lesters

I love starting off the cruise with a night at the Steakhouse.

We kicked off our Magic cruise last month with my parents with a night here.  We treated ourselves to a 50% off bottle of Dom AND the Wine Pairing (on Cheers).  It was a fabulous evening - celebrating being on a cruise with my parents (along with DH), this was after my dad had a massive stroke 5 years ago - so super special to have been on that trip with them.

The food was great, service was even better.

I didn't take a lot of pictures of the food - too busy having a great time! 

3 hours ago, carrieluvsgreg said:

Oh we LOVE cloud 9 spa cabins so I would've jumped all over that!! For perspective, the pass for the week would cost around $150 for each...

Yeah I was torn to be honest but after 8 cruises I still have not set foot in one - and I love spas on land based holidays LOL

Will see about a day pass to check it out this time.

4 minutes ago, sunonfire said:

Just curious how did you book your cruise?

Ourselves using the website - it is how we have booked all our cruises since our first one.

Hey folks

I often see people posting about what they were offered for an upgrade so I thought I'd share as a point of reference for others.  Our decision was to pass on this offer.  

Booked on a 6 Day Alaskan cruise out of Seattle on the Luminosa, June 15th.  This is our first Alaskan cruise and yes we are some of those annoying casino deal people.... so jumped on the offer.  This was the only date that worked between life and work schedules, could have had a 7 day but those dates did not work.   And yes our casino deal was $100 per person for the first two on a balcony, our DD decided to join us on this adventure (she's 20) and her rate was $70... for the cruise, $200 OBC for the cabin.  Plus the port fees and taxes which were quite high compared to what we are used to on Carribean cruises.. but I digress...

Today as I went in to make our final payment I had an offer for an upgrade - $226 to move up one deck (almost exactly on top of our existing balcony cabin) to a Spa Cabin category.     We've never done a spa cabin and TBH I was tempted - the idea of access to the  warmer spa therapy pool on the cooler cruise sounded great but I can just purchase a day pass if I become so inclined to try it out.   As well with so little information yet about this ship it was hard to justify the cost.  I would rather put the $$ towards adventures in Alaska - which will be food focused LOL, bring on the crab!!!  

So there you go - for anyone tracking upgrade offers it could have been $226 for the three of us to go up one deck to a spa cabin.    Hope whoever chooses this option enjoys it!

You don’t say which ship you are on, I may have missed it. 
 

But, if you have a Seafood Shack the calamari baskets on the Magic last month were fantastic.  A minor upcharge for a treat that was made to order.   We ended picking these up a couple of times for an afternoon snack - a good portion and the dipping sauce was very good. 

My husband who is certified (lol multiple meanings on that one lol) dove on our cruise to Bonaire. - he booked this independently. I mention it because Bonaire is known as a divers bucket list location and had many dive shops. 
 

he had two dives the morning of our day in Bonaire and I met him for a l’été lunch before returning to the ship.  
 

With some research you will likely find a shop who offers beginner dives.  

We are taking our first Alaskan cruise this June out of Seattle and I was comparing the cost of buying the premium wifi online (DD may have an online class) compared with our providers US roaming and it might be better to just add on the US package (we are SaskTel).  I am  planning on having a chat with them directly as well but in the meantime… Curious if the Alaskan cruise is all US roaming or if you are « international » and then flip into that type of expensive rate.  
 

As always thanks for any insight!

59 minutes ago, lasekeye said:

Hi, I’m Celiac too & have been cruising for many years with Carnival (home 1 week since our last) & alway have YTD.

I prefer to eat at the MDR for evening & for Sea Day Brunch, for a few reasons….but it def is easier eating GF there.  Yes, the menue does have a symbol showing what’s GF & another symbol showing what is gluten free available (just pre order the night before).  The head table waiter always asks for my next night’s order (they will also take the morning order..but I usually have fruit & the always gf yogurt and granola parfait (I order an extra plain yogurt to go with it as the parfait has a very high ratio of the granola to yogurt), then I mix it all together on a plate…so I don’t pre order.

In the evening after being seated, I let the table staff know that I have pre ordered my meal.  They confirm my meal on their computer.  
The kitchen is also able to tweak items that aren’t usually always gf or gf available..eg the fried mozzarella sticks and the fried prawns…yummy, don’t hesitate to ask if there is something that you would like.

The dessert part of the menue doesn’t show many gf options other than the always available, fruit plate, chocolate melting cake or ice cream.  I quite often ask for the banana split (from the child’s menue).

40 minutes ago, ozzie0075 said:

I have celiac and just got off the Magic this past weekend. We had YTD and had no issues. Each night our waiter would let me submit my order for both breakfast and dinner the next day.

 

When I sit down at the table, I would tell the waiter about my celiac. They will pull the order and confirm it with me.  They would bring gluten free bread if asked. 

