pungo3

Congratulations! The Pride was my first cruise ship as well. Be prepared to have fun. The best advice I can give you is to not sweat the small stuff. Go with an open mind and enjoy every minute of your cruise. I hope you have as much fun as I did, and start looking for future cruises the minute you return home. Have a GREAT time.:D:D

Congratulations!!!! Your fun will begin soon. Just keep reading about all the wonderful cruises happening right now, and know you'll be on the ship before you realize it. Have a fabulous cruise.:D:D

If two people in your cabin want to use the Spa, you'll probably come out cheaper moving to an inside Spa cabin.But, if it's only one of you wanted to use the Spa, you are probably better off just buying to pass. The other advantage of having a Spa cabin, you are very close for frequent visits. I've done in both ways and think my favorite time was when I was in a Cove balcony cabin, and had the Spa pass. My personal preference.:D If you are buying a pass, go immediately to the Spa upon boarding and purchase it. They do run out on some cruised. Regardless of what you choose, have a fabulous cruise.

As the others have said lots of choices. Fish and chips gets crowded as the week goes on and people discover it.

 

Does Conquest have Mongolian bbq?

Love, love, love Fish & Chips. I highly recommend it when you first board. I've never met anyone who didn't enjoy it.:D:D Get it when there are no lines.

I was on the Fascination 7/5-10 and in Nassau there was a family that almost missed the ship. The gangway had already been pulled in. Does anyone know why the were late? Also a ship staff member handed the man an envelope before he could come aboard. Any idea what that might have been? Just curious......

I can guess what was in the envelope. Having seen several people left over the year, Carnival always leaves an envelope with a representative for the people left behind. If they had left passports in their safe, those are retrieved and left to make returning to the US easier. If no passport, I suspect it's contact information to help the passengers get home, and documentation from the cruise line. I had asked an officer about the envelope years ago (after seeing the first people left) and that was what I was told.

CleveCruiser, your review has me so excited to be sailing the Freedom in 9 days!!! Your photos have reminded me just how much I love cruising and I promise, I'm as excited right now as I was the first time I cruised. It never gets old to me.:D:D

I have to tell you, your review has made me so excited to be cruising the Freedom in 9 days!!!!! I know, I've been on a lot of cruises, but I promise, I'm just as excited today as I was for my very first cruise. It's an addiction, and your review has reminded me just how much I love it!!! Thanks so much for posting.:D

Love it!!!!!!!:D

thanks, I think it was me - not sure what I did but hopefully I corrected it.

 

tam

Yep, it's all fixed. Thanks again.:D

So far, nice review. Looks like a few things got duplicated, or maybe it's just my computer. Hope you enjoyed your cruise.:D

I danced naked in my bathroom this morning!!! Dancing with you!! Have a great cruise!! :D:D:D:D:D

I will definitely dance with you tomorrow (but I think I'll wear clothes) LOL

I've done it a couple of times, but I mostly enjoy sail away from my own balcony. I enjoy being able to sit, quietly, and enjoy the sights.

Congratulations! I'm sure you are excited. Have a fabulous cruise.:D

In my opinion, an interior would be fine for that cruise. When we did it, it was foggy most of the time and we could see absolutely nothing! Why not save the money and take nicer excursions. There is plenty to see once you are on shore. Regardless, I hope you have a fabulous cruise.:D

I am so excited for you!!! (and a bit jealous...take me!!!)

 

Here is something my sister taught me... do you take a thing of pump soap with you? It is so much nicer than that soggy bar of soap on your bathroom sink counter!!

I do hate the bar soap, but I just grap a squirt of body wash from the shower for washing my hands. :) I'm all about simplicity and packing less. But, having pump soap is a really good idea.:D:D Oh, if you want to come along, come on. I'll hide you in my luggage.:D

Loving your review!!!! I'll be on board in 10 days, so I can't wait to see more photos. Thanks for posting a great review.

I've sailed the Fascination 5 times and never seen a photo package. On some days, they have specials (like buy 1 8X10 and get a free frame), but nothing more than that. Of course, it's been quite some time since I sailed the Fascination, so maybe someone else will have updated information. I hope you have a fabulous cruise.:D

The Pride was my first cruise as well. What a lovely ship. Go with an open mind and enjoy every minute. Prepare to be hooked on cruising! Congratulations on your pending marriage.:D

I agree it's worth it, especially if you have arthritis. The T pool is great. I went at least 2 times a day to the spa and sometimes 3 time. I spent many relaxing hours there. Plus, the spa cabins tend to be very quiet. I really loved it!

Congratulations. Have a fabulous cruise.:D

I have had both balconies and LOVE the Cove. The Cove is more enclosed, and if you want to sit out for sun, it's probably not for you. But, I love being close to the water, and the quiet of the lower balcony. Any ship I sail, from now on, that offers the Cove, I will be there instead of higher on the ship. It's just my personal preference. Regardless of what your choose, I hope you have a fabulous cruise.:D

Glad you enjoyed your cruise. The Fascination is one of my favorite ships. We rarely get off, but enjoy our quiet time on deck instead. Sorry you had poor service at dinner. I've only done assigned time dining and never had a problem. It must be the Anytime dining that was the problem. Hope your next cruise is fantastic.:D:D

I also carry duct tape. It has so many uses and I've always used it for something. I never leave home without my 'sports bottles' for water or iced tea. They hold a lot and are more convenient than going back for several refills. I also always take post it notes. I leave notes for the room steward, or for the hubby, or sometimes for people I've met on board who want to get together or want my email address for future communications.

pungo, thank you. To be quite honest, I am leaning towards the Ecstasy ship but only because of the port (never been to Miami before). But I am a little concerned about last year's power failure...

Fortunately, you have a little time to decide. You are doing the right thing by gathering information now. I haven't sailed either ship in over 7 months and lots can happen in that time. I had a little trouble with the staff of the Sensation during my back to back, but those people could very well be gone by now. Both ships were in good condition and I loved both cruises. I'm sure there will be people sailing soon who can give you more current information. Good luck and happy sailing.

I have sailed on both ships. They are both smaller, older ships but very well maintained. I'm sure you'd be happy on either of them but I enjoyed my Ecstasy cruise a little more than the Sensation. The crew/staff on the Ecstasy seemed nicer and more competent to me. It's just a personal preference and I'm sure others may have had a different experience. Perhaps you can decide on which ship has the better deal for the time you want to sail. I hope you have a fantastic cruise.:D