niciediva007

2 hours ago, mz-s said:

 

All of Carnival's surcharge food options are worth the money on a basic level. But if you don't get value from it then what is the use. For example I don't really like asian food so even if Jiji's Asian is excellent I don't want it. So it's up to you if you would enjoy it. Chef's Table is certainly a special evening.

The fact that the consensus is that it’s a “special evening” as you put it gives great insight. I’m not as much of a foodie but I am a snob and don’t like to slum it on vacation. My husband is a foodie though and the experience sounds nice from those who have shared. I am NOT however into frivolously spending money where it doesn’t seem like I will enjoy it. This sounds like an experience to heavily consider though. We have our two year old with us so we just have to be certain our young teens are up to the challenge of babysitting since there won’t be a kids club for him. 

12 hours ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

The value of this meal was never, IMO, based on the wines offered. Very basic, but would wet your whistle...  🙂

 

Tom

This is good news. Thanks. 

15 hours ago, Hogbay said:

You have to stop asking and experience it for yourself, the so so review. .....Never ever do something that others have done and do not like . Yes everything is worth it .you are the boss just  do it 🙂

Eh, agree to disagree. Reviews can be a huge timesaver and money saver to avoid bad experiences. I tend to not mind being the benefactor of other peoples experiences, whether good ones or bad ones. How about you do you? I’m the boss whether I decided to heed others advice or not. 

We had an extra person back in 2018 and paid somewhere around $25-50. Can’t exactly recall. It was necessary to purchase bc you tender early since it’s considered an excursion and must have tickets for all individuals. I would assume if you plan to get off the boat with the general population then it doesn’t really matter. I think also that for a fifth person they would give more food and beverage snacks since that’s included as well. 

On 3/17/2022 at 10:45 PM, keels81 said:

 

So, since the restart I've done Chef's Table on Magic, Mardi Gras, Valor and most recently Breeze. 

 

On the Mardi Gras, there is only one seating per night -- on the other ships, there is generally only one seating PER SAILING. You meet-up around 5:30 or so for a champagne toast, and then you head to your location for the dining experience. Plan on around 3 hours for the whole thing, because there is an intermission with the sleight-of-hand magician to come entertain, along with taking pictures with the Chef (you each get a printed copy of these when you leave, so add that into the value proposition of the experience).

 

For wine, you have a choice of white or red (sometimes just one of each, sometimes two of each) and a port. All are included in the Chef's Table price and don't count towards your Cheers package if you're on that. You can order glasses a la cart if you don't want the offered wine. Most recently, it was Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc and a choice between a Cab Sav and Merlot, but YMMV and it will likely change each ship and/or sailing. You get basically a half pour with each course, but they'll keep refilling as you see fit -- except for the port at the end of the night with the dessert course.

My husband and I used to be drinkers but aren’t any longer. Is there still a value in this if we don’t plan to have any adult beverages?

I am sailing on Carnival Sunshine in May and under specialty dining on the site, it gives me the option to purchase it. Do you not see this?

Hi! Cruising on Sunshine out of Charleston this May and my husband and I are considering reservations at Chefs Table. We have been taking notes and have heard the Italian speciality restaurant is good so our family of 5 will be dining there as well. Planning to bypass the steakhouse due to so-so reviews. 
 

Is Chefs table worth the surcharge for a date comparative to the other specialty options?

thanks! 

So, about 3 weeks ago we found out we have another little munchkin on the way!   Our third! Eek. 

My problem is that our cruise leaves Saturday for Cozumel and Progreso, and now I'm worried that it's risky to get off the boat because of the Zika virus.  According to CDC, the risk of catching it isn't as high as it once was, but it does exist. Zika is extremely dangerous to cooking babes.  The risk is quantified as being the same as the continental US, including Florida; however, some experts believe cases are being underreported lending itself to a false sense of comfort.  There is no data available that is without error.

My OB/GYN has actually recommended to not go, but I think that's a little overkill as there is no active outbreak. I am however, contemplating not getting off the ship and I have purchased 4 mosquito prevention products (Permethrin, OFF with DEET, mosquito incense, and CUTTER wipes), just to be safe. 

I also realize that October is the second wettest month in the year for Mexico. 

