SkyMaster

November

Recently, on TWO separate occasions, I noticed a $100 reduction in the price I'd already paid for my cruise.  I called Princess, and without hesitation they approved the refund.  I noticed that my credit card had been credited with the $200 just yesterday.  GREAT service, and I really, really appreciate the prompt, FAIR service from Princess...

"SKY"

THANKS for the review.  I do live in the Tampa area, and have sailed "Paradise" a lot, and your review made me feel "right at home".  LOL  I agree with about 99% of your observations.  Can't wait to get back aboard "Paradise", and enjoy another five days or so of fun, food, and relaxation.

"SKY"

I too, live within a short distance to the port of Tampa, and have sailed "Paradise" quite a few times.  I've had nothing but GREAT service, food, and fun aboard, but I make it a point to be polite, and smiling at the crew.  Also, I've found that I greatly prefer the smaller ships, whether it's Carnival, RCI, or any other line.  With over 100 total cruises, I pretty much know what to expect, and what NOT to expect.  For me, "Paradise" is a great, relaxing cruise.

"SKY"

Damn,,,wish I was there.  I used to work in "Law Enforcement", and consider myself an expert on donuts.  (Just off the Caribbean Princess, where there were donuts on the buffet every day.  Very, very good too,,,,and FREE!

"SKY"

My little power strip was purchased at Wal-Mart for $1, and works just fine.  Obviously it has no surge protection. 

"SKY"

4 hours ago, caribill said:

 

But the question remains. On a ship with only Medallions, how do you know what dining room at what time and at what table you have been assigned?

 

I am sure the Maitre d' is not expecting up to 3800 people to line up and ask him this question.

HA!  He might not be expecting it, but it sounds like he's gonna get it!  I always check to see what my dining arrangements are when I board...

All of the above info is correct, and I too think it's a waste of money for you to purchase FTTF.  I'd damn sure cancel that, and get your money back. 

Captain Carnival will take good care of you boarding in Tampa.  Just seek him out, and introduce yourself. 

"SKY"

I too, think this sounds like a GREAT idea, and plan.  Doing the cruise after Disney is also well thought out, and is no doubt the way to go. 

Wish I could join you.  LOL

"SKY"

1 hour ago, tandemcruzr said:

We like that area also. Only 1 bad experience. 8 -10 men(30s and 40s) occupied one of the hot tubs. Heavy drinking and very loud. They never left the hot tub over a 4 hour period.

Yep, I HATE when that happens, but unfortunately, it can happen on any ship. 

"SKY"

Ken

I personally LOVE the Serenity Deck aboard the "Fantasy Class" ships.  No, they don't have a pool, but do have two hot tubs.  They are on the aft end of the ship, and are truly serene, because most of the passengers don't even find that area until the end of the cruise, (if at all.)  Nice quiet area to chill out on, read a book, listen to your I-Pod, or just enjoy the sound of the sea. 

"SKY"

Yep,,,your best option, IMO, is to head over to see the Maitre'd on embarkation day, and request (very nicely) a change to early seating.  (That is if you don't get it assigned when you get your "sign-n-sail" card.)  I've had very good luck doing this, and almost always get my requested change.  Check with the Guest Services desk, or even the FunTImes for the exact spot, (which dining room) and the time he/she will be there taking requests.  Good Luck!

"SKY"

I vote for "Paradise", and especially since her recent dry dock.  Embarkation/Debarkation MUCH easier at the port of Tampa.  Longer cruise is ALWAYS better, and I've found the crew aboard "Paradise" to be truly outstanding. 

"SKY"

IMO,,,Bottom line.  There is absolutely NOTHING on cabin T.V. that anyone would want to watch,,,,,but why go on a cruise to watch T.V. in your cabin anyway? 

"SKY"

I agree with those above, and have to say that IMO you'll get plenty of GREAT food anyway.  I personally, usually wind up taking my desert back to the cabin. 

"SKY"

I too, prefer AFT, or MID.  I've not noticed excessive vibration, or noise in those cabins.  Least favorite is forward, as the noise, and banging on the ships hull make for a very bad experience,,,,depending on which deck you're on. 

I stopped sailing NCL when they went to ALL "Your Time Dining", but I realize that many folks prefer that.  I won't book RCL, unless there is a GREAT deal on the price, as I feel like I'm paying for all the frills, (ie: Flo Rider, Sky thingy, etc.) that I'll NEVER use.  I too, think that overall, the three lines are pretty much the same, and it's just a matter of what you're looking for in a cruise that makes the difference.  I personally, prefer Carnival.

"SKY"

I'm diamond, and I demand a FREE CRUISE in the future, when escargot is available again.  Yea,,,that's it.  LOL

I've sailed "Paradise" a couple of times since her recent upgrade, in inside cabins, and I'm pretty sure they had fridges.  Cabins on Paradise, since the upgrade are really nice, with BIG flat screen T.V.'s.  I know  you'll enjoy your cruise.

As Comiso stated, they do indeed, offer karaoke on all ships, and some ships lots more than some others.  The "LipSync" thingy took the place of the "Talent Show", and in my opinion, is not lip sync at all, but a dancing show.  I've attended it a couple of times, and didn't enjoy it either time.  LOL  I doubt that it will last very long, as I don't think Carnival has the right demographics for that type of show...

"SKY"

I too, have witnessed events where the staff forgot to give out the Clue, for the "CLUE" game.  IMO, it's not worth fooling around with, unless you just happened to attend the great majority of the events anyway. 

"SKY"

The Fun Times is always on the counter at Guest Services.  Just walk up and take one. 

"SKY"

7 minutes ago, Retired_to_Cruise said:

Probably a difference in actual versus planned port fees. Happens a lot.

Bingo.  That is the difference between what they collected when you bought your ticket, and the actual expenses.  Enjoy that BIG refund.  LOL

"SKY"

Just look for The "Captain".  (Brian)  He'll take good care of you, and see that you're boarded at the proper time.

"SKY"

I too, LOVE "Paradise" as she sails from my home port of Tampa, but the fact is, that between the two, I've got to admit that I'd choose "Glory", and especially for a family cruise. 

"SKY"