Live (Wi-Fi willing) Christmas Mardi Gras Review 12/18- 12/26 Blue Card Perspective

[BennyBrun]

55 minutes ago, cltcruisers123 said:

Yeah can’t wait to hear your guys take on Apex. We upgraded to the ultra premium package on NCL that should include all the extra stuff. Wasn’t cheap either now that I look at. Around $500 extra (for 2) I think on top of the one they include. 

That’s why I think Cheers is a better value.  On top of what you paid to upgrade on NCL you already paid $350.00 on the gratuity for the free beverage package to have the choices they offer on the Mardi Gras.  Java Blue is a great place to grab bottled beverages, it’s all in a refrigerated case, easy to see and pairs well with the empanadas they serve.  

[BennyBrun]

23 minutes ago, RoperDK said:

I am looking forward to hearing more about Celebrity from a Carnival cruiser's perspective.  We've enjoyed our Carnival cruises, but are looking for a bit more at this point.  We enjoyed our Mardi Gras cruise, but service and food on Carnival are really a problem for us.  We were feeling the same way before covid.  I understand that the pandemic and cruise start up has been a tremendous undertaking and I didn't fault any short comings on Mardi Gras.  I feel we are ready to move up another level.  We've enjoyed our Oasis class cruises very much.  My big concern is lack of fun things to do/see.  We are older, but enjoy watching all of the action and energy.  On Oasis class and Carnival we play ping pong, putt putt, cornhole, and such.  We are too old for ropes courses or flowriders.  What is available on Celebrity for us? Hoping your review will shed light on that for us.       

You will not find the energetic fun things you find on Mardi Gras or Oasis class ships on Celebrity ships (newest or oldest).  It’s more elegant, relaxed and calm.  The solarium on Celebrity ships is great and we spent a lot of time there.  It’s relaxing, quiet and you have access to the spa cafe close by for healthy bites during their operating hours.  The outside pool is very nice but the energy level is no where close to the lido deck on Mardi Gras.  The outdoor space is also well appointed especially on the new ships and the refurbished ships.  Calm and serene.  When we are on Celebrity ships a typical sea day would be gym, breakfast, soaking at the solarium, spa cafe or ocean view buffet for lunch ( the buffet selection is incredible compared to Mardi Gras and I am not even talking about their extravaganza buffet day that they do once a cruise), drinks at wine bar listening to music, stroll through the shops, change for the evening ( most not all cruisers on Celebrity are well dressed) show if it’s available or music and then dinner.  After dinner we will do silent disco sometimes when available, listen to live music somewhere and then bed.  The club scene on Celebrity since the restart has been very very low key where we walk in and there will be 10 people sitting down and it feels weird to be there.

[kwokpot]

24 minutes ago, RoperDK said:

I am looking forward to hearing more about Celebrity from a Carnival cruiser's perspective.  We've enjoyed our Carnival cruises, but are looking for a bit more at this point.  We enjoyed our Mardi Gras cruise, but service and food on Carnival are really a problem for us.  We were feeling the same way before covid.  I understand that the pandemic and cruise start up has been a tremendous undertaking and I didn't fault any short comings on Mardi Gras.  I feel we are ready to move up another level.  We've enjoyed our Oasis class cruises very much.  My big concern is lack of fun things to do/see.  We are older, but enjoy watching all of the action and energy.  On Oasis class and Carnival we play ping pong, putt putt, cornhole, and such.  We are too old for ropes courses or flowriders.  What is available on Celebrity for us? Hoping your review will shed light on that for us.       

The Celebrity experience regarding activities is definitely more subdued than Carnival, Royal or NCL. Poolside activities consist of trivia, dance lessons, aqua aerobics, bean bag toss, volleyball, putting challenge,ring toss, table tennis,pool basketball,jenga. Indoor activities include trivia, games, art sketching,archery,origami,ladderball.

