BSQ

I try to break my writing up into small pieces so you can read what interests you and skip the rest.

Booking so close in, I didn’t really have time to plan much. I kind of just packed my suitcase and left the house Friday morning for a leisurely drive to somewhere. But since this isn’t just about the ship, you’re coming with me :) …

When I relocated from Jacksonville, FL to North Carolina I made several trips past the Tuskegee Airmen Monument. Today, we are stopping. I also stopped at the Mighty Eighth Air force Museum. Since you’re anxious to get on to the ship parts, or at least Florida, here are a couple quick shots.

As always, let’s start at the beginning, shall we? This is my (possibly, though not likely) brief write up of my recent sailing on board the Carnival Sunshine. I was on a 5 day Key West & Bahamas sailing.

You may be familiar with the phrase “Retail Therapy”, shopping for stuff you probably don’t need, but the purchase makes you feel a bit better, until you get the bill from your credit card company :eek:

The other side of that coin is Retailer Therapy. I am a Retailer – making sure all the stores in your area have the merchandise you want right when you want or need it can be quite stressful. My current job has no down season, and this is quite unusual for me. I was getting a bit grouchy, and knew it was time for a vacation.

I had been curious about the Sunshine for quite some time. I took advantage of the pack n go rate for an inside guarantee and booked a week before setting sail. This is my 11th sailing on Carnival, and I believe I may have most been looking forward to the Alchemy Bar.

So the tone is set; stressed out, kinda grouchy, smart aft in need of a vacation. This was my get away and do nothing vacation, so you may find it boring, or you may find it amusing. Either way, read on, if you dare!

I've been on both and Liberty is my favorite. Granted I was only on a CTN on the Golry. The crew on the Liberty has always nudged it above the others for me.

Thank you all... We do plenty of active excursions in the ports ... The ship is really just a place to relax.. So it sounds perfect. I think my question was more geared towards safety of the vessel because of it's age? I will be honest .. I have NO knowledge of how long ships stay at sea ....

 

 

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I did a B2B on the Fascination and loved it . Splendor you really can't get me to set foot back on her. Bad juju IMHO. :eek:

I didn't really notice him much, and for me, on the short cruises, that is A-OK.

Ohhh it's so hard to choose just one! So .. by category:

THE MEDICINE CABINET: Moscow Mule

COCKTAIL THERAPY: Restorative Basil Drop

RELIEF FOR WHAT AILS: Fiery Tropical Passion Martini

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH: 40 is the new 20 (the Antioxidant is a close second)

ENERGIZING ELIXERS: The Perfect Storm

PATION POTIONS: Martini Seduction

the one I absolutely don't like is Radical Cure. It seemed like I was drinking my pillow spray.

CD on Fascination for your cruise will be Paul Santley

Just off her. Sailed a b2b which included all the bowl games, MNF, etc.

As mentioned, no outside big screen, but lots if TVs at the aft bar all showing games (Beverly Hills - 4 or 5 TVs) Another popular spot, the coffee shop (1 TV) and finally the bar by the casino (1tv). They also had games on in the Casino. (Felt like there was football nearly everywhere)

Room stewards did deliver alcohol to rooms the last night, and you could take your purchases from the DFS to your cabin on the last night.

One if the lounges did have an "adult beverage pickup" sign on it - not sure why.

Only ate from the buffet once, can't really comment on that.

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I have used e-gift cards for my onboard account. I just printed a copy of the link from the email confirming purchase that shows the card number, PIN and amount to guest services and they applied it to my S&$.

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I have bought transfers from airport to Port Canaveral , but not sure if I need transfers after the cruise. We may have a relative pick us up. Can I buy transfer to airport at guest services the last night of the cruise.

Yes.

first time in a 4J on deck 10 of the Liberty, there were some sun loungers and a couple of chairs stacked against the wall. A year later same ship and deck, there were none. Kind of a bust since I really enjoyed the first time having my own personal serenity deck. :)

You won't be disappointed. I also agree with the ease of making the reservation through the group events planning e-mail. My reservation was just as quick.

Yay! Hope to see Tommy on my upcoming cruise and have a déjà vu for old time's sake. I believe he is responsible for my live of Martinis :D

Do you have personal experience with this happening to you? Please give details.

My experience driving (more than once for a fortnight at a time) in this area (Yucatan) has been without problem of any kind.

Timewise though, it might be more relaxing to be driven, to take a bus tour from the port. (We have stayed in the area longer to see all these ruins mentioned, plus EkBalam, our favorite of the 4.)

For a day off the ship, Tulum might be a good suggestion, with its lovely beach to add to the dramatically placed cliffside ruins (that are themselves often crowded, touristy, and also less interesting IMO than CI or EkBalam). But CI is certainly the more impressive ruin.

