Magic City Cruiser

On 9/26/2022 at 5:15 PM, mondello said:

Thanks, Mondello! Great info!!!
 

Where is the best place to grab a bite to eat on embarcation day and avoid the crowds?
Are Chair Hogs still a problem on the Serenity Deck?
How are the sauna and steam rooms? Is it still separate for men and women? I was on the Dream a few years ago and I don't remember any rooms on Cloud 9 Spa being segregated. I'd prefer to hang out with my DH!
Anyone have any recent info on room service menu? I love coffee delivered in the morning and the occasional snack. What is free now and what are upcharge options?
I've read some reviews lately complaining of Main Dining Room food being subpar? Any recent experiences that you can tell me about?
I'm Platinum but that doesn't seem to be a big deal anymore. How does being Platinum impact Boarding now?
Thanks for any info!~
Magic City Cruiser
 

Thanks, all. I should have mentioned that I am more interested in how long Suite guests would have to wait in the loading area and if it is a separate area from other cruisers. Yeah, I know, if you are worried about Covid you shouldn't cruise but I'd like to avoid close contact when I can.

Can anyone comment on the process of boarding cruisers with suites? I recall seeing that Platinum boarding isn't a thing anymore but Suites get priority boarding?
How does that work?

On 11/4/2021 at 6:15 PM, madera cruiser said:

Does anyone know how to get a new Carnival PVP? I have tried to contact the person filling in for my PVP to no avail. I have also requested a new PVP from Carnival's website. No go there either.

I always email my PVP, maybe that will help you make contact to the person covering your PVP. I know they are swamped right now but my PVP always responds to email quicker that voicemail.

10 hours ago, TheSeagoer said:

If you believe vaccinated and masks work, what's the problem?

As for me, it's not about believing that "vaccinated and masks work". Masks, vaccines, booster, social distancing are all tools that LESSEN the risk of Covid, not prevent it. It's going to be a Covid risk to travel for a long time, we all have to stay informed, be aware, to all we can to prevent Covid and make a personal decision regarding travel risks.  

Thanks so much, icft. Yes, I know when the sun will reach both sides of ship, was wondering about any overhangs that might affect how much sun a balcony will get. Silly question, really, I usually cruise with girlfriends and my husband isn't a great fan of cruising AND he hates the cold...lol! So, I'm a bit more focused on hoping the balcony is nice and warm!
I've had January and February cruises but all on AFT balconies. The January cruise it was quite breezy and cool in Progresso but a couple of Tequila shots helped to warm things up! 

Thanks, again, for the deck and sun input!

We are cruising on Valor from NOLA in early February. This is my first Conquest ship and we have booked a Grand Suite. Can anyone comment on the amount of sun these balconies might get in February? Weather temps, of course, can be all over at this time of year but even if it's cold, a bit of sunshine on the balcony really can warm things up! We usually book AFT balconies and it's been awhile since I cruised with a port or starboard balcony and those cruises were mostly in October.
Also, are there any quiet, secluded areas on the ship with deck chairs? I'm aware of all pool decks and Serenity but I always like to find a quiet spot when possible.
Thanks for any input! 

I've always left $ with any written request for things like extra ice, remove items left that will be charged if used, et al. I consider it simply a show of above and beyond appreciation for their services. I also tip extra at the end.

I've read some conflicting statements about Triumph Check in times in regards to FTTF, Platinum/Diamond, etc. Most likely this procedure will remain until she goes into Dry Dock in March. Here's what my email said today:
 

Dear Carnival Triumph Guests,
 

We will be boarding later than usual for your cruise due to the loading and offloading of materials that will be taking place. 

Due to terminal capacity limitations, all guests (including Diamond, Platinum, Faster to the Fun and Suites) who arrive earlier than their Arrival Appointment will be asked to return at their assigned time.

