happylittlefamily

Just back on 3/9 and our ship was full.

On 2/24/2020 at 2:29 PM, odaisydukeo said:

I booked this for my 11 year old son and I. I just looked at there are SIX ships in port that day. Ugh. I booked the Stingray encounter, and am frustrated because I don't think lunch is included anyway. Now thinking of cancelling after reading these reviews.

Most reviews are positive and I think KimPossible and I just had a really bad experience.   I will say that Carnival followed up with a "sorry, but too bad email."  I have not yet heard back from Blue Lagoon.   As far as I'm concerned, the total disregard for guest service if nothing else helps me to cross this off the 2nd chance list.  I do hope you have a FANTASTIC experience on the day you go and that the encounter is amazing. 

32 minutes ago, Organized Chaos said:

 

Some of the ships have signs telling passengers to do just that, but not everyone sees the signage and there are those who do it anyway.

 

I'll follow their rule, but it's not completely necessary, in my opinion. When I refill my cup at a fast food place, for example, I'm not touching the mouth of my used cup to the spout where the drink is dispensed from. Only the side of my cup is touching, and it's only touching the dispensing lever. It's similar on the ship...my travel mug wouldn't touch the spout. But I can see why they don't want anyone doing it at all. Not everyone will take as much care as the rest of us.

Not to be difficult,  but it's about more than the lid.  If you had a drink and refill your cup, whatever germs inside your cup from drinking will splash onto the ice and beverage dispenser.   Those germs then spew into the next cup that dispenses ice or beverage.  Have you never experienced splattering from your cup when refilling?  I can't imagine Carnival just enjoys insane amounts of dishes just for the heck of it.  They are trying to keep people safe and healthy and the only inconvenience we are expected to deal with is drinking out of a clean cup.  I don't understand why people are insistent to break or fight the rule.  Their house...their rules.  McDonald's,  Taco Bell, etc can do as they please.  But when you have that many people in close proximity for multiple days in a row, I appreciate the protective measures.   

We saw people using their own cups at the ice and lemonade machines, so people definitely do bring them.  However, it did kinda gross me out a little watching them put a used cup up to the machine.   There isn't anything saying you can't use your own,  but there is a sign saying not to reuse a cup at the machine.  I'd pour from a clean cup into my own to prevent spreading sickness and for overall sanitary reasons.  

On our 5 day, it was on the 1st Sea day.

We have been on Ecstasy and going on it again next week.  Jacksonville is a super easy port to get in and out of.   We are booked for Liberty in Dec., so can't help yet with that ship, but PC is definitely more difficult to get in and out of due to so many cruises going out of there.  But, it's not bad.

As far as your booking, I'd recommend 2 cabins if possible.   2 bathrooms make a huge difference and having more space to put luggage and just chill is nice.  My kids are 11, 12, 13, and 17 with my 13 year old having special needs.   The one thing about Ecstasy that I love is it being a small ship.   It was very easy for my kids to get around on their own.  We book cabins that make it easy to get to and from the kid clubs and our next focus is near food options.  Also, when booking, we find sandwiching between cabin decks (usually 6 or 7) helps eliminate noise.  Hope someone can help regarding Liberty, but I do know a cruiser just posted a review of her trip recently. 

28 minutes ago, MermaidMommy03 said:

Happy Hump Day, 

So what would you pick I would love some input, raves and rants on these ships please! 
Summer Cruise for a family of 5 (2 adults, 13yr, 10yr and 6yr old)
We don’t have to pay for flights because we live in central Florida. We don’t mind visiting the same port again. We are pretty laid back and just enjoy the cruise and we usually explore on our own. 
Carnival Horizon: 8 day cruise 

Miami, 2 sea days, Aruba, Bonaire, La Romana, Amber Cove, sea day 
$400 more
One room: Family Harbor Suite Mid ship deck 1 
We have been to Amber Cove.  

 
Carnival Magic: 8 day cruise

 (we have been on the breeze)

Miami, 2 sea days, St Marteen, St Kitt, San Juan,  Grand Turk, sea day  

$400 cheaper 
2 rooms: One porthole and one door down a ocean view. Front of the ship.. like first rooms on the 1st deck.
We have been to Grand Turk and PR

Thank you!

I've not done either ship or any of the ports, but as a mom who has cruised with 4 kids, always take 2 cabins so you have access to 2 bathrooms.   It makes life so much easier to get everyone ready and there isn't a line for the potty.  Also, 2 cabins allows space to spread out.  Just my insight as a cruising mom.

8 minutes ago, xDisconnections said:

FWIW, there will be plenty of people boarding the ship who are feeling sick or picked something up. Not everyone is truthful on those forms and something will spread during your cruise regardless. Many will even avoid going to medical if they pick something up mid-cruise just so they wouldn’t be confined or quarantined to their stateroom.

 

If I were in your position, I’d probably help out.

 

PS- I’m not suggesting one lies on the form or boards sick.

