Fresh off the Mardi Gras...

[matymil]

2 hours ago, DallasGuy75219 said:

As in the orange, apple, and passion fruit guava juice cocktails that they have in the Lido deck dispensers?  I've never seen them out in past noon(ish) when the late risers breakfast closes.  They start replacing them with lemonade and iced tea as the breakfast lines start closing.

 

I'd say cost savings, but they're juice cocktails (not real juice) so they can't be that expensive in the first place. Maybe still more expensive than lemonade and iced tea though?

I said juice but meant lemonade and tea. Yeah they were down all over the place. It was next to impossible to find one after 9pm ish. I went on the Magic and would go down to the deli at 11pm and you had no problems finding lemonade and ice cream machines on.

[DallasGuy75219]

24 minutes ago, matymil said:

I said juice but meant lemonade and tea. Yeah they were down all over the place. It was next to impossible to find one after 9pm ish. I went on the Magic and would go down to the deli at 11pm and you had no problems finding lemonade and ice cream machines on.

Ah okay. It's pretty common that after the deli and buffet close, all the dispensers are emptied for cleaning except for one or two with tea and lemonade, and they don't fill them back up until the morning (with juice for breakfast).

[CruizinSusan70]

1 hour ago, matymil said:

I said juice but meant lemonade and tea. Yeah they were down all over the place. It was next to impossible to find one after 9pm ish. I went on the Magic and would go down to the deli at 11pm and you had no problems finding lemonade and ice cream machines on.

There was a dispenser back in Pig n Anchor that I believe was open between 1130 pm and 100 am when the late night buffet was open.  And I think there was one near piazza panini.

[matymil]

25 minutes ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

There was a dispenser back in Pig n Anchor that I believe was open between 1130 pm and 100 am when the late night buffet was open.  And I think there was one near piazza panini.

The panini one we tried and that was closed.

[ninjacat123]

7 hours ago, matymil said:

Not only that but its like a super obscure topic. Its not that big of a deal, just thought it was weird that had that rule. And before she says something about changing to anytime again. I had mentioned that we had the most amazing staff weve ever had, hands down. Being able to eat at Chibang at 530 wasnt worth losing them.

My mom and I sailed on MG last October and our late time wait staff was excellent as well.  The food in MDR was a little hit and miss but when we were there, we truly enjoyed their service!  I thought ChiBang was so-so.  I'm glad you had great wait staff as well!

[Hoosierpop]

On 9/22/2022 at 1:30 AM, matymil said:

I mean im not against taking stairs but with being on deck 4, its a long haul up to the lido especially with a toddler that keeps telling us "walking is hard". This is kind of why i felt almost trapped at some points. We'd maybe go up past deck 15 once or twice a day just because it was normally such a pain to take the elevators plus we only had the two elevator sections on deck 4 instead of three on the other decks.

I’m not saying no one should take the elevators. What I am saying is that people who don’t need to take the elevator can cause folks who do need to take them to have a long wait. 

[matymil]

11 hours ago, Hoosierpop said:

I’m not saying no one should take the elevators. What I am saying is that people who don’t need to take the elevator can cause folks who do need to take them to have a long wait. 

I get that. We also had a lot of people who didnt use etiquette and would try and get on before we got off which takes some extra time with the stroller. If it where any other ship im sure we would have used the stairs more but walking with a 3 year old up stairs from deck 4 up to deck 17 so he play games was not in the cards lol

[matymil]

1 hour ago, siestakeys04 said:

Well I am cruising December on the MG I only stumbled across the set time vs anytime dining in a thread that I was just curious about the topic. I still picked late dining so I will wait until the 7:45 to request other dining options my adult kids are 27&23 so they eat late and right now for me at 50 I can eat late. Plus I like taking naps in between. 
 

