Chrissandra's Carnival Breeze US Inaugural B2B Review (11-22 thru 12-2)

[athenasbyshanna]

Yes it was. But the mouthwash was better :D

 

Got my new organic shampoo ready to take on my cruise on the Elation Friday! :-)

[Anung Un Rama]

Got my new organic shampoo ready to take on my cruise on the Elation Friday! :-)

 

It's funny how a nice shampoo can really enhance your cruising experience ;)

[ardnassac79]

I loved all the pic and the adventure of your cruise!!! Can't wait till summer of 2013 when i sail.

 

Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying it!

 

Topher is digging for crabs--he's just in it for the hunt.

 

Also---if you see him in the water, he is "fishing!":)

 

Chris clued me in to the same thing after I exclaimed about how he watches the sand fling back sometimes - too cute!

[ardnassac79]

Totally agree!!! Great stuff.

 

I'm really enjoying your review:D

 

Thank you! :o :D

 

Wonderful review!!!! We were on the 2 day. Really enjoying this!

 

At least you got a little taste! Hopefully you can make it back to some of these amazing ports... as you'll see shortly, unfortunately we didn't get the "full experience".... makes me wanna go back!

[ardnassac79]

And on with the show....

 

Tuesday – La Romana – Butch never came back on the PA in the middle of the night (thankfully) so we had no idea what to expect with our planned stop in La Romana (Dominican Republic)... however we were already booked with a large group of our fellow Funatics on an excellent excursion not offered through Carnival - and we were previously instructed to meet ASAP after docking - so we wanted to be prepared just in case. We set the alarm on my iPhone for 7am, and I woke up and ordered room service again through the tv, and laid back down. It came about a half hour later, and we still had no new news, Fun Times, or messages through the TV.

 

Me being little miss worry pants, I decided to schlep to Guest Services (it was almost directly above our room one floor up, so not that far of a trek) to see if there was any new news. There was a bit of a line, and while standing in it, I overheard people talking about the delay, and asked if there was any news. They said nothing official yet, but they estimated we were at least 6 hours behind schedule. I headed back to the room and we laid down till about 9, when Butch came over the PA system and announced that we were going to be skipping our stop at La Romana completely, and head directly to Curacao and arrive there at 9 am instead of 2 pm. There goes our awesome excursion planned ....

 

For those interested, we were booked with a large group - about 40+ of us, through seavisbayahibe dot com, on their "VIP" tour... it included a speed boat to 3 different islands (all supposedly not the heavy tourist locations) and had lunch as well as adult bevvies included - all for about 90pp... While I cannot comment on how it was (since we never got to do it) I can say they didn't require payment up front (good), and the gal that organized it for us (the amazing Floatie - aka floatingaway2525) said they were great to work with and very understanding when she had to call and break the news we couldn't make it. Honestly, we were REALLY disappointed we didn't get to do this trip, because I have a feeling it would have been up there as one of our favorites... oh well.. just means we'll have to go back!! :D... and obviously, saving a passenger’s life is paramount. It gave us another Sea Day and since we were getting into Curacao now 5 hours earlier, it gave us the option to go to a beach so it wasn’t a complete loss. Side note... we later heard the passenger had a heart attack while on board, but was doing better... of course that's through the rumor mill, so no idea if that is true or not.

 

Well, after hearing this, we realized the newly revised Fun Times for our "impromptu Day at Sea" had been slid under the door, and while Chris was looking at it, Deb called our cabin and said there was a Super Trivia Round 2 newly scheduled for 11:30 that day. Taylor (the hostess with the mostest) told us previously that all Super Trivia rounds were going to be on all Sea Days at 11:30, and she didn't disappoint, even with this last-minute addition. We assured Deb we'd be there, and started to get ready.

