firsttimecruiser8 Posted August 1, 2007 #1 Share Posted August 1, 2007 :confused: Has anyone been on this ship? My husband and I are thinking about planning a trip in the spring. We are cheap and don't want to spend a lot so from what I have researched this would work great for us. This will be our first cruise. (We are not lavish people either so I know this boat won't have all of the frills and thrills compared to other newer ships. That's fine). Also, when I called carnival to ask about how much excursions were just to go to the beach all day in Cozumel they said to check their web site. I told them that it just had $ or $$ listed. They said that $ = $50. Is that right? That seems kind of expensive...$100 for the day just to go to the beach for two?? Is it really that expensive? We are on a tight budget. Can anyone recommend some cheaper things to do at Cozumel and Progresso/Yucatan? Thanks! :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CGBCruiser Posted August 1, 2007 #2 Share Posted August 1, 2007 My DH and I sailed on the Ecstasy September, 2006. I think it's probably fine for a first cruise. The cabins have been refurbished and were very comfortable. They say the entire ship has been refurbished but shows it's age a little. It's now 16 years old so that's expected. In Cozumel you can take a cab to a beach...we went to Playa Mia but there's also San Francisco Beach and I think one called Mr. Sancho's. Anyway, it's cheaper to take a cab. In Progreso there's the Corona Beach and it's right next to the pier (which is very, very long) in town. There are shuttle buses that will take you from the ship into the town so you don't really even have to pay for a cab to take you to a beach or to the shopping area in town. Good luck and I hope you have a great time! - CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hdawson Posted August 1, 2007 #3 Share Posted August 1, 2007 firsttimecruiser. Please check the CC "Ports of Call" board for ideas. Most times, there's no need for a ships excursion. Much easier and cheaper to go on your own. I and others have posted many options for Progreso that cost little to nothing. Also for Progreso, check out http://www.yucatantoday.com Probably, the best visitor's guide I've seen for any destination. Example: bus to Merida from Progreso is $3.00 ROUND TRIP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firsttimecruiser8 Posted August 1, 2007 Author #4 Share Posted August 1, 2007 Thanks Hdawson! I will definately check into those links. When the woman told me that it would be nearly $100 to go to the beach I was freaking out and about to quit looking at going. I was hoping there were cheaper excursions. Thanks again :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SheriNtexas Posted August 1, 2007 #5 Share Posted August 1, 2007 The Ecstasy was the first ship I cruised on and you will love her! Cozumel is very easy, and SAFE, to get around on your own, so don't worry about that. The advantage to booking a ship excursion is that if the excursion is late returning, the ship will wait for you! However, if you go to the beach on your own, fall asleep and miss the ship, it will NOT wait for you!! Progreso is a totally different kind of place, and you definitely need to do your research on that place!! Another option to save money is to stay on the ship during the port day, although that could turn out to be more expensive if you end up drinking or something!:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dnj1 Posted August 1, 2007 #6 Share Posted August 1, 2007 Our 2nd cruise was Ectasy last year and we loved it. I consider us plain jane peope, who don't need a lot of thrills either. Great ship. I have not been on a bigger ship, so when I got on her I thought that she was "huge". The rooom was nice, food was good and we did a lot of the trivia games during the day. We did not book an excursion through Carnival. We took a cab and went to Paradise Beach for the day. (check the Cozumel thread for details) I am one of those people that can't understand how someone can have a bad cruise. :confused: We will cruise Fantasy in 9 days. I know that she is the sister ship to Ectasy and that is fine with us. Of course we would like to cruise a bigger ship, but money holds us here for now, but I know that we will still have an awesome time. Cruise Happy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travel girl23 Posted August 1, 2007 #7 Share Posted August 1, 2007 We sailed on the Ecstasy June 16 and of all our cruises, it was one of the very best. So much so, we have booked her again for November. Once you book, you can access the Carnival website - register - and when the itinerary comes up you can click on the excursions and it will give the