*OFFICIAL* CC Group Cruise 02/15/2014 Cupid's IV Southern Caribbean - Carnival Breeze

[De-Luxe08]

Cusp79 -- See you at a blackjack table. We sometimes played in the afternoon but mostly after dinner. The Breeze's dealers were great. I had a couple favorites and you really got to know them. They were very friendly. Did you try the blackjack tournament? Never got the chance to try the ropes course. It always seemed busy. That's on my list to try this time. There are so many places to go on this ship so it never felt crowded. That is except for the piano bar and the comedy club but they are kinda in the same area. When did you sale the Breeze. We were on it this past Jan.

 

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Edited July 21, 2013 by De-Luxe08

[Cusp79]

Jan - We sailed this last Feb (we do a "Valentines" cruise every year). We went to the piano bar a few times and you're right it was ALWAYS crowded. I got spoiled on the Miracle one time with our now great friend Laurie who was the piano player. The guy that was playing at the time of our sailing was okay, and he knew our friend Laurie. I LOVED his song about the dysfunctional farmer in the dell. The ropes course is usually pretty open during lunch time, if you ever want to know hit us up we love it! The first time is a bit intense and then after that we would try to do it without holding the ropes ... so much fun! The slides on this cruise were fun as well, well, mainly the yellow slide. We also tried out the comedy club one night, the last night, and it was okay, the karaoke was fun to watch as well. I doubt I'll be out in the sun all that much since last month I found out I had basil-cell carcinoma on my nose ... luckily they got it all but now I'm even MORE apprehensive about being in the sun for long periods of time.

 

Everyone - Also, I'm not sure if we'll do the supper club this time because last time we did it we weren't impressed, plus it was about half the size of the previous ships. Also, if there are Italian food lovers out there, the Italian restaurant is just below the basketball court so it's quite noisy in the restaurant. I'm not an Italian cuisine connoisseur but the food wasn't all that great when we went ... although we went during the lunch time when it was free so who knows, the dinner might be better.

[Flick]

Lots of good stuff to know about the Breeze. We are going to have anytime dining @ 7:00 so we probably will miss the group in the Atrium bar unfortunately. I'm still planning on the steak house for the first night when you get a free bottle of wine.With two other couples going with us those three bottles should just about put us under the table! (In a whisper type of voice he says "guess what it is not doing....raining!") Since all of this tropical moisture is coming at us from the Caribbean and Atlantic I'll bet the last three cruises have not been a lot of fun, albeit wet. Just to give you some idea of what has been happening (this is at the airport which has missed MOST of the rain.) Last July ytd 4.01 inches, this July YTD 8.7 inches!! We probably have received closer to 20 inches overall.

Edited July 21, 2013 by Flick

[Cusp79]

Rick - Ya know, after all the cruises I've been on I never knew they give you a free a bottle of wine in the steak house the first night ... now that might be more of an incentive to go! Then again, with 32 cruises under your belt you're probably a diamond member at this point ... I'm just a gold ... but after this cruise I'll only be 4 days away from platinum.

 

Ryan

[Cusp79]

Oh, and we're on the late seating for dinner so I don't know if we'll miss the group in the Atrium or other pre-dinner cocktail meet.

[HeidiHo]

We have late seating.

[De-Luxe08]

The ropes course is usually pretty open during lunch time, if you ever want to know hit us up we love it! The first time is a bit intense and then after that we would try to do it without holding the ropes ... so much fun! The slides on this cruise were fun as well, well, mainly the yellow slide.

 

Also, if there are Italian food lovers out there, the Italian restaurant is just below the basketball court so it's quite noisy in the restaurant. I'm not an Italian cuisine connoisseur but the food wasn't all that great when we went ... although we went during the lunch time when it was free so who knows, the dinner might be better.

 

Well just take care in the sun. Glad to hear they got it all but taking precautions is still a good thing.

 

I am taking you up on the offer to do the ropes course. Didn't try the waterworks. Not quite sure why though. I just kinda lounged on the deck right above the Lido on one of the sides. That is is a nice spot, seems to not get as much traffic. There didn't seem to be an over abundance of chairs on the Serenity so didn't get a chance to try that area.

