douggw

Splendor - after the fire. We were booked a few weeks after the fire, and they kept having to reschedule us - farther and farther out because the ship wasn't ready. Each time they did, they gave us OBC. We ended up going the first sailing after the fire and for 6 of us, we barely had to pay anything other than tips.

We took a large family reunion cruise the very week after the fire - in fact, they rescheduled us twice because the ship wasn't ready. The cabin area where we were, was actually where the fire was. We could smell smoke, but other than that, the ship was great. The retractable pool is really nice and so is the "adult's" area. We are going again on Splendor in January and are looking forward to it. I echo what others say - no Guy's Burgers - my kids are bummed about that, but that's not enough to not go! Also remember, the Splendor was originally built for Costa Cruises, (owned by Carnival), but then Carnival decided to put it into service. That means, there is no other Carnival ship like it.

I've been to Los Veranos and just saw Canopy River + RZR or ATV. I'm trying to see the differences between LV and Canopy Zip and if the RZR/ATV is worth it. Anyone been on those?

The wife went to CDs Neil Diamond show and loved it too! We didn't know it was considered Sping Break when we booked. Actually, the booking is a long story - date was changed 3 times...originally booked on MSC Seaside for May and eventually ended up with this. After reading all the reviews about Seaside, SO glad we canceled it! My kids spring break isn't until April, and we were surprised to see so many younger kids. Last time we sailed Liberty, it was in February and I think the average age was 60+ and so many 70 and over!

We tried all different ways on the slides - sitting up, heals only, etc.....All 7 of us had problems in the slides ha ha!!

No fog issues at all!

Over all though, was a great cruise! How can you go wrong with any cruise, right?

Went on Liberty of the Seas 2 years ago with group of 8 adults. Just got back yesterday and this time took the teenager kids. Kids have all been on Carnival previously (3 times) and we were excited for them to see what Royal was like. (We've been on Royal two other times).

Here is my quick review of our experience (your experience will most likely vary):

Liberty is 11 years old but does not look like it. The ship is very clean, well maintained and functional. This is one reason why we agreed to sail the Liberty again. Prices on the Liberty are also on the less expensive side compared to other Royal ships.

First off, Galveston is not an easy port to get to - far, have to take an Uber or various rental cars. Enterprise is the only rental car agency in Galveston and they will charge you $100 drop fee for a one-way rental. We ended up, with our group of 6, combining rental cars and Uber/Lyft for much much less than a shuttle would have been.

John Blair and his wife are the Cruise Director / Co-Director. He was ok as the CD, we've experienced better. We do compare them as the best cruise we've taken as a family, was partially so good because of the CD. The kids still remember who he was, what he did, what he said etc. The bar was set high and John didn't quite reach it. That said, again, he was OK and average.

The staff - ALL of them that we encountered all seemed happy to be there. They seemed to enjoy their jobs and went out of their way to do anything that would make our trip even better. Especially in the dining room. We had My-Time Dining which was new, as we've always preferred a set time to dine, usually the early seating, and I was a little worried how the My-Time would work, and how long we'd have to wait each night. And if we would like having a different waiter each night.

Turns out, you can make a set reservation with the same waiter, same table and same time each night in the My-Time dining room! It worked perfectly! And super flexible - there were several nights where we pushed back our time and all we had to do was call and it was no problem!

The showtimes were weird - sometimes early show was 6:15 and late was 8:45 and sometimes those times moved later. You couldn't eat at the early sitting time (5:30) and then go right to the show - there was a lot of down time. We ended up going to the early show, and then pushing back the dinner to right after the show started. Other times, the shows started at different times so it was not consistent.

Food - We ate all dinners in MDR. Food was really good, but very repetitious. Out of 7-8 items for starters, entree and dessert, only about 3 of them changed each night. We didn't go hungry though!! Johnny Rockets is now $9.95 and there are NO signs anywhere and nothing on the menu about the charge. The soft serve ice cream on the pool deck has limited hours and was closed more than it was open. I remember this from the last time on this ship also. Only "free" food options are the Pizza and small sandwiches/salads along the Promenade. This is where Carnival shines - they have so many "free" food options, and they are all fantastic!

Waterslides - The slides were added about a year and half ago, and look fantastic! The Perfect Storm slide is super fun and we went on it a lot. The other "tube" slides look fun, but don't bother. Both of them are extremely slow - so slow each one of us got stuck and had to push ourselves out. They simply don't work. They are either not steep enough, or don't have enough water in them.

Flowrider - always a fun thing! Only complaint was the hours it was open - in port, it was usually closed until late afternoon. Staff again, very helpful and friendly.