 

We ate breakfast out on the balcony and headed to the Ocean Plaza for Super Hero Trivia. The trivia was multiple choice and with a little help from fellow nerd Erman, Chris got 19/20. And that still didn’t win. He tied with another guy who beat him in the bonus question (not multiple choice) for the ship on a stick. :(

 

This second round of Trivia introduced an interesting twist we hadn't had on previous ships... the "players choice" (or the red side of the die) was changed to "Physical Challenge!"...ala Double Dare style. Needless to say, I was the lucky roller to get the first one..:rolleyes:

 

I had to choose a partner from my team, and all the other teams had to come up to the front with 2 team members as well... I chose the youngest and spryest of our team, Logan (at 15, he was probably in the best shape of us all!). Each team was provided an unwrapped roll of toilet paper, and told that we had one minute to see how much one team member could "mummify" the other... I immediately nominated Logan to mummify me (I was having visions of being totally clumsy and tripping over something in my haste)...

 

 

 

 

In order to judge the winner, Taylor collected the remaining rolls and compared the amount of TP left on them... unfortunately we came in 2nd and didn't get to roll for points, but it was still fun!

 

Regardless of missing the physical challenge, we still did really well again and rolled 4 consecutive 6’s to increase our lead.

 

After trivia, we got some lunch - I got a salad at the Taste Bar which was excellent, while surprise surprise, Chris got more tacos. We met back at the room to eat out on our balcony and were treated to a show of flying fish (the first marine life we’ve ever seen off a balcony/ship). We thought we'd take advantage of the sun, and got ready to lay out.. When we left the room, it was almost 1:30 so we thought we’d stop on the way and try our hand at sports trivia. Nailed it! I once again beat Chris by 1 but we beat everyone else by 5. (I'll admit on many answers I steal them from him, but some we answer differently.. so I'll credit it with a joint win, hehe...) That puts our count up to 3!

 

 

We like to keep 2 for ourselves so we were excited to be able to give this third one to our good friends Ron and Linda whom we were eating dinner with this evening. We headed up to Serenity, which was not crowded and we got two loungers in a good spot. After soaking up some rays, Chris wanted to finally try the ropes course.

[Anung Un Rama]

Well Cassy isn't feeling 100% (she probably just needs to drink more booze) so I'm taking over. Don't worry folks, I'm the funny one anyway :D

 

So I felt like this was a great time to do the rope's course and it was almost deserted. Cass’ foot was still sore so she just photographed me. I’m fairly athletic so I was looking forward to this. I must say I was disappointed with how easy the first few sections were but it made up for it by the end.

 

 

 

I tried the hard side first and there were a couple of sections that were a fun challenge. Definitely glad I did it sober. They do make sure you have nothing in your pockets and that you’re not wet so you don’t drip on anyone in the sports square. It was a lot of fun and I highly recommend it (great views as well).

 

 

 

The hot dog cart was open so we decided to split one. They are huge. Cass could barely get her mouth around it. But seriously, a very good hot dog and nice mid afternoon snack.

 

[Anung Un Rama]

Then for some reason I decided to hit the gym. I had been so good leading up to the cruise but hadn’t made it there yet so I was feeling kind of guilty. It’s your standard cruise gym although there was no butterfly machine. We got ready for dinner and killed some time playing video poker before meeting Ron and Linda at the Lobby Bar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While we were waiting, we heard another call for Sierra Team. It was in the back of my mind all day but I knew we were in the middle of nowhere and the nearest land was Curacao so I didn’t let it bother me too much. Like I said previously we only want 2 ships on a stick so we were more than happy to give away our 3rd to Linda (even though she is a Steelers fan. Yeah, I just threw up too).

 

 

 

 

Midway through our dinner they came around with shots in Carnival glasses so Ron and Cass decided they were going to do them (I was a good boy and stuck to my guns about not drinking this day).

 

 

Bottoms up

 

 

 

 

We got to have Vladimir who Ron and Linda have had on a couple of other cruises and he was fantastic.

 

 

Putting on a show

[ardnassac79]

 

The hot dog cart was open so we decided to split one. They are huge. Cass could barely get her mouth around it. But seriously, a very good hot dog and nice mid afternoon snack.

 

 

I'm just more accustomed to having smaller things in my mouth :p... (who's the funny one now!?) BAZINGA!!! :D:D

[Anung Un Rama]

For a starter Cass had Tom Ka Gai soup (one of her favorite items on any menu). I skipped a starter.

 

 

Main Course I had the Braised Short Ribs while she had the Beef Stroganoff (it was the first time she'd ordered it and in her words 'it was really fracking good')

 

 

 

For dessert Cass had Tiramisu and I finally had the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake!

