CARNIVAL SPIRIT REVIEW - 27 JAN to 07 FEB 2012 - AFTER REFIT

[Debsta]

TAAAAADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lots to see, lots to read, lots to view..................and yes, it took me weeks to do!!!!!! :p

 

 

CARNIVAL SPIRIT - HONOLULU TO SAN DIEGO

27 JANUARY to 07 FEBRUARY 2012

“DEBSTA & DEEDS ROCK THE SPIRIT”

 

Captain: Adriano Binacchi

Cruise Director: Stu Dunn

Hotel Director: Ron Ness

Chief Engineer: Matteo Cavalarin

 

There is a full blog in the making but it’s doing my head in as I didn’t do it as we went along (but it is happening – so as it’s taking me so long I thought it about time I at least gave a brief review – although it’s not that brief haha – come to think of it....this is going to be it!!!!).

 

To set the scene, I won this trip in a Facebook competition through a new online Cruise Agent (an arm of a long standing TA). 5 winners were chosen to travel with a plus one which included flights, accommodation and the cruise. There were also 8 other winners for a separate daily competition the TA ran which was a cruise only – they had to organise their own flights and accommodation. As this TA were new (and I had never heard of them before), I have to say I was very sceptical until I got the tickets in my hot little hands only a few days before we left! I can say now, they are genuine LOL

 

We flew Hawaiian Airlines from Honolulu to Sydney, San Diego to Honolulu and Honolulu to Sydney.

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Downtown San Diego and the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel for one night each (nowhere near enough time!!!) and cruised between Honolulu and San Diego with stops at Kauai, Kona and Ensenada, and speed sightseeing in Honolulu and San Diego. We weren’t in either hotel long enough to give a real review but they were both clean and comfortable. The Holiday Inn was a short walk down to the Little Italy area and the Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel is on the Diamond Head side of the middle of Waikiki on the beach and a short walk up to the centre of Waikiki.

 

Competition is closed, here’s the entry (I had to squeeze a lot into 3 minutes!!!)

 

27 JANUARY – WHERE ON OUR WAY TO HA WHY EEEEEEEEEEEEE

 

I am so excited.....I don't think I've ever been this excited. Deeds texts me and says she's ready to rumble.........I'm still packing LOL The taxi ride was insane.....I thought I was going to die before I even got to the airport. Crazy lunatic!

 

Check-in was pretty slow, considering there weren't that many people in front of us. I normally fly Business class.....yeah I'm one of those snobs in the pointy bit.....viva le frequent flyer points! But we were flying economy. But....I'm going away and it's free so that eases the pain somewhat.

 

The queue for TRS was ridiculously loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong. So much for claiming back the GST for my new laptop. Not happy 'bout that!

 

The flight was pretty much on time at 9.20 pm and the crew were great. Flight Hawiian Air HA452 on 27 January 2012 was an old plane (ya think???). No entertainment thingys in the seats. The seats were so uncomfortable (row 38). There was a metal bar sticking into your lower lumbar region....I hazard another guess that the plane is so old the seating has disintegrated. We got a pillow and a blanket. Great. Now what do I use now as a pillow and blanket instead of a lumbar support for the next 10 hours? The flight is half empty. It is a 2-3-2 configuration. The 3 middle seats beside me are empty. With a wink and head tilt to the cabin steward.........I'm in a 3.....wooohoooooooooooooo. Deeds wanted a window, but I did offer the 3 seats hehe. 3 extra pillows and blankets....3 seats to spread out with my annoying hand-held digiplayer (US$15), laptop and gadgets..............I'm in heaven! The cabin temperature was pleasant and not too hot or cold. They handed out a little kit with an eye shade and earplugs as well as a glass of water then there was drink service before dinner was served.

 

Food - hmmmmmmmmmmmm. They handed out hot towels before eating. Food - very very ordinary! This was a night flight, we hadn't eaten............we were starving. I tried but let me tell you I couldn't. Breakfast wasn't much better.

 

https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=6111ff8fdb6d48c4&resid=6111FF8FDB6D48C4!205&parid=6111FF8FDB6D48C4!114&authkey=!ABDjettbM4TGzrc

 

 

Finally we land in Honolulu at 10 amish after losing a day and still arriving on 27 January! It wasn't too bad and managed to get a little sleep stretched out.....I'm not good at sleeping on planes anyway, even if I am in a lie-flat bed :P Have I mentioned yet this is Deeds first cruise and first trip to Hawaii?

 

Customs was relatively painless........they have changed their ID system now. The last time I went in 2006 it was just one finger and an iris scan. Now they do both hands and all fingers and thumbs. No iris scan this time either.

 

We grabbed our bags and headed for the taxi to the port which cost $22.00. We gave the taxi driver $30.00 and never saw the change........hmmmmm! We were to meet the rest of the cruise reporters at 1 pm so we just hung around the Aloha Tower and Port area and took photos, window shoppping, chatting with Art who was in a booth outside Aloha Tower assisting people, and had our last decent coffee for a while (Kona coffee yummmmy) until it was time to meet.

 

 

 

We boarded as a group towing along our luggage. We went through scanners at the base of the elevators and again when we boarded the ship.

 

First impression of the inside walking into the Atrium..............OMG! It's.......there are no words......my first thought.....Australian's are going to hate it! This impression followed me around for a day or two.....but you get used to it......you do!

 

From here we were taken to Club Cool to check-in and be given our cabins. How exciting! The cruise reporters all received a 7A obstructed balcony cabin. Noice!

 

We also did a muster drill in this room. Something I was interested to see how they handled it after the Costa incident not long before our cruise. In a word....DISAPPOINTING. The poor staff member didn't even know how to use the life jacket, and we were told to go for a wander and find our muster station. Very disappointing Carnival, especially as there were a few first-time cruisers in the group.

 

We went to our cabin, 5232, took photos, had a shower and quickly unpacked

 

 

I tried to book shore tours on the TV (we weren't able to do this before we got to Hawaii) but the credit card hadn't been activated so off to the Pursers Desk/Guest Relations Desk. Deeds put cash on her account and me a credit card. All done. He told us the Shore Tours desk would not be opening again today. Nooooo! But Ferdinand did not disappoint. He got onto the computer and found what was available and he booked them for us. A+ to Ferdinand.

 

With the ship not leaving until 11 pm with all aboard at 10.30 pm, we headed out into Honolulu. We caught a taxi down to Waikiki ($25) and wandered along Kalakaua Avenue, stopped in at Macy's to buy some things, then headed for Dukes as we were starving. There was a really cool Chinese New Year dragon show going on out the front. We then went in and sat at the bar, ordered some drinks and nachos and just revelled in being in HA WHY EE! The atmosphere was great, the bar staff were amazing at preparing the drinks and we were exhausted LOL

 

After refuelling ourselves we headed down to the beach and just soaked up the beach atmosphere. It was almost sunset and a beautiful sight to behold. From here we headed down to the Hilton Hawaiian Village (yet another taxi.....we were too stuffed to worry about any other form of transport) as I knew there were fireworks on Friday night. So we sat on the sand to watch them.....they were pretty good and went for about 10 minutes. We wandered back through the hotel, I showed Deeds the penguins they have there (so cute), we got a coffee and heard the Luau music so wandered over to watch the show - that those seated had paid for hahaha.