Tendering - wow - this was horrible last time we were on this ship and it's even worse now. Completely unorganized, slow, inefficient, and did I mention slow?? You can go ahead of time and get "tickets" but they are not checked very well. If you don't have a tour scheduled from Royal, you simply don't get off until later. And you are then late for your (independently booked) tour. Our tour group leader we booked with, even commented on this. Tendering BACK to the ship is even worse. There are two doors accepting guests back on the ship where you walk through security. Two tenders leave around the same time and one goes to each door. However, the second tender sits there, waiting, not letting anyone off, until the first tender is empty and had off loaded everyone. This takes about 15 minutes. When the tender operator and Royal staff were asked why only one tender would unload people at a time, the answer given was so they could get an "accurate count" - what does that even mean? Everyone gets their cards scanned - the computer knows how many people got on/off. There was a guy, with a clicker, counting everyone coming back on the ship. And then he wrote that number down on a paper. He then radioed to another guy, at the other door, the number of people he counted. ??????? Frustrating to be certain!!

Overall, how can you go wrong on a cruise? We all had a great trip and enjoyed it all. On the way home, we asked the kids what they thought of Royal and if they'd like to go on Royal again? They said maybe if it was one of the newer (and super expensive) ships, but overall they preferred Carnival, mainly because of the past CD we had and all the "free" food options. They also felt like there were more activities for them to do, which is strange, because they spent a lot of time at the flowrider!

I have the Seaside booked in Feb. and it’s too late to change. So I’m going to make the most of it. I’m excited about a European feel since I’ve spent many years traveling and living in Europe... BUT can I ask with true curiosity why people dislike Carnival so much? Maybe it’s just changed since I was on one , 6-7 years ago? I’m not an avid cruiser, I’ve been on two Carnival cruises and one Royal Cruise and I’d probably pick my Carnival cruises over the Royal Cruise. Again, I’ve lived all over the world so I wouldn’t say my mindset is narrow... I just thought Carnival’s staff made things fun (not belly flop fun but towel animal fun) and distinguished the cruise from a regular vacation to something special which I though made cruising unique. They also offer a lot more complimentary venues... what’s wrong with Carnival? Has it gone downhill?

 

 

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Not downhill, quite the opposite from what we've found. We've taken the family on 6 Carnival cruises the last being the Breeze 2 years ago. Loved it! We just wanted to try something different this time and different ports. Kids have never been on another line, but we have. Carnival is the only line that offers so many included no-charge food options which is a HUGE plus. No other line has as much. NCL we've found is the worst with the dining room menus being almost the same every night. So, we love Carnival and will go on Carnival again - it's the best bang for your buck, and MSC was right along there with the price, but seems to be lacking in other areas.

Sorry, I think I may have confused people in that I should have specified parks not cruise. We have done DCL and agree that DCL is absolutely a ripoff. Our kids were happier on Carnival. I am not trying to knock MSC but just trying to explain our personal reasons for ditching our upcoming cruise in case it may help someone else articulate their feelings. We do not have experience with MSC but have read a lot of reviews of a variety of msc ships. The reviews overwhelmingly point to very specific problems with the average experience. Even though we have not taken MSC, we have lived in Europe, and MSC seems quintessentially European. Europe is a wonderful place, but I much prefer being middle class in the US. So, in the final analysis, if we were going yacht club, I would go. But as a regular cruiser, IMHO it appears that you get a better experience, even a better deal, on a more American line.

Totally agree. We've been on the fence for some time now, with Seaside sailing for April 28 still booked, but more than likely are going to cancel and go NCL Escape or Royal Allure. Like others in my group have said, MSC "probably" will be just fine and OK, but it's an expensive trip to just be "fine".

No, inside room, Fantastica. I feel like the folks complaining are either (1) seasoned cruisers (I am not) or (2) elderly. We heard many people complaining the first few days. OH: look at these carpets, they are filthy! (You can see occasional white flecks on that maroon/purple carpet). And the elevators- we are able to use stairs but the elderly on board are furious with elevator service, which I get. I did 55 floors yesterday alone, and we were in Jamaica most the day. My parents are with us, they are 70ish with limited mobility and they are balking at the European style of service. It’s a little more abrupt and clipped than your average Denny’s. Doesn’t bug me, but I can see how some miss their warm southern style of service.

 

Bar service is fine, but we don’t have a drink package so we aren’t at the bar much. Our room steward is awesome. We see him all the time and he gives us ice nightly and did a turndown service last night.

 

Dining room was long the first night (1.5 hours for service)- we had asked for things to come out quickly because we didn’t want to miss sail away, but that’s as fast as they can do. They aren’t good at coffee in the dining room (we’ve asked but never received all three nights). So we go to a coffee bar instead. Our server Anna is from Fantasia and extremely nice.

