Tradestock

DH says it sounds like a retired Army mess hall Sgt. in charge. Mind over matter..the Army doesn't mind, and I don't matter.😁

Some insurance companies have never covered the COVID test for travel, even after the presidential suggestion for reimbursement. My husband and I have always paid for the test out of our pocket and considered it an additional cost of the cruise. We thought it unethical to declare we were ill two days out for a free test and then experience a lapse of memory on the Carnival health assessment and port questions. We try to utilize the three Cs: candor, courage and commitment; even though not always cheaper.

We booked 2 sailings out of NOLA.

The OBC and low rate influenced our decision to book a B2B. We had the first leg of the cruise already booked. We already have the Emed test kits and the travel plans in place for the first leg, too. So, there will not be a double cost for travel and testing. The OBC helped offset the newly increased price of Cheers.

DH suggested a MRE Flameless Ration heater. Instead of electricity, it utilizes a chemical reaction to heat water, so I think it would be acceptable on a ship. If not allowed, I withdraw the suggestion. DH has utilized the heater globally to have an instant cup of coffee when he wanted it, since no room service typically available. I think this style of coffee will also put a lot of hair on your chest, too.

Might have to do with the first Mardi Gras rivalry. Which parade came first New Orleans or Mobile?😄 Thank you for a great review, and safe travels to MeganGC and her family!

I have been on a handful of cruises since the restart, but not on Mardi Gras. I do not recall the Build A Bear time advertised on the cruises I have taken. I wonder if it has been cut. I am really hoping for your children's sake that I missed seeing it and Build A Bear is available on your sailing. This is one of the few times I would like to be proven wrong. Waiting for my dish of crow to be served.

We especially like the extra "seating" area in/around the porthole. DH can sit in the porthole window and stare out for hours. He loves watching the flying fish..some things money can't buy.

We used to live in a dry county in Kentucky. We had to drive a whole one mile across the county line, or use Class Six. We really laughed when we went to the Diamond mine in AR, and sure enough we found another dry county. We had to road trip to TX. I do agree about the Alabama liquor laws because I tried to purchase Ouzo online and it could only be shipped to the state ABC store. In person, I would have to produce ID, pay the tax and answer pertinent questions under a bright spotlight about Ouzo and Oysters Rockefeller. Once again, Class Six came through. I forgot about this, and thank everybody for their answers.

Mobile has Cheers, plus tax, on day one. It is limited by the types of alcohol that are sold. Ya Man, no Red Stripe for you (until a few miles out).

Just wondering, why do the ships sailing out of Mobile have limited bar set up in the port and bay? It appears full bar set up has to wait until international waters. Hoping for some good links to Prohibition era type legislation similar to, "You can only get tipsy on Johnny's bathtub gin, not Jimmy's homemade whiskey." Hope everyone is having a great and happy weekend.😊

If the concern is about Quick Spit for the mask, just cancel it altogether. My hobby is endurance swimming and actual spit is the best anti-fog around. I know...gross, but it is why you will see most swimmers lick their goggles. 😛 Think of it as tears produced by the mouth. 🥲

I have taken long formal gowns and elegant dresses and my husband wears a suit and tie for formal night. Our last cruise we ate in the buffet, so did not dress elegantly. The cruise prior, we did dress formally and I had to apologize to my husband because I thought I had chosen the wrong night as formal night. It appeared we were the only couple in the dining room in formal attire. To be clear, this does not bother us because my DH was required to dress formally on occasion throughout his career. I like a well dressed, handsome man. To each his own.😋

It has been my impression that the depth and width of the channel was the issue in Mobile. I thought a ship running aground was the concern. I have never heard that the size of the terminal was an issue, since the Civic center parking is used as overflow.

We were there when a marathon was taking place on embarkation morning. An added level of driving/parking difficulty with plenty of cursing included, all without GPS in an unfamiliar city. The paper print out directions did not recalculate. 🙃 We were sailing with a different line many years ago, and chose not to return to Charleston or continue sailing with the cruise company. On a nicer note, if the math calculations indicate the South Carolina ship fits into the Mobile channel and port we'd be happy to have her.😁

I like the White Sangria mixed with seltzer, fruit and plenty of cherries. It is typically found at the Serenity and Casino bars. I also like the Aperol Spritz for after dinner and evening. DH is very basic; beer, wine or good cognac.