Mardi Gras 9/4-11/21 Somewhat Live Thoughts and Information

[canes20]

16 minutes ago, kwokpot said:

Mask wearing is required indoors in places as the elevators, theaters, hallways, casino,while walking into a restaurant. They are not required on the pool deck, although the employees wear them all the time. Enforcement is not draconian and I haven't seen passengers harass each other one way or another regarding masks. Sometimes people will be in an elevator and realize the don't have a mask and will pull up their shirt to cover their mouth s. Sometimes people don't have one on and don't care. 

For me it's not really an issue. It hasn't affected my enjoyment of the cruise. If there's a situation where I feel uncomfortable regarding Covid, such as lasts night's dinner when they wanted to seat us too close to other passengers,we take ourselves out of the situation.

 

Thank you for taking the time to answer. Enjoying following along.

[kwokpot]

Update Morning and afternoon Day 5:

We're docked early in Mahogany Bay, Roatan. If you're looking for Port touring advice I have none for you since we're not getting off the ship. 

 

We were a little later to breakfast at the Lido Marketplace and it seems everyone else was too since it was very busy at 10:00am. Afterwards we got a latte from Bar Della Rosa ( always less people than Java Blue on Deck 6) and then went all the way aft and laid outside in the of those round daybeds. We had a great view of the surrounding mountains and wind turbines and the nice breeze made it for a comfortable experience. There was an employee safe drill but then also a real emergency with a passenger on Deck 5. Hopefully the person is OK.

 

Then I did my usual sunning at Serenity. I always prefer just getting towels there and then returning them when I'm done instead of dragging around the ones provided in the cabins. Lunch was at Lido Marketplace.

I'll have to push back on reports that the food at the Lido buffet is subpar. I enjoyed the selections that I chose (photo below) and the food was hot, tasty, and fresh tasting.

 

After relaxing a couple of hours on my balcony ( in my newly provided lounger) I proceeded to the Fitness Center for my daily workout. Today at 4:30pm there literally was only one other person working out. It's such a pleasure having an empty gym to do your workouts in.  Afterwards I did my thermal suite relaxing and prepared for dinner time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 9, 2021 by kwokpot

[vamartha]

On 9/5/2021 at 7:02 PM, d-train said:

 

We had one of the bowling alley balconies on Miracle, we had two loungers, plus the regular two chairs and a table. Had several nice naps out there!

I've got one of those booked on the Pride for Halloween for 14 nights! I am so looking forward to it!

[kwokpot]

Update Evening Day 5:

At 7:02pm we requested via app dinner at Chibang. At 7:04pm we received notification our table was ready. We were seated at a two table by the window. No other party was seated on either side of us our entire meal.

 

We mixed and matched food items. The Asian appetizers were once again excellent; lettuce wraps, pot stickers, pork belly.  Robert had the salmon from the always available section and I had the Chicken Mole. Apparently most diners have no idea what that is since our server had tried to warn me that I may not like the sauce. I told her I'll let her know if it's not to my liking. When the entrees arrived, the server literally waited next to me as I tried the Chicken Mole. Yup, that's what Chicken Mole looks and tastes like. I informed our server that it's exactly what I was expecting. She was happy about that. While it may not be the most authentic recipe it was tasty, spicy, and what my expectations were for Chicken Mole on a Carnival cruise ship.

 

For dessert we had the Creme Brulee and Tres leches cake. Both were yummy (the cake could have been a bit larger portion).

We finished our three course meal within one hour.

 

We decided to have double Expresso's  from Bar Della Rosa and sit outside with them. It was very windy but still comfortable. 

 

Went back to the cabin to relax a bit before the 10:30pm performance of Celestial Strings at Center Stage. The utilization of the giant video screens make a mesmerizing background that sometimes overwhelm the performers but other times support the lyrics of the music they're performing. The violinists are great! One of the best production shows and definitely the longest running time. 

 

A final walk around the ship without stopping for a nightcap and then off to bed. 

