KenM

Great review.

How long is the trip to the airport from the pier?

Does anyone really know the exact problem? Are they using all engines at reduced speed or are they operating on one?

I am considering booking the western Nov trip immediately after it returns on the transatlantic.

That is long sustained cruise and based upon what the real problem is - will they make it to January..

SO - if there are any propulsion engineers who are current on this topic, what do you think?

Better yet- what does Celebrity say about this issue...

The diamond plus is next to Nellies Beach surrounded by a wall. Nice place- shaded , nicer quality lounges, private bar , private beach, access is restricted. They do check for your card that you are Diamond plus.. etc..

I apologize . I guess 9/22 is not current enough for you..

IT does appear that you have cruised many carnival cruises ..

I should have realized that you are about quantity, not quality..

You have a magical day..

My point was I believe that your supposition is incorrect.

And yes, I would rent it for just the privacy and shade.

I was on the 9/22 Allure of the Seas and had a cabana at Nellie Beach.

It was worth the $250 for the 4 of us. Probably cheaper than I would pay for an excursion and I feel that I got more value than a tour of Jamaica or Cozumel.

Had the highest cabana on the hill with private access into the water.. Had the floats, water, nice chairs, lounges and the "upgraded" lunch that everyone is talking about: not to mention the privacy and shade

You dine in the private area reserved for the diamond plus group. They offered the steak, shrimp, chicken along with the dogs and burgers.. and steamed vegetables.

Me- I went with the burgers...

They had nice tables with deep wooden chairs to sit, relax and eat your lunch under some nice shade trees.....

Our cabana attendant did get us several drinks from the bar during the day and yes you should be expected to tip them at days end for the service rendered..

Tipping is a private matter but I gave him $40 for the 4 of us..He did a great job .

Yes - I could have gone and got my own drinks but heck- I was on vacation....

At the end of the day , they had a cart drive us back to the security check point..Nice touch.

I would absolutely rent a cabana again..

In fact we felt that day was the best stop on the entire cruise..and we really didn't get a chance to experience all that was offered on the island.

Ken

August 1965. Yarmouth out of Miami.

High School Graduation Party.

That was the time when kids could go by themselves..

August 1965. Yarmouth out of Miami.

High School Graduation Party.

That was the time when kids could go by themselves..

The staff is vey service oriented. Do NOT be afraid to ASK for something, anything that you need.

IF something is not correct, don't be shy or timid to speak up..

HAL wants you to be happy and return, so ASK- your cabin steward, your waiter, the front desk- anyone that you come in contact with.

I have sailed many times and have always enjoyed our trips. DO things come up- absolutely...BUT I have never had an issue that was not addressed.

It is sad to read about people who return from a trip disappointed in some maner and they never asked while on the ship.....

So have a great time........and as a first time cruiser - do it all....