Not sure if you realize you are dredging up posts that are over 2 years old. :eek:

I know this is an old thread but,

Just DON'T tip with the crazy $2 bill. Some people think it's "unique" or "cute" but they won't cash them at most banks in Mexico since it's not one of our usual currency.

Not true. while it's been widely circulated that workers in Cancun, or Mexico in general I guess, like getting a $2 bill because it's lucky - I can't say whether that's true or not, but I know many who have had absolutely no issue exchanging the $2 at a bank, hotel or exchange kiosk.

They just run it under a little gadget that validates it's not counterfeit (this us done with ALL bills), and then go about the transaction.

On my most recent visit, at a little painting pottery stand the guy who helps you had a tip box, in it he had a $2. He just shrugged and said it all spends.

Pesos, USD, a combination if the two - it really doesn't matter what you tip in. Just make sure you've done the math correctly with the exchange rate to give the amount or percentage you think you are giving the person.

Ralph Lauren makes some twill options that aren't as heavy feeling as denim. Macy's and Dillard's, between the two usually have their full line of options.

I like RL because the inseams are a little longer than most labels, so they aren't unintentionally ankle pants on me.

Another option is a chino type pant or what many refer to as khakis. Come in an array of colors.

Sometimes it takes a few trips and trying on many many pairs of pants in many sizes to find THE pair.

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We visited Xuantunich in January on a Carnival excursion. The site was great and mostly flat once you got to it the actual structures, but there was a hill from the entrance to where the structures were and a flight of stone steps to climb up. It took probably less than 10 minutes to get up there. If you get winded climbing say 3 or 4 flights of stairs, might want to skip the walk up.

Once at the site, climbing the structures is totally optional. BubbaQ was on a jacked up ankle - we explored on our own and saw a lot more than our actual group got to see. Or they can sit at some tables in the shade waiting for everyone to climb down.

They offered a ride to those that needed assistance up the hill emphasizing that it was only for those that have some sort of impairment. I recall several older folks saying had they known the hill was that steep they would have ridden. I think everyone walked back down.

I've also been to Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba, and ek Balam (my favorite), and though Xuantunich was a great choice because the architecture is a blend of Belize and Yucatan Maya. We found that part interesting - but we're kind of nerds in that way.

there's some pictures in my review, starting at post #30

The Mixology Class, you sign up with the Alchemy Bar bartender. You can ask about it the first night, or if your a regular, the bartender will probably ask you if you are note rested. :D least he did us. He took our names down, and told us when to show up. It's a really good class, with lots of information shared. I *think* it was $17, I can't remember. It was a solid 90. Minutes, maybe more if we'd not been rushed to get to our steakhouse reservation. :o

Hi,

 

We will be stopping in Cozumel on our RCCL cruise in May and wanted to know if anyone has any recommendations for good places with authentic Mexican food?

 

Thanks!

I prefer Yucatecan, so my recommendations would be La Choza in town, and on the wild side of the island, Chen Rio.

There are some deals to be had on Tequila in Cozumel, but you really need to know your prices and availability of what you can get back home. Common items, I find to be a bit inflated. I usually start at one end of Melgar and wander in and out of each shop. The shop keepers were a bit aggressive in trying to get you in their shops last week, so brace yourself.

I've never had any issues getting my purchases back at the end of the cruise. And yes, occasionally small bottles have been forgotten to be left at the collection table. It happens. (Shrug).

Great write up and pictures! Thanks for sharing your trip on the Liberty!

 

Then it HAPPENED - I found my ‘extra special machine’ at the Casino. So as you have read I wasn’t having much luck with any of the machines I was playing, but at least I was playing with Carnival $$ so didn’t feel so bad ($500 OBC upon boarding). Anyways I tried a new machine today - the Space Invaders one with the cows in spaceships - and the cows were very good to me - giving me back $315 after a couple of spins! Time to celebrate - finding Sue at one of her machines with her super duper ‘drinks on us’ card - a Miami Vice appears for me! :D

Kelly Toycow says naturally you were treated well by the cows Miss Froufie!:D

So enjoyed reading your review Frouf! I so enjoy your taking us on your adventures. Hope to sail again with you soon!

Currently, you can still buy FSD via the link above. If you want them to be applied to your onboard account, just put the booking number in place of everything that doesn't require an input (state, for example), and you should be good.

 

That has worked every time I've done it previously, and that's been 8 times so far.

 

Good luck!

No you can't FSD online form has been non-functioning for a couple months now.

90% sure you can. Although I don't recall any of the blue or red shirt staff venturing much past their lil areas , I seem to recall lido waiters at the iguana bar. My memory of course may be incorrect since I was at the tequila bar afterall (even iif its cr@p tequila)

one of the best. I suppose until I saw Karl in action I never really understood just how a good (or bad) CD can enhance (or detract) from my cruise vacation experience.

Throws a pretty good deck party too.