 

 

[Anung Un Rama]

I'm just more accustomed to having smaller things in my mouth :p... (who's the funny one now!?) BAZINGA!!! :D:D

 

Well played :o

[Anung Un Rama]

We had this little guy waiting for us in our room.

 

 

 

 

I also stopped by deck 4 of the restaurant to get a quick picture after dinner.

 

 

Spent the majority of the night in the casino where we both did pretty well. I hit a couple of big hands as soon as Cass left the table and she was having a good time playing Roulette with friends. We decided to pop in on the Piano Bar shortly after midnight and walked in just as Alice was started (perfect timing). Ron called it an early night around 12:30 so we spent another hour in the casino before calling it a night.

[MisterMom]

I'm just more accustomed to having smaller things in my mouth :p... (who's the funny one now!?) BAZINGA!!! :D:D

 

I like y'all more and more all the time. LMFAO!

 

 

For dessert Cass had Tiramisu and I finally had the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake!

 

 

 

Did that tiramisu have an accident on it's way to the plate? Skid marks!

[MrFunInTheSun]

Great review and pictures!! Thanks for sharing your awesome cruise adventures with us!

[pintrestaddict623]

First let me say I LOVED your review!!!! Now we a cruise virgins ! wahooo We leave on the Breeze next Sunday ! I have a few questions

1. Which restaurants on board have additional fees

2. How much was the internet/Wi-Fi package and how was the connection

3. Do u know if u can use any voip( Skype,google voice)?

4. The unlimited thrill ride pass...is this a one day deal or is it good for the length of the cruise

5. Did you happen to take pics of the room service menus...if so do you mind posting? (:Dpretty please)

 

You guys make a great happy looking fun couple ! Best of luck in your upcoming nuptials.

 

 

 

 

 

WOW, I don’t even know where to start with this. We booked this cruise over a year and a half out and had over 500 days to wait and get to know our fellow Funatics. This was our first time joining a group for a cruise and it can really make all the difference in the world. What an amazing group of people. We had several, yes several, very active roll calls and it got really interesting in the FB threads with early shenanigans. So after a very long wait, a few other cruises, and an engagement (a lot can happen in 500 days) we were in single digits and everyone was giddy as school kids at Christmas.

 

For those of you who haven’t read our previous reviews, I am Chris and my lovely fiancée is Cassandra (ardnassac79). We have been on 6 previous Carnival cruises together (this was 7 & 8), mainly on the Pride out of Baltimore. We love cruising and try to have fun with our reviews. This one might take a while to get through so hang in there with us and we’ll try to keep you informed and entertained. And of course we will have lots of pictures and Cass will post links to all the Fun Times.

 

We decided to fly on Thanksgiving due to limited vacation time. We didn’t love the idea of flying in the day of but bought trip insurance through Carnival for the 2 day just in case. SW had an early flight out of Baltimore to FLL. We had never flown into FLL but it was by far the cheapest option. After considering the cost of parking, and the dread of finding a spot, we decided to get a private car to pick us up and take us to the airport. Unfortunately that meant getting up a little earlier than planned since they’d pick us up at 5:50 am.

[Cupcrazy]

Fantastic review! Loving the pictures

[Banditswife]

awesome review, loving the fantastic pics. Thanks for taking the time to post this. We'll be on her in Oct. can't wait.

[ardnassac79]

I like y'all more and more all the time. LMFAO!

 

Did that tiramisu have an accident on it's way to the plate? Skid marks!

 

LOL! Looks like it, doesn't it? It was really good though!

 

Great review and pictures!! Thanks for sharing your awesome cruise adventures with us!

 

Thank you!

[carnivalcruiser10]

I love read of photo was wonderful!! Can't wait more!!!!:D

[ardnassac79]

First let me say I LOVED your review!!!! Now we a cruise virgins ! wahooo We leave on the Breeze next Sunday ! I have a few questions

1. Which restaurants on board have additional fees

2. How much was the internet/Wi-Fi package and how was the connection

3. Do u know if u can use any voip( Skype,google voice)?

4. The unlimited thrill ride pass...is this a one day deal or is it good for the length of the cruise

5. Did you happen to take pics of the room service menus...if so do you mind posting? (:Dpretty please)

 

You guys make a great happy looking fun couple ! Best of luck in your upcoming nuptials.