 

I would say the vibe on a Celebrity cruise is YOU make your own fun; the ship isn't there to program your fun for you. What's amazing about Carnival cruises is the amount of passenger participation to all the organized parties. You will not find ANY other cruiseline that will pack the pool deck during a deck party than a Carnival cruise. On a Celebrity cruise deck parties are sparsely attended, even more so now that occupancy is less than 50%. I've been on three Celebrity cruises since the restart, and TBH sometimes I wished there were more people onboard, especially at night. Halloween night on the Edge was one of the best nights of all three cruises. A costume party in the atrium where lots of people attended made it feel as if there was life on the ship! The silent disco party in the atrium on the Summit had a decent attendance.   

 

 

 

 

[BennyBrun]

1 hour ago, cltcruisers123 said:

Yeah can’t wait to hear your guys take on Apex. We upgraded to the ultra premium package on NCL that should include all the extra stuff. Wasn’t cheap either now that I look at. Around $500 extra (for 2) I think on top of the one they include. 

 

49 minutes ago, RoperDK said:

I am looking forward to hearing more about Celebrity from a Carnival cruiser's perspective.  We've enjoyed our Carnival cruises, but are looking for a bit more at this point.  We enjoyed our Mardi Gras cruise, but service and food on Carnival are really a problem for us.  We were feeling the same way before covid.  I understand that the pandemic and cruise start up has been a tremendous undertaking and I didn't fault any short comings on Mardi Gras.  I feel we are ready to move up another level.  We've enjoyed our Oasis class cruises very much.  My big concern is lack of fun things to do/see.  We are older, but enjoy watching all of the action and energy.  On Oasis class and Carnival we play ping pong, putt putt, cornhole, and such.  We are too old for ropes courses or flowriders.  What is available on Celebrity for us? Hoping your review will shed light on that for us.       

I did a semi live review of the summit if you want to check it out.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2813450-semi-live-of-the-summit-1113-1118-feel-free-to-ask-questions-…/#comment-62146023

 

[BennyBrun]

3 minutes ago, kwokpot said:

The Celebrity experience regarding activities is definitely more subdued than Carnival, Royal or NCL. Poolside activities consist of trivia, dance lessons, aqua aerobics, bean bag toss, volleyball, putting challenge,ring toss, table tennis,pool basketball,jenga. Indoor activities include trivia, games, art sketching,archery,origami,ladderball.

 

I would say the vibe on a Celebrity cruise is YOU make your own fun; the ship isn't there to program your fun for you. What's amazing about Carnival cruises is the amount of passenger participation to all the organized parties. You will not find ANY other cruiseline that will pack the pool deck during a deck party than a Carnival cruise. On a Celebrity cruise deck parties are sparsely attended, even more so now that occupancy is less than 50%. I've been on three Celebrity cruises since the restart, and TBH sometimes I wished there were more people onboard, especially at night. Halloween night on the Edge was one of the best nights of all three cruises. A costume party in the atrium where lots of people attended made it feel as if there was life on the ship! The silent disco party in the atrium on the Summit had a decent attendance.   

 

 

 

 

I always have fun at the silent disco party on the Summit.  It’s my favorite ship.  Liked it before the refurbishment, love it after the refurbishment.

[keels81]

15 minutes ago, BennyBrun said:

You will not find the energetic fun things you find on Mardi Gras or Oasis class ships on Celebrity ships (newest or oldest).  It’s more elegant, relaxed and calm.  The solarium on Celebrity ships is great and we spent a lot of time there.  It’s relaxing, quiet and you have access to the spa cafe close by for healthy bites during their operating hours.  The outside pool is very nice but the energy level is no where close to the lido deck on Mardi Gras.  The outdoor space is also well appointed especially on the new ships and the refurbished ships.  Calm and serene.  When we are on Celebrity ships a typical sea day would be gym, breakfast, soaking at the solarium, spa cafe or ocean view buffet for lunch ( the buffet selection is incredible compared to Mardi Gras and I am not even talking about their extravaganza buffet day that they do once a cruise), drinks at wine bar listening to music, stroll through the shops, change for the evening ( most not all cruisers on Celebrity are well dressed) show if it’s available or music and then dinner.  After dinner we will do silent disco sometimes when available, listen to live music somewhere and then bed.  The club scene on Celebrity since the restart has been very very low key where we walk in and there will be 10 people sitting down and it feels weird to be there.

