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CruiseAddict1982

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Posts posted by CruiseAddict1982

  1. So whaddaya think, BabyRock, did we make the most of a fairly plebeian port stop?

     

     

     

    I was concerned that spending a day at a theme park (especially with an hour's drive back and forth to the port) would not be a good use of our time... but it actually worked out really well.

     

     

     

    If Carol's son hadn't been performing, we might have used one of our leftover "fun" days on our fully-used-up Disney passes, which would have given us free admission to a water park (brrrr, way too cold for that), mini-golf (not cost-effective use of those admissions, as minigolf only costs $15 vs. $50+ for the water parks) or DisneyQuest, the indoor AI-type gaming venue in Downtown Disney (we've been there before, it's kinda boring)... or we might have just gone to Ron Jon and the beach (double brrrrr!)... I'm really glad we were able to go to Universal at a discount and enjoy a couple of rides and that great parade!!

     

     

     

    Well, that's it for tonight... Carol, I know you're the late owl who' just starting to read the boards, but I'm packing it in at this late hour... busy day at work tomorrow (at least I hope so)...

     

     

     

    Just two more days to go, folks!! Sigh. I'm really enjoying this chance to re-live the cruise once more by sharing it with all of you in words and pictures.

     

     

     

    Good night,

     

     

    Did they offer $1 blackjack during the cruise? I'm headed on explorer in about 7 days!

     

     

     

    about 7 days

     

     

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  2. thanks, yeh the water is mainly for my nephew. My sister in law is worried that the tap water maybe salty?! but if they let you bring bottled water on then i will tell her that :)

     

     

     

    so the prices on that link, i have to add on service charge and something else is that right?

     

     

     

    sorry i have never cruised before (cant you tell!) :o

     

     

    Yes they had gratuity to the drinks

     

     

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  3. Hi all

     

     

     

    Question about drinks package:

     

     

     

    We have a soft drinks package included (doed this include bottled water?) my 8mth old nephew will be with us and need water for his bottles.

     

    Are the alcoholic packages worth it? i know it depends on how much you drink. So for example how much is a glass of wine (large) a pint of beer and an average coacktail?

     

     

     

    Thanks :)

     

     

    Depends on what ur drinking. If I remember right long islands are close to $10 each so 5 of those plus a water would break even for me which is nothing. Throw in a soda or fruity drink and I'm making out good. Depends on what u like and how much u drink

     

     

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  4. I have sailed about 15 times on Carnival and was happy with the product and had no intention of trying another line but we decided to try the Mariner OTS in June 2009 I think, Since then I have sailed RCL 15 times, Princess 2 times and Carnival 2 times.

     

     

     

    I agree that RCL is often more expensive but I do think that RCL offer you more value for your $ also we are now D+ plus on RCL which offers us much more than the poor Platinum that Carnival has.

     

     

    You get what you pay for.

     

     

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  5. Reading for comprehension - it's a good thing! The comment made was that 2 for 1 MAY make it appealing FOR SOME FOLKS. They didn't say it made it appealing to THEM, which makes your snarky comment look pretty stupid! [emoji37]

     

    Sent from my Galaxy S4 via Tapatalk

     

     

    Like you've told me plenty of times, if you don't care why comment. Guess that doesn't apply when I use it. Darn CC police got me again smh. Hey I'm going to another thread since you like to always comment after me. Lol

     

     

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  6. Reading for comprehension - it's a good thing! The comment made was that 2 for 1 MAY make it appealing FOR SOME FOLKS. They didn't say it made it appealing to THEM, which makes your snarky comment look pretty stupid! [emoji37]

     

    Sent from my Galaxy S4 via Tapatalk

     

     

    Lol it's my biggest fan again! U want another autograph?

     

     

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  7. I don't require RCI to do more than they do. I wash my hands frequently and sanitise everywhere. I take responsibility for my own good health. I carry sanitiser with me 24/7. Ashore. As well as on board. It's a fellow passenger's state of hygiene that needs addressing. It would not inconvenience me in the least if they did away with self service buffet.

     

     

    RCCL can do so much and I'm with you I make sure I wash my hands frequently and my wife carries sanitizer. There's been lots of times where I've seen guys enter the bathroom, then urinate and walk right out without washing their hands. This happens a lot! Some people just don't care about their hygiene or spreading germs.