 

As for the Italian restaurant, we did go one night and wasn't too impressed. The price is reasonable for the size of the portions you get. I had the chicken parm and it was huge and pretty good. It's the sauce that seemed bland. We had meatballs as an appetizer. You get 2 and they were pretty large but they too were bland. My aunt's husband was Italian and she taught us how to cook Italian dishes, so maybe I'm just fussy. Won't go again for dinner but might try it for lunch, since there is no cost.

 

You're right about the steakhouse being small but the food there was wonderful. The size of the desserts is enough to feed several people. Had the lobster and it was a larger and better than what you get on elegant night, but then again, what you get on elegant night is still pretty good. Looking forward to doing that again.

 

We did the Behind the Scenes tour and if you are into seeing the workings of the ship, this is pretty neat. We got to see where the food and beverages are stored. This is a deck in itself and they tell you how much food carry just for one sailing. The coolers are rooms in themselves. Also got to see the computer area, part of the employee area and the Bridge and meet the Captain. Saw more areas, but just can't remember at the moment. Definitely worth doing if this stuff interests anyone.

 

We did ATD for the first time and loved it, so we are doing that again. Not having to rush for dinner, especially when in a port was wonderful. Usually went between 7-7:30. If the waiters were entertaining, we got to see it because this is around the time they sing and dance.

 

Flick - just in case you don't finish those bottles, I believe they will keep them till your next night's dinner.

[Cusp79]

De-Luxe - Great, the ropes course isn't all that difficult, I'm afraid of heights and I still did about three or four times in a row so it's fun! We did the behind the fun tour about two cruises ago as well ... so interesting to see and yes, if anyone hasn't done it's definitely worth doing ... if you've been wanting to do it. The only other thing Greg and I have talked about doing, but not sure if we want too, is the private captains dinner. A few of our friends have done it and they say it's amazing but we're not all that picky ... although we are creative eaters ... lol.

[ooulio]

Just thought we would check in . We decided to go on the Breeze again. They weren't doing any credits when we booked. They said they had aleady sold out which wasn't long after I was on last time. We booked by ourselves which turned out to be higher than it was this year. WE went to the 9th floor. We usually stay on the 7th and 8th. We tried to go to the Steak house the day after we got on cruise. They told me they were completely sold out. She said the VIP"S were even sold out. She put us on the waiting list. She told me no parties of 6 at all. I asked her what good is being VIP if we cant even go to the steak house. We have never not been able to go . WE tried the Cucina del Capitana for lunch. It was good for me since I am celiac and gluten free .The guys said the lasagna was good for lunch. We learned to sit near the stairs at lunch. NOt as noisy as back with the basketball playing. WE went at nite and it was very quiet. Chicken Parm was very good. The guys are all Italian and very fussy. We loved the ship itself. Elevators sucked which were very slow. Service was pretty good.

[Cruisin Dave]

Good afternoon Cupids,

 

It's hot and dry here. Last I looked, it was 97 but felt more like 100. I mowed the front yard and will probably get to the back yard tomorrow morning.

 

FYI, we are on deck 7 and have late dining, 8:15. We are Gold and quite a ways from Platinum.

 

Hope everyone is having a great day.

 

Dave

[Cusp79]

Dave - Most of our group is on aft 8 ... and I agree ... this heat is annoying ... do you guys have the humidity as well? Ugh, from all the rain from last week it's now humid as all get out! Greg's outside right now grilling up some steaks and it's just too BLAH outside! Also, don't worry about the platinum status ... from what I've heard there's not much of a difference after you make the status. :cool:

[Cusp79]

Goodness, our board on Facebook has been TOO quite lately ... we need some conversations going ... any takers? https://www.*****/487014908030614/

[Flick]

Finished grilling 9 lamb chops for dinner...Sorry we ate ALL of them! Had to stop and take the garbage (bones) out since it was driving the dog crazy. Did I understand you to say that the steak house is full for our cruise? Donchaloveit..I'm on one computer and Kay is on her lap top...nothing like togetherness!

[Cusp79]

Mmm, lamb chops ... with mint jelly!

[ktravel]

Cusp79. What is Phase 10 ? DH and I have late dinner. I made Steakhouse reservations for the night, we are in port late I made them for 8 Pm. I hope I wil not regret the time choice. Has anyone done the Sevis tour in Domican? Looks interesting. Excursion ideas? Looks like Jack,s shack for Grand Turk with beach time Curracco not sure yet. Have a great Monday everyone!

