Review of Ecstasy and Photos

[munchkin4]

Carnival Ecstasy

October 1, 2007

Captain Salvatore Messina

Cruise Director Tina Noble

This was our second cruise. Our first was on Monarch of the Seas (RCI). It was our friend’s first cruise. This was a relaxation cruise for us so we did not participate in a lot of ship activities. We live in north central Oklahoma so decided to drive to Galveston to save air fare. We left on Saturday, September 29, and it took us about 11 hours. However, we took our time, making several stops. The traffic in Houston was somewhat heavy, but we were always moving.

We spent Saturday and Sunday nights in the Super 8 in Galveston (61st Street). The rooms were nice. They were not elegant, but nice, comfortable and clean. We paid an average of $60 per night. One reason we picked Super 8 was because of their “Super Start Breakfast”. I knew it would be a continental breakfast, but the “Super Start” indicated that it might be something a little more than cereal. It was not. Two kinds of cereal, bread and a few Danish. We chose to eat at the Waffle House which is adjacent to Super 8. I would stay here again but knowing we would eat breakfast elsewhere. Everything else was fine.

While in Galveston, we took the Treasure Island Train Tour, which is 2 hours long and covers 17 miles and lots of history. This was excellent and definitely worth the $7 per person. I highly recommend it. Art did a fantastic job. We ate dinner at Benno’s which serves Cajun seafood. It was excellent. It has indoor/outdoor seating and some of the best bread pudding I’ve had in a while. This was not my first time in Galveston, so I wanted to eat somewhere different and very glad we found Benno’s. After dinner, we took a free ferry ride which was neat because you can see lots of harbor stuff. We also took several walks on the beach which were awesome.

Day 1--Embarkation: We arrived at Lighthouse Parking about 10:00 am. We had reserved a spot so check-in took only a few minutes. A bus was waiting and picked us up immediately to take us to the terminal. After unloading our luggage, we waited about 10 minutes for a porter. Most of them were busy with passengers unloading from the Ecstasy. We walked right in the terminal, showed our Fun Pass and were told to go upstairs. When we arrived upstairs, we discovered there were 3 weddings and one of them was quite large. The Carnival staff (Ellie White) told us to have a seat and that we would be first to board after the weddings. She was exceptionally nice. The weddings began to go through security and check in about 11 and we were through by 11:20. We had our sign and sail cards by noon. However, the Coast Guard had not cleared the ship for boarding so we sat in a waiting room for about 30 to 45 minutes. This had nothing to do with Carnival and they were most hospitable. We were finally on board about 1:00 p.m.

My friend and I went straight to the Spa to make hair and massage appointments while the guys went to get a table at the Panorama Grill. When we were done with lunch, we were able to check out our cabins and put our carry-ons inside. After the muster drill, we went to the top deck to relax and watch sailaway. We then got ready for dinner in the Wind Song Dining Room. The filets were excellent. Perfectly cooked and very tender.

Our dining room staff (Yersoun and Igeede) were excellent. After you asked for something once, they remembered every evening. The food was excellent. We ate there every evening and one lunch and everything was wonderful. Through our former business, we have eaten at many 5-Star establishments and this food was every bit as good as those. Hats off to the dining staff. The waiters did perform 3 nights. I thought it was very good. In no way did it detract from the formal dining experience. In fact, it enhanced it. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. The last evening they did a rendition of “Leaving on a jet plane” but changed it to “Leaving on a Funship”. Very touching. If they let people in the dining room with shorts, etc. I did not notice it. Of course, I was not looking for it. I went with the mindset that it didn’t matter what others wore. I was going to enjoy myself no matter what. And I did. We attended the Welcome Aboard Show after dinner and if was very enjoyable. They also has a comedian who was very funny.

Day 2--At Sea: The beds were very comfortable and we both slept very well. The seas were slightly rough today. We had seasick patches and had put them on as a precaution so felt no side effects. However, several people were sick. We found out later in the evening that we were on the edge of a small storm and the captain was steering us away from it. We ate breakfast at the buffet and sat outside. The water was choppy but wonderful. During the morning the gals went to the shopping talk given by Kiwi James and the guys went to the golf clinic. We met later for lunch. I’d heard a lot about the Reuben sandwiches from the Deli. They were okay, but not great in my opinion. I’ve had much better. We all met and attended the Newlywed game which was very funny as always. We had our hair done about 3:30 and then went to get ready for the captain’s cocktail party in the Blue Sapphire. Capt. Messina could not be present because he was steering us around the storm. It was very enjoyable. You may get any cocktail you wish but they have several good choices on their trays. They appetizers were also very delicious. Dinner was of course formal night and we chose to dress accordingly. The lobster was great and I ate two. The entertainment that night was switched to the country performance for the safety of the dancers on the rough seas. It was very good. The lead singers were talented and we enjoyed the performance. There were several things going on later, but we just couldn’t stay up long enough to see them.

