Ecstasy-Only Thread! Ask questions and post info. here!

[HeresTweety]

Thanks, Medic, for the wonderful information...but I'm wondering, did you book your excursions through Carnival or did you do this on your own?

[qprrules]

The Society Bar (Promenade deck, aft) has TVs, but they were always tuned to ESPN World. Football, aka Soccer, was the sport usually covered.

 

Gooooooooooooooal..........................excellent!:D

[firefly333]

Hi!

 

we were happy eating at the sushi bar and the pizza bar. The sushi bar offered 4 types each night and it was all you care to eat (they lost money on me)! The sushi bar is located near the casino and the Metropolis bar. The pizza bar was in the Panorama grill and was very tasty!

 

I missed the sushi bar (and the chocolate buffet), so next time (January) I plan to find the things I missed. I had not found CC either when I did Ecstasy, we sure missed a lot without CC. Iv found the sushi on other cruise ships to be somewhat lacking though. Hopefully, it is better than what Iv found in the buffet lines. I developed a taste for it when I lived in Hawaii. RCI put asparagus for green in theirs??!! I dont like asparagus much so having it as the green in sushi, uck. I was expecting avacado.

 

How was the sushi on Ecastasy, was it more like you would find in a restaurant or was it kinda wierd things too?

 

I think the pizza on Ecstasy was the best I have had on a cruise ship. Its hard not to look too far forward, we have a B2B on RCI first.

[hdawson]

Medic. The tips on the soda cards go to the bar staff that serves them.

[dcwms]

Good Review Medic. Thanks:)

[firefly333]

Has anyone else noticed??!! They raised the prices in 2009!!! I was looking at the end of January 2009 on a site where I have it set to click on Galveston at a glance, they do show 1As as their cheapest insides, so it is not a actual inside, but bottom prices jumped in the last couple of days from $269 to $339!!!, up $70 pp. :eek:

 

This doesnt bode well for Ecstasy prices or last minute Ecstasy prices to me.

 

Carnival also seems to be trying to price 1A and IS the same, maybe to discourage folks from booking those 1A guarantees.

 

Iv only been on Ecstasy once in a 5A porthole cabin, but I was looking forward to doing it quite often in the future. I was kinda shocked they would raise little Ecstasy 1A prices $70 pp for 2009. Are ships filling up that fast? The demand out of Galveston must be up compared to other gulf ports.

[slnewc]

I love the Ecstasy, been on her three times!! Really happy with the ship after the drydock changes - tv's, new bedding, new decor. I too hope the propulsion system is finally fixed! In Sept. we were taken to Progreso instead of Cozumel, received $50 OBC though so that was cool. Seems like this past week they finally held her a day or two to get it corrected instead of a quick "patch up".

I have a question about the Ectstasy. We were on the Conquest in May. That was our first cruise. We liked leaving from Galvaston. How would you compare the Ectstasy to the conquest. We just wanted to go on another cruise maybe with different destinations.

[jobster71]

have posted this on the Carnival post also. I love both ships.

 

Conquest- Pros: 1. Supper Club option (The Point), chinese food, Fish and Chips, omelet station, larger dinning rooms , the midnight buffet was enormous and was really grand!!! 2. There is less motion noted, even on rougher days. 3. More balcony options, have more choices in room configurations. 4. The clubs was rocking!!! More activities planned from the cruise directors. 5. Heavenly 7 days of caribean paradise, need I say more!!!

 

Conquest- Cons: 1. Less personal attention from staffs. The cost is almost more than twice. 2. I think the alchoholic drinks was pushed more by the waiters. 3. The ship was so big, you have to take an extra 20-30 minutes to get to your destination because of crowds . 4. It goes to Jamaica!!! Don't get me wrong, Jamaica was beautiful with lush green and perfect blue water. The people was pushy!!! We were offered drugs and cuban cigars (illegal to have on the ship) twice at this stop!