 

Time to get back to the ship....another taxi. This time it was a limo stretch taxi (Charley's taxi). We said we couldn't afford that and he said....nope, normal price! It was like being in a porno film with all the lights flashing inside hahaha. Sadly by this time both my camera's batteries had died.....no pictures.

 

 

 

 

Back on the ship to freshen up in our cabin we had barely seen, then up to meet everyone in the Aft bar.....at 10.00 pm. It was eventually to be known this bar is in the Serenity Deck.....a fabulous area.....and a bar we eventually found out was open until 4 am, when everything else inside was shut!

 

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After sailaway from Honolulu................we decided to have a wander around the outside decks to get our bearings. The ship was deserted.....not a soul to be found. We then found out that the average age for this sailing was 70 and there were only 53 people under age 21 onboard, predominately Americans and Canadians). We heard some music and headed in that direction of the basketball court – we discovered the crew party! We crashed the crew party but not long after were escorted out hahahahaha. But we made friends before that happened!

 

By this time it was 12.30 pm................we were shattered, but we gave it our best shot, we hadn't slept in forever, we had travelled from across the Pacific, we'd done a heckuvalot AND we had to be up at 6.00 am for our Captain Zodiac Snorkel in Kona!

 

We still hadn't met our cabin steward by this stage.....I think you need to be in your cabin to actually meet him hahaha But we had a cute towel animal waiting for us and our beds were turned down with chocchies and the Fun Times for the next day.

 

28 JANUARY - KONA

 

We had to be up early this morning, so we ordered our wake up call as room service tea and coffee. We requested a 6.00 am to 6.15 am delivery and it arrived at 6.00 am on the dot! We stood on our balcony taking some sunrise/early arrival photos. We then wandered up for some breakfast at the La Playa Grill. We thought it was pretty ordinary and not much selection (it wasn't until a few days later we actually discovered the rest of it LOL)

 

Kona is a tender port.

 

We had booked the Captain Zodiac Snorkel Adventure. We met in the Pharaoh's Palace and waited and waited and waited. Then we queued forever waiting to get off - there was some delay with the tenders *sigh* Could have slept in longer!

 

Ships Description - Tour Duration 3.5 hours, Cost $US115.95 Adult/USD99.95 Child

Explore the Kona Coast and snorkel in the pristine waters of Kealakekua Bay. Your high speed 24-foot Zodiac raft takes you for a close-up view of sea caves, lava tubes and marine life. Your Captain/Naturalist will explain local Hawaiian history en route to the Captain Cook monument and a marine sanctuary.

 

Our Description - You can book this heaps cheaper online before you get there. This was a fantastic tour. We went to Kealakekua Bay where Captain Cooks Monument is. Our guides were fantastic. As we were zodiacing at break-neck speed to our snorkel site we stopped.............there were manta-rays and we watched them for a while.........then zoomed off again...................did some 360's hehe..................and stopped.................heaps of dolphins.....heaps of them! I wanted to jump in. There was a small group of people swimming with them in their natural habitat. Beautiful! (I believe you can do a Wild Dolphin Swim as a ship tour - or cheaper still book online before you get there!). Next to our snorkelling stop. A snorkelling orientation, great equipment and in we went. It's a small area, but what I saw was good with plenty of fisheys and some nice coral. My bloody underwater camera ran out of battery AGAIN! The water was a bit fresh so after at 40 minutes I had to get out. Drinks and snacks were provided. On the way back we stopped at the giant lava tubes - very cool designs in them - one is said to be of Madame Pele. Zooming back to Kona and we stopped again.............more dolphins! and whales! This time another zodiac went beside us and we made a wake that the dolphins rode. Very very cool!

 

Back at the port after a great half trip! We were very hungry by this stage. We had a bit of a look around the shops, I bought a beautiful necklace and some nick nacks and had lunch at Splashes which was very yummy.

 

 

We would have liked more time to wander about the quaint little shopping area but we had to be back on the ship for the 4.00 pm inauguration of Green Thunder!!! It was 3 pm and we looked across and saw the tender long. It was loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong and we got back just on 4.00 pm, so headed straight up to Green Thunder. Some of our group missed this because of the length of the tender line.

 

WOW!!!! is all I can say and feeling very special! Festivities abound, with a special “Green Thunder” cocktail (Midora mix kinda deal). I saw them practicing on it the day before when we at the port and got some video from the Aloha Tower. With AC/DC’s Thunderstruck booming in the background, Green Thunder t-shirts handed out water pistols being squirted.......it was on! The Captain (Capt. Adriano Binacchi) was squirting us all with giant water pistols (this Captain was cool and always out and about and very visible and approachable).

 

Climbing up the stairs to an amazing height.....the waiting was torturous......fear of the unknown - sweaty palms, heavy breathing....... Stu Dunn and Elke (she is the Aussie who named the Green Thunder and won a full cruise through Carnival) went first, followed by Jennifer Vandekreeke, VP & GM of Carnival Australia......waiting waiting waiting. My turn! I'm placed in the clear cylinder - I've seen the others before me - arms and legs crossed - 3, 2, 1 and the floor drops out............OMG!!!! I think I screamed hahaha. It's the most amazing feeling..............your dropping and then you feel the water in the tube and your zooming down and around through the translucent green slide......it's really quick and apparently you've reached a speed of 65 km/h. You come out the end with a wedgy haha and you can't help but go "OMG That was fantastic!!!"

 

I would have to say this was definitely one of the highlights...........I mean, being the first to do anything is always a thrill!........the rest of the ship’s passengers stood salivating at the bottom of the stairs - not allowed in - waiting in anticipation of a ride at a later date on the cruise - it wasn't to happen - there were a lot of disappointed yanks on the ship - and a lot of angry ones! So sad, too bad hahaha - we were special hehe.

 

(Mine)

 

(Carnival’s)

 

Mine’s better hahahahaha

 

Ahhh what a day so far..................back to the cabin for a quick shower, then up to the Shanghai Bar for a sponsored Cocktail Party. They had a lovely spread and free open bar! Note: Carnival do not have bitters....I hope they rectify that by the time they get to OZ!!!

 

We had a table organised for 8.15 pm Traditional dining in the Empire Dining Room. They put us over in a corner LOL I think they thought we were going to be too noisy hahaha. Actually it was in the "Napoleon Room" section, downstairs, which can be closed off for private dining from the main restaurant if required. Never fear, we were still part of the Dining Room atmosphere. This was great as we had a few tables and were able to switch around each night. Out waiters were great. At dinner they have entertainment each evening where they get the passengers to participate.....tonight was single and dancing to YMCA. Different and quirky but I liked it. Added to the atmosphere of the "fun ship".

 

Tonight was also the Mega Hawaiian Deck Party from 9.00 pm up on the Lido Deck. Great fun!

 

From here to the nightclub........deserted! But we made it work hehe. We started the dancing crazy - you know the P&O dances we all get into like nutbush shuffle, stop, etc........we'll we started it and the crazed caught on around the ship LOL As previously noted the average age on this ship was older, and over the next few days, the younger people on the ship (including crew and the comedians) starting to hang with the ‘Fun Aussies’ hehe.