 

We have very similar cruising vibes -- my husband prefers Celebrity, but I think he'll enjoy MG for all the reasons you did so I'm excited to take him in July.

[aumdsj]

On 12/18/2021 at 1:33 PM, BennyBrun said:

Day 1

 

they have switched the wording on masks and I have heard multiple staff asking people to put mask up around the ship.

Good! That makes me feel somewhat better. I’ll be boarding on 1-9-22. 

[BennyBrun]

6 minutes ago, keels81 said:

 

We have very similar cruising vibes -- my husband prefers Celebrity, but I think he'll enjoy MG for all the reasons you did so I'm excited to take him in July.

Oh I am so excited for you guys!!  Have a fabulous cruise!!!  Please go with an open mind and not to compare the similarities and differences between the two because it’s not a fair comparison then you will have a blast.  Eat and try as much as you can but don’t stress if you can’t get to do it all because you won’t be able to.  Seriously consider set time dinning!!  Can’t wait to hear all about it!

[BennyBrun]

3 minutes ago, aumdsj said:

Good! That makes me feel somewhat better. I’ll be boarding on 1-9-22. 

Have a wonderful cruise and enjoy the beautiful ship!  Can’t wait to hear about what you think and if anything has changed.  If you can make time for center stage, the shows are amazing!

[keels81]

Just now, BennyBrun said:

Oh I am so excited for you guys!!  Have a fabulous cruise!!!  Please go with an open mind and not to compare the similarities and differences between the two because it’s not a fair comparison then you will have a blast.  Eat and try as much as you can but don’t stress if you can’t get to do it all because you won’t be able to.  Seriously consider set time dinning!!  Can’t wait to hear all about it!

 

Oh, I already love the Mardi Gras! I was on a sailing in October for a girl's trip (also two Carnival newbies) and there was so much to love about it. 

 

He prefers Celebrity for the dining options and the options at the bars, so I know he'll be happy with the Mardi Gras -- especially the bourbon selection at Pig & Anchor! 

 

Plus, we live in New Orleans so if he gets fussy, he can just eat at Emeril's every day and be a happy boy ... and then grab a Sazerac at Brass Magnolia.

 

The cocktail program is such a step up for Carnival on the Mardi Gras -- didn't even bother with Alchemy once because there were so many other great offerings!

[aumdsj]

On 12/19/2021 at 7:06 PM, BennyBrun said:

Day 2

 

Poor child… he is all tired out 

And no mask 😷

[BennyBrun]

45 minutes ago, keels81 said:

 

Oh, I already love the Mardi Gras! I was on a sailing in October for a girl's trip (also two Carnival newbies) and there was so much to love about it. 

 

He prefers Celebrity for the dining options and the options at the bars, so I know he'll be happy with the Mardi Gras -- especially the bourbon selection at Pig & Anchor! 

 

Plus, we live in New Orleans so if he gets fussy, he can just eat at Emeril's every day and be a happy boy ... and then grab a Sazerac at Brass Magnolia.

 

The cocktail program is such a step up for Carnival on the Mardi Gras -- didn't even bother with Alchemy once because there were so many other great offerings!

It’s going to be an amazing cruise for you guys!!! Have so much fun!!!

[keels81]

1 minute ago, BennyBrun said:

It’s going to be an amazing cruise for you guys!!! Have so much fun!!!

 

Thanks! Looking forward to it -- it will tide me over until the Celebration in December.

 

Now looking to sneak in a sailing on the Edge or Apex this year too!

