scwhiner

2 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

How long before they strip the one remaining element of "upscale" dining, and pull the tablecloths from Rudi's? I recall the shift from Supper Club to Steakhouse - and everything seems to go in one direction.

 

"That's just the way it is..." (borrowing from Bruce Hornsby)

 

Tom

 It is the way it is and it's just unfortunate.   They preached about creating an experience for all but yet they have designated "classes" with all the restricted areas.  They could have easily retained upscale dining open to all to pay for the experience, follow a dress code, tableclothes, etc... if they wanted to go.

Maybe it's just us, but we're pretty disappointed in the ship so far.  It is absolutely beautiful with all the glitz and glam of Central Station, but the loss of all the storage in the rooms, lack of real lighting in the rooms and the shear size of getting from point A to point B, especially with food in lido - no way a hot meal or even warm meal will be even possible trying to get food and then get to a table.  We'll reserve final opinions until we sail for sailabration but the modern minamalist rooms, the cafeteria style dining room, the business style steakhouse, it's all just underwhelming and does not seem at all a Carnival ship.  The seafood restaurant seems to follow the ambiance of a specialty restaurant but everything else, it's just big and plain so far.  I don't know, maybe in person it will be different.  But for now I'm glad the other cruises we have booked are on the other ships.  I think the new mega ships will not be for us and sadly as they take more and more of the older out of commission, it will take us out of cruising with Carnival. The other thing that really gets me is orginally John said the pools would have regular step in allowing for those with challenges easier access, that didn't happen either... Still looking forward to when we actually are back on a ship, any ship.

We went to Eagle beach on our last trip to Aruba. We rented chairs and were right by the restaurant on the beach and the facilities. the resort was actually behind across the street so we never went in to Amsterdam because we had everything we needed. Enjoy your day!

We see more then what folks are saying is average in tuxes and women in elegant gowns. Go for it! Husband wears tux for elegant nights and suit / tie for the rest of the cruise when in the MDR. Maybe just depends on the ship. I've not experienced an elegant night where the majority of folks we were sitting around or seeing getting their pictures taken weren't dressed to the hilt!

Hey there! My fiance and I are booked on the 11/13/11 sailing on the Pride. We are flying in from Vegas a day early and are staying at the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Glen Burnie. I read on their website that they provide a shuttle to and from the airport and also to the inner harbor, the port, and a few other places. Has anyone stayed there before? If so, I would be interested to hear about it. I have read many reviews on trip advisor but prefer a discussion over just reading some one's opinion that can't respond to me.

We booked our stay for 5/11 and 9/11 at Days Inn, Glen Burnie --- although I've not stayed at the La Quinta -- I did have posters reply to say Glen Burnie is a nice area. That helped make my decision to book.

I would like to take some sodas onboard. I have heard of people putting luggage tags on them and just dropping them with their luggage. Has anyone tried that? If so, did it work? I figure that since we are driving to the port that this would be the cruise to try it.

 

Carnival changed their policy - you can't check in the soda, you have to carry it on and it is now limited to 12 cans / 12 bottles of water or soda per person.

I had a GS on my cruise a week ago. There was a hairdryer on the bathroom wall. But i had packed my own and just used it. So i cannot tell you how good it was. Now that i look back wish i had so that i would know how well it did for future reference.

That's good to know from someone who knows. Thank you! I often wonder how out dated the material is that the customer reps and PVP's use. They have a lot to keep track of...

FYI - according to Carnival - there aren't hairdryers in any rooms, including suites. We're booked in a GS which is more in line with the standard suites from other classes. The regular suites on Fantasy are in comparison to a standard balcony in other classes. I'm only posting this info based on what my PVP told me when I booked.

Looking forward to reviews on the port after someone sails out of Charleston on the Fantasy.

Did I read right on here though, the Charleston port requires a significant "uphill" tread to get on the ship?