kwokpot

If it coincides with Public school spring breaks there will be TONS of kids. I WOULD NOT SAIL the first two weeks of April. DON'T DO IT.

That's probably the best video you'll see of this cabin type. The good thing is the narrator actually steps outside onto the veranda and since he's a fairly tall guy you'll get a better sense of how large the actual balcony is. These are what's considered hull balconies. TRUE outdoor space, curtains to block out the sun which can be partially closed, traditional sliding door which will keep on the AC when closed and someone is sitting outside enjoying the fresh air.

I was on the Seashore in September and the ship was majority non-Americans, I would guesstimate at least 65-75% non Americans. Majority of the passengers spoke Italian,Spanish,German. At the buffet you noticed plenty of people unable to speak a word of English (Nothing wrong with that, just an observation).

Welcome. Oh, I didn't notice any soot. TBH I never really used the balcony much. The Aft pool was always very busy. There's a perfect photo spot in-between the two pools where EVERYONE goes to take photos,lol. A few things. *I don't know if you have a drink package, we didn't, but if you don't tap water is provided in the MDR. Make sure you ask for it if you don't have a drink package and don't want to pay for bottled water. We had a misunderstanding halfway through the cruise. The servers just ASSUME you want bottled water, only asking if you want still or sparkling. So we said still. Never mentioned anything about a charge or asked for our room card. So we thought bottle water was complimentary at dinner. Night four we did the same thing as the previous three nights, but this time the server did the CORRECT thing and asked for our room card since there's a charge. We asked to speak to the Maitre D' and explained what had happened. He was very apologetic and vowed to make it correct by comping bottle water for the rest of the cruise. We appreciated the gesture but it wasn't necessary. Every night for the rest of the cruise he stopped by our table when we came in for dinner and made sure the servers gave us bottle water even though we didn't ask for it. *Facial tissues aren't supplied unless you ask for it. *No body lotion or hair conditioner, so if that's something you use then bring your own. *Seems like the gyms on MSC close for cleaning once in the mornings and once in the afternoon.

I was on the Seashore in September in an Aurea Balcony Suite (Deck 9 Aft) and these are the Aurea benefits: *Separate dining room with anytime dining - no reservations needed nor are they available. *FREE Thermal suite access for the entire cruise. *Access to the Aurea Sundeck *Prosecco and chocolate (A small dark chocolate bar) There were other benefits but there were the ones that stood out.

We had 9285 on the SEASHORE in September and there was absolutely no noise from the aft pooldeck. There's a window in the hallway from the cabin door right near the bathroom. You'll have to keep the curtains drawn closed at this window since it provides a full view when you're standing in front of it. The panoramic elevator is right around the corner and is convenient for higher floors but not for others (it only goes down one deck). It's great to have a private dining room with no need for reservations. I loved the free spa access. The private Aurea sundeck was always nice and quiet. Enjoy your cruise!

Unfortunately the AQ backpack is very flimsy and wouldn't be study enough for a long hike out anywhere.

I'm not sure why you think the Prima is less family oriented than other ships. There's two different slides,wet and dry, a water park for small kids, Virtual Reality games for older kids/adults, and the Stadium area with all the outdoor games.

Based on what you say is your son's habits you should be ok. But it will be 180 degrees the opposite of the Prima. Celebrity is a make your own kind of fun cruiseline. There's a new post here about a couple in their early 50s who said they were bored on the Solstice, and prefer Royal Caribbean. They felt there wasn't anything to do during the daytime, which is very true. Celebrity has very, very low key programming. I was just on the Beyond and the most high energy pool deck activity was dance cardio led by the CD.

They use wrapped butter pats in the buffet, but in the MDR it's whipped butter along with two other non butter spreads.

Beverage packages don't apply to in room minibar.

Insides cabins should also get the inexpensive totebag, not the nicer canvas one.

Aquaclass also gets the card holder along with a small white backpack with lip balm and hand sanitizer. Tote bag, slippers.

Bar soap at sink, liquid body wash in shower. You can of course ask for as many additional bars of soap that you want, especially if you prefer to shower with bar soap instead of liquid body wash.

What cabins are you actually looking at?

The OP's issue with Celebrity isn't just the vibe but the whole premise of a Celebrity cruise vacation. A Celebrity cruise isn't for someone that's looking for lots of things to do and lots of energy and excitement, that's just not what a Celebrity cruise is. That's neither good or bad, right or wrong, but it is what a Celebrity cruise is. The OP's experience on the Solstice is EXACTLY what it will be on all Celebrity cruises.

Why exactly are you having a problem deciding? If you've read all the pros and cons it's actually VERY EASY DECISION. It all boils down to how you use a traditional balcony cabin. If you enjoy sitting out for long stretches of time enjoying the sun and wind then the IV cabin isn't going to work for you, PERIOD. If however all you do in a regular balcony cabin is go out for 5 minutes or so just to get some fresh out and enjoy the views, then the IV cabin is a good alternative. Additionally, a SV cabin is big enough to have a lounger to lay out. Will you ever do that? If that's something you want to do, then the IV cabin won't work. People are overthinking this IV cabin dilema. It all boils down to how you use your balcony. Edit: Another thing about a SV cabin. Will you be traveling with other people? The Aft balconies are large enough for entertaining. Can't do that in a IV cabin.

Six different Chase cards and no Carnival offers here.

I'm curious if they used different types of door switches for the public restrooms. The ones on the Mardi Gras were too confusing and resulted in many mishaps.

Some more comparison videos. I think the only real missing feature when all is said and done is a lack of a thermal suite on the Venezia. The standard Cloud Nine Spa features of a steam and sauna rooms will have to do.

ANYONE can use the gym/spa locker room showers on ALL Carnival ships. There are a few ships (Splendor and the new Luminosa) that have additional locker rooms meant to be used by only Thermal Suite passengers.

The Chinese market is heavily into the Baroque design with gold leaf and velvet furniture, hence some of the interior design choices on the Venezia. While I don't particularly like those elements I think it's ironic that now there's issues with something TOO ornate. As if the decor on the Magic is somehow tasteful. So Carnival's Vista Class and Excel Class is too bland, and people prefer the dark, foreboding design of the Carnival Pride, but the Carnival Venezia is too tacky?

The current configuration already has a water park for little kids, although not as extensive as the Carnival Waterworks with the giant water 🪣. They may or may not add additional water features but even if they don't there's one that already exists.