[IntrepidFromDC]

12 hours ago, kwokpot said:

Update Morning and afternoon Day 5:

We're docked early in Mahogany Bay, Roatan. If you're looking for Port touring advice I have none for you since we're not getting off the ship. 

 

We were a little later to breakfast at the Lido Marketplace and it seems everyone else was too since it was very busy at 10:00am. Afterwards we got a latte from Bar Della Rosa ( always less people than Java Blue on Deck 6) and then went all the way aft and laid outside in the of those round daybeds. We had a great view of the surrounding mountains and wind turbines and the nice breeze made it for a comfortable experience. There was an employee safe drill but then also a real emergency with a passenger on Deck 5. Hopefully the person is OK.

 

Then I did my usual sunning at Serenity. I always prefer just getting towels there and then returning them when I'm done instead of dragging around the ones provided in the cabins. Lunch was at Lido Marketplace.

I'll have to push back on reports that the food at the Lido buffet is subpar. I enjoyed the selections that I chose (photo below) and the food was hot, tasty, and fresh tasting.

 

After relaxing a couple of hours on my balcony ( in my newly provided lounger) I proceeded to the Fitness Center for my daily workout. Today at 4:30pm there literally was only one other person working out. It's such a pleasure having an empty gym to do your workouts in.  Afterwards I did my thermal suite relaxing and prepared for dinner time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The chicken, potatoes and arugula do look good.  But good God man are those beets?  Say it ain't so!  🤢

[kwokpot]

2 minutes ago, IntrepidFromDC said:

The chicken, potatoes and arugula do look good.  But good God man are those beets?  Say it ain't so!  🤢

Beets are good for you! I used to hate them but I learned to love them. 

[JaniceB]

50 minutes ago, kwokpot said:

Beets are good for you! I used to hate them but I learned to love them. 

My sister loves beets in her salad too.  I can't do it.  She will be happy when she finally gets to cruise again.

[snowballs mom]

1 hour ago, kwokpot said:

Beets are good for you! I used to hate them but I learned to love them. 

Pickled beets in salad are fantastic!

[lilchuckie]

Enjoying the review. What does your hubby usually play - just slots? Have they been tighter or looser than normal? I have so many offers that I'm worried there's no way I'll ever hit on a ship again lol

[kwokpot]

Look what's open for lunch on seaday.

 

[kwokpot]

Update morning and afternoon Day 6:

Slept a bit later this morning. For breakfast we wanted the seaday brunch in the Palm Restaurant. Using the app we had a table in ten minutes. When we arrived at the restaurant they were going to seat us with other people. That's not what we wanted (there's a little toggle switch in the app if you want to request to sit with others. I know I didn't PURPOSELY choose it) so they immediately found us a four table and we sat alone. Being Platinum status I assume helps in our dining requests.

 

I highly recommend the Pancetta egg scramble. It's flavorful and yummy. I also enjoy the chia seed parfait.

 

Afterwards I was off to Serenity area for some sun. After a couple of hours it was lunchtime. I decided to try Guys Burgers for the first time this cruise. The burger was delicious and fresh as expected. Although the fries were fresh they weren't crispy enough. For me Big Chicken has the better fries. I checked out Street Eats and the Asian Section had Steam Sticky Rice, so I definitely wanted to try it on the ship (It's one of my favorite Dim Sum dishes). It was tasty and authentic and I had two.

 

It's cloudy and rain showers approaching. I think it's time for an afternoon nap. Hopefully I'll be motivated for my workout before dinner.

 

 

 

Edited September 9, 2021 by kwokpot

[ngrund]

9 minutes ago, kwokpot said:

.......

 Being Platinum status I assume helps in our dining requests.

Maybe, but the impression I get from your posts is that it is more due to the way you ask (politely)-and not demanding.

 

It never ceases to amaze me the people that simply don't get that..

 

[pc_load_letter]

On 9/4/2021 at 2:28 PM, kwokpot said:

Dumbbells on the rack 5-100 lbs.