To the rudeness Susan relax it’s not that serious it’s one thing to give info but if your delivery of the info is rude leave it at the door. Happy cruising🙃

Have fun. I see we've been on some of the same ships. You may be taken back for a bit because of how different it is but honestly imo it does not take like to get the lay of the land. Every elevator bay has very large floor plans with descriptions of where everything is. Plus the Hub App helped alot

[jimbob22]

interesting observations, we'll be on MG over Thanksgiving.  I think you noticed a key point: things are never really scaled up 2x or 3x in size on these newer mega-ships.  Relative to the size of the ship, I really liked the gym on the Fantasy class ships, and it had prime front-of-ship real estate.  I'm hoping that maybe around the 10:30-noon or so timeframe, the gym on MG is not too mobbed.  It definitely does *not* have double or triple the equipment that the Fantasy class gyms have.  It looks like it has more cardio and probably the same weighted stuff.

 

I never understood why only Carnival was doing the cafeteria lines.  We've done the other big lines (other than Princess) and they all seemed to have stations where you could examine things, either get right in, or possibly just get in a short line at that station, but the flow was natural, did not seem to cause irritation to anyone.  

 

Looking forward to trying the variety of eats on the MG, our first cruise in 3 years or so after a few years of doing one every 5-6 months or so.

[matymil]

2 hours ago, jimbob22 said:

interesting observations, we'll be on MG over Thanksgiving.  I think you noticed a key point: things are never really scaled up 2x or 3x in size on these newer mega-ships.  Relative to the size of the ship, I really liked the gym on the Fantasy class ships, and it had prime front-of-ship real estate.  I'm hoping that maybe around the 10:30-noon or so timeframe, the gym on MG is not too mobbed.  It definitely does *not* have double or triple the equipment that the Fantasy class gyms have.  It looks like it has more cardio and probably the same weighted stuff.

 

I never understood why only Carnival was doing the cafeteria lines.  We've done the other big lines (other than Princess) and they all seemed to have stations where you could examine things, either get right in, or possibly just get in a short line at that station, but the flow was natural, did not seem to cause irritation to anyone.  

 

Looking forward to trying the variety of eats on the MG, our first cruise in 3 years or so after a few years of doing one every 5-6 months or so.

I did end up going back to the gym in the middle of the day and it wasn't to bad. My favorite gym is definitely on the Pride, they have a multilevel set up. I've been on the Magic twice in the last year and I thought that was a small gym and I think MGs is about the same size. You're right about it having more cardio equipment though. They probably don't worry about making it bigger cause maybe they figure not alot of ppl will use it 🤷‍♂️

[siestakeys04]

20 hours ago, matymil said:

Have fun. I see we've been on some of the same ships. You may be taken back for a bit because of how different it is but honestly imo it does not take like to get the lay of the land. Every elevator bay has very large floor plans with descriptions of where everything is. Plus the Hub App helped alot

We are so excited first time cruising over a holiday celebration DS college graduation the week before. I’ve been jotting down tips and tricks! Probably will forget everything once I’m on the ship 🙃🤦🏾‍♀️

Edited September 25, 2022 by siestakeys04

[Capn12]

Just got off of the MG today. I’ll say, everything you hear about the elevators is 100% true: extremely long wait times, very stuffy and hot. We took our bags down 11 floors (spa room on the 17th) just to avoid the wait today.

 

In term should of dining options, MG has been by far, our favorite. For us to have a 7 night, and not once enter the MDR, that says a lot. That’s of course, dependent on the options that are free now, but will be charge at some point.

 

The ship itself, I find pretty neutral/generic, lacking much in the way of unique character. I’d go again if the price was right, otherwise, maybe not.

 

It doesn’t help that the best aspect of the MG (Eden in the Piano Bar), is now done with the MG contract as of today, too.

Edited September 25, 2022 by Capn12

[matymil]

1 hour ago, Capn12 said:

Just got off of the MG today. I’ll say, everything you hear about the elevators is 100% true: extremely long wait times, very stuffy and hot. We took our bags down 11 floors (spa room on the 17th) just to avoid the wait today.

 

In term should of dining options, MG has been by far, our favorite. For us to have a 7 night, and not once enter the MDR, that says a lot. That’s of course, dependent on the options that are free now, but will be charge at some point.

