luvs2beachit

On 5/27/2024 at 9:59 AM, Butterbean1000 said:

We just got off the Magic yesterday.  We had put together a surprise for our grandchildren, 16 and 19.   They did not know we were cruising with them.  They thought we had cruised on the Vista the week before. The hubs sent them a scavenger hunt type text leading them to where we would be waiting for them around the Tides pool.  We boarded first which gave us the time to get into position.  The instructions guided them back to the railing and told them to turn around to see something that only they would see.  When granddaughter turned around she said "that looks like my grandfather".  Watching the recognition on her face was priceless.  We all hugged and cried.  

 

We all had a fabulous cruise and I would definitely say it was one of our favorites.  The Magic is still à good ship.  We did not notice all the signs of aging others have pointed out.  The one major disappointment was the map channel was not working.

We never knew where we were or what island we were passing.   Also, a crew member needed to be medically disembarked, so we were diverted to Princess Cay.  We later learned one of the chefs suffered a heart attack and tragically did not survive.  The crew was absolutely wonderful throughout.   There were also over 500 kids on the ship and each and every one we came in contact with was very well behaved with attentive parents.  We did not witness any fighting or bad behavior form the adults either.  However there was someone on house arrest we hear from smoking pot.  We did smell it from our balcony one afternoon.  There were no drug dogs, but Security was everywhere on the ship.

 

I wish I could say our experience at the Miami airport was as pleasant.  The only term that comes to mind is it is a huge "cluster".  Also we sat down  for a pre-boarding cocktail.  Two martinis and a pack of chips was $65.  Don't tell me that's the price at all airports because it's not.

 

Now we are looking forward the our Christmas cruise on the Venezia.

 

You summed up our experience and feelings about our Magic cruise the week before yours.  We were getting off as you were getting on.  Thanks for taking the time to write.  

Just got off our 4th Magic cruise on May 12.  Love the ship!  No complaints.  Staff were friendly, helpful and professional.  Food was good to very good. Yes, there were some things that needed repair but all in all it was a great cruise.  Would book again without hesitation.

1 hour ago, Nilbog said:

Not sure about an 8 day cruise, but my last few 7 day cruises it ran about $250.  You can always go to the website and mock book one.  I think Scootaround is the one that automatically adds the insurance, but you can uncheck the box and take that off.

Thank you I will do a mock booking and pass the info on.

Thanks for posting the link for Scootaround.  Lots of good information. 

So in May we will be boarding in Miami and there is a friend who is considering join us.  He would like to have a scooter on the ship but cost is a concern for him.  Anyone know how much one would cost for 8 days?

Hi all,  I need some information regarding peoples experience with the Elite transportation benefit as I have only used it on past Elite cruises for parking at the port and not for personal transport.  For my Elite cruise in May I will be flying into Miami / Ft Lauderdale one day prior to the cruise and staying at a hotel with a shuttle so pickup at the airport by the Elite transportation is not necessary.  What I will need is transportation to the port from the hotel the following morning.  So my questions are: 1}  Will the Elite transport pick me up at the hotel and 2} how far a distance from the cruise port would be a reasonable distance?  ie. Ft Lauderdale / Dania Beach to Miami port?  TIA.

On 11/14/2023 at 9:26 PM, Ashland said:

Try Hyatt Place...great location and good rates booking with ValueTrips.

 

Rates are available for this year dates and 2024 rates should come out soon.

I have no prior experience with Value Trips.  Is it safe and reliable?

I have never had a problem getting a mattress topper (egg crate) when I asked for one.  Just got off the Mardi Gras and the cabin steward provided me with a very comfortable mattress topper.  

We are considering doing a S2S cruise on Carnival Dream, Breeze and or Jubilee.  Is it difficult to transit from one ship to the other in the Galveston port. We have someone with us who has some mobility issues so is concerned about the distance between ship.  TIA

On 11/8/2023 at 11:35 AM, havanadaydreaming said:

Why? 

 

Bathrooms.  Loved not having a shower curtain. A+ upgrade.  

 

Clean rooms. Great cabin steward. 

 

Coffee shop.  Just a pleasure to go there almost daily. 

 

Italian Guyburgers.  Yum. Not the best of the menu but still fun to try. 

 

Teppanyaki.  Best at sea for me.  

 

Spotless furniture and carpeting. 