 

Ahhhh another full day and by 1 pm it was time for bed and our regular turn-down complete with cute towel animal. We had met our cabin steward, Florin, earlier in the day and I asked if they had any softer pillows. I hated the pillows, some people like them - big and fat and killed my neck. He said that Americans like those kind of pillows but he had a flat feather one in his cabin which he would bring to me tomorrow.......nawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww I'm special.

 

29 JANUARY - KAUAI

 

Today is Kauai - 7 am to 5 pm - This is a docked port (used to be a tender port). This is an amazing port to watch how the ship manoeuvres through the break walls.

 

We had to be up early again this morning, so more room service brekky. This time ordered THE LOT! If it was on the menu we ticked the box hahaha. We requested a 6.00 am to 6.15 am delivery and it arrived at 6.30!

 

Once again, we were advised to be in the Phaoroah's Palace at 7.15 am, given our stickers and wait. There was yet another delay getting off and the queue of passengers not on ship shore tours was snaking up the stairs. Because we were on a ship shore tour, we were escorted through the masses,down past the line of passengers queueing to get off......first before anyone else. This is where it became ugly! Some old bag grabbed my arm and tried to pull me back saying I was pushing in front of her. Then she was in my face abusing me for "jumping to queue". I tried to explain but it was pointless. Needless to say she wasn't on a shore tour. If she wasn't so old I would have smacked her in the face for grabbing me and given her a mouthful. Some people! Ahhhh but it get's better. Another lady starts flipping the bird at her and others. Hilarious! It almost ended up in a brawl. As if I needed this at the crack of dawn. I have never ever experienced this before.......but I was reminded quickly that Americans do things differently LOL OK back to the reason we were getting off the ship.

 

We had booked the Waimea Canyon & Wailua River Tour - 6.5 hours

USD112.95 per person (no child rate)

 

Ships Description - This excursion combines a visit to the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" - the 2,857-foot-deep Waimea Canyon, and a scenic ride up the Wailua River. Being with a drive to a lookout point at 3,400 feet for an amazing view of the canyon. Marvel at the array of colors created by the exposed volcanic rock and lush tropical vegetation. Next, visit the Spouting Horn blowhole and Opaeka'a Falls before boarding a riverboat for a journey along the historic Wailua River Valley. Learn of the area's historic significance of the Valley of the Ali'i (Kauai Royalty). Take a short walk to the Fern Grotto where you will enjoy local musicians who will perform Hawaiian songs and hula. Your river journey will conclude with a performance of the Hawaiian Wedding Song dedicated to those guests who are celebrating their anniversary or honeymoon. Enjoy a lunch stop at a local hotel before returning to the ship.

 

Our description - We knew this would be a sedate tour......but we weren't expecting the monotone droning voice of the guide and his obsession with “killer chickens” (yes, there are chickens everywhere!!!). Every time we got on the bus we feel asleep due to the monotone drone hahahaha. The ship's description was very accurate. Lunch was yummy. Sadly, the Fern Grotto (which I had seen before) was destroyed in a hurricane quite a few years ago, but it is slowly regenerating. There were quite a few buses for this trip and we were all late back. As we know, ship's don't like waiting and often don't. This is one of those days I was glad I booked a ship shore tour!

 

http://youtu.be/wcZLo81cSgY

 

So back on the ship, we sailing off for our sea days towards San Diego, and it's time to get ready for the evenings fun. I'm wondering where we are getting all this energy from. Adrenaline is a good thing!

 

Off to the Pharaoh's Palace for the early Production Show "Jazz Hot" and it did not disappoint followed by dinner in the Empire Dining Room. Tonight's dinner stopping fun was a conga line through the restaurant.

 

Next stop some '80's music in the Dancin' Dance Club, Trivia in Pharaoh's, Hawaiian Shirt contest in the Casino (and a little flutter of course) and eventually back into the nightclub for more dancing!

 

Sadly, we were about to experience the second medical emergency of this cruise. The first was an airlift drop of supplies by the Coast Guard for an ill passenger the week before we got on (there is footage of this on Youtube by another passenger if you’re interested). Tonight we changed course and headed back to Honolulu. A smaller boat was going to transfer a sick passenger. I'm not sure why they did not airlift him, but this was the most amazing thing I have ever seen......and very scarey and nail-biting. The crew of both ships did an amazing job. It was very nerve wracking watching it from above....I can only imagine how the sick passenger, his family and all the crews were feeling. We sailed close to Honolulu and the barge type boat did his best to get close......first the transfer of all the luggage, then the family members (there were lots of them), then finally the ill passenger in his wheelchair. It was about 2.00 am by this stage. OMG, watching the barge trying to stay close in the water currents bouncing around.............anyway, it was a successful transfer. Kudos to all involved in this remarkable and challenging feat. Bravo! And we recommenced our voyage across the Pacific to San Diego.

 

http://youtu.be/sKz_x_7_T8g

 

By 2.30 am our energiser batteries had run out, and with the ill passenger safely on their way...........off to bed with the notion of sleeping in until.............whenever we woke!

 

30 JANUARY – SEA DAY

 

Our first sea day and looking forward to waking whenever the body said it was OK. Sooooo at 10 am the body said it was OK. The seas were really calm. I went up to the Lido to get some tea for us both and brought it down to sit on our balcony; we decided we would miss breakfast (how much can you eat?) and have an early lunch instead. So out with the Fun Times to see what was on until lunch started and there was a Q&A about Life on a Cruise Ship with Stu Dunn at 11 am. So he told us all about working life on a cruise ship. You can read about Stu below, but he’s as Aussie as they come.

 

We then headed up to the La Playa buffet for some lunch. Salad for us.....but being the piggy I am I had to have dessert as well LOL I'm sure there's a gym on this ship somewhere hahahaha. While we were up in this neck of the woods we popped into the Spa and booked some treatments for later in the day...ohhhh lookey there's the gym - no time now....later!

 

Out onto the pool deck to get some rays and the Master Mixology Competition was on. Cocktail making by the passengers with the crew sampling LOL. Elke (the winner of naming the Green Thunder won).

 

Next stop Bingo. $20 for 3 games/5 card with prizes for games at $100 for games 1 and 2 and $250 for game 3. Didn't win, so what's new.

 

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh chillax time and off to the spa. Lime & Ginger Scrub and massage for me which cost $149.00 for 75 minutes of absolutely bliss! Deirdre had an acne facial which she said was fantastic also.

 

WOW, where has the day gone? Off to grab my regular afternoon coffee from the delightful Jenny at the Fountain Cafe (who knows my order before I get there hehe). I wandered up to the photos and ordered the ship DVD, and stopped at the Future Cruise shack and bought a Future Cruise Letter (can only be used on US based/priced cruises) and had a chat with her. She told me that the new program for OZ was not available yet and probably not until next year.

 

Shower time then dinner.

 

Dinner tonight was DISGUSTING! Cold food and I was far from impressed. The dessert I ordered looked like dog **** on the plate! The food is hit and miss on this ship but I did comment to the waiters it was cold and he was very apologetic. From here on in my food came out hot hot hot but bland bland bland!

