Mardi Gras - Aug. 21 - 28, 2021, 7 Nights - Western Caribbean Live

[twangster]

Day Seven - Sea Day

 

Our progress:

 

 

Seas are up ever so slightly.  Think we're catching the extremes of Tropical Storm Ida (at that time).  

 

 

No Shaq's on my next several ships so taking full advantage while I can.

 

 

 

Besides, when the buffet bacon is on Ba-Cation there's always bacon at Shaq's on the Biscuit and Egg they offer. 

 

Breakfast with a view.

 

 

Luggage tags available in the deck 16 elevator lobby.

 

 

Another morning look for Grand Central and Center Stage as I make my way to Bar Della Rosa for my morning latte.

 

[twangster]

As we were passing along the Florida Keys the ship slowed and turned.

 

 

A guest had reported seeing something that could have warranted a rescue or assistance.  We reversed course to have another look. 

 

 

After a brief search of the area nothing was found.  

 

 

There were many small cabin cruisers and personal fishing boats given our proximity to the Keys so after doing some due diligence and following rescue protocols we continued on our way.

 

I used my camera gear and forward view to scan the horizon but other than several small boats that were under power and clearly not in need of assistance nothing was spotted.

[twangster]

When I had first heard about Grand Central and the concept I wasn't sure what to expect but I get what they did now and I think it's a great idea.  There is often something going on and it's a great place to hang out for a bit without a multi-hour commitment involved with a main theater show.  The video wall is pretty stunning as well.

 

Tonight...  "The World Works Here".

 

 

 

I wanted to try Cucina Del Capitano one more time so I used the app to make an instant reservation.  Once again within seconds I had a table with my name on it.  On my way!

 

 

Bread.

 

 

Arancini to start.

 

 

Pork Chop.

 

 

Apple Crostata for dessert.

 

 

Great service again and another perfect experience in this complimentary dining venue.

[twangster]

After dinner a stroll out to Summer Landing with a nightcap.

 

 

 

 

Another look and entertainment in Grand Central.

 

 

[twangster]

I wanted to see where we were relative to Cape Canaveral in anticipation of a planned SpaceX launch at 3:37am.

 

 

Out on my balcony I discovered we had broken out of the cloud cover and I could see quite a few stars between patches of clouds that we passed.  It also seems as though the moon wasn't as bright right then.

 

There were still some clouds in the area but they were small and passing by.  Using an app I knew where the Milky Way should be and started focusing my efforts there hoping for a good break in the clouds.

 

 

Soon enough I started to see it.  Just need those wispy clouds gone.

 

 

Despite some light pollution from land I started to have some better luck.

 

 

 

And right above us where the app said it would be was the Milky Way.  Finally, no clouds.

 

 

That didn't last as some clouds returned but for a few brief minutes we were in the right place.  Had the moon been in a new phase it would have been a truly spectacular picture.  Just the same I am pleased with the results given a pretty bright moon.

 

 

Things looked good for the 3:37am SpaceX launch so I set an alarm and went to bed.

[twangster]

3am alarm.

 

Stepped out on my balcony to see we were in thick clouds and some thundercells near us.  After a couple closer lightning strikes I went back inside.  Soon it rained pretty good.  Watching the SpaceX launch on my phone it didn't take them for them to scrub it.  

 

Oh well.  Back to bed. 

[twangster]

We picked up our pilot under heavy clouds and entered the channel into Port Canaveral

 

 

Then heavy rain.  Back inside.

 

[twangster]

The departure letter left in the cabin explained that debarkation would start at 8am for express departure guests - those carrying all their own luggage.  Breakfast would be available starting at 6am.  

 

I went to the Lido Marketplace for some fresh fruit and out to Shaq's for one last Biscuit.  

 

Here's the O2 teens club area.

 

 

Outdoor seating:

 

 

Through a window I could see inside.

 

 

I still had nearly 2 hours to kill so I went back and grabbed my camera after packing everything up at 3:30am.  There was a hint of a sunrise starting.

[twangster]

On my way I spotted an interior cabin with the door propped open ready for arriving guests so I grabbed a quick pic. 

 

 

Today we pulled in and went straight to the pier.  On most other occasions the ship has gone down to a turning basin and turned first.  However today the aft was to the East where the sun was trying to rise.

 

 

 

Another ship was coming into port.  That's the MSC Divina who will start service in another month's time.  

 

 

 

She's been anchored off the coast recently and I have her booked soon so I was eager to get a good

look at her.

