Eagles. 😀 Go Birds! it was nice seeing a good review for Sunrise for a change. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlacy1987 Posted September 13, 2019 #5 Share Posted September 13, 2019 Thank you for your review! We leave on her Monday morning! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ah4sail Posted September 13, 2019 #6 Share Posted September 13, 2019 We were on the ship with you! After reading all the horrible reviews here, I was really questioning my decision. However, I totally agree with you. We had a great 8 days. Food was good, always able to find a table, a lounger, a seat at the shows. We loved the Alchemy and the Red Frog (those 1/2 price port day Fishbowls are the bomb😂). If you’re a foodie, the Chef’s Table was awesome! Super easy embarkation and debarkation. One negative (besides the rudeness of some people) was the smoke in the casino which you had to go through. I’m hoping to post a review with pix soon. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stick93 Posted September 13, 2019 #7 Share Posted September 13, 2019 Thanks for the reviews. I was one on the negative reviewers but I am happy to see this trip was better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Butterbean1000 Posted September 13, 2019 #8 Share Posted September 13, 2019 This just goes to show you how different people have different experiences on the same ship. I am not taking away the from the legitimate complaints because I am sure there are good reasons for the negative reports. Good to know the ship is not a total mess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joebucks Posted September 13, 2019 #9 Share Posted September 13, 2019 Glad to hear you had a great time, and happy 60th! I too find it hard to believe that a ship that traditionally didn't have issues with crowding is overwhelmed with 8% more passengers. Still, I would never cruise during the peak summer months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare jimbo5544 Posted September 13, 2019 #10 Share Posted September 13, 2019 Thanks for doing your review, I am very happy to hear your cruise was more like mine than some others. Love to see the pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare jimbo5544 Posted September 13, 2019 #11 Share Posted September 13, 2019 4 hours ago, ah4sail said: We were on the ship with you! After reading all the horrible reviews here, I was really questioning my decision. However, I totally agree with you. We had a great 8 days. Food was good, always able to find a table, a lounger, a seat at the shows. We loved the Alchemy and the Red Frog (those 1/2 price port day Fishbowls are the bomb😂). If you’re a foodie, the Chef’s Table was awesome! Super easy embarkation and debarkation. One negative (besides the rudeness of some people) was the smoke in the casino which you had to go through. I’m hoping to post a review with pix soon. Good to hear as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kellyann Posted September 13, 2019 #12 Share Posted September 13, 2019 2 hours ago, Stick93 said: Thanks for the reviews. I was one on the negative reviewers but I am happy to see this trip was better. Stick 93, your review was excellent and you called it like you saw it. There was a lot of good info and I appreciated your time. I'm so happy that "The Smiths" enjoyed their cruise especially since I'm sailing on Monday with a totally open mind. Another good review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stick93 Posted September 13, 2019 #13 Share Posted September 13, 2019 3 minutes ago, Kellyann said: Stick 93, your review was excellent and you called it like you saw it. There was a lot of good info and I appreciated your time. I'm so happy that "The Smiths" enjoyed their cruise especially since I'm sailing on Monday with a totally open mind. Another good review. Enjoy your trip. Make sure you get a raspberry Martini off of the menu from the alchemy bar - amazing as always. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare jimbo5544 Posted September 13, 2019 #14 Share Posted September 13, 2019 4 minutes ago, Stick93 said: Enjoy your trip. Make sure you get a raspberry Martini off of the menu from the alchemy bar - amazing as always. Echo the raspberry martini..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare jimbo5544 Posted September 13, 2019 #15 Share Posted September 13, 2019 6 hours ago, Jamman54 said: Thanks for the review! We'll be on her for 13 days starting Monday. Can't wait! 😎 Jeff, have a wonderful b2b! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeachDiva101 Posted September 13, 2019 #16 Share Posted September 13, 2019 Happy 60th!! Glad you got to celebrate at Jack's Shack. I love that place! Thank you for the review. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kellyann Posted September 13, 2019 #17 Share Posted September 13, 2019 26 minutes ago, Stick93 said: Enjoy your trip. Make sure you get a raspberry Martini off of the menu from the alchemy bar - amazing as always. Since you both enjoyed the raspberry martini, which sounds delicious, maybe you can answer this question which I had asked on another thread but it was never answered. Are the prices of martinis higher in the Alchemy bar? How much is this wonderful raspberry martini? I'm assuming that most cocktails will run about $8.50 - $9.50 elsewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stick93 Posted September 13, 2019 #18 Share Posted September 13, 2019 5 minutes ago, Kellyann said: Since you both enjoyed the raspberry martini, which sounds delicious, maybe you can answer this question which I had asked on another thread but it was never answered. Are the prices of martinis higher in the Alchemy bar? How much is this wonderful raspberry martini? I'm assuming that most cocktails will run about $8.50 - $9.50 elsewhere. I think they are $10.95 -$11.95. I remember last year the first day out of NY when they don’t sell cheer my wife and I had 4 drinks and it was around $55 with tip. Since this year I refused to drink the first day for the reason it’s not under cheers I don’t know. I hit the 15 drinks on day 2 - (sweet!) If you are someone posting live from a ship ask them to take a picture of the menu and it will say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ah4sail Posted September 13, 2019 #19 Share Posted September 13, 2019 Martinis at Alchemy were $10.95. Every night, but one I had a traditional Grey Goose Cosmo and my husband had a Buffalo Trace Manhattan. We were charged a different price every night by the same server 😂🤷🏼♀️ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Jamman54 Posted September 14, 2019 #20 Share Posted September 14, 2019 4 hours ago, jimbo5544 said: Jeff, have a wonderful b2b! Thanks Jimbo! 😀 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaded Lady Posted September 14, 2019 #21 Share Posted September 14, 2019 @thesmiths we have our first Aft Wrap balcony next year on the Freedom... are they really as awesome as they say? When you get around to pictures, I'd love it if you posted any you might have of the balcony... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusin Karen Posted September 14, 2019 #22 Share Posted September 14, 2019 Great review! Glad you had a good cruise and welcome to the 60's! Ain't as hard as it seems lol. I have never been on a ship with a Seafood Shack. But LOVE lobster rolls. We will be doing the Canada/NE cruise on Sunrise 10/6. Would you have a lobster roll on ship or at port? Prices on ship? I am going to have to put my cruise splurge of a Caribbean Colada (will leave it to you, Patti!) and go for the Raspberry Martini. As another poster said, everyone has a different experience and I'm glad you had a good one!!! Happy cruising to you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thesmiths Posted September 14, 2019 Author #23 Share Posted September 14, 2019 18 hours ago, Shaded Lady said: @thesmiths we have our first Aft Wrap balcony next year on the Freedom... are they really as awesome as they say? When you get around to pictures, I'd love it if you posted any you might have of the balcony... We just love a wrap, You can tell by my signature. I use it all the time. Great views leaving a port. Was neat leaving New York, Amber Cove we backed in to. Have not down loaded my pictures yet. But found this one on the Freedom gives you an idea. Enjoy! 17 hours ago, Crusin Karen said: Great review! Glad you had a good cruise and welcome to the 60's! Ain't as hard as it seems lol. I have never been on a ship with a Seafood Shack. But LOVE lobster rolls. We will be doing the Canada/NE cruise on Sunrise 10/6. Would you have a lobster roll on ship or at port? Prices on ship? I am going to have to put my cruise splurge of a Caribbean Colada (will leave it to you, Patti!) and go for the Raspberry Martini. As another poster said, everyone has a different experience and I'm glad you had a good one!!! Happy cruising to you! Thank You, No worries about 60 and age is just a number. Lobster roll was $12 or $12.95 I believe. and you get 2 with fries. Filled me up. If it were me I would get them both places!! Have a Great cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thesmiths Posted September 14, 2019 Author #24 Share Posted September 14, 2019 23 hours ago, BeachDiva101 said: Happy 60th!! Glad you got to celebrate at Jack's Shack. I love that place! Thank you for the review. Picked this cruise specific because it was the only ship in Grand Turk on the 7th. Love that place too.. Janet and the crew are great! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thesmiths Posted September 14, 2019 Author #25 Share Posted September 14, 2019 23 hours ago, Kellyann said: Stick 93, your review was excellent and you called it like you saw it. There was a lot of good info and I appreciated your time. I'm so happy that "The Smiths" enjoyed their cruise especially since I'm sailing on Monday with a totally open mind. Another good review. Enjoy.. You'll have good one too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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