exact price. I think the $ means around $50 (more or less) and the $$ means between $50 and $100, and so on. We did the Uxmal Mayan Ruin tour plus lunch in Progreso and it cost $71. I see where it is now $69. There is a free bus you can catch at the Cruise Terminal and it will take you in to the market place where you can shop and then return you to the ship. We have sailed the Conquest and Glory - much bigger and newer ships and enjoyed them, but we love the Fantasy class of ship like the Ecstasy. Also, we booked an inside room on the Riviera Deck and it was one of the best rooms we have had. Nothing wrong with it. You can't go wrong with the Ecstasy. Good luck in booking. Travelgirl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karenh1127 Posted August 1, 2007 #8 Share Posted August 1, 2007 Our first cruise was also the Ecstasy and we loved it! The staff was so nice and the food was good. For your first cruise, you cant go wrong. Be sure and do the daily tea. It was something I missed but I spotted it one day and it looked fabulous. Also karaoke was fun. We had a suite since it was our first time but all the rooms we could see looked fine. Have a great cruise! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UFQ202 Posted August 1, 2007 #9 Share Posted August 1, 2007 We have sailed on the Ecstasy twice and on the Conquest once and I think the Ecstasy is my favorite. It is just the right size and the layout is perfect with good flow. It was always clean and the people very happy. I can't wait to go again. We love Progresso and always spend the money to see one of the Mayan ruins. One couple just took the free bus on the pier and went to the beach at the end and had a blast and said it wasn't expensive. Another couple got a cab and he took them on a tour of the city and then back to the ship. They say Progresso is what Cozumel was like 20 years ago when it was just a sleepy little Mexican village. My kids came away thankful for all they have after seeing what true proverty can look like. The people were so nice there. As you can tell Progresso is one of my favorite spots to visit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stircrzy Posted August 1, 2007 #10 Share Posted August 1, 2007 It's my favorite ship! I'm sailing her for the 8th time in September! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tightlinerods Posted August 1, 2007 #11 Share Posted August 1, 2007 You can sit on the beach in progresso and have beers delivered for a buck right next to the 40.00 a person Corona Beach club....(I do not find Progresso all that exciting) the little market there is ok nothing to write home about... In Cozumel, Paradise beach has several different levels of enjoyment (cost) here is a link for you: http://paradise-beach-cozumel.com/ It will cost 14.00 for a cab there but shear with other folks to lighten the load... Also you can walk the shopping district in Cozumel there are some good bargins.... Do not be pressured into thinking you have to dressup and attend the formal night you can simply eat every meal on the Lido deck and never change out of a swim suit, how much more relaxing and budget effactive can you get???? I can promise you this I sailed this and 2 other Carnival ships and also on 2 NCL liners and I'll not take anymore formal wear, simply because I find it a hassel to stop what I'm doing rush to dress and eat a half cold rubbery Lobster and ok steak..... John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
traycz Posted August 2, 2007 #12 Share Posted August 2, 2007 Hi Stircrzy, Quick question for ya. I have a friend working on board the ship right now. He's a cellist in a classical music trio that usually plays in the atrium of the ship and at other various places throughout the cruise. The name of the group might be the Amadeo Trio. If it wouldn't be too much to ask, would you mind snapping a picture of him for me? It's been almost a year since I've seen him and would just love to catch a glimpse of him. He's in Poland, so that doesn't lend much time to us hanging. It was just a thought I had. Let me know what you think. Traci Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stircrzy Posted August 2, 2007 #13 Share Posted August 2, 2007 Hi Stircrzy, Quick question for ya. I have a friend working on board the ship right now. He's a cellist in a classical music trio that usually plays in the atrium of the ship and at other various places throughout the cruise. The name of the group might be the Amadeo Trio. If it wouldn't be too much to ask, would you mind snapping a picture of him for me? It's been almost a year since I've seen him and would just love to catch a glimpse of him. He's in Poland, so that doesn't lend much time to us hanging. It was just a thought I had. Let me know what you think. Traci Is this him? I took this one last week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hdawson Posted August 2, 2007 #14 Share Posted August 2, 2007 Stircrzy. You are remarkable. lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stircrzy Posted August 2, 2007 #15 Share Posted August 2, 2007 I felt like "Fred Jr" ( Wennfred ) posting that. :D I hope that's her friend, and that she enjoys the photo. They were a talented trio. