gatormom108

going on the oct 8th cruise out of Charleston. only other ship I've been on is the dream back in 2014 out of NO. how much smaller is the ecstasy going to "feel" compared to the dream, if you know. I know it physically much smaller, but does it feel cramped and crowded, and do the older ships not have many of the features of the newer larger ships.

We were on the NCL Breakaway twice just prior to the Ecstasy 8/15 - Breakaway may be twice as large, but we could never find a seat anywhere. The Ecstasy was filled to capacity and we never had a problem feeling crowded. We had late dining, perhaps that helped. The only part of the cruise that was overcrowded was the pool. Seriously, standing room only during the day. The kids had the waterslides and splash area. Never a problem finding a deck chair or a seat at a show. We were unable to get into the comedy show on either sailing on the Breakaway. No issue on the Ecstasy. If you are going to build a ship for over 5,000 passengers, then build rooms to hold them.

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Book the cruise - you can't ever get back family time. I had a resistant HS senior who had a blast. He ended up being best friends with three 60 year old couples that were our table mates. He was fine once he was onboard. As a parent of 6, I can tell you that time flies and getting them gets harder and harder. Whoever thought a cruise would be unusual punishment?

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We love it - Our family of four was at a table with 3 other couples. We could not have been better matched. We ended up going to shows together and yes, we all went home planning our next trip together!

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We upgraded to a Grand Suite after I had purchased FTTF on our previous cabin. When I called Carnival, she told me I didn't need it because I had Priority already with the suite. Upon arrival (11:30am), we were told to go directly to our cabin to drop off our carry on bags. Our cabin was ready. We were given priority seating at brunch, which was really nice. Disembarkation luggage tags were a 4. My guess is that 1, 2 and 3 went to the wedding party and Platinum members. It couldn't have been a smoother process. Carnival told us there was no benefit to having both and credited the FTTF.

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Zabaco, I agree! I have been on 15 cruises - this was our first time on Carnival. We had a great time on the Ecstasy. Of course she needs updating, but a cruise is what you make of it. I really didn't care for some of the decor, but the crew could not have tried harder. I would sail on her again. Our last two cruises were on the NCL Breakaway. Both ships were filled to capacity. The biggest difference? You could always find a seat on the Ecstasy. The food was better as well.

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I'm going to have to admit to being a little confused here. where in the world are you finding 5 star AI resorts for the same price as a five day cruise on the ecstasy? I booked a 7 day on the ecstasy for oct 8th, and that is running me about $1200 for 2, not including extras like drink packages and such. that's cabin and port fee's, taxes, etc. my last AI was to couples in Jamaica (wouldn't even call it 5 star) and that ran me, with air travel, about 4k. and that was staying at ocho rios and not negril. I'm sure you could find an AI cheaper, but cant imagine wanting to stay at one.

We just got back from a 5-day on the Ectasy last week. That was my 15th cruise, but our first on Carnival. I have to admit, we had a great time. A cruise is always what you make of it. No, it isn't the best of the best, but it was great and the crew was awesome. You can see a few areas where she needs a remodel, but overall, a great time was had by all.

As promised, here is the update. We did the Sea Lion Encounter, which is at the same place as the Stingrays and dolphin. Our scheduled pick up was 8:15 am. We were told the return boats we every hour in the afternoon - 1,2,3 and 4. I thought that would give us plenty of time to enjoy the encounter and the beach time. We arrived in Nassau on schedule and with beautiful weather. Our alarm was set for 6 am so we could all be ready on time. At 8am, just as we were ready to leave our cabin, we received a message under the door - "Delayed until 10:30" WOMP . I was not happy, but I wasn't going to let it ruin my day either. We took the boat from the pier (short walking distance) to the boat. There was standing room only. A woman, disabled, in tears because there were no seats. We gave up our seats for her and her daughter. Beautiful boat ride, but it is 20 minutes or so of standing. We arrived at the encounter at about 11:15. There was a dry portion (photos) with the Sea Lions and then in the water. NOTE: the ramp is hot and slippery. Wear some sort of water shoe or flip flop. There are plenty of small lockers for your belongings. Needless to say, being up close and personal with the Sea Lions was a once in a lifetime experience. Photos and video are all taken at this point as well. We loved it! It was now time for the beach. It is now after 12pm and we are told that we must take the 2pm boat back. There will be no 3pm boat and the 4pm will be too late for us. This leaves us 1.5 hours to "enjoy" the beach, eat lunch, walk all the back and wait 45 minutes for pictures. :( The small beach was beautiful. You can see the stingray pool and Dolphins right from the pier (walkway). You can pay $16 per person to go to the other part of the beach that has inflatable trampolines, slides, etc. You can take a walk and go to the ocean side of the beach as well. We didn't even know this until we were on the boat back to the ship. We never bothered to eat lunch, just so we could enjoy the water. The line was too long. My husband found a soda at the gift shop instead. The kids took a Segway tour ($50 each) which was very cool. They had to cut it short by 15 minutes to get back to the boat on time. If you wanted a picture with a dolphin or sea lion, you can add that to any excursion for an additional $20. We were told to get in line at 1:45 for the boat. Well, what a fiasco. The line was ridiculous, people were trying to pick up their pictures and make their way to the boat. I felt like a salmon swimming upstream! The boat ride back was smooth and we were back on the ship by 2:30. The pictures are pricey, so be prepared. Ours were $139 - 4 pics and USB video. Overall, yes, I would do it again. I am very disappointed about the boat times. I feel a bit deceived as there was no explanation or compensation. That was an expensive excursion and we were rushed.