 

The ship itself, I find pretty neutral/generic, lacking much in the way of unique character. I’d go again if the price was right, otherwise, maybe not.

 

It doesn’t help that the best aspect of the MG (Eden in the Piano Bar), is now done with the MG contract as of today, too.

Thats pretty much my exact take on it as well. I wouldn't avoid going on it again but i wouldnt go on it again just because its a new ship. It would have to be a steal of a deal. We didnt go into the piano bar. Is Eden a performer?

[matymil]

4 hours ago, siestakeys04 said:

We are so excited first time cruising over a holiday celebration DS college graduation the week before. I’ve been jotting down tips and tricks! Probably will forget everything once I’m on the ship 🙃🤦🏾‍♀️

At least you didnt do what i did....i went on Etsy and ordered 5 wallet size deck cards that had the location of everything on board....except for when they came the cards were for the Conquest 🤦‍♂️ I even posted in my FB group (i have 3 extra Mardi Gras cards who wants them) and someone pointed out on the picture that it was the wrong ship lol

[cruisebarbie]

9 hours ago, Capn12 said:

Just got off of the MG today. I’ll say, everything you hear about the elevators is 100% true: extremely long wait times, very stuffy and hot. We took our bags down 11 floors (spa room on the 17th) just to avoid the wait today.

 

In term should of dining options, MG has been by far, our favorite. For us to have a 7 night, and not once enter the MDR, that says a lot. That’s of course, dependent on the options that are free now, but will be charge at some point.

 

The ship itself, I find pretty neutral/generic, lacking much in the way of unique character. I’d go again if the price was right, otherwise, maybe not.

 

It doesn’t help that the best aspect of the MG (Eden in the Piano Bar), is now done with the MG contract as of today, too.

Yes, same for us on the 17th floor.  We would take the stairs 11 flights when going to the main areas.  We hated that we would wait for an elevator forever and then one would open up and people would just walk on and didn't regard those that had been waiting long before them.  We started using the spa elevator that would take you from 17 to the spa.  We did that on the last day with our luggage.  It was a life saver.  And, I second, Eden---He is amazing and we spent every night there.  Every night it was packed and fun

[Capn12]

10 hours ago, matymil said:

Thats pretty much my exact take on it as well. I wouldn't avoid going on it again but i wouldnt go on it again just because its a new ship. It would have to be a steal of a deal. We didnt go into the piano bar. Is Eden a performer?

Yeah, Eden was the Piano Bar performer, he is headed to launch the Celebration next.

[mom1965]

Was the Cruise Director going on vacation or leaving for good - we are cruising in January - we loved him on another ship we were on.

 

[NeptunesGoddess]

Thank you for the review. We are on the Mardi Gras Oct. 15th.

 

A lot of things to check out and now I am prepared for food stations and where to get "free" meals rather than just the dining room. We are anytime dining and I wanted to know which restaurants offer included meals and do you just walk up?

 

Also, your review helped me plan a little for the elevator situation. Thank you.

[ChinaShrek]

On 9/22/2022 at 1:35 AM, matymil said:

I get that but personally id rather wait in line for afew mins over having to deal with people cutting or reaching around me. I dunno it just seemed like a free for all and i went when it there was barely anyone there. My wife went at peak lunch time..saw what was going on and went somewhere else to eat.

If someone is rude and cuts in front of me, I just cut in front of them when I see them at another meal. Turnabout is fair play.

[Pellaz]

2 hours ago, NeptunesGoddess said:

Thank you for the review. We are on the Mardi Gras Oct. 15th.

 

A lot of things to check out and now I am prepared for food stations and where to get "free" meals rather than just the dining room. We are anytime dining and I wanted to know which restaurants offer included meals and do you just walk up?

 

When you chose Anytime Dining on the Mardi Gras, you made a good choice.  🙂  

 

Your Sail and Sign card will actually show the restaurants to which you can go for dinner:  Cucina del Capitano, Chibang!, and one of the MDRs.  (The precise MDR apparently can change; it changed between our sailing and the one previous.)    Since you have YTD you will be able to reserve any of the three beginning at 5:30 pm.  Set-time diners have to wait until later. 