 

Ahhh where to next? We hit the Guest Talent Show (hmmmmmm) then into Club Cool for the 70's Disco After Show Party, a stop in the casino for a flutter (and win :P) and into the Dancin' Dance Club for some boogey.

 

Bedtime tonight was 3 am. So much for an early night! But hey, it's a sea day tomorrow......I can sleep in! hehe

 

31 JANUARY – SEA DAY

 

***.....who is that speaking in our cabin that woke me abruptly????? Stu Dunn making his 10 am drone on announcements of the day's activities. Seriously, he reads out almost the entire Fun Times. Shut the hell up Stu! Honestly, it sounded like he was inside the cabin. It wasn't but the sound was reverberating down through the balcony door! I hate you Stu!

 

The seas were still calm but the weather was getting cooler, very windy and not very pleasant outside.

 

With no chance of going back to sleep (and not really wanting to) we head up to the buffet at 11.05 am for breakfast. It's advertised to close at 11.30 am. It's closed already! You've got to be kidding me. What now?

 

We decide we will have Dining Room lunch and until then embark on our "photo tour" of the ship for the competition. I'm still getting lost LOL I have never been so lost on a cruise ship......ever. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's still jet lag hahaha or the “interesting” colour schemes have blinded me hahahaha. We also stopped in at the internet cafe to test it out. My laptop works in the cabin so we do have access there.

 

Dining room lunch was yummy....well mine was, Deirdre wasn't so impressed with hers.

 

After lunch I met up with Scott Turner, one of the Production singers who had agreed to do an interview with me for the competition. He is just awesome, and a really lovely guy. His parents were also on this cruise and they were just as lovely. He was keen to show me a behind the scenes tour but the powers that be on the ship said NO. I was really annoyed about this. Our mission was to showcase the ship for the Australian public. Not going into names of who said NO but it involves an Australian Cruise Director. Not impressed! He knew who we were, a bunch of the Australian public who won a competition to let everyone know about the Carnival Spirit before she arrives into Australia. A few days later when I confronted him about it, he said he thought we were a bunch of travel agents. What part didn't you listen to days earlier Stu? Sorry I'm really pissed off about this and it has left me with a not so nice impression of him. I also asked him if he reads any of the cruise forums. He said no because he didn't like reading all the negative comments about him. Bwahahahahahahahahahahaha. Maybe you should and act on them LOL OK I digress, I was annoyed though and it's showing in my writing hahaha (Stu’s alright BTW – you’ll either love him or hate him – typically CD story).

 

The following is an optional interview (2 parts) I needed to do for the competition. I asked Scott Turner, Production Singer, who graciously spent time with me. Enjoy!!

 

http://youtu.be/uDdxXDUnY7k

http://youtu.be/yXf1zu6-2do

 

This afternoon from 5 pm to 8.15 pm is what everyone talks about on this particular cruise. Complimentary cocktails hosted by Carnival at the "Hawaii at Sea Luau Party". It's held in the Atrium.....free cocktails abound (and lots of drunk people LOL). Shame I don't drink haha.

 

Dinner again in the Empire Dining Room.

 

Tonight was the Carnival Quest (the same as RCL's The Quest). We were told this is the first time they have put it on in a long time due to "problems and legal issues" regarding injury. With only 3 times (2 of them us Aussies) we had a ball and showed them how to have fun and throw away the inhibitions and injury woes. Ahhhh but we did not disappoint and did our best to not injure ourselves to get the tasks done LOL So much fun, no reportable injuries. Aussie team 1 won, with us a close second behind by one point. Aussie team 1 received one of the coveted "Carnival Spirit" ship trophies. As Aussie Team 2 sulked (if only the production show dancer - name secret so as not to embarrass hehe - who I tried to rip his shirt off was quicker we would have won LOL), we were then presented with our very own "Carnival Spirit" ship trophy. Most excited!

 

Part of the group went to Club Cool and others to the Family Comedy Show, and others to the Casino.....divide and conquer!

 

Afterwards we all met up in the Versaille Lounge for the late Comedy Show with Lars Callieou. Tonight he was funny.

 

Afterwards to our regular dance spot, when suddenly at 1 am, the DJ shut up shop without a word and left! Akkkkkkkk what now? The bar was closed also. So off we went to wander the ship in search of music or a bar. Nothing to be found......everything had closed, even the Casino bar.

 

So it was a forced early retirement tonight at about 1.30 am.

 

01 FEBRUARY – SEA DAY

 

What happened to Stu's annoying announcement this morning? We woke up at 12 noon!!! Peeking out the balcony, the weather was crap, cold and very windy and cloudy.

 

Deeds decided to go to the gym (first time!).....I wished her well LOL. I went up to have a buffet lunch and started on another photo mission around the ship.

 

Stopped off to watch the craft lesson....riveting..........today they were making bracelets.

 

Today was a very lazy day. Just wandering around, chatting with passengers and generally just realising how exhausted we really were! Perhaps a nana nap??? Nahhhhh I'll never wake up LOL

 

Tonight we had planned for dinner in the Nouveau Steakhouse and we were really well looked after and the food was sensational. They have a large table right in the middle of the restaurant for us, directly under the funnel with the pink silhouette colours of the funnel basking us in the night light (nawwwwwwwwww, how romantic LOL) . This table is the only one of it's kind on any of the Carnival ships with the Nouveau Steakhouse (so we were told) and was designed by the Maitre' D and the Captain so they could eat together with their families. We were special :D No complaints from any of us with the food whilst dining off Versace plates.....noice! The stairway to get up to the Nouveau is in the middle of the La Playa Grill and is made of see through steps.....don't look down as it is a long way down to the Atrium floor! It was one of our group's 18th birthday so a very special evening for young Tahni! You need to allow 3 hours if your dining in a group. Unfortunately we missed out on dessert as we wanted to be at the production show.

 

http://youtu.be/Gy3S-fND2vg

 

The "Big Easy" production show - I would have to say this is one of the best production shows I have ever seen at sea.

 

Where to next? You guessed it.....dancing in the Nightclub. At 2 am at the regular close up we were all still keen to keep going.......Casino bar closed, so we decided to head up to the Serenity Deck for a chat. OMG the Serenity Bar is open....and it stays open until 4 am!!! It was freezing up here though. Everyone went and got Doonas from their beds hahaha

 

Bedtime again and tomorrow's mission was to be up in time to have Main Dining breakfast!

 

02 FEBRUARY – SEA DAY

 

So the alarm goes off and we both roll over and go what are we thinking LOL But it was our plan to hit Main Dining breakfast. I hate the bacon on this ship! I wasn't overly impressed with the offerings. One of the passengers was having a tissy as we arrived as she had waited 5 minutes and had not seen a waiter. Hmmmmmmm.

 

After breakfast we wandered more around the ship, chatted with people, booked in for some more Spa treatments later in the day, did some shopping and the wind had died down so I was able to get outside on the upper decks to get some photos as they had reopened them.

 

To be honest, I'm over the seas days, particularly because the weather has been crap and no poolside deck chair time.

 

Buffet lunch, followed by Bingo and another yummy massage and facial, back for a shower, Karaoke with Jaye then dinner in the Empire Restaurant.