As the sole caregiver for my 4 kids who are taking the cruise with me, I have a responsibility to not put them in a situation like that unnecessarily.  I personally am not concerned about getting sick,  but more so, the affect it could have on those around me.   It is a hard position to be in.  

While I know I may end up picking up a virus unknowingly between now and then,  I think it would be irresponsible to knowingly take care of a sick kiddo right now.  It just stinks because I don't care about getting sick from him.   I just know a lot more is on the line and it could impact many more people.   

7 minutes ago, hawkeye93 said:

I wondered about the thermal check. Are they denying boarding to anyone with a temp above 100.4?

I honestly wouldn’t do it. It’s too risky given the additional checks they are doing and the overwhelming fear seems to be causing an abundance of caution. If this MSC ship missed every port bc of one positive influenza A case in the crew, then we are all potentially in for a lot of disrupted trips.


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Honestly, that's another concern. God forbid I came down with something and it kept other passengers from getting the cruise they paid for and have been looking forward to.  I hate having to say no to helping her with the baby, but I just can't risk walking into a highly potential sickness situation and it not anticipate ending up sick.  I feel so bad for the situation she is in, though.  So grateful I was able to stay home with my kids when they were little. 

2 minutes ago, amyotravel said:

The additional health screen was minimal, but that was 26 days ago. I would not count on that now.

 

It would be very hard to say no, but honestly I think you should. Imagine how your sister would feel if some or all of you did get sick, and even if you were not denied boarding, it could pretty much ruin your trip.

 

Tough situation.

It is very tough.   Especially since I have to drive 7 hrs to and from departure port potentially sick.  Poor little guy is only 5 months old and also has double ear infections too, so he will surely need lots of snuggles.  My kids said we could get masks tonight.  Sweet kids!

I just got back from a cruise about 10 days ago and remember there was an additional health screening.   Unfortunately,  I can't remember the questions.   I am taking my 4 kids on another cruise next week (I am the only adult) and my sister-in-law just asked if I can watch her sick baby tomorrow.   He has a viral rhinovirus and another likely viral infection that he is taking steroids for a cough.  She is desperate for someone to help watch him because she's taken too much time off work and he can't return to daycare for one more day.  I feel so guilty worrying about getting sick from him, but with the coronavirus scares, I'm afraid if I come down with a virus,  I could keep us from being able to board.  Does anyone know if the health screening asks about a cough?  I feel I dodged a huge bullet that none of us got sick on out most recent cruise and I cringe at the thought of coming down with something.  If I had another adult that could be responsible for the kiddos if I did have to stay in my cabin,  that is 1 thing.  But solo travel with the coronavirus having so much attention makes me think it might be necessary to tell her I can't watch him.  Gosh, I feel horrible!!!

I don't think they are technically allowed.  But maybe someone has experienced being allowed to dine despite them?

I booked a last minute cruise leaving next week and the cabin has been assigned already.  Is it safe to say it won't change? The location is just fine for me, but just curious if anyone has been assigned a cabin and it changed.  Thanks!

15 minutes ago, PhillyFan33579 said:

I am probably in the minority, but I am not a fan of Guy’s burgers. They are way too greasy for my taste.  

I agree.  However, I really appreciate their presence on the ships because sometimes, the MDR, Lido, waits in line for pizza and deli are just not what you want getting back from an excursion.   Guy's was a fast option when meeting up to check in with kids before activities and regroup.  I doubt we would ever seek them out on land unless to reminisce about times on the ship.  😁

Btw, they are pretty much fast food.  Maybe a step above, but definitely not a burger you would get at Outback or Chili's.   They are good, but expect greasy and cheesy on a buttered grilled bun.  They are decent burgers and were preferable over the options on the Lido buffet most afternoons. 

On Ecstasy last week, they are cooked in big batches of 20-25 or so burgers and you dress them yourself at the topping bar.  It was pretty much assembly line.  I guess you could ask, but it wasn't something that appeared an option, at least on our ship.

Carnival lets you add an amount to each child individually,  with a minimum of $15 for each child given spending privileges.   We gave the kids each $25 approval and only one of the 4 kids used any.  I love that they allow this option!

Great review!  I appreciate it since we are scheduled to sail Liberty in Dec.  Totally bummed that you had bad neighbors.   That surely drags positive energy out of the experience.   We are going to be in fwd balconies 6260 and 6264.  Where was your cabin?

We are sailing Liberty on deck 6 balcony,  so very interested in following your trip report.  Thanks for sharing!

Thank you!

We didn't go to the casino on last cruise, but might this time.  Do you have to bring cash or can your sign and sail just charge as you play?  On NCL, we used cash at tables and not sure how slots worked.   Probably will sit at slots for a little bit.

I didn't see anyone getting massages, but I would think if it's available,  it will pop up in excursion options?  Princess Cay was a beautiful beach!  You will love it!

1 hour ago, 1025cruise said:

Expect to enjoy the same entertainment.

 

With regards to the atmosphere, I would expect a bit of a partier atmosphere, but that shouldn't stop you from relaxing.

Awesome!  I might check out the serenity deck while kiddos are at clubs.