 

MDR. Loooooooved the lasagna. Trying the surf and turf upgrade tonight. 

 

Casino. I dont care if its smokey but im an ex bartender.  I wanna win!  After an extended dry spell i won many hundred dollars last night. I woulda had a little more but i was chasing 1k level. 

 

Pro tip: if you have DOU ask for Col EH Taylor bourbon.  Good times. 

 

Great fun squad.  Try to find Pedro from Columbia! 

 

Amari bar definitely upheld the Alchemy tradition. Not a fan of the bitter digestif selections myself but nice to see new things. 

 

NYC sailaway was a thrill.  Im a big fan of the Miami sailaway vibe and this was neck and neck (point reduction for drink packages not valid first couple hours). Great skyscrapers. 

 

Great live musicians.  Really liked the CD

 

 

Agree 100%!             

16 hours ago, happycruiser220 said:

Most likely coming back April/May 2025. Waiting for 2025 schedule to open up so I can book for 2025. Already booked Venezia for 2024.

Keeping my fingers crossed!  I do have 2 booked for 2024 on Venezia, August and Nov.  I love the ship but I will be happy with whatever ship ports at the MCT!   Enoy your 2024 cruise!

20 hours ago, shof515 said:

It might return back to New York in May 2025 or it could be as different shipover the years i noticed new york sailings open up around november-january

Thanks for the reply.  I am hoping that is the case.

Does anyone know what ship will be ported in NYC since the Venezia is moving to Fla. Dec. 2024?

Thanks for all your responses.  What I was looking for was info on the actual cruises that would be available.  I remember last year that someone was able to post a listing before the dates were posted on the website so was hoping for that. Oh well, will just have to bide my time and wait! 😃 Again thanks!

Received a promo for upcoming elite cruises but I can't find any info on the website.  I did follow the web address listed on the promo but it didn't work.  Any suggestions? Or does anyone have a copy of the listing they can post?

Thanks

Following along.  So happy to see that your Greenland cruise review has started!

On 8/20/2023 at 3:06 PM, stobe1 said:

Do you plan on doing a review after the cruise? I would love to hear your overall thoughts and take on it. 

Me too! Thank you in advance!

5 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

And have to do it without your fruit juice and crick pot, so no snacking in the hall (well, not self serve ones) while you wait...

What no crock pots or fruit juice allowed???? I am canceling my cruise!🥵

13 hours ago, pohlerbear said:

In a book of faces group I am in, someone posted a picture of a left behind crock pot someone was trying to get onboard. That was a new one for me.  

I saw that also.  It was posted on a group I am in for this Sept.!  Funny!

25 minutes ago, LaRue1975 said:

One of the casino offers I book for cruises or cabins that you can’t use the free balcony offer for includes $1500 OBC. I think I have 4 booked with this offer, it’s $750 for cruises under 6 days. It doesn’t include Fun Play but is 20% off casino rates which works great for suites or a Havana cabin. If you use the OBC in the casino you do earn points which is another plus. 

Thanks for the information.  As I said in my post a casino obc offer would be new to me.  We have offers up to free suites and Elite cruises with free play but not obc. I will have to take a look at the discounted cabin offers.   

Your posting title says Casino Offer OBC.  I have never heard of the Casino giving OBC.

This would be something new to me.  What the casino promos provide is free play which is to be used in the casino to gamble.  If I were you I would clarify the terms of your offer before you start running up bills for special meals and onboard shops only to find out later that the Casino $ cannot be used towards your purchases.

In June I cruised with daughter, son-in-law and grandsons. Like you I wanted to give DD and husband some alone time so both grandsons came for a sleepover in my cabin and cabin steward made up the extra bed and brought in extra pillows and blankets.  He didn't blink an eye or comment.  We ordered room service, played some games and watched a movie.  We had a great time.  Go for it! 

7 minutes ago, Jamman54 said:

Us too! Looking forward to Jimbo's review and any others that pop up! 😎

LOL and then I will be looking forward to reading your review even though I think we will be on the same cruise!

On 8/16/2023 at 7:13 AM, jimbo5544 said:

Can’t wait.  

And I can't wait for you to go so I can read your review!  I am booked on the same cruise for Sept. 2024.  Have a great cruise!

Looking forward to reading your review.  Thanks for taking the time to write about your experience.

Love cove balconies!  Would take the cove over a regular balcony every time.