 

Ecstasy- Pros: 1. Personal attention. The staffs call you by your name. 2. Hard to get lost on this ship. 3. I think is more "family" friendly. Lots of activities for the kids. 4. The cost, you can't beat the price!!! You can afford for the kids to have their own room. You are more likely to meet new friends, you get to see the same folks over and over. (or this can be a con if you are avoiding some annoying passenger)

 

Ecstasy- Cons: 1. Older ship, it is in good shape but you can really tell and feel the age. 2. More motion and more engine noises. 3. Compare to the Conquest the food has less "wow" factor. 4. The formal night was not very formal, people was wearing jeans in the dinning room. The people in general does not dress up for dinner.

 

Remember this is just my opinion. I am cruising on the Ecstasy again in October because of the price. Anyday on the Carnival ship is better than washing dishes at home, or going to work!!!

 

Have fun either way. If you have the attitude that you will have a blast, you will.

[Stircrzy]

I don't even know where to begin this one...

 

This was my 7th 4 night Ecstasy cruise in two years...my 9th Carnival cruise overall...my 14th cruise in total.

 

From the moment we reached the VIP check-in to the moment we were gathered up in the library and forced off of the ship we were treated royally!

 

I think the key is the new Captain who came aboard in mid-May and will be aboard (except for vacations) for another year and a half.

 

A 12 year Captain for Carnival Cruise Lines...I think he's sailed the Spirit and Legend, and I don't know what else...Captain Pier Paolo Scala is a jewel! The most visible of any Captain on any line I've cruised with, Captain Scala was all over the ship. He was in the elevators, hosted a cigar session nightly on the Lido deck, a Q & A two afternoons in one of the lounges where passengers asked him anything they wanted to ask, dealt the finals for the Blackjack Tournament, and graciously stopped for photographs with passengers who asked him. His lovely wife, Chloe, is the Hotel Director for the Ecstasy...and for now, also Head of Food and Beverage until the new person shows up onboard in August.

 

The atmosphere onboard is a direct result of the care and concern and RESPECT the staff receives from Captain and Mrs. Scala.

 

My friend (married female, 48) and I (married female, 52) were in a suite. In the past the casino has arranged for a Bon Voyage Package, with decorations, a fruit basket, etc. This time there was nothing from the casino, but Carnival had provided us with photo coupons, diet and regular sodas, a fruit and cheese basket, two snack baskets, and a bottle of Myers Dark Rum. I'm not sure who it was from, but the paperwork stated "Compliments of Carnival".

 

We had 8 PM dinner in the Wind Song dining room. Leslie was the Maitre d', and Sasha was our head waiter. We had a booth for two...table 269 in the middle and towards the back of the dining room. It was a good spot and the casino sent over a bottle of wine on two nights...Beringer Knight Valley Alluvium. The food was very good and well presented. We especially liked the French Onion Soup and the Chateaubriand with Bernaise Sauce. We didn't eat any of the desserts because we were full!

 

We were invited to dine with the Captain on Formal Night. It was quite an experience and I was seated to his right with my friend next to me and the Captain's wife next to her. The Chief Engineer, Ship's Doctor, and some people who worked for the Texas Rangers Baseball team were also at table. I had the Salmon, with steamed veggies...it was superb!

 

The casino brought us once again in contact with Niko, the host for 3 of our cruises. Jason, casino manager, was very visible and personable. I had two large wins on night 1...$4500 and $3000, and a $1200 win on night 3, after a long day in Cozumel at Playa Uvas, along with some $750 wins throughout the cruise. I brought home 3 W-2Gs this time. The casino host was dismayed that the Ocean Players Club had not honored his request for the Bon Voyage Package, but did arrange a "gift" of some casino credit for me. I donated it to the ship's special project.

 

We had lunch on Sunday with the Chief Purser, the Head Nurse, and the Chief of Security. It was beyond "cool". They are all very nice people and interesting to talk to, but Nurse Marion stole our hearts when she talked about the kids in Progreso and Merida.

 

We didn't see any shows since this was our 3rd time since January, and we didn't play any Bingo. We didn't do any Spa treatments this time either.

 

We had lunch in the buffet twice. We had a couple of sandwiches at the Deli, and we had room service for breakfast almost every day...bagels, cream cheese, and guava jelly. Room service was very prompt and our orders complete.

 

It was a great trip!

 

I was dismayed at the number of small children (middle school and younger) who ran rampant on the open decks until the wee hours...after 1 AM. Where were their parents?!?