 

As you can see my memory is fading as I write some of this post cruise review hehe

 

More Comedy Club tonight with Dean Austin and Lars Callieou then off for the evening ritual of casino and disco and into bed, or did we go to the Serenity Deck for nightcaps? Hmmmmmm

 

03 FEBRUARY - ENSENADA

 

We are getting off today finally, and not a day too soon, I'm going stir crazy. We were due to get off at 8 pm and leaving at 11 pm.

 

We didn't wake up until about 12ish. We stumbled out of our cabin up to the La Playa for brunch LOL. I noticed our "do not disturb" sign was gone. Infantile peasants stealing our sign! LOL. On our way out we ran into our cabin steward, Florin. He thought we had forgotten to put our "make up our room" sign on and had come in earlier to clean our room Eeeeeeeek. He said we were both snoring and slipped back out again LOL....most embarrassment hahahaha. No written notes, so going from memory and the Fun Times......so I have no idea what we did during the day but I know we were all champing at the bit to get off. I'm sure there would have been some packing, shopping done and photos taken as tomorrow we get off. Bingo was in there too.

 

We sailed into Ensenada on sunset and it was a beautiful sight to see land. We were delayed getting off.....don't know why, don't care, I was just glad to get off! Although it was affecting our easily agitated American friends LOL

 

Deeds and I were coming down in the lift and an American couple started freaking out at us because we had some jewellery on.....minimal cheap jewellery. They started singing the "scarey tale" about getting our hands cut off and taken away to some slave farm or drugged bashed and raped, FFS!!!, but I have never experienced such paranoia about a port. This was a common statement from people all day....no way I'm getting off. ***? Anyway, back to the cabin to remove our very minimal jewellery and off we go. I want to say I've been to Mexico hehe.

 

The delay forced us to eat Sushi while we waited LOL. Very yummy.

 

OMG I love this place and felt so safe! We caught the shuttle into town (about $3 return I think). At the port there are shops and souvenirs available. We started at one end of the "safe" street and wandered along, stopping in at all the shops. No vendor was particularly hassley......it was a really enjoyable shopping experience, especially for Deeds (as I'm a non-drinker). Every shop we looked in offered us tequila shots and were so friendly, even if we didn't buy anything. We did stop at a grog shop though to buy some tequila and the owner had no issues with letting Deeds try everything. After we decided on our purchases.....the guy who owns the tattoo shop across the road came in and started chatting. He then started pulling down bottles for Deeds to try more LOL The owner couldn't have cared less. It was hilarious. We continued shopping up the street and ended up at the end where Papas, Mango Mango and other "well known" bars and restaurants are. Mighty big Margaritias to be had (the trick with this as they do water them down is to ask for the two tequila shots separately so you can put it in the Margarita mix yourself) and the yummiest nachos made with black beans. Looks disgusting but tasted sensational. One of the bars (Mango Mango?) had a special on for cruise ship passengers, USD5 for all you can drink, if you into that sort of thing. We were happy in the restaurant/bar at the front just watching the nightlife and enjoying land!

 

Ahhhh but all good things come to an end and back to the ship. The Mexican security guard looked like the Mafia all covered up............it was freezing by this time.

 

At the port we heard all this loud grunting. It was all the sea lions on shore beside the ship. Hilarious!

 

http://youtu.be/AZfqI5-9e-8

 

Back to the ship. What did we do? Put our bags out I guess. Ahhh yes, Punchliner Comedy Club double header with Dean Austin & Lars Callieou. Dean was hilarious, Lars so so. Then off for the regular ritual of casino, nightclub dancing, a stop in the Lido buffet for pizza and a cuppa then bed.......and very early morning photos of another ship sailing by........it was a Carnival something (the whale tale is a dead giveaway LOL).....then bed!

 

Tomorrow we get off. I don't wanna get off I could live on a cruise ship (with less back to back sea days LOL)

 

04 FEBRUARY – SAN DIEGO

 

With all the desire to watch sail-in we missed it! We came in a lot earlier than anticipated. I've arrived at mainland USA.....woooohooooooooooo, a first for me. It was a glorious morning and San Diego shone! It was warm too.....we were really lucky!

 

This morning we had to do immigration on the ship for us "foreigners" LOL. Down to the Pharaoah's Lounge at our allotted time and it was quick and easy. Then up for some buffet breakfast then back to the cabin to get our bags and up to the pool deck to wait for our turn to get off. And wait, and wait and wait and wait. They kept announcing two names..........two names................two names........................................................................about 2 hours late, they let everyone off. The atrium was chaos. Many didn't put their bags out the night before so they could self-disembark so you can just imagine the **** fight trying to get off.

 

Finally off, we decided on transport to the Holiday Inn Downtown San Diego by shuttle bus.....nahhh taxi.....nahhhh shuttle bus......nahhhhhh taxi.................what a mess this port was! We saw some of our other group and jumped in a shuttle bus with them to the hotel.

 

We've lost half a day now with the late debarkation.....not overly happy about that with such little time here. Once at the hotel we checked in.................OMG they were sooooooooooooooooooooo slow. Finally we got our room, tossed our bags in and off we went. The first thing that struck me about this city is it is soooooooooooo CLEAN! and lots of people walking lots of doggies! There was a doggy restaurant at Seaport too hehe

 

We had decided that we would do the Old Trolley Tour to see as much as we can in the short time we had so embarked on the mission to actually find the trolley stop with map in hand. OK, so we got lost LOL Finally we found it and on our way. We had to make a decision as to where we would get off due to our day cut short, so decided on Seaport, Coronado Island and get off at Old Town for dinner.

 

I love this place and would love to come back and spend more time. It has a casual and relaxed atmosphere....a lot like where I live down near Cronulla. We ended at Old Town and had a yummy dinner but by 8 pm, we were absolutely shattered! I think the last 8 days have finally caught up with us......no more dancing tonight...................bed is calling! We have to be up early to catch a plane......can't be late for that! We have booked the 7 am shuttle to the airport with the others.

 

http://youtu.be/pMrKSzkHMeo

 

05 FEBRUARY - HONOLULU

 

Up at 6ish (or 5ish, heck I don't know).........I went down to the little shop downstairs and got some cups of tea, had showers, a bit of a repack, grabbed our bags and down to catch the pre-booked shuttle for the 10 minute ride to the airport. Check-in was relatively painless with the self-serve kiosk, then airside to wait. The flight was on time HA15 leaving at 9.05 am and the 6 hour flight went quite quickly (probably because I was comotosed from exhaustion haha), arriving at 1.15 pm. It was a full flight so no spare seats to stretch out in.

 

Ahhh back in Hawaii. I love Hawaii. We walked out from the gate and just missed the Wiki Wiki shuttle to get our luggage, so we decided to walk.......and walk..............and walk.....................and walk......................it was a long walk!

