ElGatoUSF

Also, great pics with downtown Miami in background

The rules are as stated but if there is a bar inside the actual casino, the bartender may take orders directly, at their discretion. Sometimes service can be slow (servers swamped) and bartenders will use this as the reason for allowing service (when I asked bartender if if we could order at the bar). Tip a couple bucks every time you order and they will remember you and it wont be an issue.....in my experience. For ships without a bar inside the casino, you can walk into the casino and order from a server, dont think it will be an issue these days as casinos are so packed, many order while not playing at machine. Once again, I don't 'bigtime', but I always tip $1-3 per drink and have never had an issue with service....playing at a machine, table, bar or just standing in casino.

3% only applies if you take money out at the table. If you use a slot machine to 'charge to your card' the $500 then go to casino cage and 'cash out your balance', you can get around the extra fee. OBC is different from Casino Credit or 'free play'. Free play must be played...you have free play $100, you must play at minimum $100 total to use all the free play. Any money won using free play is yours to cash out, even if you haven't played the full 100 (or whatever you start with on a machine), but the free play will stay on the machine as unused credits. OBC credit is yours, without playing a thing...if you like it like that

Spa cabins on Deck 17 have access to private hallway and elevator (using key access) that goes from floor 17 down to the Spa therapy room/spa on Deck 5. Elevator opens to spa/hot tub and the room with the heated tile chairs, open showers and Steam Rooms (aroma steam, regular and salt therapy). Nice to put on robe (provided in room with slippers), take elevator down and have an hour of steam, shower, spa and tile nap/rest. There are plenty of towels available and even a small refrigerator with cold hand towels if feeling too hot. Can get super hot/steamy and crowded down there so may have to wait for heated tiles or preferred spot in spa but definatly worth trying as its included. Shower tip....3 buttons blue/red/white they all have different flow and temp...get crazy and try them all! lol Also, don't even try to find your way out of the spa if you used the elevator. The place is a maze! Trying to find the exit, I walked into a room with a massage going on (oops, sorryyy!) then the locker room (hey guys just passing thru) before finding someone to lead me out. Not a lot of clearly marked exit signs or I'm getting old

If first time out of Tampa....try to make it to top deck (front) around 6:30-7pm when approaching and going under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Usually a great Sunset picture approaching the bridge and then a 'tight-squeeze' below the bridge makes it interesting.

Brunch is available for each Sea Day....and chefs/cooks do a great job on Paradise - food was tasty and prepared as ordered, our favorite meal when available.

Just off today (Tampa local, third time on this ship)....as previously mentioned no sushi except for Sushi Station open in afternoons outside of casino (not enough turnover to make me want to order...the fish displayed in plastic wrap in display didn't make my mouth water...not the good way). I was a little disappointed by limited Main dining room menu. No lobster on formal night (5 day cruise) and on all nights of the 7 appetizers on the menu, 2 were soups, 2 were salads, one was an entrée in smaller portions. So really 2 maybe 3 other choices and if you don't want mini shrimp cocktail (on menu every day), one or two choices. Ordered the 'cheap' steak (no upcharge) 2 of the 3 nights in dining room. First night it was flavorful and tender (Ill be ordering this again good) and the next night, fatty and uncuttable..so cant recommend unless you feeling lucky. My suggestion is to eat a light My Time early dinner around 5:30 (the portions and choices are so small and limited its easy to 'keep it light') and expect to head to Lido deck around 10:30 (between Shows and Comedy) to get Sandwiches and pizza for late dinner/snack. Loooong Pizza lines after 11:30 (Sandwich closes at 11) and nothing much else to eat. The sandwich artist is there all day long and knocks out a mean sandwich while keeping line going....much quicker then pizza line if your in a hurry. The seaday brunch was the go-to for us...there was always more on the menu to order than we could eat (felt like the old days!) and the food came out perfect....eggs over-easy, skillet cakes and pancakes cooked perfectly....much better than other carnival cruises. Great customer service on ship and 'Fun' vibe strong....nightclub busy first night and slowed down from there (or was that just me?). All events seemed to have a lot of energy and fun staff gets crowd going (if your into that kinda stuff). Comedy shows pretty packed as its usually the only evening activity after main show and club/latin dancing so get seat early if that's a priority. Casino was packed but well staffed with drinks if on a casino drink package. If you tip $2 on a free drink, they will call you by name and find you when you walk in....cheap way to be VIP (in own mind! lol). Good cruise if you appreciate some quiet (nap/reading/trivia) down time and relaxation mixed in with your fun and eating.