 

wow, hundreds! I think the most I've ever seen was 75 or 80's maybe.

[KmomChicago]

@kwokpot just a warning, it's Friday and that means that the people who run this ship are starting to think about (rudely) kicking you and Robert off the ship sometime in roughly the next 24 hours. As wonderful as cruises are, for some reason they always end this way! It's my #1 complaint about this industry, all this strict adherence to "start" and "end" dates. 

 

To avoid this I think you should have him go ask a casino host what can be done to extend your voyage another week. 

[kwokpot]

1 hour ago, KmomChicago said:

@kwokpot just a warning, it's Friday and that means that the people who run this ship are starting to think about (rudely) kicking you and Robert off the ship sometime in roughly the next 24 hours. As wonderful as cruises are, for some reason they always end this way! It's my #1 complaint about this industry, all this strict adherence to "start" and "end" dates. 

 

To avoid this I think you should have him go ask a casino host what can be done to extend your voyage another week. 

I hear ya! While we didn't get an extension to stay on the cruiseship Robert did get us a comped meal at Rudi's Seagrill for our last dinner onboard. I'm so excited about this since I was underwhelmed with last night's Elegant Night meal in the MDR. 

 

Robert received a new Carnival Players Club offer the other day and we still have an Elite Cruise Offer available, both must be booked by the end of the month. We decided to discuss adding one or two more cruises with these offers when we get home and have a clearer mindset.  One would be as soon as next month as a side to side with a Celebrity Edge sailing. The other would be a Mardi Gras sailing in January. We shall see.

[kwokpot]

Update Evening Day 6:

Went for my late afternoon workout and as usual the fitness center had only a handful of people working out. What was most amazing was my post- workout visit to the spa thermal suite. At 6:15pm I was the ONLY person to use the thermal suite! There wasn't anyone using the heated tile loungers or the whirlpool. And for the next 45 minutes it remained that way. It was if I had my own private spa!

 

For Elegant Night Dinner we decided on the MDR since one of the entrees was our favorite, Teriyaki Salmon (It's not available in the alternative restaurants, the plain salmon is) was on the menu. It was only a ten minute wait for a table via the app and we were seated at the Palm Restaurant at 7:30pm at a four table.  Dinner was underwhelming for me. Service was friendly but a bit rushed. The Teriyaki Salmon was good but instead of a side of jasmine rice Asian style noodles came instead. I will agree with some other reviews that the decor of the MDR isn't impressive. The design of our dining table looked like something you would see in an office conference room. I think having previously dined in the alternative restaurants which have more of an atmosphere altered my expectations. We finished dinner in less than one hour.

 

Following our recent pattern we went to Bar Della Rosa for a double Expresso. We sat outside and it was a pleasant evening, less windy than the previous night.  It was 8:30pm and I had an immediate thought of attending the early showing of the new playlist production rather than waiting for the 10:30 show. We quickly walked to the Theater and the show already started but we were able to find seats.

 

The show, like our dinner, was  underwhelming. There are several Playlist shows that I enjoy; Studio VIP, Flick, Vintage Pop, and of course Celestial Strings. Unfortunately Broadway Beats is not one of them.

 

Back to the cabin to chill abit before heading back out to walk around and checkout this new ship. I ended the evening with a nightcap from Fortune Teller Bar. The Abracadabra was a nice, light but tasty end of this seaday. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 10, 2021 by kwokpot

[WhiteOptima]

@kwokpotcan you book the Pride for 10/31 please?  I have a trainer but no motivation to work out when I am not being pushed by him.  You have a strong discipline and I admire that.

[kwokpot]

Update morning and afternoon Day 7:

 

Today it was all about dinner at Rudi's. More on that later.

 

Woke up later and used the app to get a table for seaday brunch. It was only a ten minute wait and we were assigned a 2 table for ourselves. I had my new seaday brunch favorite, Pancetta scramble 

 

Next was an hour enjoying the thermal suite, then back to the Serenity area for my last tanning session of the cruise. 