 

No customs, so grabbed our bag and off to get a shuttle/taxi. 30 minutes and we were at our hotel, the Aston Waikiki beach hotel. Check-in was quick, up to our room, dumped our bags (thus no room photos!!) and out into Waikiki. The hotel is in a good location, right on the beach, and I believe for it's location is good value for money. We were lucky enough to score an ocean view room with balcony (not on the Diamond Head side) but sensational view nonetheless (not that we spent any time in there!) We walked across the road and sat on a bench on the beach and just chilled for a bit, toying with the idea of going back and getting our swimming costumes and towels, but we had shopping on our minds! We then wandered down into the centre of Waikiki and were sitting on the beach having a coffee, and a "Waikiki Ambassador" started chatting to us. We said we were going to go shopping and she said the shops closed early today! Akkkkkkkkkkkkkk, so we bolted up to the road and caught a trolley to the Ala Moana Shopping Centre. Speeeeeeeeeeeed shopping! We bumped into the others and everyone was meeting up in the Tiki Bar in the hotel then heading out for dinner.

 

The wear and tear of this trip was starting to show. Everyone was dragging along. We had some drinks in the Tiki Bar and listened to the music, then up Kalakaua Avenue to find something to eat. We stopped and looked, then kept walking, then stopped and looked, then kept walking (this was all Leighton's fault LOL), got to the Cheesecake Factory but there was an hour’s wait. We crossed the road and ended up in an Italian/Pizza place - can't remember the name. I'm sure the food was OK but I was so damned tired I wasn't hungry.

 

We left about 10.30 am and did some speeeeeeeeeeeeeed shoppping on Kalakaua Avenue LOL Seriously speed shopping. It's amazing how much you can spend in a clothes shop when you have so little time! hahahahaha More trinkets from the ABC shop.........and back to the hotel room we rarely spend any time in.

 

At least our flight isn't at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning!

 

http://youtu.be/FMG6My06GbU

 

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

06 FEBRUARY – ON OUR WAY HOME 

 

We wake up to rain!!!

 

This hotel doesn't have a restaurant per se for breakfast. They provide a continental type breakfast poolside included in the room rate apparently. Very tropical and Hawaiian (glad it was sunny!). They give you an esky in your room and your go down and select your food from the offerings. Fruit salad, cereal, muffins and cakes, juice, tea/coffee and for an extra $5 you can order an omelette (which I did....need protein sustenance instead of carb crap!). You then can take your esky anywhere you want - out on a tour, down to the beach, up to your room, or just chill out poolside.

 

Ahhhh our final day and departure. It's starting to get a bit sad now.............such great times with awesome people! We caught the hotel shuttle to the airport, did our check-ins and waiting for our flight, HA451 leaving at 11.50 am....on time again! Still had time to do last minute shopping at the airport hahahahaha.

 

The flight was empty and I jumped straight into the 3 seats, Deeds did the same...............really comfortable to be able to stretch out. The food was better this sector and so were the seats! Not being an overnight flight I didn't particularly want to sleep, so I paid for the Digi-player for myself and Deeds scored one for free from the cabin steward (bitch! LOL).

 

So I didn't want to sleep but guess what................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. I did manage to watch a couple of movies though. About an hour out they come around and collect the Digi's but he let me watch my movie until the end.....about 10 minutes out of Sydney hehe. The crew were great and attentive.

 

And this is where we lose our day we gained on the way over!

 

https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=6111ff8fdb6d48c4&resid=6111FF8FDB6D48C4!265&parid=6111FF8FDB6D48C4!114&authkey=!AD5g020pnVj2wZ0

 

07 FEBRUARY

 

7.20 pm arrival into Sydney. Booohooooooooooooooooooo.

 

Off the plane, through the overly expensive ripped off duty free and through immigration. Deeds get's pulled up..................her visa doesn't match her passport. After a while waiting around and joking with the other Customs guys (they were actually very friendly!!! amazing!!!!) they let her go hahaha, we grabbed our bags, did the Customs ritual and out into the night air to get a taxi home.

 

I was supposed to go to work the next morning but slept through my alarm! I wonder why haha

 

WOW......I'm home! It all seems so surreal!

 

OVERALL IMPRESSION

 

The ship’s decor is very Carnival..... OK she's pretty wild looking and nothing like we are used to here in Australia. Here is a link to the thinking behind the decor! But you do get used to it after the initial shock!

 

Joe Farcus - Architect of Carnival Spirit

Ctrl+Enter

 

The food needs improvement. You are not going to believe I said this.....but P&O’s food in the buffet and main dining is better!!!! (Ouch that hurt!). I found it very very bland, and more miss than hit. The buffet needs more variety and less fatty crap....I’m sure that will all change for Aussies though.

 

SO MANY FUN TIMES VIDEO

http://youtu.be/-orVcY9U5LE

 

FOOD, FOOD & FOOD VIDEO

http://youtu.be/Roeip_S3u5w

 

ALL THINGS DRINKING – BARS/CASINO VIDEO (I forgot the Artists Lobby Bar on this one – it’s on the Around the Ship video)

http://youtu.be/4D2w-pLVHus

 

AROUND THE SHIP VIDEO

http://youtu.be/St7vIbjb6x4

 

ALL THINGS OUTSIDE VIDEO

http://youtu.be/dzrbsY-KadE

 

FUNSHOPS

 

https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=6111ff8fdb6d48c4&resid=6111FF8FDB6D48C4!191&parid=6111FF8FDB6D48C4!114&authkey=!ABbqxGZCYuJ3Njs

 

Art Auctions

 

https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=6111ff8fdb6d48c4&resid=6111FF8FDB6D48C4!180&parid=6111FF8FDB6D48C4!114&authkey=!AHgpcHYMuTFhGpQ

 

Casino & Bingo Stuff

 

https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=6111ff8fdb6d48c4&resid=6111FF8FDB6D48C4!173&parid=6111FF8FDB6D48C4!114&authkey=!AGTRmqqIUpvoRbg

 

Circle C Activities

 

https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=6111ff8fdb6d48c4&resid=6111FF8FDB6D48C4!149&parid=6111FF8FDB6D48C4!114&authkey=!AIPDw247tHfLuxg

 

 

Kids Menu Main Dining Room

 

https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=6111ff8fdb6d48c4&resid=6111FF8FDB6D48C4!156&parid=6111FF8FDB6D48C4!114&authkey=!AKAEr7a-X6TYKxw

 

Spa & Fitness Prices

 

https://skydrive.live.com/redir.aspx?cid=6111ff8fdb6d48c4&resid=6111FF8FDB6D48C4!161&parid=6111FF8FDB6D48C4!114&authkey=!AANgmW-XThUZLU4

 

Room Service Menu

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/--x58UAdgjx8/T0l88NOrXiI/AAAAAAAAAlU/PLFPsN8qoZk/s1600-h/ROOM%252520SERVICE%252520MENU%2525201.jpg

 

Room Service Breakfast Menu

 

http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zkGsabOh1VA/T0l8-R03HyI/AAAAAAAAAlg/_NKzDpXuHiY/s1600-h/ROOM%252520SERVICE%252520MENU.jpg

 

Nouveau Steakhouse Menu

 

http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VdHHTpd6jJY/T0mAySvsuOI/AAAAAAAAAmk/7ir2RKDyG3I/s1600-h/NOUVEA2.jpg

 

http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4OCVEzbNOgg/T0mAzxiwaOI/AAAAAAAAAm0/i3Fpev2OOCg/s1600-h/NOUVEAU1.jpg

 

Yes, I would definitely sail on her again if the price was right. I found the entertainment to be of good quality and variety and the production shows were fabulous. 5 sea days was way too much for me, but I think that was because the weather was not conducive to relaxing on deck and I started to get a little stir crazy being inside.

