Kfoot

A question about My Time dining. Per the web site if you select My Time dining you pay Prepaid Gratuities. Are these extra fees or just paid in advance instead of at the end?

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You're just paying for your gratuities in advance, instead of having it added to your bill on the last day. I love to prepay my gratuities regardless of dining option. One less expense to worry about at the end of my cruise.

A Mediterranean cruise is on my bucket list for late 2018 or around May of 2019. I've heard that in May the weather can be "iffy". So I'm not quite sure when would be the best time to go. How was the weather for you? So far it seems you had good weather. Also, did you do your currency exchange at home or can you do on the ship also? Looking fwd to the rest of your review.

WOW! Love the sail away video. Appreciate the time and effort you put into making this. Looking fwd to more of your report and videos.

We will be on this ship Sept 25. Different itinerary. We will be leaving out of Miami though. Not my favorite port. My aunt that lives in Toronto will be joining me on this trip. We did get all 4 perks included when we booked. So I'm

looking fwd to seeing pics of the ship and what the premium beverage package entails. Thanks

Thanks for the review. We were on this ship about 2 years ago and had to say we didn't enjoy the ship. Glad to see it now has waterworks. We did this itinerary on the Magic last year and totally loved the Western Caribbean. We had Costa Maya instead of GC and was happy we did. If you haven't sail the Magic you should definitely check it out.

You can check out Viators website. I know they have a sunset cruise excursion.

No big screen on this boat only movies on the TV's and they were not new movies

Paradise is schedule for dry dock next year, maybe they'll put big screen on deck then.

The cruise is at the end of August on Equinox - just in time before school restarts ;).

We've cruised around the third week of August for the past 8+ years and never once had a problem. We've done the western and eastern during these times.

This August were doing the southern islands. It's true that hurricane is very rare down in these parts.

Another beautiful island with dangerous locals , I'll pass.

US is a beautiful country with dangerous locals. Be aware in some places even in daylight.

Went to Dominica in 2014 on the Splendor repositioning cruise. It's really a beautiful island. Got me some nutmeg and lovely souvenirs.

I'm A 37 year old male African American and I love cruising at least once a year. For me it's something I love to do and obsess about like most other people who spend any amount of time on Cruise Critic. I grew up cruising back in 90's and it's an experience I love to share with my own children. To broaden the scope my extended family has always included a cruise family reunion as part of our larger family gatherings. I can admit that my feelings about cruising might not be typical, but I've never felt isolated as a minority cruiser. I've always enjoyed getting to know fellow cruisers from all walks of life and share my cruising experiences with people who are equally passionate about the cruising lifestyle.

Have you done a European cruise yet? How was it for you? I never felt isolated as a minority cruising the Caribbean either. But I do have some anxiety in cruising the Mediterranean. Currently looking at itineraries for 2018. Im not going to let my anxiety stop me from going though.

I read an article in a travel industry publication a few years ago that addressed this question, and the research showed two things:

 

1. Cruise lines did not do a good job of marketing to an African American demographic; and,

2. Many African Americans polled preferred to travel to land based resort-type destinations within the geographic region that they live in. If I recall correctly, it had to do with multi-generational participation.

 

I believe that Disney probably has done the best job of targeting the African American consumer, and personally feel that Cunard and the luxury lines have done the poorest job. I just thumbed through a 24 or so page brochure from Regent which didn't show a single person of color. Very unfortunate as it is a significant and expanding market share they are missing.

I've done both land based vacations -AI and the regular Caribbean cruises. When I look at any vacation brochures I look to see if any African Americans are in the pics. If not then I don't go there. It's crazy I know. But that's just me, and the things I look at.

You are correct IMO that the industry is lacking when it come to advertising to the African American demographic.

Was it the though Carnival?

Yes the Salsa, Salsa and Margarita tour we booked thru Carnival. I had called the company directly and they told me they only take reservations thru the cruise line. It was a lot of fun

We did the Salsa, Salsa and Margaritas excursion and totally enjoyed it.

I'm African-Caribbean and currently looking/shopping for a Mediterranean cruise for 2018. My biggest concern is how will I be treated when I'm over. Especially staying at hotels 2 days before or after the cruise. Going out to eat and explore the country etc. It's not stopping me from going but I'm concern none the less.

I don't know his schedule but I can attest to how great he is. We were on the Magic last August, and I have to say out of about 10 cruises with Carnival he is #1 in my book.

The CD's doesn't make or break my cruise, but he stands out with me. I hope you get to enjoy him.

If that is indeed the new ship, then I like the design/art on the hull. Clean and simple. They don't need a lot of art

Ike NCL.

Isn't Celebrity schedule out already? I wonder if Celebrity would do well in PC with the Saturday slot at T1?

OOOOOO I would love it if Celebrity gives PC a try.

That person may be complaining about Dr E on the Magic. He did quite a few different accents when we were on there last August. I'm from the Caribbean and I found his impression to be hilarious. I enjoyed it. Makes you pay attention as the OP said. Breaks up the dull, boring announcement others do.

Seems like I've been waiting forever for the 2018 release. They did say the week of March 6. Thankfully that's next week.

Love the Breeze journeys itinerary from PC. Will have to look at closer.

71 days...a quick 3 day getaway before my 8 day cruise in August

Hello,

I'm watching your review since I will be cruising aboard the Navigator in December. This will be my first cruise and I'm extremely excited.

 

Thank you for letting me take part.

You'll be getting on, while I'm getting off. Doing the ABC's Islands.

Salsa, Salsa and Margarita excursion with Carnival. Unlimited Margarita was served at the venue while they teach you how to make 3 different authentic salsa. For those that don't drink alcohol, they had non alcoholic Margarita

I've done a few cruises in August because that's the only time my sister is able to go with her 2 kids. Yes there are a lot of kids, but I hardly ever notice them. Like one poster says, they are well behaved on the ship. Sure there are a few bad apples but overall I have no issue at all. I'm one who have very little tolerance when it comes to kids, but so far absolutely no issues.

I didn't know inside cabins hold 5 ppl. It's going to be a tight squeeze. What are the age groups? Our first cruise we did 4 in an inside. It was ok for 2 adults n 2 kids. Now we do OV or Balcony

Karen I looked at the Escape and we didn't care for the ports for our time frame you are right I wanted less sea days too!

Since I'm the vacation planner for my family,I generally spend a couple weeks going back and forth between cruise lines, itineraries and cost. By the time I book I am confident in my decision.

I'm like you. I prefer less sea days. Example - I'm satisfied with a 7 days cruise with only 2 sea days not 3.