TheSuperintendent

dunno, but today in National DRINK beer day , not to be confused with National Beer Day which is April 7th ( per USA Today )

 

beers !! ..:beer-mug::beer-toast::beer-mug:

 

I intend to "Stellabrate" the day later...:halo:

I will see your Stellabration and raise you an Oktoberfest!

Anyone fresh off the Grand know if they have added any new beer options per this summer's press release?

I believe that in the past, departure has been delayed due to the air show. Not only is the ship a fantastic location to view the show, I don"t believe that the Coast Guard will allow the ship to leave while the show is in progress directly overhead. Wouldn't look good having an air show performer accidentally crash into a cruise ship. Bad PR all the way around.

Thanks for the reply!

Normally for a 4pm sailing, people would be called to their muster stations about 3:15 or 3:30. the drill would start at 3:30 or 3:45

Thus the question... I'm hoping the Captain will realize many pax will want to see the show and delay the muster. I didn't know if this had happened before.

Greetings,

We are sailing on the Grand on October 7th which is the last day of Fleet Week in SFO . The air show starts at noon and typically the Blue Angels begin their show around 3:15 to 3:30. Given that sail away is scheduled for 4, I am hoping we don't get called to muster at the same time the Angels begin to perform . Anyone have any insight to this dilemma? (I don't want to be one of those who skip muster.)

You probably already know this but the 7th is the last day of Fleet Week. The air show, including the Blue Angels, is from noon to four. It will be quite crowded in SF. I second the motion on the Pier 39 luggage storage. Then hang out and watch the incredible air show. I will be getting on after you and will be watching the show with a beer in my hand from the Sky Deck!

Skagway has dog sled tours. Do a Google search . We did the one in Carcross, Yukon and the kids loved it . They got to feed the puppies and learn how the mushers train the dogs.

Leaving out of SF is great, especially for those of us within driving distance of the port, but if I had to fly in I would go to Seattle and spend more days up north (JMHO).

I need to be fair, the bread/butter were very good in the MDR. One night we asked for olive oil and balsamic, big mistake. Both were very, very bad. But like I said, the butter was good. (I only eat butter when I am on vacation)

Now, don't get me wrong I shop at Walmart a lot (and love it)! But people need to know when they book Carnival they get what they pay for. I love cruising and am already looking to book my next one (Liberty of the Seas in April 2019). I will do a pros & cons review:

Pros:

-FTTF was great to have and we were on the ship by noon

-The staff was wonderful, polite, and helpful

-The rooms were adequate, with everything we needed in our Ocean View room

-The alcohol selection was great, with high end bourbon (Woodford Reserve, Gentleman Jack, and Buffalo Trace) and very good tequila (Patron Anejo), and plenty of beers to choose from, and the Alchemy Bar was outstanding

-Guys was one of the best burgers I've ever had on, or off, a cruise (I wish it was open after 6 so I could have it for dinner as well)

-My kids had fun with the waterslides and pool

-The comedians were great (only went to the PG versions because with all the drinks, I was asleep by 10:30)

-Catalina was cool

-Tacos and burritos were ok

-Pizza was adequate

-Self service soft serve ice cream was good

-The gym was nice, and well equipped (had to work off all the Guys burgers)

-Because it is the Walmart of the Seas, the people were normal (no snooty folks looking down at my kids for running and doing cannon balls in the pool)

-Less "in your face" sales pitches than Princess

Cons:

-MDR food was bad, very very bad (only the fake prime rib was decent)

-Buffet was worse

-They only had one barista

-Coffee shop didn't open until 7AM and whatever they serve and call "coffee" everywhere else is horrid

-Ensenada is a dump

-No chips for salsa bar (I brought my own though!)

Now, I knew perfectly well what I was buying and am happy with the value of this cruise. In fact, I would do it again. I am not putting Carnival down by calling it the Walmart of the Seas, I'm just (as my kids would say) "keeping it 100".