 

 

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Finally, someone like the rest of us - non YC and inside! Love it! Can't wait for your full review!

I'm curious what you ended up doing CruisinKat. We took some toys once to an orphanage in Belize and was the highlight of our trip.

We are booked on seaside this summer but we are about ready to cancel because we have read so many awful reviews about msc. We have read A LOT of msc reviews at this point. Sure, some people post positive experiences, but they are not the majority and usually in Yacht Club. I am also turned off by the pull out sofa that msc expects 2 people to share if you have four people in a room as opposed to the bed that folds into the ceiling. Not really interested in the whole "attitude" thing that many on the staff seem to have. And it seems like there are not enough public spaces for the amount of people on board. And the reports on Meraviglia (newest msc ship) of people being turned away and told there is not enough room to eat in the dining room??? No thanks, MSC. We like pizza, but we are not in college anymore. Lol.

Went on the Carnival Vista last summer, loved it. Food was amazing. We have mostly cruised Disney and Carnival was just as good with a better price. Just where we are right now. Not sure if this helps you. Oh and we do not drink alcohol.

Stanrock and Cafedumonde, you sound like where my family is right now as well.

We've been on many Carnival cruises, wife and I have been on Celebrity, Princess, NCL and Royal and have 2 married kids and 2 teenagers. All usually go on the same trip when we cruise. We booked Seaside last February and are booked for late April.

We don't drink, don't go to the Haven/Yacht club, don't go to the alternative restaurants and play lots of games together in the evenings after the main show.

In the past 2 weeks however, we've been second guessing our decision to book the Seaside and have thought about canceling and booking either CCL or Royal. Royal however is much more than CCL and MSC so that plays into the decision as well.

More and more as I read MSC reviews, those that love it are always those that have booked Yacht Club - of course they are going to love it! Same with the Haven on Royal.

I was really close to canceling Seaside and booking NCL Escape instead, but the lack of no-charge dining on NCL was a turn off last time we went on NCL and the MDR food was basically the same all week.

I thought we wanted to try something different this time around. We are not able to go on multiple cruises a year - we have to save up for a year or two to be able to do this, so I don't want to end up regretting it. We have no complaints with Carnival, just wanted a change of scenery, but just not quite sure now.

Of course, ANY cruise is better than NO cruise! :)

I'm interested in what both of you ultimately decide what you're going to do.

I've read many reviews from other MSC ships there was an "Entertainment Pass" that could be purchased per cabin that allowed unlimited use of the F1 Simulator, Bowling, Theater, etc.

I'm booked for April 2018 sailing and can't find any information on this pass. Has anyone else, maybe someone who is booked for an earlier sailing, received any information on this?

Thanks!

From what I have read on the boards, a lot of families have booked. We are going to book April 2018 and we are a family who likes having fun (pools, slides, ziplines, rope courses). We don't like the raunchy pool games and obnoxious drunks, but I don't think we are alone there. We also don't like stuffiness we are pretty laid back people. I'm hoping there will be lots like us :D

Same as us. Many cruises on Carnival, and a few on Royal. Decided we wanted a change and be a little daring booking a new ship with no reviews. Family with teenagers, and young married couples. All are excited! Going in April as well!

I'm seriously considering booking Seaside, but not quite sure yet. We have teenagers and have been on Carnival several times and they love the newer ships. We've also been on Royal and between the two, prefer Carnival - they seem to have more activities for teenagers and "young" adults - 20-25. Carnival also has the most "free" food options besides the main dining room that we've found.

I can't find any information on Seaside about the no-charge food options, other than the main dining room and buffet. Are there other no-charge places to eat on other MSC ships? If my kids were younger, I wouldn't be so concerned with them having stuff to do...but being 16-18, I just want them to not be bored.

Did you fly into IAH OR HOU? Did you run into any issues in terms of your hotel accomodations? Ideally, I would like to fly into HOU hire a private car to Galveston and stay in a hotel close to the port. Yet I found most hotels in Galveston require a 2 night stay.

 

I am traveling with my son(14) and daughter (4) I DO NOT want to entertain the 4 year old for 2 days pre-cruise, she will drive me INSANE whining about wanting to "get on the boat". Been there done that in Miami lol. By the time we stepped on the ship I was totally FRAZZLED.

Flew into Hobby (HOU) as it's serviced by SouthWest. I found such good reviews of Drury Inn Hotel near the airport, we booked that... Had Marriott booked, but Drury has hot evening food and hot morning breakfast. Excellent service, great hotel staff and glad we changed. Then took Uber to port next morning.

