SunshineB

On 11/6/2018 at 3:23 PM, coevan said:

probably have more luck in the roll call section

I think I figured out my misstep.  Thanks, again!

On 11/6/2018 at 3:23 PM, coevan said:

probably have more luck in the roll call section

I thought I was creating a roll call in the roll call section.  I guess not.  Thanks, coevan.

I followed the instructions, here:  

We are 37 days from sailing, so I thought I'd start this Roll Call since I could not find one!  We are looking forward to this time away with friends to celebrate a 40th birthday!  Although I've been on many Carnival ships, this is my first time on Elation.  If there are any return cruisers to Elation, please share your experiences and tips with us.  See you soon!

If it's 4 - those individuals can dress up when they wish. I *love* to get dressed for dinners on cruises. I have a glass of champagne while getting my makeup on and putting on something I wouldn't wear in the "normal" world (aka not business attire). I have dresses I only wear on cruises. I don't mind wearing a cocktail dress next to someone in shorts. One of my favorite memories on our Gem cruise was the suite reception in the Haven, where a wonderful couple had matching Bermuda style outfits (her dress in the same print as his shirt) and I was in a very stunning cocktail dress. It didn't matter what we were wearing - we all felt comfortable and had a blast drinking and eating off the trays being passed.

 

 

 

I think my limit would be a completely nude restaurant - I could get over nude sunbathing on a specific deck. I just don't want to be exposed to those parts at dinner!

We love to dress for dinner, too! [emoji16]. And we will on the May 28th sailing if Jewel!

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Yes, but we didn't see any. There was plenty of ice in the water. Was fun watching the ship inch through all of the chunks.

Where were you positioned to get a good view?

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I would not change cabins for two reasons:

 

(1) Deck 4 is mostly a crew deck and very noisy. In most ports of call you will leave and re-enter on Deck 4.

 

(2) On Deck 5 forward you could be under either the casino or the theater.

 

With either deck that low, you will feel the movement of the ship if you happen to get into rough weather.

Yikes, I have family members in this situation who will be under the Casino.

To the extent that NCL's Freestyle is meant to give passengers the cruise experience they want - rather than have to do things the way the line wants - I wonder if NCL might some day give passengers the option of selecting "traditional" assigned dining -- the same way other lines allow anytime dining. A part of one MDR could be set aside, where passengers could have the same table, same time, same waiters and same tablemates for the duration of the cruise. That would make Freestyle really the way passengers want it to be -- it would likely lure me back to NCL

What is it you dislike about the current protocol?

Can't speak for the way it used to be, but I just got off the Jewel a few days ago, and the food in the Specialty Restaurants is consistently terrific, except that the chimichurri sauce in Moderno was WAAAAAAAY too salty. Le Bistro (mushroom soup, pork tenderloin) was outstanding, the steak at Cagney's was terrific (although I will never again try the truffle fries...truffle oil is an abomination!), Teppanyaki was loud but tasty (and they ran out of scallops, so they substituted lobster!). Even the old complaints I had about Moderno (they tend to bring around a LOT of sausage, but not so much lamb and beef) were quashed: I had a fantastic waiter (Srdan: I used a hero card on him!) who made sure that I got everything I wanted when I wanted it (basically by telling the gauch-wheteverthey'recalled to "please bring some sirloin for the gentleman" or "no, no more sausages...bring the pineapple next!").

 

The MDR was acceptable the two times I ate there. I was in a suite, so I had access to Moderno for breakfast and lunch, when not in port, so I didn't get to the MDR or buffets often. Disembarkation morning buffet for breakfast was good, but I stuck primarily to pastries and coffee.

 

O'Sheehan's I liked quite a bit. The pot pie, mozzarella sticks, etc. were rather good, and I did enjoy my one breakfast there (corned beef hash and eggs). Great bartender there (Antony), too.

Thanks, this is very helpful! Looking forward to hash and eggs in O'Sheehan's. I'm glad to know Moderno stopped the mostly sausage runs, I will look for Srdan.

Jen,

Finally, I made it to the end of this transparent, humorous, and wonderfully written trip report. It took me a minute to figure it out, but when I did, I breezed through with a few days to spare.

I leave Saturday and your report has equipped me so much information and answered so many of my questions about the nuances of this ship. There are 15 of us going and I am the "group leader." I've done Alaska before, so the group trusted me to make all of the arrangements from selecting the cruise, flights, excursions, and group meals. I am exhausted from all of the planning and ready for this vacation.

You have me: 1) rethinking one of the specialty restaurants I selected (Moderno) and 2) very glad about the other (Teppanyaki).

I am so thankful you commented on all of the events, even if they did not interest you, Claire, and Skip. I am looking forward to the White Hot Party and I can totally appreciate it holding absolutely no interest for you. But I am so glad you gave me an idea of when it might be: Day 6, Second Sea Day, the night before Victoria. This is perfect.

I even follow you on Flickr, now. I went there and downloaded each Freestyle Daily. It was easier (for me) to do that on Flickr than here. THANK YOU!!!

I'll be looking at cruise staff and wondering, "Is he Mr. Gnat?" LOL I'm sure I'll be excited when/if I see "washy washy guy." And Burly Dude was hilarious and memorable as well.

Thanks for the story and the accompany photos. I'll see you around the cruise boards!

Best,

Sheletha

Any questions out there?

 

We stayed in an H3 Owner's Suite on Deck 9. Will post a review later this week. :cool:

Hello!

I am intrigued by the White Hot Party. Did you attend? Do you recall which night it occurred?

Did you use the iConcierge app? If so, how did you use it? Did you use it for onboard communications or just account review, reservations, virtual freestyle daily, and etc.? Did it work well for you?

If you dined at Moderno, how was that experience?

That's all for now... ;)

Thanks,

Sunshine B.

We'll get the Jewel warmed up for you. We will be on her tomorrow! We get to experience an owners suite too! Excited is an understatement! :D:D

Thanks, kdzkatz! I'll embark just hours after you debark. Warm her up for me, especially at the White Hot Party. Please let me know which night the White Hot Party is on your sailing. Can't wait to hear your review.

Thanks,

Sheletha

Thanks for your review. I'll be on Jewel in 9 days!