I am wondering whether anyone knows if Cozumel/Progreso is experiencing any mosquito surges right now, or does it feel relatively normal? I wouldn't say I'm prone to mosquito bites, but it only takes one infected to cause a problem.  If they're swarming, I'll definitely avoid hitting land.  I may just avoid it either way, but wanted to see if anyone had a feel for this in the region. 

So, about 3 weeks ago we found out we have another little munchkin on the way!   Our third! Eek. 

My problem is that our cruise leaves Saturday for Cozumel and Progreso, and now I'm worried that it's risky to get off the boat because of the Zika virus.  According to CDC, the risk of catching it isn't as high as it once was, but it does exist. Zika is extremely dangerous to cooking babes.  The risk is quantified as being the same as the continental US, including Florida; however, some experts believe cases are being underreported lending itself to a false sense of comfort.  There is no data available that is without error.

My OB/GYN has actually recommended to not go, but I think that's a little overkill as there is no active outbreak. I am however, contemplating not getting off the ship and I have purchased 4 mosquito prevention products (Permethrin, OFF with DEET, mosquito incense, and CUTTER wipes), just to be safe. 

I also realize that October is the second wettest month in the year for Mexico. 

I am wondering whether anyone knows if Cozumel/Progreso is experiencing any mosquito surges right now, or does it feel relatively normal? I wouldn't say I'm prone to mosquito bites, but it only takes one infected to cause a problem.  If they're swarming, I'll definitely avoid hitting land.  I may just avoid it either way, but wanted to see if anyone had a feel for this in the region. 

11 hours ago, jas283a said:

Cozumel is an island, which I would say ironically makes it less of a problem (though that other post may have a point on a specific excursion). We went in the summer, July, and I don’t remember any bugs or needing repellent anywhere (I would see where you might use it to be safe). Haven't been to Progresso, but our other stops in the Yucatán were another story. The towns are basically surrounded by jungle, so mosquitoes are pretty common. That’s where I might get more concerned, but I would check it out more before deciding anything. Hope that helps, plus checking other boards. 

This makes sense.  I may deboard for Cozumel and stay on for Progreso.  I definitely don't want anxiety to ruin my trip!

16 hours ago, riffatsea said:

Hi,

Don't go on the excursion on Cozumel that goes to the ruins on that island.

There are tons of mosquitos there. The rest of the island ,near the ocean, is not prone to the mosquitos in the same way.

I don't know about Progresso.

No, excursions booked.  We plan to spend a beach day at a private resort in Cozumel.  This gives me hope!

15 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

FYI, the Mexican Rivera is the Pacific side of Mexico. Progreso is covered here:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/94-progresomerida-mexico/

 

And Cozumel is covered here:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/131-cozumel/

Thanks so much! I wasn't sure I posted in the right place.  I thought it seemed barren of any Cozumel threads!

So, about 3 weeks ago we found out we have another little munchkin on the way!   Our third! Eek. 

My problem is that our cruise leaves Saturday for Cozumel and Progreso, and now I'm worried that it's risky to get off the boat because of the Zika virus.  According to CDC, the risk of catching it isn't as high as it once was, but it does exist. Zika is extremely dangerous to cooking babes.  The risk is quantified as being the same as the continental US, including Florida; however, some experts believe cases are being underreported lending itself to a false sense of comfort.  There is no data available that is without error.

My OB/GYN has actually recommended to not go, but I think that's a little overkill as there is no active outbreak. I am however, contemplating not getting off the ship and I have purchased 4 mosquito prevention products (Permethrin, OFF with DEET, mosquito incense, and CUTTER wipes), just to be safe. 

I also realize that October is the second wettest month in the year for Mexico. 

I am wondering whether anyone knows if Cozumel/Progreso is experiencing any mosquito surges right now, or does it feel relatively normal? I wouldn't say I'm prone to mosquito bites, but it only takes one infected to cause a problem.  If they're swarming, I'll definitely avoid hitting land.  I may just avoid it either way, but wanted to see if anyone had a feel for this in the region. 

4 hours ago, Joebucks said:

You really can't beat fall pricing. I used to always do one summer vacation a year until I realized I can go once in the spring, and once in the fall for almost the same price as one summer vacation.