[SeaHunt]

I really enjoyed your review - thanks so much for posting it 😁 - and oh those great pictures! I especially loved these 2 pictures you took (cropped to show you what I mean):

 

This little fella in the background during sail away was really vibing huh LOL!

 

 

 

And OMG the way the palm's shadow hit that dock! You really know what you're doing with a camera 📸

 

 

[RoperDK]

1 hour ago, BennyBrun said:

You will not find the energetic fun things you find on Mardi Gras or Oasis class ships on Celebrity ships (newest or oldest).  It’s more elegant, relaxed and calm.  

 

1 hour ago, kwokpot said:

I would say the vibe on a Celebrity cruise is YOU make your own fun; the ship isn't there to program your fun for you. What's amazing about Carnival cruises is the amount of passenger participation to all the organized parties. You will not find ANY other cruiseline that will pack the pool deck during a deck party than a Carnival cruise.  

 

1 hour ago, BennyBrun said:

 

I did a semi live review of the summit if you want to check it out.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2813450-semi-live-of-the-summit-1113-1118-feel-free-to-ask-questions-…/#comment-62146023

 

Thanks for the info.  Perhaps we just need to see Celebrity for ourselves.  We are looking at a Sky Suite and the pricing is much better (considering what is included) than a Grand Suite on Oasis class.  I look forward to your review.  I don't want to hijack this thread, so back to the Mardi Gras.  We cruised on Mardi Gras over Halloween and at first I thought I didn't care for the ship.  Service issues and food quality were problems.  I believe that will improve once we pass through the covid mess.  In retrospect, I think there is such a learning curve on this ship that you can't fully get the experience in one week.  We were supposed to return on Jan. 15th, but with Omicron, we pushed it out for a year.  Hopefully, they will be full swing by then.       

[BennyBrun]

1 hour ago, keels81 said:

 

Thanks! Looking forward to it -- it will tide me over until the Celebration in December.

 

Now looking to sneak in a sailing on the Edge or Apex this year too!

You should !!!  If all goes we will be on the Apex less than a week.  
 

OMG will be on Celebration in December too… how funny!  We are booked for the holiday cruise again!

[BennyBrun]

36 minutes ago, RoperDK said:

 

 

Thanks for the info.  Perhaps we just need to see Celebrity for ourselves.  We are looking at a Sky Suite and the pricing is much better (considering what is included) than a Grand Suite on Oasis class.  I look forward to your review.  I don't want to hijack this thread, so back to the Mardi Gras.  We cruised on Mardi Gras over Halloween and at first I thought I didn't care for the ship.  Service issues and food quality were problems.  I believe that will improve once we pass through the covid mess.  In retrospect, I think there is such a learning curve on this ship that you can't fully get the experience in one week.  We were supposed to return on Jan. 15th, but with Omicron, we pushed it out for a year.  Hopefully, they will be full swing by then.       

You absolutely should and you will have a great time!!!  Go with an open mind and little expectations!
 

It’s always hard the first few weeks on a brand new ship until they get their groove, the people I spoke with on the Mardi Gras now that will be leaving for vacation next year most will sign on to Celebration to open that ship as well so it will be nice to see a few familiar faces.

[BennyBrun]

1 hour ago, SeaHunt said:

I really enjoyed your review - thanks so much for posting it 😁 - and oh those great pictures! I especially loved these 2 pictures you took (cropped to show you what I mean):

 

This little fella in the background during sail away was really vibing huh LOL!

 

 

 

And OMG the way the palm's shadow hit that dock! You really know what you're doing with a camera 📸

 

 

Thank you for coming along on the virtual cruise!!!

[keels81]

4 minutes ago, BennyBrun said:

You should !!!  If all goes we will be on the Apex less than a week.  
 

OMG will be on Celebration in December too… how funny!  We are booked for the holiday cruise again!

 

No way!!

 

We're cruising early December -- December 4, actually!