     

     

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  8. I really don't get why it's not free but at least if it's 2 for 1 may make it appealing for some folks. Does anyone without kids actually like this restaurant? We have 3 Johnny Rocket's in my town and I don't really care for it. Not being snarky, just curious.:)

     

     

    You don't care for it but don't know why it's not free, but 2 for 1 makes it appealing? Lol ok

     

     

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  9. My take on the differences...been on one....Freedom of the Seas:

     

     

     

    My perspective (mostly all mid-ship):

     

     

     

    Sailed 10X Carnival Fantasy Class, inside & ocean view

     

    Sailed 1X Carnival Spirit Class, 1st ever balcony

     

    Sailed 1X Carnival Dream Class, Lido inside

     

    Sailed 1X RCCL Freedom Class, Junior Suite, Hump

     

    Easy going professional who trains others to manage people

     

     

     

    If you get bored, scroll to the bottom for stills and videos.

     

     

     

    First and foremost, 9334 spoiled me for all other cabin choices on all other lines, except maybe "up" on RCCL. It's the best cabin I've ever spent a week in. From what I've seen it pictures, Carnival's suites can't touch it. If I had to chose a line based soley on cabin choice, it would be Freedom class hump JS every time.

     

     

     

    Since I don't always choose just based on the cabin, let's talk about ++ & --.

     

     

     

    As far as the ship in general, my absolute favorite is the Dream Class, specifically the Breeze. It's open on almost every deck or at least has large windows that show me the ocean I'm sailing on. With the FOS, I felt like I was more in a floating mall, except on the few times I ventured up to the pool or (this was absolutely AWESOME) the times I spent lounging on our (did I say, "huge"?) balcony. A win for RCCL

     

     

     

    Room stewards are difficult to compare because the service is so individual. I've only had one rude steward in my cruising career. So, let's say all I know of room stewards is that they know their job well and don't mind working hard to please their guests! Both win

     

     

     

    Service. RCCL wins for all around service. I say this, not because Carnival guys don't "cut it" or are rude, or don't go above and beyond to serve. It's a difference that's hard to put my finger on. I finally decided it has to do with confidence. They have a high level of confidence on RCCL, which seems to make them reach out and engage the guest more genuinely and more often, as opposed to subserviently. It's this tiny line that gives the win to RCCL

     

     

     

    Balance of cost of cabin versus location. Carnival wins on the Breeze. Many of RCCL ships don't have cabins on the pool deck; and the daytime dining area is on the total opposite side of the ship as the pool/pool deck cabins. I really enjoy being right there by the door of the LIDO deck, going out to get a plate of breakfast for my sleeping husband, and getting back to the room to find the omelet is still piping hot.

     

     

     

    RCCL wins on shows. That Freedom on Ice show is the best show I think I've ever seen on a ship.

     

     

     

    Breeze wins on location of pool deck and TV. Again, right out the door, smell the popcorn and grab a seat to watch movies under the stars.

     

     

     

    RCCL wins on service before and after cruise. Name changes, corrections on birthdays, changing cabins, credits for errors on SeaPass card...smooth as ice. Again, Carnival is not edgy...just not quite as smooth.

     

     

     

    RCCL wins on AM room service. Eggs on the menu, courtesy call as they're on their way, and prompt. Carnival is good...just not this good.

     

     

     

    Carnival wins on dining room waiter entertainment. A few formal songs on RCCL v. singing and dancing...more high energy on Carnival

     

     

     

    Carnival wins on MDR steak. RCCL cooks a steak to almost rare and it's still tough. You can cut even Carnival's FLAT IRON almost with a fork.

     

     

     

    RCCL wins on Cruise director energy and engagement. You'll just have to see it to believe it. This guy acted like he was hosting his own family reunion!

     

     

     

    RCCL MDR wins on SEAFOOD VARIETY. WOW! The different seafood tastes I enjoyed that week!

     

     

     

    RCCL wins on engagement of head wait staff in MDR. Carnival Maitre d stands at the entry stand and makes a few words at the end of dinner sometimes, in my experience. Ours was interacting with the guests.

     

     

     

    Overall, who wins? Both! It all depends on who you're going with and what you want at the time. For example, I immediately booked a JS just a few doors up from this one for myself, my parents, and my husband in a few months for only $300 more total than it was for 2. Right back to the same ship and cabin type...great itinerary and my dad, who never wanted to cruise again is going to love this. Yet, if it was just my husband and myself we'd be back on the inside LIDO of the BREEZE...my mom and I are part of a group going on the Carnival liberty and I literally split it down the middle and opted for a balcony right at the entry of the LIDO DECK...all of it just....WORKS great!