 

The crew – I thought they were all great and friendly. They do love us Aussies – probably because were laid back and don’t bitch about stupid things (well mostly LOL). The majority are trying to get contracts to come to Australia, so if that’s the case, we are in for good service!

 

There are plenty of bars around the ship offering different entertainment and ambiance.

 

She has two pools, an indoor with a retractable roof (which they did open and close) and outdoor pool, hot tubs, plus the Serenity Deck pool/hot tub. Serenity Deck and bar is sensational!

 

The gym is fantastic with great new equipment – and plenty of it - and a hot tub in the middle; it’s counter-levered over a couple of decks looking out over the ocean.

 

I’m sure I’ve missed out on plenty in this review.

 

FUN TIMES

 

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/114404066/FUNTIMES-26-28-JAN

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/114403971/FUNTIMES-SAT-29---TUES-31

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/114404138/FUNTIMES---1-3-FEB

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/114403836/FUNTIMES-BACK-PAGE-CAPER

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/114404227/SPIRIT-CAPER

 

FUN ASHORE BROCHURE

 

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/114354298/CRUISE-FUN-ASHORE

 

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

 

Overall, the ship is wheel chair friendly, however, wheelchairs cannot fit through regular cabin doors and are left out in the corridors at night.

 

The front lifts give access all the way up to Deck 10, however, there is no access to Deck 11 where the sports court ad jogging track or Deck 12 Sky Deck are.

 

The centre lifts will take you up to Deck 10 into the Nouveau Steakhouse but unfortunately not up to the Green Thunder/Water slide area.

 

The rear lifts go to Deck 9 which will give you access to the Serenity Deck.

 

The revolving door on the Dancin' Nightclub might stop any access :(

 

As for the pools and spas throughout the ship. You will be challenged due to the steps.

 

I spoke to a few people in wheelchairs and they said they were happy with access. They also said that some of the newer Carnival ships now have hoists on them to help people in and out of the pools.

 

RECENT DRYDOCK

 

The recent dry dock from 6 January 2012 to 20 January 2012 in San Francisco saw routine hotel maintenance, cosmetic changes such as new carpeting, wall coverings, tile work, lighting in lounges and public areas as well as the addition of the Serenity Deck, flat screen's TV's and the Green Thunder and water park. The much touted Aussie BBQ has yet to be added and I was told it won't be added until she arrives in Australia (in those 3 days between when she arrives before she departs on her first official voyage.)

 

Stu Dunn's Bio

(as told by him), current Cruise Director, who will also be bringing her Downunder.

 

Stuart Dunn was born on 22 January in Sydney and is 41 years old. He left school at 15 yo and "failed everything". He graduated in "earth moving" and construction work which he did for a number of years working the WA mines, underground mining. He worked two weeks on and one week off. He loved sport, rugby league, surfing and travelling. He was riding his mountain bike and crashed and ended up with a back injury, so was unable to continue mining.

 

From here he studied fitness and became a fitness instructor. One day he woke up and wanted be a "trainer on a cruise ship" and approached Steiner and became a fitness training on Carnival. He did this for some years until he was 30 something and his knees gave out.

 

One day he was asked to substitute for the Assistant Cruise Director and do Bingo and Trivia then fill in for annual leave for Cory Schmidt, CD (another Aussie) on the Carnival Conquest in January 2004.

 

So this was his progression to become a Cruise Director.............the rest is history! All in all, he has been with Carnival for about 11 year.

 

Stu has his own cabin and his mum does come and stay with him and they put a rollaway bed in the cabin.......Stu get's the rollaway LOL

 

About life on a Cruise Ship (as told by Stu at his talk)

 

Crew cabins are on Decks A, B and C (yes underwater!) and have bunk beds.

The Officers, Staff and Stu are on Deck 8 forward

The Chief Engineer and Captain have big cabins LOL

The cabin stewards in training service these cabins.

 

You can choose your own roomate - but it is usually from someone in the same department.

Married/partnered couples are able to share.

There are currently 25-30 married/partnered couples on board

 

The Captain's hours - always in and out of port and emergencies. Sea days the ship is on auto pilot. There are always 2 bridge officers and 2 quarter master officers at least on the bridge at any one time.

 

All crew received free food and accommodation. They have to pay for their haircuts and spa stuff. They are able to use the gym. The crew have their own barber shop. They are fully covered by medical and basic dental (fillings) but pay for cleaning as it is considered "non essential". The crew food is a salad bar and hot food which caters for 50 nationalities. It changes daily with a week rotation - it get's very boring!

 

The orchestra are hired individually.

 

The dancers, singers and back stage team come together as a group. There is a one month crossover between each where they learn the routines. All singing is live There is the occasional lipsync if they have laryngitis which happens very rarely.

 

Crew/staff are entitled to a retirement package after 10 years which grows the longer you are with Carnival. You can get paid out or continue to work. Stu didn't know how much it was (sure he doesn't!).

 

Crew have their own activites including karaoke, bingo and shore excursions, and sporting events. Sometimes they play sport against other ships.

 

Crew hours are 10 hours per day/7 days per week average.

 

Crew hiring age is 18 to 64 yo. Never to old to wok on a ship!

 

On this particularly cruise many non-US members who joined in San Diego for this contract were unable to get off in Hawaii due to having to go to a "foreign" port first. Once they go through Ensenada for the first time they will be able to get on and off any US port.

 

Wages - all crew receive a per day wage. The bar, dining and stateroom crew receipt a small wage and rely on tips. The rest are all on a flat rate salary.

 

THE END!!!!

[CroNich]

Thank you so much for this review.

I have to say i am a little disappointed with Carnival, from the reviews on cruise critic the ships decor is still showing that same old bland and unusual look. Hopefully they put a bit more effort in with the next ship

 

Thanks Again Debra, I'm glad you had a good time

[diy dave]

Thanks for your post. WOW that is a big one. You certainly know how to have fun. I liked your "tell it like it was" honesty in your writing. Some of the attachments didn't work, maybe something to do with my silly iPad.glad you had a great time, thanks again

[DreamTeam]

Hi Debsta,

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh thanks for the memories and a great review of the Spirit.

I was so excited to see the Spirit was comming over here to OZ :D

Cheers Sue & Andy

[fayfam]

Fantastic detailed review. Thanks Deb. It sounded like a very busy holiday. Not long until your next U.S. adventure. Have a great time and I look forward to your next review.

 

Kerry :)

[LouLou28]

Loved your review Debsta! And the videos and photos were great too. What a great experience!:)

[Sandielle]

Wow, Deb, what a marathon! :eek: :) But ..... Rats, I've got to finish a history paper tonight before I can sit down with a nice drink and read it. :D :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the review!

[wildweston]

The most super duperest review ever, excellent :)

[Vader1111]

Fantastic review Debsta.

 

I'm booked to sail on the Spirit in December and have a few questions, about Carnival & the ship itself.

