vwrestler171

This ship and itinerary are definitely in my top 3.

I'm the opposite. I have no plans to sail on an XL class ship again. I sailed on Mardi Gras back when it was only 60% capacity and even with that low of people onboard, I still couldn't get into the piano bar and most comedy shows. The shows on the Center Stage had such horrible sitelines that it was a joke.

The hotel we normally stay at(Country Inn and Suites) no longer offers a park and cruise rate. Where is a good spot to park the car for the cruise? I saw a few spots, but they will only let me park the car the day of the cruise and I would rather have it parked when we arrive and not have to worry about it on cruise day. Any suggestions?

My post from John Heald is just as factual as the article which got the information from him as well last week.

Yes, it was already posted

John Heald said today that the iMax is staying so take it for what its worth.

The premium vista balconies are a different layout and shape. Much better than the typical Havana Cabanas, imo.

While it is covered, the sides are still open.

Looking at booking a Havana Premium Vista balcony, but aren't sure which deck has the best mix of better room layout and biggest balcony. I know they aren't all the same. So which would you do and why?

I know Vista and Venezia are similar, but im not sure if the capacities are the same. That being said, I've never felt as crowded on the Vista class as I did on a 60% capacity Mardi Gras. That being said, I normally cruise in the Oct-Nov time frame.

Which group is that?

I haven't been on Celebration, but after sailing on Mardi Gras, no ship of that class will get a recommendation from me. Too many people and not enough public space. I was on it while cruising was still limited to 60% and the piano bar and comedy clubs were still packed and many people couldn't get in. Pizza line stretched back to guest services. Rooms were narrower and the bathrooms were tiny. i greatly prefer the Vista class ships and have been on them 5 times with a 6th coming up. Plus the ABC islands are far better than that Celebration itinerary.

Just like on land, COVID is everywhere.

I doubt it. Not worth spending the money to do that. For a 4 week dry dock, they are doing more than just painting the hull.

Any recommendations for a hotel to stay at in Port Canaveral that offers parking throughout the cruise? Used to stay at Country Inn and Suites, but they no longer offer cruise parking.

You can cancel and rebook. Potential issue to waiting until onboard is if there is no availability for when you want.

What do you mean by that? Exactly, just cram more people into less space.

They generally paint everything when changing the colors. When in port, they just touch up.

Pretty simple, would you want to sell a room that fits 4 to only 2 people? It doesn't make financial sense because there are always people looking for 4 person cabins.

Its pretty hard to paint the entire ship while it is still in service. I am hoping for the same thing. It wouldn't be too difficult to rearrange and put the piano bar over where the library is currently. Just like Panorama and Horizon. They usually keep things quiet until it is closer to the end of dry dock, that way if something happens, and something doesn't get added, people can't whine that they booked for only that reason. Where would you put it?

I agree, I've never felt crowded on the Vista class. I was on the Mardi Gras while sailings were capped at around 60% and I will not do that class of ship again. Even at 60%, the piano bar was over full, the comedy club was always out of room and the line for pizza stretched down to guest services.

Carnival needs to take notes from Royal Caribbean on how to design ships. There is no reason that Mardi Gras should have the same mount of people as the Oasis class, despite being 25-30% smaller.

I love that ship and the 7 day itinerary. I haven't been to La Paz, so I can't comment on there. Mazatlan and Cabo are 2 of my favorite ports.

Since they just barely brought out dates to April 2025, try back in the Sept-November timeframe.

I wouldn't count on more itineraries for Europe. They MIGHT, but it isn't likely.