 

I could pretty much order anything off the menu and they would tweak it to make it gluten free.  Desert wise I pretty much stuck to the melting cake each night, although one night I did have the Creme Brulle.  They did have different gluten free cake options on the lunch buffet. They would cut a fresh piece with a clean knife when I asked.  I also had ice cream out of the machine without issue. 

 

This was my first Carnival Cruise after being diagnosed and it was such a good experience, we booked another cruise the day we got off.  

 

Let me know if you have any questions. 

Thank you both so much!!!!  DD is very excited to know that dining should be easy - its not always that way at home so to have a vacation and being able to eat the good things too will be fantastic!!!

We are heading to Alaska in June on the Luminosa and our daughter has decided to join in on the fun!

This will be her first cruise since being diagnosed with Celiac Disease.  I know there is now the Menu Mate which is fantastic and this should provide a ton of guidance on what she can or can't eat.  

Curious about people's experience with suppers - we are typically YTD people, but are currently waitlisted on this.  We just booked this past week so this is as last minute booking as we tend to be.    I have done some reading and have noted that some folks have ordered their dining meals the day before to ensure safety, avoid cross contamination etc. I believe they typically were set dining times.   So my question is (along with looking for any advice or experiences to ensure things go well) is should we just go with the set dining time - it would be the late seating that is available.  (She is 20 so not a child and this time is fine)  Or if we are able to get YTD is this is still an option that works with dietary issues.

Thanks everyone for any insight.  I know there is a special forum about dietary stuff but looking for Carnival specific info and experiencs.

Thanks!

On 2/27/2023 at 7:03 AM, Robpuffdaddy said:

I have one specific question on Cheers and it relates to the morning we get off the ship.  Will I be able to go to to the Java Blue coffee shop on the morning before we leave the ship and get our coffee and be covered by Cheers?  I am not looking for any alcoholic drinks that morning, just my coffee.  What are your recent experiences with Cheers and the coffee bar?

Yes you can.  Off the Magic last month in Port Canaveral (since so many are asking about the port as that does make a difference)  and the morning of debarkation we were hanging out near the Java Blue shop and I went and got not only a coffee but an Irish Coffee and a bottle of water still with my Cheers.   I had always wondered about this myself and was happy to learn it was possible!!!  

I actually had time to get a couple but only had one... LOL

21 minutes ago, chasinraynbowz said:

When playing Bingo on board, I know that you have to be 18 or older.  Can my grandsons (16 and 12) attend with me?  Can I let them mark the cards if I yell Bingo (which probably won't happen... lol)?  

 

No drama please.  Just asking a simple question.

 

Thanks

Yes you can.  We have done this over the years with our daughter. 

And this is not just a Carnival situation - we did this on our very first cruise which was a Disney cruise.  It was filled with families all working together on their bingo cards.   

Thanks everyone 

Hello CC Alaska Folks!

Working on planning our first Alaskan cruise - have booked a balcony on the Carnival Luminosa departing June 15th.

Originally it was just going to be DH and myself but DD (20) has decided to jump in on the fun.  Her last cruise was on the Elation in 2020 before things went well .... you know.   On that one, for the first time in her 5 cruises she was super impacted by the motion.  We had stayed in an aft extended balcony and there was more movement than normal.   She's a bit concerned about this and its the one thing that is holding her a bit back on this cruise.

We've gone on 2 cruises since then without her - but she is ready to give it another try.

Curious if you have any insight.  I am sure once we get to Alaska and that portion of the cruise it will be smooth and beautiful but wondering about experiences on the journey out of Seattle. 

I know so many variables that nothing is guaranteed but just hoping for a bit of info to help planning and managing expectations.  

I can't wait - we have a balcony booked - mid ship so that will help movement wise as well this time around for her.  

I'm diving into previous posts to try and learn what I can!  We are not cruise line excursion type of people - prefer to wander on our own, or book things independently.   Love finding a great local restaurant for amazing food and people watching!  So will likely have more questions along the way!

Have as great day everyone!

9 minutes ago, sanmarcosman said:

People here say the basic rates are higher for the FFS cruises and I have looked and seen this to be true. So there's that to consider in the value of a cruise with JH. Thanks for the information.

I can't comment on that.  We ended up on this cruise after originally booking one out of Galveston for later in February.  After looking at how insane $$ flights from Saskatoon to Houston were, we started looking at other options.  Then I received a notification about upcoming Brian Christopher Casino cruises on Carnival -  my DH loves him and follows his videos.  We were able to move from our Galveston plan to this one out of PC - much better flights as well.   We had casino rates that were higher than we normally pay  - $1600 for a balcony (double occupancy).  We booked two rooms at this rate - DH had $500 OBC and I had $200 OBC.  We took my parents along and did the old switcheroo once on board - gave them my $200 OBC.  

Not sure what the rate was without the BC element.  It was after we booked that we found it out was not only a Brian Christopher Slots cruise but a JH FFS.  So we had TONS of options for group parties etc.  Participated minimally in both LOL - did the group slot pull with BC, the welcome party and got to play in the casino with him a few times.  I really should write up a summary of this trip LOL

At any rate - I wanted to share what we had paid for our sailing as info as well.