This is so true! I wasn’t planning on booking but the price for four people was just too good leaving from so close a port from us!

17 hours ago, Djptcp said:

Love to see there are other cruise addicts out there! DH and I have our 49th cruise coming up in April and our 50th next January (35th and 36th on Carnival). We were only going to do one cruise this year, sailed on Holland America in February,  but we know how that goes. Still looking for one in Nov. or Dec. 😉

Wow! So are you averaging 2-3 per year, or more? I am aiming for one a year....if we lived nearer to a port it would be more for sure.

18 hours ago, schazzy said:

Cruise on the Sunshine in 36 days, already booked for the Elation same time next year, and if we like the Sunshine, gonna book the Radiance for a 8 day in 2021. If they had 2022 sailings up, I'd be looking at those too! 

 

 

I may have a problem...

Ha ha, it’s a great problem to have that’s for sure!

18 hours ago, Tapi said:

I promised my wife that I wouldn’t plan another cruise for at least a year after we returned from our last cruise in February. I didn’t make it one month. I have now placed deposits for two more cruises! 😂 I’m going to hold off on telling her though. 🙊

Oh my! I thought I was bad but you guys make me feel better!! I love cruising! 

So my whole family (5 of us, including my MIL) sailed on Elation to the Bahamas for my 40th in November. (Our second cruise)

And now, the most amazing deal has popped up so we are headed to Cozumel in October with just my hubby and the kids (4).  Oceanview, deck 5, on the Fantasy for less than $1500. I’m floored! Maybe this isn’t a great deal to you guys but we booked this price 7 years ago for just the two of us. Been to Cozumel twice already but we don’t care! The beach is the beach and the ocean is our happy place!

Just wanting to express my giddiness!

Now I’m off to budget, but AARP cards, and lose some weight so I can feel sexy(er) on the beach!!

What are you guys planning??

13 minutes ago, Essiesmom said:

Problem is will be dark when you go under the Dames Point Bridge.  Will be lovely, but not as spectacular as in daylight.  EM

I did see that on You Tube so I’m sorry to miss it. Oh well. I really just hope the lines aren’t horrible when we arrive at port.

1 minute ago, ProgRockCruiser said:

You misspelled Margarita there...

 

Maybe you meant Martini?

 

Ha ha! I’m just a wino and champagne junkie. I’ll leave the hard stuff to the rest of you! 🥂🍷🍾

5 minutes ago, LuckyStar said:

 

I agree with you.  This sounds like a time when FTTF was a smart purchase.  

Fingers crossed that you are right! I want a mimosa and my balcony now!

7 minutes ago, hftmrock said:

if everyone does not have to worry about arrival time, you will probably be able to get a refund on the FTTF since for this step it will be useless. If you get to board ahead of people without fttf then maybe there is value but im not sure there will be value for you with checking in

Maybe they’ll prorate it. We plan to use FTTF in some other places as well so I doubt a full refund is warranted. Would be nice though!

5 minutes ago, ProgRockCruiser said:

Well, glad you will be able to board eventually!  4pm is annoyingly late, but still better than the whole day being canceled.

 

Do let us know how it goes (when you get back - disconnect while on board!), and whether any "compensation" was offered (I wouldn't expect any myself, but I'm sure someone will cry about their cruise being ruined, nay completely and utterly destroyed, by this delay).

Yes, I wholeheartedly agree! We’ve decided to place a positive outlook on everything that comes our way these next few days. It could always be worse! 

I am am not expecting compensation, and I won’t complain, but I won’t balk if they add a little OBC to our account! I can’t only imagine this ups the stress for everyone, passengers and crew alike. Imagine the room stewards who need to turnover the rooms? I’m going to have to wipe down everything with bleach wipes bc I imagine things will get missed in the melee. 

Update: can’t board til 4pm. All I can think is that 4000 other passengers who have also been waiting will arrive at 4pm and it will be bonkers! At least we don’t have to wait 24 hours as some have said. 

Lets hope FTTF will allow us a slight advantage here. We have two kids and a slightly immobile senior citizen with us. 

32 minutes ago, grillinchillin said:

Arrrrg! There she be!

Never used this site before! thanks! Come on fog! Blow away!!! 🌬🌬🌬