 

Firstly, if you pre-book shore tours (and/or drinks packages), do they get charged to your onboard account, or do you have to pay for them (using your credit card) at the time of booking? P&O charge them to your onboard account, with settlement due at the end of the cruise. I got caught out last year by Royal Caribbean though, who expect payment at the time of booking. What is Carnival's position?

 

I'm booked to travel in an inside cabin. Do you know if these have fridges, or just buckets of ice?

 

How many power outlets does each cabin have? Any idea where they're located? Yes, I'm aware that they're changing to Australian pins & voltages as part of the "Aussification" when it finally arrives here.

 

How big are the bathrooms, particularly the shower cubicles? No ship's cabin has room for a large bathroom, but I got a very rude shock last year when I sailed on the Radiance last year and saw the size of the shower cubicles on that ship. I'm a generously proportioned man & Radiance's shower cubicles were incredibly small, much smaller than I'd experienced on other ships.

 

How crowded does it feel onboard? For example, last time I sailed on the Pacific Sun it felt incredibly crowded. I often struggled to find a seat where I could sit & read my book in peace & quiet. The Radiance, on the other hand, felt incredibly spacious and there was never any difficulty finding a free seat onboard (excluding trivia contests in the Schooner Bar).

 

I'll probably come up with a few more questions as my cruise gets closer.

[Debsta]

Hi Vader

Did you look through this for the shower and powerpoints?

 

Fantastic review Debsta.

 

I'm booked to sail on the Spirit in December and have a few questions, about Carnival & the ship itself.

 

Firstly, if you pre-book shore tours (and/or drinks packages), do they get charged to your onboard account, or do you have to pay for them (using your credit card) at the time of booking? P&O charge them to your onboard account, with settlement due at the end of the cruise. I got caught out last year by Royal Caribbean though, who expect payment at the time of booking. What is Carnival's position?

 

Sorry, I have no idea - in general trying to get info out of them was like trying to pull teeth. We weren't able to book shore excursions before we left as we didn't have a booking number. I'm guessing it will be the same as P&O where you onboard account is billed.

 

I'm booked to travel in an inside cabin. Do you know if these have fridges, or just buckets of ice?

 

Yes, all cabins have fridges. They are locked in a cupboard so you ask your cabin steward to unlock them.

 

How many power outlets does each cabin have? Any idea where they're located? Yes, I'm aware that they're changing to Australian pins & voltages as part of the "Aussification" when it finally arrives here.

 

Check out the video. Around 37/38 seconds. On the desk

 

How big are the bathrooms, particularly the shower cubicles? No ship's cabin has room for a large bathroom, but I got a very rude shock last year when I sailed on the Radiance last year and saw the size of the shower cubicles on that ship. I'm a generously proportioned man & Radiance's shower cubicles were incredibly small, much smaller than I'd experienced on other ships.

 

I'm tiny and the Radiance shower was small for me LOL Once again on the video, but they are a lot larger

 

How crowded does it feel onboard? For example, last time I sailed on the Pacific Sun it felt incredibly crowded. I often struggled to find a seat where I could sit & read my book in peace & quiet. The Radiance, on the other hand, felt incredibly spacious and there was never any difficulty finding a free seat onboard (excluding trivia contests in the Schooner Bar).

 

The Pacific Sun is tiny for the amount of passengers. There is a lot of space on this ship. Heaps of places to chill out. Search out "The Jungle" (you'l find that in my Around the Ship video). Most people don't know it exists. Lovely quiet spot with windows to look out as well.

It never felt crowded in general, lots of areas to chill out.

 

I'll probably come up with a few more questions as my cruise gets closer.

[Vader1111]

Thanks for such a comprehensive and rapid response.

 

Expect more questions as I get closer to my sailing date. I'm no cruise virgin (this will by my 6th cruise & 5th ship), but every ship & company are different and I find that it pays to be as prepared as possible.

[Murrumbeena]

Great review.Thanks for all the detail.

[pattle66]

Thanks for the review Deb. I have booked an interior on Spirit in March 13. I am very excited to try the water slides! Your video and pics were fantastic!

[johndon]

Excellent cruise review Deb. I think i'll stick with Princess after some of the things you reported on, especially the food.

Unfortunately, I dont have the expertise to do a presentation like you did.

Once again, thanks and compliments on your review.

 

John

[fishtaco]

Excellent cruise review Deb. I think i'll stick with Princess after some of the things you reported on, especially the food.

Unfortunately, I dont have the expertise to do a presentation like you did.

Once again, thanks and compliments on your review.

 

John

 

 

Carnival dinning room food was pretty disappointing on our June Splendor cruse,not even up to P&O standards in my opinion,the other free choices were good though,sushi,tandor and deli.

 

For the first time ever I actually couldnt be bothered with the dinning room and missed a few breakfasts lunches and dinners in favor of the other choices.

 

Quite a bit of the food was pretty bland but i think some US cruisers like it that way?

[fishtaco]

Debsta i agree with you on the carnival food,P&O is much better!

 

Splendor was a huge ship!

 

have not had time to do a review because my laptop got The Blue screen of Death the day we left for The States:mad: and is still not fixed.

 

Back 3 weeks and still depressed on how much things cost in Perth! USA was so cheap!

 

I bought my duty free in US at about half the price of Sydney Duty free.

 

Not sure what happened,Australian Duty free used to be among some of the cheapest in the world!

[happyaussies]

Job well done..loved the videos

B&B

[Itachi]

Sounds like you had a great adventure and enjoyed yourself :)

 

I recently booked on the Spirit with the whole family next August (approximately 40 something people, lol) as I figured I am not going to be the only one left here. Ideally, I wanted my next cruise to be one out of the states, ideally, the Oasis or Norwegian Epic -- however not all my friends can afford it so it is off the cards for now.

 

Having started to look for pictures of the ship, layout, etc I found your review very insightful and entertaining! I liked your joke about the 'fun aussies' -- the first cruise we ever went on had much older average age. I think the CD was saying it was around 45ish and we were one of two groups of people under 25 -- we enjoyed it nonetheless.

 

I have a few questions and hopefully, you don't mind revisiting

 

First impression of the inside walking into the Atrium..............OMG! It's.......there are no words......my first thought.....Australian's are going to hate it! This impression followed me around for a day or two.....but you get used to it......you do!

 

I have seen some pictures of the atrium and personally like it (love doing photography, so anything new is good) although my friends sister did describe it as "good, God, what is that?". Did you find the atrium rather accessible? I.e on the Dawn/Pearl, there are venues close by to it?

 

Regarding drinks, did you find the range they had on offer (beer/spirits) to be quite good? Obviously, this may change when it comes to Australia, however perhaps give a good indication.

 

Also, how did you find the layout, in terms of accessibility? I know this tends to be an individual thing but is everything scattered too far away? Or is it relatively close and nothing a short walk to some stairs or elevator can't fix?

[Debsta]

I just thought I'd bump this up...........

[kaseyoz]

Thanks Deb, just what I wanted to read and I have also booked an obstructed cabin 7a fairly cheaply and the prized one with the extra long balcony was still available. Notice I said WAS...It isn't anymore.. :) Just goes to show lots of people do not research their cruises well enough.

[Biscuit1970]

As per their facebook page , room service is not free - also there will be no all inclusive alcohol package (at this time) but there is a soft drink package available