 

 

Fantastic review! Loving the pictures

 

Thanks! Hopefully we can get finished before you cruise :o

 

In answer to your questions:

 

1) The 555 Steakhouse is $35 pp. The apps in the Red Frog Pub are all $3.33 each, and the sushi bar carries an extra cost (I tried to get the prices in that one photo. The specialty coffee bar and desserts there are also extra. If you look at the Fun Times, anything with an "+" next to it carries an extra fee.

 

2) I believe there are 2 different options - one regular, and one "higher speed"... we did not get the package, but when Chris used our friend's laptop in his room, he said it was "better than other ships" we've been on - but no where near what you're used to at home. They had the regular speed, so no idea if the "higher speed" which was more expensive - was noticeably better. My suggestion is to go to one of the Fun Hubs that are staffed and ask if you can have a demo or something to try to 2 options out before you buy.

 

3) I really don't know, but I would wager a guess to say that the speeds - regardless if they are the regular or the "higher" would not support it. Think, they aren't tied to any land line out there in the middle of the Caribbean!

 

4) The unlimited for $15 pp is good thru the entire cruise, you just need to bring your tickets with you each time.

 

5) I do have the regular room service menu from a different cruise (I think it's the same as the Breeze), but breakfast is not on it. The breakfast is continental - no hot items except coffee - think Bagels, Toast, Cereals, yogurt, fruit, danish, juice, etc. Room service is free, but it's customary to tip (we do $3-$4 bucks). Here's the regular non-Breakfast menu: https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByIZF0opKyMhZGU1NzE2ODUtYjdhMy00N2I1LWE0YjMtM2VlNWZhOTYwNGQz

 

Hope that helps!

[ardnassac79]

Thanks everyone for the words of encouragement - means a lot, and glad to know people are enjoying our silly banter lol.

 

I forgot to post the Fun Times for the La Romana day... and I apologize, I just have the Fun Times for the Regularly Scheduled La Romana - not the replacement one they gave us for the day at sea... Hopefully this will be more helpful to everyone anyway, since fingers crossed you won't be missing this port like we did!

 

 

 

FUN TIMES - 11/27/12 - 8-Day Breeze - La Romana

[Anung Un Rama]

Wednesday – Curacao – Since we missed our beach day Tuesday, a lot of us wanted to get to a beach. We met up on deck 11 and got some tips from a few Funatics that had been here before. I was still quite tired from the night before but that’s why they make 5 Hour Energy. This will be a picture heavy day since we had never been to this port we ended up with a lot of pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Anung Un Rama]

After waiting for about an hour to get all 8 of us in one place at one time (I swear it was like herding cats) we left at 10 am for Mambo beach. There is a very good information center right off the ship if you aren’t sure where to go.

 

 

 

We ran into another couple waiting for a taxi and shared one ($5pp), and about a 12-15 minute ride. The driver was nice and took us to two places and let us choose our favorite. Mambo beach is in the process of a major renovation and it looks like it’ll be either the place to be (or avoid) depending on what you’re looking for.

 

 

 

As for now, it was beautiful.

 

[Anung Un Rama]

You could rent chairs for $3-5, a cabana for $15, or pool chairs for $9 (which came with bottles of water and a frozen non-alcoholic drink). We chose this option as it allowed us use of the pool and there were umbrellas for us to use as well.

 

 

 

 

 

[Anung Un Rama]

The water was nice and warm and the beach wasn’t terribly crowded. There was a nice man made break that turned the area into more of a cove so the water was nice and calm.

 

 

 

We swam out to the shelf to get some shots of the sea.

 

 

 

 

[Anung Un Rama]

The food and drink prices here were a little pricey so we walked about 45 seconds down the beach to another place. Cass had a couple beers but I didn’t want to drink today.

 

Back in the pool to relax for a bit before heading back to the ship.

 

 

Group photo

 

 

I'm not sure how this got on the camera (but you're welcome fellas ;))