My first B2B will be live from Mardi Gras, Feb 4 to Feb18

[Emmabelle]

thank you!

 

because I'm all over the place, I've been looking into a B2B on the Freedom.  I know it's an old ship, I was on her back in 2012.  I'm just so interested to see Bimini and I love Grand Turk.  It would end up being a 9 nighter.  I've never done a B2B so not sure if it's a hassle?  Doesn't seem to be?

[LPut714]

On 2/2/2023 at 6:49 PM, IntrepidFromDC said:

Hi everybody.

 

I've been on 25 cruises, all Carnival.  Usually I cruise with my daughter but once again young love trumped vacay with dad so while I'm looking forward to my first ever B2B (and my second and third cruises on Mardi Gras, my favorite ship by far!), it'll be bittersweet.  That said, I think I'll get over it every time I look at a dinner check and it's half of what I'm used to, having extra spending money, etc.

 

I fly to MCO early Friday and will spend the day in Cocoa Beach.  Based on numerous recommendations from several of my favorite cruisecritic friends, I'll be checking out Riki Tiki on the Cocoa Beach Pier Friday afternoon for the first time.  After Riki Tiki I'll walk the beach to the TripAdvisor #1 rated Cocoa Beach restaurant, Florida Fresh Grill.  Reviews on that restaurant have been great to stellar, so I'm excited.

 

Saturday morning I'll uber to Port Canaveral terminal 3 for my 10:30am check-in.  The first 7-day cruise is Western Caribbean to Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan.  The second half of the B2B is billed as Eastern Caribbean, but since the ports are Nassau (replaced San Juan after I booked - boo Carnival), Grand Turk and Amber Cove we all know better.  I have been to all these ports before and don't have any excursions planned, although that will likely change if/when I recover enough from my recent bout of TexasTeachitis (alcohol-aided twisted ankle), although mine is more a top of the foot sprain.

 

First thing on board I'll either hit Shaq's or Shawarma, then drink and exploration time!

 

I have a family harbor room both cruises - kinda weird since I don't have kids in tow, but the offer was $100 (plus casino cash and obc) or $220 for an interior.  At least this way I don't have to worry about bacation days.

 

I'd like to thank you guys for your recent trip reports, especially coolant-Dave, Jamman and a few others, which helped me manage my anticipation.

 

My live reports usually are photo-heavy, I do try to comment on things I've learned on excursions and here and there and of course I'm open to questions.

 

Your Friend and Mine,

 

the other Jeff

We were on that cruise as well. Also our first back to back (changed cabins) Loved the ship walked about 5+ miles a day going from front to back. Food needs improving especially speciality dining (Steakhouse/Rudi's) 

[LPut714]

On 2/4/2023 at 10:17 AM, Knights on the Beach said:

We can see Mardi Gras from our front door. I'm jealous you'll get to spend two weeks with our favorite bartender Melissa at Brass Magnolia. Have a great cruise, looking forward to following along!

She is GREAT