[BennyBrun]

1 minute ago, keels81 said:

 

No way!!

 

We're cruising early December -- December 4, actually!

Now I can’t wait to hear all about it from you!!!  From the information I got talking to the officers on the Mardi Gras it will be an improvement.  They are taking all the feedback from the Mardi Gras and make adjustments and they keep telling me that it’s their first mega ship so they too are learning.

[keels81]

19 minutes ago, BennyBrun said:

Now I can’t wait to hear all about it from you!!!  From the information I got talking to the officers on the Mardi Gras it will be an improvement.  They are taking all the feedback from the Mardi Gras and make adjustments and they keep telling me that it’s their first mega ship so they too are learning.

 

I'll admit, I had pretty high expectations going into our sailing on the MG ... it was a bright light at the end of a dark Pandemic tunnel for my girlfriends and I. On top of that, I'd never been on a ship in its inaugural season ... and then add in all the New Orleans tones, and it felt like the perfect ship for me. So, I had high hopes and nothing even came close to disappointing me.

 

I've been on plenty of cruises, but their only cruising experience was a three-day on the Disney Dream for my birthday back in 2018 shortly after my father passed away suddenly ... so a LOT was at stake in converting them to being cruise people versus Disney people. We talk almost daily how we miss our little pods on the Serenity Deck and coffee from Java Blue.

 

We're on a casino deal for the Celebration and previously had booked into a premium interior -- but when I checked yesterday, a few Cove Balconies had opened up in the promo rate ... so they're going to be in for a BIG surprise (if I can keep the secret that long!). 

[Hogladyrider]

@RoperDKhave you considered HAL?

 

We are Platinum with Carnival and we did our 1st HAL cruise and LOVED it....food was awesome, we ate in the dining room once.  Food on Lido was exceptional.  The live musical entertainment was the best.  Drinks as well.  Much more relaxed atmosphere than Carnival and we are of that mindset these days.

[RoperDK]

1 minute ago, Hogladyrider said:

@RoperDKhave you considered HAL?

 

We are Platinum with Carnival and we did our 1st HAL cruise and LOVED it....food was awesome, we ate in the dining room once.  Food on Lido was exceptional.  The live musical entertainment was the best.  Drinks as well.  Much more relaxed atmosphere than Carnival and we are of that mindset these days.

Hmm.....why haven't I thought of that?  It certainly is the upgrade I'm looking for.  Seems to me I've heard that the new ships have some great music venues.  Thanks for the idea!

[BennyBrun]

2 hours ago, keels81 said:

 

I'll admit, I had pretty high expectations going into our sailing on the MG ... it was a bright light at the end of a dark Pandemic tunnel for my girlfriends and I. On top of that, I'd never been on a ship in its inaugural season ... and then add in all the New Orleans tones, and it felt like the perfect ship for me. So, I had high hopes and nothing even came close to disappointing me.

 

I've been on plenty of cruises, but their only cruising experience was a three-day on the Disney Dream for my birthday back in 2018 shortly after my father passed away suddenly ... so a LOT was at stake in converting them to being cruise people versus Disney people. We talk almost daily how we miss our little pods on the Serenity Deck and coffee from Java Blue.

 

We're on a casino deal for the Celebration and previously had booked into a premium interior -- but when I checked yesterday, a few Cove Balconies had opened up in the promo rate ... so they're going to be in for a BIG surprise (if I can keep the secret that long!). 

Best Christmas present ever !  They will be so surprised… if you can keep a secret!!! 

[Cruisefanatic71]

On 12/19/2021 at 1:31 PM, BennyBrun said:

Day 2 Nassau

 

Detour alert… the new Magaritaville Resort opened so we stopped in for a looky look.  Be prepared to show ID and vaccine card for entry.  Beautiful resort but mostly empty.  The water park looks fun and relaxing.

Do you know if you are able to get a day pass to the resort to use the Waterpark?