Rena921

We eat in the steakhouse multiple nights. I would pick one of the non-formal nights or a night where a menu doesn't appeal to you. You can make reservations once you get on board. No need to make them ahead of time.

I found it while sailing the Victory olast week. I needed to buy an internet package on order to get it to work properly.

 

It did show the fun times from a few days BEFORE I found it.

That's good that they have started rolling it out to other ships.My app still only shows the Breeze.

You hit the nail on the head. I hated the idea when I heard at first but it's actually not that bad, after trying it out on the imagination. Many carnival classics are still offered but there are some additions that I like, such as sweet and sour chicken and Thai noodles on the menu. You can also pick individual sides instead of having to get whatever is offered with the old menu. The portions are smaller but that's fine since I often order multiple apps, entrees and desserts. A drawback is that although you can still get fruit plate and wcmc, the overall variety offered at dessert is not what it used to be. But at least the apps, desserts and entrees are brought out individually, the traditional way. The lack of tablecloths didn't get to me too much as the tables are themselves pretty decent quality. I don't understand the full bottles of wine that sit on every table though. Are they for sale or just for decoration? Stupid and takes up space on the table. But overall, it wasn't as bad as I expected and I probably still prefer the traditional style for now, it's not completely terrible and it does have some improvements.

Lol, I think they are hoping you will buy the bottle. We always bring our own in, so they remove the "decoy" bottles right away.

this is a sample for one of the Carnival ships that already has the American Table

 

http://zydecocruiser.net/menus/CarnivalCruiseLineMenus.htm#at

 

you can see the other menu's (the regular ones) at this site too and compare. It just looks like it lacks the more elegant feel (and YES, I know many will say the food in the MDR is anything but elegant..but I have always like it and feel pampered with the choices) The American table seems more like a regular restaurant menu to me...BUT I always go in with an open mind and I'm sure I will enjoy either menu.

They have updated and revamped the menus since these were posted.

You do know that Carnival has the new Hub App? You can text to you hearts content on the ship, if the kids have phones.:D:D And I believe it's FREE!!!!!

It's only currently on the Breeze. It's basically in Beta testing mode right now. No telling when it will be rolled out fleet wide.

You can store your meds at guest services. They have a fridge to store meds.

Our first cruise is in May. We made reservations for the first night at the steakhouse. I hear a rumor that they offer a free bottle of wine that night. Do we get to choose from a list? We enjoy most reds and stay away from whites, but otherwise aren't picky. Is it a bottle per reservation (my husband and I) or per table (whatever size they put us at)? Will they charge the corkage fee if we want to drink that with dinner?

 

Also, when in the dining room, are wine lists to choose from if we have the drink package? I saw someone post a picture of their MDR menu and I saw some white wine, bubbles, and dessert wines listed.....please tell me we can get red in there!

 

Thanks!

You will get a choice between Merlot and Chardonnay. It's a cheap wine - Santa Carolina. In the steakhouse, you will not be seated with anyone else, it's an upscale experience so it will be a bottle for your reservation. There is no corkage fee for your free wine or wine package wines. In fact, we bring our own wine to the MDR and have never paid a corkage fee. We normally tip the waiter a little extra with the first bottle and they don't charge us. With the Cheers! Program, you can buy bottles of wine at a discounted price. Prices of bottles of wine are slightly lower than what you would find in many land based restaurants. The MDR has a decent selection of wines, but the Steakhouse has a great wine cellar. It was also just noted that you can purchase bottles of wine in the steakhouse in the first and second nights for 50% off. Not sure if it's on all ships yet.

Someone on FB who just got off a Carnival cruise posted that they were told that every Carnival ship would have 'American table' dining by the end of February. Does anyone have any information that could confirm or deny this? I am not excited about the menu with the 'American table' and am hoping that it does not appear on the Sunshine until after my Feb. 20th sailing.

 

in case that doesn't happen.... what have been the likes or dislikes of those of you that have been on a ship that has it already?

I have had it and they menu is actually really good. It's a nice change from the old and outdated menu. They have re-vamped the menu since first rolling it out and have added some of the old items, including soups and desserts. I find that it's the ones that have never tried it that are complaining about it the most.

Was this response a joke or do you know absolutely nothing about wines? I suggest you do a little research on Chateauneuf-du-pape if you really think there's one type and it's $19 a bottle. I just hate it when those "wine guys" declare certain wines the McDonald's of fine wines.

It's kind of like when they call Carnival the Wal-mart of cruise lines.... It just means they have no idea what they are talking about.:rolleyes:

We tell ours when and where to meet us. He has to also let us know where he's going to be at. Its easy to check up on them. It's a relatively safe environment and if your kids are well behaved, they will be fine doing things on their own. They will meet new friends and want to hang out with them anyway. Also, if you are truly that concerned about their whereabouts, invest in a set of walkie talkies. We used them on our first cruise with the kids and they worked well to keep tabs on them.