 

 

 

[twangster]

Not wanting to waste a good sunrise I grabbed some more Serenity photos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[twangster]

Not long after the LNG tanker arrived ready to refuel Mardi Gras.

 

 

[twangster]

Our CD announced that the debarkation process would proceed based on muster stations.  He urged everyone not to come down yet as it would only clog the deck 6 area so I went back to my cabin to wait.

 

Fortunately right at 8am my muster zone A6 was called and off I went down to deck 6.  There was a short line and we were scanned off the ship.  I had all my bags with me as I didn't use the luggage tag service or place my bags out the night before.  

 

Terminal 3 has facial recognition scanners provided by CBP but they were offline on this morning.  A CBP officer was present in each queue to look over passports.  Without a US passport you can't use the facial recognition scanners and I have no idea how that process looked for those guests but for me I was outside in the parking garage 10 minutes after leaving my cabin.  

[twangster]

A quick note about the performance internet plan. 

 

Mardi Gras uses the older geostationary satellite internet for its internet connection.  This was a bit disappointing to see.  While speeds were okay often clocking in around 40-45 Mbps down and nearly the same up the problem is the latency or ping times associated with the older technology.  

 

I have two cell phones on different carriers and both support WiFi calling yet neither would connect for WiFi calling on Mardi Gras.  This was unexpected as other cruise lines that also use legacy Speedcast technology do allow WiFi calling and while it isn't perfect it does work pretty well.  Consequently I am curious why Carnival has chosen to block WiFi calling on Mardi Gras.

 

Typical results over the week:

 

 

[twangster]

Cruise Summary

 

Mardi Gras is a great ship.  Carnival has done an amazing job with her decor and the multiple zones to spread guests out.   Cruising with reduced capacity right now is amazing but we'll need to see how well she does at full capacity.

 

I was very pleasantly surprised with my forward extended balcony.  The wind was never so bad as I had feared and I really enjoyed having the same view or nearly the same view as the bridge.   They may get a slightly better on the bridge view but I was able to enjoy adult beverages on my balcony.

 

I really enjoyed the included food options and that's without ever eating in the MDR.  

 

Seeing the clean burning LNG through the full cruise was also pretty great and Carnival brands deserve a lot of credit for scaling the technology to this size of ship.   Look Ma... no smoke!

 

Serenity is a like a resort within a ship and at no additional charge for guests over 21.  It's an amazing space that feels like there should be a charge... but don't tell Carnival I said that.  

 

Summer Landing is a like a resort within a ship and at no additional charge   It's an amazing space that feels like there should be a charge... but don't tell Carnival I said that.  

 

Grand Central is another evolution for cruising and I often found myself just sitting down for a few minutes or grabbing a drink and enjoying whatever was going on in the moment.  

 

Bolt was a lot of fun but for such a short experience I think they need to put some additional thoughts around multi-use passes or lowering the price.  At $15 I don't think I'd do it again even if another ship in the future also comes with a sea coaster.  

 

I really feel like Carnival put a lot of effort into rethinking the guest experience on Mardi Gras.   With three family pools and one adult pool in Serenity there is space to spread guests out.  With six zones there is space to spread guests out but we'll need to see how guest traffic patterns work once she is sailing at capacity.  This cruise had approximately 3,680 guests on board.  

 

There are a lot of areas I missed while creating this thread but that's okay, it gives you all something to look forward to discovering.  I don't think you can do it all over just one cruise on Mardi Gras because there is so much going on and in different zones.

 

I hope you have enjoyed this picture intensive review from Mardi Gras and I thank you for viewing.

 

[twangster]

Here are some scans of various papers from my cabin or picked up from guest services.

 

Health Advisory and Protocols

MG Health Advisory 8-21-21.PDF

 

Fun Times

MG FUN Times 8-21-21.pdf

 

Boarding Day Good To Know

MG Good to Know 8-21-21.PDF

 

Security Guide & Port Directory

Carnival Security Guide and Port Directory.PDF

 

 

[twangster]

Ship Time

 

The ship remained on Eastern time despite time differences at each destination.  

[3redheads]

@twangster really enjoyed your review and photos.  Thank you!

[KmomChicago]

Kudos on a job well done, @twangster, a photgraphatory mission accomplished, an adventure duly reported in stunning detail.  You occupy a niche of image-capturing skills unmatched by mere mortals. 

 

Thank you for the extra effort of producing your work and posting in real time while enjoying your experience onboard.  I will be seeking out your work on both further and former vessels for my practical education as well as the pure joy of peeping into spaces I will likely never occupy myself. 