Guy's Smokehouse and Brewhouse is open to all comers for dinner no matter which dining style you have; just go to the podium and the host/hostess will seat you.   

There are other options for dinner, of course, including Piazza Panini (similar to the Deli on other Carnival ships) and the Lido Marketplace.  

 

You will not go hungry on Mardi Gras....except after 10 pm, when nearly everything complimentary closes.  😮  

 

 

[matymil]

3 hours ago, ChinaShrek said:

If someone is rude and cuts in front of me, I just cut in front of them when I see them at another meal. Turnabout is fair play.

I barely remember what i had for breakfast i wouldnt remember them if i saw them again. I am a big dude; 6ft5 300lbs and i have bodied people out before. Thats normally my go to move if someone is being rude. Just adjust my body, act like i dont see or hear them and keep moving

[matymil]

4 hours ago, NeptunesGoddess said:

Thank you for the review. We are on the Mardi Gras Oct. 15th.

 

A lot of things to check out and now I am prepared for food stations and where to get "free" meals rather than just the dining room. We are anytime dining and I wanted to know which restaurants offer included meals and do you just walk up?

 

Also, your review helped me plan a little for the elevator situation. Thank you.

Also two spots that are free but dont get talked about much. Fresh Creations on the serenity deck is like a salad works place. They are open for lunch. Also the Java Blue cafe has free sandwiches, wraps and salads. I had no idea about that one until the 2nd to last day

[matymil]

On 9/26/2022 at 10:16 AM, mom1965 said:

Was the Cruise Director going on vacation or leaving for good - we are cruising in January - we loved him on another ship we were on.

 

He was done his contract, not sure if hes coming back or not. Donkey came on. Ive never had him but ive heard nothing but good things

[maryhou]

On 9/20/2022 at 9:45 PM, matymil said:

Just got back a couple of days ago from my first sailing on the Mardi Gras. I wanted to give my thoughts because i feel like people either love or hate this ship, i definitely fall in the middle. This sailing was originally supposed to happen in 2018 but had to be moved because of the birth of our child and since then was moved 4 more times because of covid. We had a sailing booked on the Mardi Gras original first sailing out of the US but that got canceled because the ship wasn't going to be finished on time, so this was a long time in the making. Our child who wasn't born when we were first supposed to go on the Dream in 2018 is now almost 4 years old lol! 

So first off, obviously the ship is gorgeous. When you first walk in for the first time, it takes a minute to get your bearings if you are used to all the other Carnival ships. It feels like you're gonna get swallowed whole in the ship but honestly it did not take that long to figure it out. I found out quickly that its almost split into two different ships. Two decks of staterooms, three decks of restaurants, shopping, entertainment (including what i consider to be the new lido area; summer landing) then 5 decks of just staterooms, then the lido decks, splash park, sports, bolt, etc.

 

Positives - First for me is definitely the updated staterooms. I saw somewhere that they were a little smaller, i didn't get that feeling at all. We had an oceanview on deck 4 and loved it. Lots more storage, some of the drawers pulled out, lots more usb ports plus we loved the decor. Also got pretty cold which personally i love and can sometimes be a problem for me on other ships. Oh yeah and DOORS on the shower!

-The dining (minus the lido); not only are all the new options amazing but we literally had the best staff in the MDR we've ever had, not just on a cruise ship but in any restaurant. They took extra time with our toddler, they had him dancing afew nights and really made him feel special. The food quality was always great wherever we ate on the ship (minus lido). I saw some complaints about food quality but we loved all of it.

-The Flying Scotsman; we had Chris as our cruise director. We didnt do too much with him but i still think other than Cookie that hes my favorite CD. From what we saw, he genuinely looked like he was having a blast. Plus since it was his last sailing, im pretty sure he had his family with him (we saw him in camp ocean with his daughter ?i think?) that was refreshing to see.