 

Ask anyone on the staff about CrewCares4Kids...and watch the smiles widen even bigger!

 

Email at the address below with any questions and I'll try to answer. Put CC in the subject line, please.

[tisabee]

I don't even know where to begin this one...

 

This was my 7th 4 night Ecstasy cruise in two years...my 9th Carnival cruise overall...my 14th cruise in total.

 

From the moment we reached the VIP check-in to the moment we were gathered up in the library and forced off of the ship we were treated royally!

 

I think the key is the new Captain who came aboard in mid-May and will be aboard (except for vacations) for another year and a half.

 

A 12 year Captain for Carnival Cruise Lines...I think he's sailed the Spirit and Legend, and I don't know what else...Captain Pier Paolo Scala is a jewel! The most visible of any Captain on any line I've cruised with, Captain Scala was all over the ship. He was in the elevators, hosted a cigar session nightly on the Lido deck, a Q & A two afternoons in one of the lounges where passengers asked him anything they wanted to ask, dealt the finals for the Blackjack Tournament, and graciously stopped for photographs with passengers who asked him. His lovely wife, Chloe, is the Hotel Director for the Ecstasy...and for now, also Head of Food and Beverage until the new person shows up onboard in August.

 

The atmosphere onboard is a direct result of the care and concern and RESPECT the staff receives from Captain and Mrs. Scala.

 

My friend (married female, 48) and I (married female, 52) were in a suite. In the past the casino has arranged for a Bon Voyage Package, with decorations, a fruit basket, etc. This time there was nothing from the casino, but Carnival had provided us with photo coupons, diet and regular sodas, a fruit and cheese basket, two snack baskets, and a bottle of Myers Dark Rum. I'm not sure who it was from, but the paperwork stated "Compliments of Carnival".

 

We had 8 PM dinner in the Wind Song dining room. Leslie was the Maitre d', and Sasha was our head waiter. We had a booth for two...table 269 in the middle and towards the back of the dining room. It was a good spot and the casino sent over a bottle of wine on two nights...Beringer Knight Valley Alluvium. The food was very good and well presented. We especially liked the French Onion Soup and the Chateaubriand with Bernaise Sauce. We didn't eat any of the desserts because we were full!

 

We were invited to dine with the Captain on Formal Night. It was quite an experience and I was seated to his right with my friend next to me and the Captain's wife next to her. The Chief Engineer, Ship's Doctor, and some people who worked for the Texas Rangers Baseball team were also at table. I had the Salmon, with steamed veggies...it was superb!

 

The casino brought us once again in contact with Niko, the host for 3 of our cruises. Jason, casino manager, was very visible and personable. I had two large wins on night 1...$4500 and $3000, and a $1200 win on night 3, after a long day in Cozumel at Playa Uvas, along with some $750 wins throughout the cruise. I brought home 3 W-2Gs this time. The casino host was dismayed that the Ocean Players Club had not honored his request for the Bon Voyage Package, but did arrange a "gift" of some casino credit for me. I donated it to the ship's special project.

 

We had lunch on Sunday with the Chief Purser, the Head Nurse, and the Chief of Security. It was beyond "cool". They are all very nice people and interesting to talk to, but Nurse Marion stole our hearts when she talked about the kids in Progreso and Merida.

 

We didn't see any shows since this was our 3rd time since January, and we didn't play any Bingo. We didn't do any Spa treatments this time either.

 

We had lunch in the buffet twice. We had a couple of sandwiches at the Deli, and we had room service for breakfast almost every day...bagels, cream cheese, and guava jelly. Room service was very prompt and our orders complete.

 

It was a great trip!

 

I was dismayed at the number of small children (middle school and younger) who ran rampant on the open decks until the wee hours...after 1 AM. Where were their parents?!?

 

Ask anyone on the staff about CrewCares4Kids...and watch the smiles widen even bigger!

 

Email at the address below with any questions and I'll try to answer. Put CC in the subject line, please.

Wow! Sounds like you had a great time. LUCKY! Great review. Nice to hear from someone who has sailed on her a few times.

Thanks for the great review, can't wait for my turn.

[Sugarland Cruiser]

Wonderful!