Just got off the Ecstasy yesterday! I have to day, most people respected the dress code and I didn't see anyone that needed to be turned away. On the casual nights, many people wore jeans or nice shorts, but others dressed up. It was nice to see people making the effort! My husband and son wore khakis, shirt/tie. My daughter and I wore dresses. Some people went old school and totally elegant!! Great opportunity for photos!

Correct - perhaps I didn't phrase that correctly. Our check-in and boarding was one fluid line. No wait between check in and boarding. The point I was making was that the people that had 1:30 check in were not turned away. We had 11:30 Priority. They had 1:30 regular. We both checked in side by side at 11:30 and boarded the ship immediately.

You are correct! We boarded Priority, right behind the wedding party. However, we boarded at 11:30 am with people who were 1:30 check in. The were not Priority and just boarded. It was very loose at Port Charleston. No one was turning anyone away.

A cruise is all what you make of it. I have seen people ruin their vacation with minor complaints. We are actually headed to the Ecstasy right now. I will have to update with my impressions when we get back. This will be my 15th cruise - 1st time Carnival, 1st time out of SC and 1st time with a suite.

We are on our way to the Ecstasy now. I appreciate all the feedback here. Personally, I like when people make the effort to "get dressed" for dinner. I have taught my children the same. Of course, we have probably overpacked, but That's okay! Better safe than sorry! I will update at the end of the week with my observations!

I purchased our lanyards from Amazon. They are perfect. Zip lock top - easy access! I like having the lanyard even if it is in my purse. It is easier to grab!

10 days!

This is our first one on Carnival - 8/15, but my 15th cruise. Looking forward to comparing!

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So this is the check in time that you selected and you are not FTTF, Diamond, Platinum, or any of that stuff?

I had originally booked an interior cabin and this was the first available time that I took. I then purchased the FTF pass and the time stayed the same. I then upgraded to a Grand Suite and yep, the time is still the same.

I debated, but went with the sea lions instead! Lol We leave in two weeks! I will update you then!

We leave August 15th - 11am check in time. This is our first time leaving from SC. Normally, we cruise from NY where we have had 9am.

We just got off the Legend last week (July 5). I lost so much money in the casino they felt sorry for me and offered me a free cruise! My son and I are going on the Ecstasy August 15. That is the only one I can do with my schedule. While I would prefer a 7+ day cruise out of FL, this one will do.

 

Hey, it's free! I can't complain.

Free is most awesome! Congrats on that one!

Although part of me is cringing because I just booked this same cruise...lol..part of me is laughing as well. I have sailed at the top of the line and I know this is more of a budget cruise just to get out of the house. Our expectations are lower and we did spend the $$ on the excursions. I wouldn't give up cruising just yet. This will be my 15th cruise. No matter what ship or where you go, the cruise will be what you make of it. It's really hard to compare apples to oranges though. I can understand your disappointment as a first time cruiser. I would try again! We always sail out of NY, so this will be different for us!

I still wear a tux and will continue to do so. I will not mention anyone else's attire as long as they respect my choice. I wear a jacket and tie to dinner every other night also though.

 

Dress for the dinner you want, not the dinner you have!

Good for you! I was just debating if I had to spend the money on a growing teen for this one night. My husband, of course, owns everything he needs. Sounds like khakis, navy blazer, shirt/tie...will be okay for a teen?

My first cruise was ohhh 40 years ago on the Olympia! On cruise number 15 now.

Definitely the Oceanic!

1!! Tomorrow - Breakaway to Nowhere! ;)

Hi,

They were not open. The main pool was open, but not many ventured in it. The hot tubs were all open and filled from the instant we boarded the ship. Due to high winds, many outdoor activities were closed. It certainly didn't stop the fun!

We will be going again in December. Get to the pier early and be sure to snag a hot tub! ;-)

Have fun!

Oh and have a lobster roll! Brr...you buy it outside...but you can eat it indoors if the weather isn't cooperating!