     

     

     

    ***Cabin videos and stills:

     

     

     

    https://rcclfreedomoftheseas9334.shu...com/pictures/8

     

     

     

    http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...GCyQYiF_6EH_FG

     

     

     

    https://breeze10289lidointeriorcabin...om/pictures/10

     

     

    Seemed like RCCL won! Lol

     

     

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  10. Was having similar issue deciding which package works best for my DW and I for our upcoming cruise. Premium is a decent package, however, for $800+ we need to consider between lack of usage on port days and casual drinking by the pool, would we ever ring up an $800 bar tab if we purchased drinks individually?

     

     

     

    We figured a soda package($50) and wine package ($300) would suit our needs best with the occasional drinks (+/- $200) added on as we please. Financially, for us, this would make the most sense.

     

     

    Looks like you can save money. At least one person liked my idea. Good luck with your cruise and I hope you have fun.

     

     

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  11. Eliminating all of those would probably make the price of your package go UP. You want to eliminate the least expensive parts of the package. The pricing is going to be based on an average of real-world usage. By including the lesser expensive items in the package, RCI is banking on some people occasionally drinking something less expensive (like soda) instead of something more expensive.

     

     

    Wine is expensive depending on what you get, but I don't drink wine so it's pointless to be in my package. I just think they could work something out where u choose what you want. It's not that hard and they could do it. Oh well until then I'll just get the package or keep my thoughts to myself lol

     

     

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  12. RCCL should have an option where you pick what you want and create a package off of that. I don't drink wine, rarely drink soda, won't try the non alcoholic cocktails but it's included in my package which is the premium package. I am grateful that they offer a drink package but it would be nice to eliminate some of the things I don't use so I don't have to pay for them.

     

     

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  13. You are going to get cheerleaders for both lines. It is simple, you get what you pay for. My first cruise was in 1990 on the Royal. After that I cruised many times on Carnival and then I went back on the Royal. All I can is what a difference. From the crew who treat you like family to the class of people who you vacation with is totally different from Carnival. I would say the food was equivalent. I feel Carnival did beat Royal in entertainment but Royal had things that Carnival didn't. (ex: ice skating show, rock climbing wall, parades on promenade deck to name a few). Also even though Royal's rooms may be a bit smaller, I felt like I had more room since it was set up better. Mirrors in the bathroom and near the vanity area opened up and had shelves inside for your items. Nice not to have clutter around.

     

     

    Bottom line is you get what you pay for!! Great post.

     

     

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  14. I assume that your "third" cruise with RCI has been since April 1st??

     

    http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=42279069&postcount=55

     

    http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=42051510&postcount=59

     

     

     

    Of course on April 14th you posted that you have cruised on RCI 4 times. LOL!

     

    http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=42430848&postcount=95

     

     

     

    I have my doubts that you have even stepped foot on RCI.:rolleyes:

     

     

    Dang caught in a lie! Can't trust anyone these days smh

     

     

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  15. I have sailed carnival many times. I have sails RCCL mariner of the seas about 10 years ago. For anyone who has cruised both RCCL and CCL can you tell me why I should try RCCL again...

     

    Considerations: RCCL more expensive, only 1 person has to purchase beverage program on RCCL, prefer easy access to food options by the pool on carnival.

     

     

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    Royal is more in price for a reason. I've been on carnival before and in my opinion I got the service I paid for which wasn't much. Just my opinion. It's called the fun ship but the only fun I had was when I got off the ship. Mariner is a great ship and has more to offer than most carnival cruises. Your choice, but it depends on what you like.

     

     

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  16. It happens all over the world. There are raw sewage discharges from the US. I think any small Caribbean Island is doing it for sure. Any beach you go swimming at anywhere....you take a risk. Here is an article from this weekends Washington Post that is of interest on the subject.

     

    http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/is-bermudas-beach-sewage-problem-par-for-the-course-or-a-rarity/2014/04/10/5965a6ac-be8b-11e3-bcec-b71ee10e9bc3_story.html

     

     

    I had no idea to be honest with you. Thanks for the info

     

     

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