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GinnyJ Posted August 2, 2007 #16 Share Posted August 2, 2007 We have friends that sail the Ecstasy once a month or more. AND, they do it on the cheap! They book the inside cabins, no mixed drinks(bring their own), no bingo... In Progreso they do the free beach. Maybe order a beer or coke. They went to Walmart and picked up a snorkel mask kit ($15) and this is what they use in Cozumel. Go to Dzul Ha for good, free shore snorkel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travel girl23 Posted August 2, 2007 #17 Share Posted August 2, 2007 Traycz, we were on the Ecstasy in June and there were three guys who played in the trio. I do have a picture of the cellist but it is from a distance. I will be glad to send it to you if you think it might be him. I do not know how to post a picture. Travelgirl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travel girl23 Posted August 2, 2007 #18 Share Posted August 2, 2007 I am going to try to post the picture. I haven't done this before so hope I get it right. Here goes: Well, it gives you the link so at least you can see it. Hope it is him. Travelgirl http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p7ec4015859191c366ee0c115dd6d8164/e8ee19bd.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newmexicoNita Posted August 2, 2007 #19 Share Posted August 2, 2007 I am amazed at how many people think Esctacy is a wonderful ship. That being said, for a first cruise, just to get an idea of what cruising is about, go for it. yes, she has been refurbished but still is getting really mature. I don't want to say old cause i don't like to be called old. I am mature. LOL Remember another thing, short cruises 3/4 days will not give you the same cruise feeling as the 7 day or longer cruises, but certainly it will introduce you to cruising. In Cozumel, I would do a tour on my own, You can go to one of the national parks which are very nice or just walk around town. One thing we always do, have lunch at Ponchos. It is a must!!!!!!!! Enjoy your cruise experience, hope you get hooked like most of us. Nita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lgbteacher Posted August 2, 2007 #20 Share Posted August 2, 2007 Thanks Travelgirl for those pics. We are going again next year and taking my sister and her family. It will be their first time. I can't wait to show her your pics to get her even more excited. Thanks for sharing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travel girl23 Posted August 2, 2007 #21 Share Posted August 2, 2007 You're welcome, lgbteacher. I have more if you want me to send them to you. Travelgirl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fin Posted August 2, 2007 #22 Share Posted August 2, 2007 I went thru the Panama Canal on the Ecstasy and it was a totally wonderful two weeks. If you like popcorn, however, bring your own. I loved the soft ice cream machines by the non stop pizza aft. The burgers were some of the best I ever had, and the casino was very good to me as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kurbanfan Posted August 2, 2007 #23 Share Posted August 2, 2007 Let's see what is my opinion of the Ecstacy:confused: Very neon. Kinda like flashbacks from taking LSD:eek: All kidding aside. We had a great time regardless because we had a wonderful group of people. But she is not on my agenda to sail again...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ok_Cruiser Posted August 2, 2007 #24 Share Posted August 2, 2007 We are headed for the Ecstasy in October. There are 18 (large family) of going of which 12 are first timers. We are hoping for smooth waters! It is great to here good things about her and I will be sure to post my review upon return. We are so looking forward to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ok_Cruiser Posted August 2, 2007 #25 Share Posted August 2, 2007 Very neon. Kinda like flashbacks from taking LSD:eek: Excellent Dude! But she is not on my agenda to sail again...... I don't think any ship will be on my agenda to sail again for a long time. My plans are to sail as many different ships as possible in the coming years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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