 

All love, respect and appreciation to you! 💗🖼️📷

[twangster]

Finally on Board! Now What?!?

 

 

[princess76021]

7 hours ago, twangster said:

Cruise Summary

 

Mardi Gras is a great ship.  Carnival has done an amazing job with her decor and the multiple zones to spread guests out.   Cruising with reduced capacity right now is amazing but we'll need to see how well she does at full capacity.

 

I was very pleasantly surprised with my forward extended balcony.  The wind was never so bad as I had feared and I really enjoyed having the same view or nearly the same view as the bridge.   They may get a slightly better on the bridge view but I was able to enjoy adult beverages on my balcony.

 

I really enjoyed the included food options and that's without ever eating in the MDR.  

 

Seeing the clean burning LNG through the full cruise was also pretty great and Carnival brands deserve a lot of credit for scaling the technology to this size of ship.   Look Ma... no smoke!

 

Serenity is a like a resort within a ship and at no additional charge for guests over 21.  It's an amazing space that feels like there should be a charge... but don't tell Carnival I said that.  

 

Summer Landing is a like a resort within a ship and at no additional charge   It's an amazing space that feels like there should be a charge... but don't tell Carnival I said that.  

 

Grand Central is another evolution for cruising and I often found myself just sitting down for a few minutes or grabbing a drink and enjoying whatever was going on in the moment.  

 

Bolt was a lot of fun but for such a short experience I think they need to put some additional thoughts around multi-use passes or lowering the price.  At $15 I don't think I'd do it again even if another ship in the future also comes with a sea coaster.  

 

I really feel like Carnival put a lot of effort into rethinking the guest experience on Mardi Gras.   With three family pools and one adult pool in Serenity there is space to spread guests out.  With six zones there is space to spread guests out but we'll need to see how guest traffic patterns work once she is sailing at capacity.  This cruise had approximately 3,680 guests on board.  

 

There are a lot of areas I missed while creating this thread but that's okay, it gives you all something to look forward to discovering.  I don't think you can do it all over just one cruise on Mardi Gras because there is so much going on and in different zones.

 

I hope you have enjoyed this picture intensive review from Mardi Gras and I thank you for viewing.

 

thnak you for this fantastically wonderful review!!! 

hugs from texas!!

[rwest898]

@twangsterI enjoyed your review and all the pictures.  This is my first time reading one of your reviews and I look forward to your other reviews in the future!!

[Spif Barwunkel]

Realtime visuals in exemplary splendor, with a smattering of commentary at just the right time. Excellent work, and play, twangster.

 

We have not cruised on a Carnival ship in a long time. Our age has forced our loyalty to be given to another. A better fit for both. However, we are returning to CCL to renew old acquaintances through a new friend, if only for a one time visit. Mardi Gras lives thirty-minutes away and we are going to pay her a visit in December. Made that decision before all the vlogs and blogs and hoopla. 

 

Thanks to you, and Kmom in an earlier thread, our experience will seem familiar, but not to the point of diminishing the enthusiasm and the newness of it all.

 

Thanks.

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[KmomChicago]

36 minutes ago, Spif Barwunkel said:

Realtime visuals in exemplary splendor, with a smattering of commentary at just the right time. Excellent work, and play, twangster.

 

We have not cruised on a Carnival ship in a long time. Our age has forced our loyalty to be given to another. A better fit for both. However, we are returning to CCL to renew old acquaintances through a new friend, if only for a one time visit. Mardi Gras lives thirty-minutes away and we are going to pay her a visit in December. Made that decision before all the vlogs and blogs and hoopla. 

 

Thanks to you, and Kmom in an earlier thread, our experience will seem familiar, but not to the point of diminishing the enthusiasm and the newness of it all.

 

Thanks.

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

@Spif Barwunkel I will be heartbroken if you don’t share your impressions of your voyage, if only to continue the conversation about this esteemed vessel as well as those who ride upon her.

[Spif Barwunkel]

19 minutes ago, KmomChicago said:

@Spif Barwunkel I will be heartbroken if you don’t share your impressions of your voyage, if only to continue the conversation about this esteemed vessel as well as those who ride upon her.

Whether it's quill to parchment, pen(cil) to paper or plastic keystroke to plastic keyboard, any effort, or lack thereof to scribble thoughts on a napkin will in no way be intended to adversely affect an otherwise healthy muscle.

[jeepchick444]

Awesome review and pics!!! thank you!! 😎