For a quick 4 night cruise, and under $2K out the door for a family of five and two connecting room cabins, I'm very satisfied. Could they have better MDR food? Sure. But then the price goes up. For anyone looking for a quick getaway for a pretty low price, go for it. If you're looking for food above Denny's quality (except Guys), don't do it (I've been on Crystal and know what good food can be like).

Hello Everyone,

We are looking at booking a Royal Family Suite on the Liberty of the Seas, and I have a question about the beds; specifically the beds in the 2nd (kids) bedroom. Online it states these rooms have two twin beds, as well as two pullman beds. However, when I look at pictures and videos, I do not see the pullman beds on the wall.

Can someone confirm that the pullman beds exist (or not)?

Thank you!

I've read conflicting reports on this question. Anyone know if the Blue Iguana on Inspiration has chips?

Anyone know if Guys and/or the Blue Iguana are open during dinner?

Anyone recently off Inspiration/Imagination and use FTTF?

Does Carnival have MDR menu items that are always available like fettuccine alfredo on Princess?

(We will be on the Inspiration in April and my son loves fettuccine alfredo.)

You need very small hands, and a lot of almonds. Of course, they need to be lactating in order to produce milk. This means you have to identify the pregnant, female almonds. If you try to milk a male almond, (well, I won't go there...)

As a California almond grower, I applaud your choice in beverage. 😃

I have to ask, is your user name (Natalie Wood) a somewhat morbid cruising joke, or merely a coincidence? (I love morbidly funny jokes)

Greetings, What is the earliest anyone has ever boarded utilizing FTTF out of Long Beach? We are sailing April 17th, have purchased FTTF, and want to know how early we can get on board the ship.

Don't tell her about the Concordia.

Never heard of it. Wasn't that some really fast jet that crashed in France? Shhhhhh, she doesn't know what it is. The Titanic on the other hand....

Thank you so much for posting the story. I immediately got on the phone with Green Jeep and rented two Jeep's to do our own driving tour. I was told I rented two of the last three Jeeps they had. I then called Princess to cancel our planned excursion on White Pass.

We are arriving on August 1st on the Star and wanted to ensure we weren't just stuck in town, or on a tour bus. Also, if my wife ever heard the train derailed there is NO WAY she ever would have gotten on.

I love Cruise Critic!

David

Thank you for providing the spreadsheet with the updated prices. This clinched the decision for me to purchase the all inclusive package. I am looking forward to trying different wines/cocktails that I wouldn't normally have for fear I wouldn't like them. I have printed out the spreadsheet and will use it as a "check off" sheet. I hope my DW packs a lot of Advil...

Yes.....wines costing $10 are included.

 

Not sure why my posts on this topic are seemingly being ignored. As I mentioned a few posts ago I just sailed last month so I know what I'm talking about.

I promise not to ignore you! In fact, I appreciate your rapid response very much. I can almost taste those fine wines already.

Point of clarification please! I see many folks posting that drinks "less than" $10 is included in the alcohol package. However, the Princess advertisement posted in this string states "up to $10". Does this mean a glass of wine listed at $10 is included? I really hope it is as the Vines menu has some very good wine at the $10 price point.

19 Days and counting till we sail on the Star to Alaska.

Thanks!

Just returned from Caribbean Princess this AM. I have not seen this mentioned but Princess has finally upgraded their liquor selection. After years of only having one bourbon choice (Jim Beam), I was really suprised and excited to see a much larger selection especially Knob Creek. They have also increased their selections of other types of liquors. Thank You Princess, I will now discard my rum runners since I can finally get a decent drink.

I am planning to purchase the all inclusive beverage package and would love to see a pic of the new menu. If anyone has a pic of the new menu, please share! Three weeks and counting...

Please enjoy my photos.

 

Trident Grill...Burgers, Chicken sandwiches etc.

 

Deck area around Calypso pool

 

Calypso pool & MUTS screen

 

Nerptune's Pool...This pool is usually covered

 

Horizon Buffet

Tom (or anyone else),

Why is the indoor pool "always covered"? My kids were looking forward to swimming. Is the outdoor pool heated sufficiently for swimming?

Thanks!