I actually found an itinerary on the Breeze out of Galveston in September 2017. I was excited and ready to book until I read about the Galveston fog. In looking into the planning more carefully sailing from Galveston seems like a hassle. Most hotels in Galveston require a 2 night stay and were pretty pricy. Also transport via shared or private shuttle from HOU Airport to Galveston was about $170.00RT for my kids and I. On top of that there is the fog issue. Looks like I need to weigh my options more carefully.

We just got back from Liberty of the Seas (Royal) Sunday out of Galveston. Fog non-issue. But airport is very far from the port. Would prefer to not do another Galveston cruise again. I was surprised to hear Carnival keeps putting it's newest ships there.

Michelle- How many people for the $30 price? Two, four, etc. We are just the two of us, and I would love to see the Daniel Johnson place and finish with a beach.

If you just show up there, it's $10 pp to get in.

Been on 6 Carnival and 2 Royal (and a few others). Just off Liberty last week (as was someone else on here).

I agree with what's been said:

Carnival

Younger crowd

Extensive "free" food options that are excellent (Guys, the Tortilla/Taco place, Seafood etc). None of that on Royal

24 hour ice cream - kids loved that

Popcorn for the movies on deck

Much more daily activities during sea days

Royal

Nicer and more elegant ships

Older crowd

Good outdoor activities (Flowrider, rock wall)

Kids didn't go with us on Royal last week, but we are planning our next cruise for next Jan - kids are coming and we are planning Carnival. Would only take kids if we were going on Royal Harmony (just too expensive).

Family with teenagers - we've been on several Carnival cruises, and went on Breeze Nov 2015. Loved the ship. Now kids are wanting to go on Vista. I was all for it, until I started reading reviews and seeing some negative ship reviews.

Anyone been on both? What's your opinion?

I'm even toying with the idea of trying an older ship such as Dream, Legend, etc that has mostly all good reviews.

I'm wondering the same thing. Family went on Breeze Nov 2015 and loved the ship. (Been on 6 other Carnival cruises and 5 non-Carnival cruises). Planning the next one and kids (teenagers) want to go on Vista. I was all for it, until I started reading reviews and now I'm thinking Breeze or even an older Carnival ship (Dream, Legend, etc). Still researching!

Matt Mitcham will be the CD on the Vista and he is awesome! Had him on the Breeze last year and my kids still talk about him.

 

 

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Ha! My kids do too!! Was on Breeze Nov 2015. He is awesome!

I found that surprising too, and I'll float a theory: The OP cruised in late January. What's going on in that time frame? Most younger people are back to work after Christmas break, and kids are back in school -- not a timeframe when younger people can cruise. Also, prices are rock-bottom, which appeals to retirees who want to stretch their travel dollar. Finally, the weather's a little colder, so the people who want active beach-oriented excursions aren't as interested ... yet the 70-ish crowd, who probably want a more sedate cruise, aren't deterred.

 

I'm guessing that this timeframe is what drew the older crowd. Agree or disagree? I've never cruised in January, so I'm making a guess.

I think it is that yes, and also the departure city. We've gone on 12 cruises, and all but 1 has either been early December or January (the cheapest times to go!). Kids have come three times - but all on Carnival. Lots of kids even during Dec/Jan and all have been from Florida or Los Angeles. First time out of Galveston (and not really anxious to leave from there again - airport is too far). I think more than half the ship was from Texas, which isn't a bad thing - just the demographics are a little different than what we were expecting. Not bad - just different.

Thanks for the review. We leave this weekend on Liberty and I wasn't sure what we'd be doing. How does one find the monkey sanctuary?

 

 

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We booked a tour with Rony's Tours and it's one of their options. Victor Bodden's tours also does it.

Next time ur in Belize try the cave tubing ! You can pre book with several companies on the internet or grab a tour on the pier!

 

 

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We did the cave tubing last time in Belize and it was excellent. We just wanted to do something a little different this time.

Was there much difference in price using Uber on the way and a taxi on the return?

Uber was $76 and it was the UberXL - Mini Van. That price included a $15 discount when using Google Maps to book vs the Uber App.

Taxi on the way back - the posted amount is $95, but the meter read $106..not sure why the difference. We paid the meter price and figured that included the tip.

I was on the same cruise! :)

 

Did you by chance make it to the seafood buffet night in the Windjammer? :eek:

 

Lobster

Untitled by ikirumata, on Flickr

 

Shrimp Cocktail

Untitled by ikirumata, on Flickr

 

Fresh made creps in orange sauce

Key Lime Pie

 

There was virtually no one there! I had to pinch myself when I didn't see a line for the lobster.

 

It was a good night!

Didn't make that, but as I don't like seafood, I wouldn't have liked it as much as you did ha ha! :-)