We were on the last on - FFS 5 - and to be honest even though we had paid for the "excursion" to be included in the events - $25 pp we didn't do a single party or event LOL

I wasnt sure what all was going to be involved so didnt want to miss out on anything cool or fun but the times of events didnt really work for us and I wasn't interested in standing in lines for a picture.  I enjoy his updates on FB - but wasnt too concerned with a bunch of participation in events. 

I did however stand in line on the last day - to get the FFS gift - which were fairly nice to go style coffee mugs.  It was a nice souvenir of the cruise in general so I was happy with them.  

Did I get the value of $25 pp - probably not but that was more about me not jumping into any events or parties that had drinks included etc.    I don't think I'd be too fussed about doing it again but it was fun to see what the options were and how it all worked.

Looking forward to more insights of this ship.  Thinking of booking an Alaskan sailing this June on her. 

1 hour ago, Saint Greg said:

I got a mocha this morning. I got an Americano the other morning. 
 

On our Magic cruise - the one before Greg’s I discovered you can get Java Blue coffee in the non-smoking casino as well.  

Back home after the trips and thought I would share that we had zero problems flying there and back.  Delayed by a few minutes on flights but nothing of note.  Bags all arrived safe and sound and things looked fairly normal in all airports.

Hopefully things continue that way for spring break travels! 

4 hours ago, CDNPolar said:

We have air tags, but these won't stop a bag from disappearing but may help in retrieving it.

 

We have traveled internationally through Pearson several times over the past 2 months.  We see all the media scandal of what a mess Pearson is/was, but we have not experienced this at all.  We have sailed smoothly through checkin, security, and boarding and had no issues.  

 

I am not saying that chaos has not happened, but I do believe the media grabs a picture of chaos and then it goes viral, but this is a moment in time.  

 

3 times through Pearson in the last two months - round trips - and we saw none of this chaos.

 

Pack necessary one or two days of clothes / shoes in your carry on.  Be prepared for the worst.

Thank you @CDNPolar for the info I was looking for!   That is exactly our plan.  

There was a post specific to Pearson but it’s divulged into COVID status checks so I am trying a fresh post!

My daughter leaves for Ottawa on Friday via westjet for the weekend (not cruise related but asking) and we leave next Saturday for Orlando via Toronto for our cruise out of Miami. 
 

AirTags are in place and I am checking bags.  Just not manageable otherwise.  
 

Any recent experiences?  I haven’t heard or seen pictures of mass chaos lately so hoping things have improved!

3 hours ago, Bostwick girl said:

We are on Magic for John Heald’s FFS cruise. If this is the one you’re on, hope you all have a great time!

 

Thanks it is!!  Very much looking forward to it

Thanks everyone!  I want this trip to be so special and great for my parents.  
 

i appreciate the insights and ideas!

officially less than 2 weeks to go - whoop whoop

4 hours ago, jimbo5544 said:

Been cruising a long time.  Will never understand this.  

This will be us on embarcation unfortunately… due to offers we have two rooms booked - one in DH’s name one in mine.  Once on board we need to go to guest services to move names/room cards around so that I’m in the room with hubby and my parents are in their room.  
 

if it’s too long we may muddle around for bit but need to get it sorted on day 1.  
 

Another cruise I had to go to guest services shortly after embarcation as my credit card wasn’t going through.  So lots of reasons why and it’s always a pain… dreading it already 

btw - have Celebration booked for October so loving following along - getting me through the next two weeks until I sail on the Magic.  

I know this seems very specific and kind of random …. Lol

We are in final preparation mode for our cruise on the Magic in 2 weeks.   On this cruise we are taking along my parents. This is their first time travelling since dad’s stroke almost 5 years ago.  In talking about our plans last night his two requests involved sleep and food.  Specifically rice pudding ….lol

Does anyone recall seeing this on any buffets or menus lately?   I hate buffets in general so have no idea if it was an option on our last sailing in October.  
 

As it’s his one request would love to actually see it available but it won’t ruin anything if it’s not. 
 

Also I have major holiday brain and am researching everything related to the Magic and our ports… so happy to look up anything lol

We are just over 2 weeks away from a much anticipated cruise on board the Magic. 
 

This is our 2nd time visiting this port - first time we spent the day at Jack’s.   This time around I have my parents along with myself and DH.  
 

We have rented a golf cart for the day as Dad has some mobility issues - thought this was a great way to see parts of the island.  I’m looking for a great restaurant to stop at for a lunch and some cocktails.   Wanting a great view overlooking the water.  
 

So far The Osprey is at the top of my list.  Any other ideas?  I don’t want one of the beach club places like Jacks or the Margaritaville.  Want a bit more upscale? Authentic? Good food & good views are the priorities.  
 

Thanks
 

Thanks in advance!