 

Lunch was back at the Lido Marketplace where I had my new favorite item, the Shawarma. It's really,really nicely seasoned.

 

After lunch I relaxed on my balcony until 4:30pm when I was ready for my last workout of this cruise. When I arrived at the fitness center I was the only one there besides the trainers. 

 

Thermal suite relaxing came next. Even though it was 5:30pm on the last day of the cruise there were several people in the thermal suite enjoying the facilities for the last time.

 

Then to the room to dress for dinner.

 

[kwokpot]

Update evening Day 7:

 

Robert's casino play warranted another complementary specialty dinner so we chose Rudi's Seagrill, with 8:30pm the earliest reservation they had. 

 

At 7:45pm we proceeded to Brass Magnolia Bar for a pre-dinner cocktail. I had a French 75 and it was tasty. The violinists were performing and there was a loud, boisterous crowd at the bar. 

 

We proceeded to Rudi's Seagrill and I must say this became the highlight of the cruise in terms of food and it really was a great and the best ending to our cruise.

 

The decor is modern, serene, WHITE, and I was transported from a Carnival cruiseship to a restaurant in the hillside town of Oia, Santorini. The tableware was beautiful, whimsical, and Mediterranean inspired. Service was the best we received on board the whole cruise; it was professional, attentive but not overbearing. The atmosphere was calm and quiet dining experience. The pacing of the courses was perfect. 

 

I'm glad this meal was at the end of the cruise. If it was at the beginning it would have set an expectation of the Mardi Gras dining experience that couldn't be met anywhere else on the ship, not even at the Steakhouse.

 

Afterwards it was back to the room to pack and then bed, no more drinks necessary.

 

 

 

 

Edited September 11, 2021 by kwokpot

[jennas_mum]

On 9/5/2021 at 1:56 PM, kwokpot said:

 

Robert played a bit in the casino this morning but it was crowded and smoky, just like it was last night when the casino bar was packed and very smoky.

 

We just got off the Mardi Gras and can’t wait to sail again!!

 

Did you ever try the non smoking part of the casino? It’s really big and they strictly enforce the no smoking. 

[kwokpot]

Update Disembarkation Day:

This must have been the easiest disembarkation I've ever been though. We left our cabin at 8:00am and twenty minutes later we were waiting for our car service to the airport. Customs and Border Patrol utilizes facial recognition so you don't need to take out your Passport. Every step was smooth and organized. I will sum up my thoughts on the cruise in another post. I'll also give some tips on Cloud 9 Spa.

 

[princess76021]

3 minutes ago, kwokpot said:

Update Disembarkation Day:

This must have been the easiest disembarkation I've ever been though. We left our cabin at 8:00am and twenty minutes later we were waiting for our car service to the airport. Customs and Border Patrol utilizes facial recognition so you don't need to take out your Passport. Every step was smooth and organized. I will sum up my thoughts on the cruise in another post. I'll also give some tips on Cloud 9 Spa.

 

Thank you for taking us on your cruise! Loved it 😘

[KmomChicago]

Have enjoyed being along with you Anthony. Thanks for sharing your cruise with us.

[evandbob]

On 9/4/2021 at 3:20 PM, kwokpot said:

We queued up inside the terminal at 11:10am and was able to walk on the ship at 11:35am. While the terminal is large and new looking I don't particularly care for the way it's laid out or the way it looks.  

We were on this sailing as well.  There was no priority boarding for Diamond or Platinum guests.  Did you get priority boarding with the Elite casino fare?

[evandbob]

On 9/8/2021 at 4:01 PM, canes20 said:

What exactly is the mask policy on board and is it being enforced? Are masks required if sitting in loungers by the pool? Thank you

We were on the same cruise and saw 90% of guests complying with masks indoors - it's not required for outdoor seating or walking around.  

 

We felt more comfortable COVID wise being on the ship than we do in our Florida hometown stores where there is only 53% fully vaxxed and many strong opinions about masking.