-Embark and debark; both and off the ship and for our ports was much more easier than i expected. Aside from having to wait in our stateroom for a half hour when the Freedom pulled up; longest it took for us to get off in a port was maybe 5 mins. Compared to the Magic this past July which took well over an hour.

-Excursions; we did Blue Lagoon at Nassau, Ocean World w/ Dolphin Encounter at Amber Cove & Private Beach w/ toys in Grand Turk. All were amazing!

-Serenity deck; my old favorite was the Sunshine but this one is in a class all its own. Its huge and even though it gets loud around the main pool, there is plenty of seating and its so big that you dont hear the pool noise. Also they have a fresh creations up there which is awesome.

 

Negatives - ELEVATORS! Believe what you heard. I went into the sailing hearing all the horror stories about the elevators and those stories were true; at least for us. They dont seem like they have that many more elevators compared to the rest of the ships and when you add another 2k guests it makes for long waits and chaos. Also everyone seemed to be complaining about how hot they were and that the buttons were on the side instead of the front like almost all other elevators. Instead of hitting the button as you walked in, you either had to reach across people or have someone else hit the button. We heard about this on almost every elevator trip. Also fun fact! Only two of the three bays reach the 4th deck so if your on that floor you cant use the aft elevators.

 

The sizes of the main lido deck, warehouse arcade, splash pad and gym - It seemed like some of the common areas where smaller than on other ships half the size. I dunno if they did a study and found places that they could cut for size because they werent popular but a couple of places on the ship seemed way to small. I can understand not making the arcade and gym bigger but it really stood out how small the main lido deck and splash area are because they were always crowded. I went to the gym once in the morning and could barely even walk it was so crowded. The rest of the time i went in the middle of the day and it wasnt to bad. I just don't understand why ships like the Pride, Splendor and Conquest have gyms and arcades that are the same size (if not alittle bigger) and hold thousands of less guests.

 

The "it was what it was" - The casino; its bigger than other ships for sure however its very narrow and if you like table games you may be in trouble. We found a couple of extra tables hidden in a corner of the smoking side on our last night but id still say that have less tables than a ship like the Magic. They were always packed. However! If you like slots then you are in luck cause they probably have 3x the amount of slots that ive seen on any other ship.

 

Lido buffet - It looks nice, i like that sections the eating areas off, it doesnt look like a cafeteria anymore. They also have really cool decor now. We didnt spend much time up there because there didnt seem to be much organization. It looks like they tried to eliminate the long lines by making more, smaller stations to grab your food. However by eliminating the lines, now what we saw alot of people do is just come up, grab what they wont and cut right in front of you. Like i only went up there for a late salad 3 times around closing time and i was cut every time i went up there.

 

Guest services location- its on deck 8 in a pretty busy corridor, right in front of summer landing. Got congested at times. I think they wanted to make it in a higher volume area but it just seemed very out of place.

 

Overall - we had an absolute blast. Didn't dislike the ship but didn't love it either. We came to the conclusion that we'd go on the Mardi Gras again if the price and itinerary were hard to pass up but we wouldn't go back on it just because its the Mardi Gras. I think we prefer the midsize ships because that seems to be Carnivals sweet spot, at least in my opinion.

DID YOU GUYS BOOK ALL YOUR EXCURSIONS THROUGH CARNIVAL OR ON YOUR OWN? WHAT WAS YOUR PRIVATE BEACH? THANKS IN ADVANCE!!

[matymil]

11 hours ago, maryhou said:

DID YOU GUYS BOOK ALL YOUR EXCURSIONS THROUGH CARNIVAL OR ON YOUR OWN? WHAT WAS YOUR PRIVATE BEACH? THANKS IN ADVANCE!!

We had a ton of OBC since they was cancelled a bunch so we booked through carnival. Neither our Grand Turk or Nassau excursion was private BUT it was considerably less crowded that the beaches by the cruise ports. Nassau was Blue Lagoon and i think the grand turk one was called "Beach Day w/ toys"