Interested to know on what deck we board. Thanks!

Typically Deck 3 - lobby.

That's a fantastic deal and I hope it is fleet wide. I will check it out on the Dream in March.

Obviously you aren't as stout as we tend to be nor do your kids order 5 of everything. Besides, my last trip on the Magic I don't remember 12 tops that were round. 10 tops were the largest.

They had them on the Freedom and we weren't the only large party. My kids are adults with my 16 yo the size of an adult (teenage boys eat a lot) and my son in law is 6'5" and built like a linebacker. They do order multiple meals, etc. so obviously we are not a small group.

The best thing for the op to do is send an email to the Maître'd or John Heald to get it set up.

I also recommend a small white board for your door so they can check in and you all can keep track of everyone's whereabouts. Post its for in the room work too, but the white board is convenient.

A group of 13 will probably be seated at two 6 tops w/ an extra child squozen in or one of the long 12 tops that often run perpendicular to the windows. I for one love two different tables....and 4 adults 3 kids would work just fine at one table. A note to think about...I'd rather be at separate tables and have room for my soup, 3 entrees, bread plate, salad plate, water, glass of wine than be so tight that dinner takes lots longer as each course has to be cleared away before the next one is served because of lack of room.

We had 13 at a round 12 top and were not crowded at all. There was plenty of room for our plates, glasses, etc and we had more than enough elbow room.

Most college students do land based spring breaks.....it's easier access to alcohol, it's much cheaper, and it's easier for them to book a room at a resort geared towards spring breakers than it it to book a stateroom on a ship with the age restrictions in place. Shorter cruises have a little more of a party atmosphere, but that's mostly adults...Stay away from Panama City Beach, Miami, Ft. lauderdale, etc during spring break to avoid the "girls gone wild" atmosphere. lol.

Online. The popular excursions sell out fast and may not be available on board.

There are plenty of places for them to eat on their own. The teen club will have different activities for them at various times. They can go hang out in club 02 and play video games, etc. they will also be able to come and go as they please. You will be surprised at how many things there will be for them to do. As far as a romantic dinner for 2, I suggust paying the extra $35.00 pp for the Steakhose. You won't regret it.

Does anyone know if it is possible to get a table for 15 on the Pride. We have 8 adults and 7 kids, 3 which are in highchairs. Does this sound doable or just go for 2 tables?

You will probably need to do 2 separate tables.

Yes there are mini fridges. The steward will empty them and usually puts the items on top of the closet - they won't remove them from the cabin entirely. If you empty it yourself, make sure to let your steward know so he doesn't replace or charge you.

Every college and school district is different, it also depends on whether or not it's a year round school. The spring break season is generally from the end of February through the end of April. My sons spring break starts March 15th. Some of the other school districts in our area are the week before and the week after....

We are back in the snow. :( Had a fabulous time on the Liberty. Could not find boxed wine! Even stayed the night before the cruise with our friends who live in Cocoa Beach and know all the liquor stores. Have a great cruise!

Darn! Did you try Winn-Dixie? They had a decent selection of wine and even had boxed wine when we were there last July. Glad you had a great cruise!

I hope it works out for you but don't be upset if it doesn't... While you and your boyfriend will be allowed in the VIP Room, your parents might not be allowed, regardless of what you were told..

 

Alot of it has to do with the Port and the Staff.. In Miami, unless you're Diamond/Platinum or in a Suite, they very rarely allow any other passenger into the VIP Room...

I agree with you. The same goes for Ft. Lauderdale and Port Canavaral. They won't let you in the VIP. room or even board together.

Good luck OP and remember that if they can't board with you, it's not the end of the world.

SMH at " the naughty room". :rolleyes: You won't get called to open your luggage if you do not lock your bags. As long as they are able to search your bag without needing a key to unlock it, they will remove the contriband and leave a note in your suitcase before delivering it to your stateroom. (Kind of like the TSA notes when they search your bag). If the alcohol is in the original in opened container, they will keep it until the end of the cruise for you to come pick up. That's where irons, steamers, fans, etc go to spend their vacay too ;). We use zip ties in our luggage, so if for some reason they need to check someting in my bag, they can easily cut the tie. Never had an issue at all.

We've been on a cruise before obviously thats why i'm asking :confused:there are different levels that allow you to board before the zones - I just want to know if people who are not the same level as you but who booked with you can get on the boat with you! :)

If you are not platinum or diamond, then you will not have priority boarding unless you purchase FTTF. All staterooms would need to have FTTF to be able to board together. Even if they are at a different level than you are, unless you are PLATINUM OR DIAMOND, you will board at the same time. I think you may be confused as to how the process works.

In short, even if you are RED or GOLD and they are BLUE, you will board at the same time regardless - unless you purchase FTTF or have a suite. There is no difference in boarding levels with those 3 card colors.