[Flick]

Cusp, you can do lamb chops WITHOUT mint jelly??? Didn't think that was possible! I don't know why but I have decided to go ahead and pay the full deposit today for the cruise instead of waiting until the day I have to make the deposit on one cruise and the final on the other cruise. I mean it's not like I am getting sooooo much interest on the money at the bank!!!! Phase 10 is a great game......

[momofzeke]

Goodness, our board on Facebook has been TOO quite lately ... we need some conversations going ... any takers? https://www.*****/487014908030614/

 

Sent a request to join your page. Sue Swingle Elder.

 

Hot and dry here too.

 

On the ship, I am not a big sun worshipper either. We like the casino in the evenings, and usually go to a couple of the comedy shows. We like the trivia games during the day, and explore the ship. I don't mind hanging out near the main pool deck and taking in the activities, but after a while that gets boring to me. I'm not one to grab a lounge chair and spend the whole day there.

[Cusp79]

Ktravel - Phase 10 is a card game ... kind of like rummy ... it's so much fun!

Flick - I've had lamb chops without mint jelly before ... it's a disappointment. lol

Sue - Got'cha added; I agree about many of the shows on board, they start out fun but then get a bit boring, at least for me. I probably shouldn't admit that since I was offered a job on the entertainment staff with Carnival a few years back. lol

[Cusp79]

Ktravel - Have you been to Jack's Shack before? I've only been there once and it's GREAT, we're going back on this upcoming cruise. If you haven't been to our group page I posted a pic of their drink menu to build anticipation. :D

[AKB10]

Just a reminder that Southwest has released the dates during our cruise. AA is cheaper right now than Southwest for me. Of course that does not include the luggage fees. That makes them about the same. However AA flies dirrectly into Miami, which is much more convenient for our cruise.

Flying in on Friday and out on Sunday does not give us the cheapest rates on Southwest.

[momofzeke]

Holy Moly, I'm in sticker shock right now! Got our flights booked on Southwest and by the time I remembered, which was pretty early ~ 7:30 am here ~ the cheapest "web only" price only had 1 seat available for the return flight so I had to buy the next category up for one flight, which was an additional $200. The price for the flights is ridiculous, but all the other airlines are just as expensive if not more. So I bit the bullet and just booked the flights. YIKES! :eek:

[Cruisin Dave]

Just a reminder that Southwest has released the dates during our cruise. AA is cheaper right now than Southwest for me. Of course that does not include the luggage fees. That makes them about the same. However AA flies dirrectly into Miami, which is much more convenient for our cruise.

Flying in on Friday and out on Sunday does not give us the cheapest rates on Southwest.

 

FYI, if you have the AA Platinum Card, the first checked bag is free for you and up to 4 companions on the same flight.

[HeidiHo]

Just booked our flights on SWA. It works out perfect because our flight arrives at 6:30 PM on the 14th and so does Sue and Dave's so we will share some sort of transportation to get to Miami. Just not sure yet what type of transportation that will be. We will fly out of Milwaukee. It's cheaper than Midway and my dad can drive us to the airport and keep our car.

[HeidiHo]

Holy Moly, I'm in sticker shock right now! Got our flights booked on Southwest and by the time I remembered, which was pretty early ~ 7:30 am here ~ the cheapest "web only" price only had 1 seat available for the return flight so I had to buy the next category up for one flight, which was an additional $200. The price for the flights is ridiculous, but all the other airlines are just as expensive if not more. So I bit the bullet and just booked the flights. YIKES! :eek:

 

I forgot until about 11:00 this morning and a couple of the flights were already sold out for the cheapest rate. I'm happy with what we got though. They are both non stop flights. We usually like to get in much earlier but all of those flights had 1 stop and then when Sue told me their flight wasn't getting in till 6:30 it was a no brainer. That was the cheapest flight and the only non stop so it was an easy decision.

[Flick]

I've been checking flights for Jann and Ken and believe it or not, American is cheaper from California to Miami than SWA is to Ft. Lauderdale. They also are mulling over staying in Miami Sunday after the cruise and flying on Monday which almost pays the hotel rate for that day. I was shocked at 8:30 this morning to find one of the return flights already sold out on SWA!! Anyway, the deposit is paid and now I'm waiting for the confirmation and booking number from Cru Con so I can get more info on the actual ship schedule to plan shore excursions.

I AM SOOOOOOO GLAD I DON'T HAVE TO FLY TO THE SHIP!!!!!