On 1/11/2019 at 8:42 AM, Essiesmom said:

As platinum, that check in time assignment has no relevance for you, come as early as you want.  And it has nothing to do with the pending drydock.  It is to try to control the crowds that tens to gather as soon as the doors open...EM

JUST an FYI, I just got my letter from Carnival:

Dear Carnival Triumph Guests,
 

We will be boarding later than usual for your cruise due to the loading and offloading of materials that will be taking place. 

Due to terminal capacity limitations, all guests (including Diamond, Platinum, Faster to the Fun and Suites) who arrive earlier than their Arrival Appointment will be asked to return at their assigned time.

I loved the Holiday! I've sailed Elation, Fascination, Sensation, Triumph and Dream.Of course none compare to the newer Dream with all it's bells and whistles but my least fav was Triumph. That said, I'm going on my third Triumph cruise next week! I love the smaller ships, Triumph is MUCH bigger than Holiday and I'm just not crazy about the flow of the ship. But, Triumph has some pluses, too, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her. 
I hope the OP had a great cruise!

Oh, My! We cruised for 5 years. Then, splurged on a Balcony. I'm not sure I'll ever go back to OV!!

8 hours ago, GeorgiaMomof4 said:

Thank you all for your responses - we are looking forward to having our first one.

 

I'm kind of hoping we don't like it too much because we've been doing OV in order

to cruise more and save money but since this was a couples only cruise we decided

we would splurge this time.

Oh, my. I cruised for 5 years in OV's. Then....we splurged on a Balcony. I'm not sure I'll ever go back to OV!!!!!

Yes, I think you're right sanmarcosman, but this time I'm traveling with family and new cruisers so I'll need to stay with them :-).

Never said I was bringing the bottle..lol. I've just never had to "sign" something saying I wouldn't take any of it outside the cabin!

And, by the time the delivery fee and tax is added to that port side $20 of vodka, it's almost $100. I'm still thinking about that!

It's been a couple of years since I cruised but yeesh! I get the liquor being outrageously priced but now a delivery fee on top of it? AND, you have to agree to ONLY DRINK IN CABIN? I'm no lush but I do enjoy taking a flask with liquor to the pool with a mixer or making a drink in the cabin to take to pool. Does anyone know how tough they are on enforcing this rule?

Kajunswty, we are sailing with you on the 24th, also on Deck 7. Can anyone tell me what the cabin renovations included?

Thanks, all. By the time I found out about the new "check in" process, first available was 1:30. That really doesn't concern me since we will be spending the night in New Orleans but I did prefer to get there when I wanted and to zip through with my Platinum privileges. That said, I was cruising with about 10 friends one year and I and my cabin mate were the only platinum. We got into our Priority Line and proceeded to watch all our other friends board the boat about 15 minutes before we did!

Thanks for your reply. I've read elsewhere that the check in is specific to Triumph and one other ship due to dry dock issues. I've also been told they won't allow boarding until 1:00. I hope you are right!

It's been a couple of years since I have cruised so I'm wondering what changes I have missed. Sailing on the Triumph in a few weeks out of New Orleans. I was surprised to find that whole "check in time" thing. Being Platinum, I'm used to boarding with no issues around noon but now my "check in" is 1:30. I understand it's because Triumph is going into dry dock soon and they are getting the jump on some renovations. Next, I read an article about Carnival charging for Room Service which they quickly changed back to not charging but it's got me worried what HAS changed since I last cruised? And any comments about changes on the ship from recent Triumph cruisers appreciated as well!

Instead of salad and entree, I always get double Ceviche! It's delicious!

Can anyone tell me the approximate daily schedule on a 7 night cruise? I know there are two hour block drop off schedules and you can book 2 blocks consecutively but what are the start and end times of blocks?

I missed it. Thanks, OP.

My gang sailed the Elation in October 2013 and 2014. We loved the Elation. I personally do prefer a smaller ship. However, this year, we are sailing the Dream so I will be able to compare!