[Sugarland Cruiser]

Stircrazy! I have been waiting for this review and now I am stunned! Are you serious or are you sarcastic? Joking of course! I am so happy that you had such a great cruise! That is so freakin awesome! My hubby was reading your review at the same time I was and he of course said you were treated that way because you have done 9 cruises,. Well, if that is true, i need to build myself up so I can enjoy THAT type of service. Glad you had an awesome time! :D :D :D :D :D

I can't wait for October!

[firefly333]

Nice review. Someone also posted that EZCruise has a summer parking special going on. If you go to the parking site, the special for $10 off parking is specifically only for the Ecstasy parking. $30 for either the 4 or the 5 days of parking.

[TXCruise]

Thanks for the review. I'm leaving August 6th with my DW and 3 kids (they will not be running wild on the decks, but I will be, that's for sure ;-) ). Hope you left some $$$ in the casino for me to win!!!

[Stircrzy]

Stircrazy! I have been waiting for this review and now I am stunned! Are you serious or are you sarcastic? Joking of course! I am so happy that you had such a great cruise! That is so freakin awesome! My hubby was reading your review at the same time I was and he of course said you were treated that way because you have done 9 cruises,. Well, if that is true, i need to build myself up so I can enjoy THAT type of service. Glad you had an awesome time! :D :D :D :D

I can't wait for October!

 

Serious as a heart attack...which I nearly had with all of the special attention. Can't wait until I go back in September on a five night!

 

Which area of Sugar Land do you live?

I just moved from Sweetwater a year ago. Too much traffic with TelFair coming in there now.

 

Loved the motto "Sugar Land...there is no Equal". :D

[patmom4]

"Someone also posted that EZCruise has a summer parking special going on. If you go to the parking site, the special for $10 off parking is specifically only for the Ecstasy parking. $30 for either the 4 or the 5 days of parking."

 

Thanks Firefly333 for the tip on the EZ Cruise parking sale. Just reserved on-line with them for $30 for a 5 day sail. Come on, September!:)

[Stircrzy]

PS...

 

There were lots of jeans in the dining room, both men and women...or maybe I just never really noticed before reading all of the "jeans" threads on here. It didn't distract from my meals, but I *did* notice this time.

 

As for the kids:

 

I did not notice a lot of boisterous behavior or massive amounts of kids running in packs...except around 1 AM. I guess they behaved better during the day than in the wee hours.

 

Wonder if they snuck out on their parents in the middle of the night?!?! :p

[firefly333]

I was talking to my PVP today and I asked her if she saw how much Carnival raised those Ecstasy prices??!! My Conquest is still the same but both Ecstasy bookings are up up up. She said Ecstasy is filling up quickly for next spring...surprising huh?

 

Iv got two 5 day Ecstasy bookings waiting to go. If only I could cruise all the time huh and never have to wait.

[Huntster]

"Someone also posted that EZCruise has a summer parking special going on. If you go to the parking site, the special for $10 off parking is specifically only for the Ecstasy parking. $30 for either the 4 or the 5 days of parking."

Would you mind posting a link to EZ Parking, please? Thanks!

[EastTexans2]

It is www.ezcruiseparking.com

[patmom4]

Would you mind posting a link to EZ Parking, please? Thanks!

 

http://www.ezcruiseparking.com/

 

There you go!

[txcruzr]

Do the safes on Ecstasy use the magnetic-strip reader, or are they touch-pad? Just wondering if we should take an old gift-card (or something like that) to use.

 

Thanks everybody - great info on this thread!!

[Stircrzy]

My cabin last week had the touch pad type.

[monakayk]

Do the safes on Ecstasy use the magnetic-strip reader, or are they touch-pad? Just wondering if we should take an old gift-card (or something like that) to use.

 

Thanks everybody - great info on this thread!!

 

Had an outside window cabin...I had the touch pad on my safe too.

[gonetomaui99]

We will be on the Ecstasy in Feb 08, and had hoped to get a balcony for the first time in 5 cruises. Well, to late for that as they are all booked.

Sooo, we were thinking about going with a suite. My question is this...

Do suites have a balcony and could someone give me an idea what the overall room (suite) is like on the Ecstasy?

Thanks