Day 3—Progresso: There is a shop “Los Cincos Soles” just as you get off the ship that has lots of souvenirs. As you walk through it to the other side, there are several more shops before you come to the busses that will take you into town. This is also the area where the tours meet. We had signed up for the Jeep and Beach Break through Carnival. The jeep tour was very interesting. It takes quite a while to actually get started by the time you get into Progresso, get your jeep, sign paperwork, etc. We drove about 25 minutes before arriving at Xcambo which is a Mayan ruin. We saw Flamingos on the way. TAKE INSECT REPELLANT. The mosquitos were terrible. Luckily, I had put wipes in my bag. But the ruins were interesting and our tour guide Ricardo was very good. We then went to Dzemul to see a very old church that is still in use. It was also interesting and beautiful. Lunch and a short beach break were also part of our package. This took place at the Reef Club Resort. It was listed as a Mayan lunch but was similar to what we get as Mexican food here in the states. In fact, one item was nachos with cheese. It was only fair. Somewhat overcooked for me. The best part of the meal was the fresh mango, pineapple etc. Those were excellent. We then returned to the bus to take us back to the pier. We were later getting back than our scheduled time so we did not get to do any shopping as we had made an appointment for a couples massage. Dinner that evening was very good again and we attended the Name that Tune.

Day 4—Cozumel: We chose not to do a Carnival excursion this day but went out on our own. We wanted a very quiet and relaxing beach and found that in Nachi Cocum. We had made our reservations through Island Marketing. We found a taxi immediately at the end of the pier. The cost was $15 for 4 of us and it was about a 10 mile ride. When we arrived the gate was closed (We were about 10 minutes early) but DH read the email we had received and it told us to go in. We walked a short ways to the buildings. No one was around so we just helped ourselves to chairs. Shortly someone came, took the rest of our money and we were set. We paid $60 for a half our jet ski. The equipment was excellent and that was a blast. Most fun I’ve had in a while. I also had a half hour massage on the beach. It was so good that I fell asleep. The girl just covered me with a towel and let me sleep until DH came to get me as they were ready to eat. All drinks and lunch were included. The drinks were somewhat weak but we weren’t there to get drunk. The food was totally opposite from what we had the day before. It was superb. Some of the best I have had. The staff was wonderful. We felt totally welcome and relaxed. Families with small children would be fine here as kids could play in the sand and have fun. Older kids might be bored. There were less than 10 people there, which made it wonderful for us. This is what we were looking for. We left about 1 pm and taxi was waiting for us. $20 to get back as we had him take us further than the pier so we could do some shopping. I must not have been in a shopping mood because found nothing that caught my eye. However, DF found lots of stuff. After dinner we went to Casino before attending the final show “Dream Fantasy” which was Las Vegas style. It was very good.

Day 5—At Sea: We had a very relaxing day. Went to the Casino and the spa and toured the galley. The rest of the day was just spent relaxing and resting for the long trip home. We did attend the evening comedian “Thomas Brown”. He was very funny and we managed to stay up for the adult show at 11 pm. It was pretty raunchy but hilarious. He is auditioning for Last Comic Standing so keep your eyes out for him.

Day 6—Disembarkation: We chose not to do the self-assist as we had quite a bit of luggage. Since we were driving home, we were in a higher zone number (19). We chose to wait in the Blue Sapphire while they called zones. They asked us not to wait in the atrium lobby or the stairways so we did not. I have no idea how that went as that has been a problem in the past. Our procedure was very quick and we were off the ship by 9:30. I had been told by CC members to get a porter to get to the customs line faster. This is true. What we didn’t know is that there is a line for porters. If there is more than 1 in your party, have one person immediately get in porter line when you enter luggage warehouse and have the other go to luggage. That will save you lots of time. Customs was a breeze. We carried off 8 liters of alcohol (3 per person is the allowance) but were not questioned at all. They scanned our passports and that was it. Our porter took us right to Lighthouse bus and we were in the parking lot and loading the car by 10:30 am.

Spa: I went to the spa 3 times. Once for hair and twice for massages. Each time was a pleasure. They did try to suggest products at the end but it was NOT high pressure. I simply said I didn’t believe so this time and that was that.

Casino: Machines were tight at first but seemed to loosen up. At one time we were about $400 up. I think in the end we lost $100 from what we started out with. But we had lots of fun doing it.

Summary: The Ecstasy was in very good condition and kept in tip top shape. Rooms were very clean and our room stewards (David and Anna) were excellent. All staff I encountered were extremely pleasant, with the exception of one who was standoffish. They were from USA—go figure! All our food was wonderful whether in the dining room or Panorama Grill. We went to relax and that is just what we did. We had a wonderful time and will sail the Ecstasy again. Email me with specific questions.

Hopefully this link will take you to our photo album at Photobucket. You should be abe to watch it as a slideshow. I did not take many pictures of the ship because what you see on the website it what you get. Those pictures are very accurate.

http://s198.photobucket.com/albums/aa159/kennajack4/Cruise%202007/

[*Mach*]

Thanks for the great review!

 

I've been thinking about cruising on the Ecstasy as a filler... going six months without cruising just won't do!

 

Sorry to hear about that one standoffish crew member. What a shame it had to be an American.

 

Thanks again!

 

Mach

[SATXLady]

Great review. I was on the 4-day Ecstasy Cruise this last Labor Day and am scheduled for the 5-day next Labor Day. I loved the ship. Too bad Capt Scala is on leave right now -- he has so much personality. We loved listening to him.

[KRUISE KING]

I Was On That Cruise With You It Was A Good One!

[WJ228]

Thank you for the review. I am taking my elder parents in January. It will be their first cruise. Would you please send me the website for the private resort in Cozmel? I would greatly appreciate. How long did you spend there, and was it worth it? I know my stepmother will want to do some shopping.

 

I now have a really good idea of what is the ship is like, and what to expect, thank you.

 

Warren

[pacerzfan]

Thank you for the review.

[rob6465]

Kruise King ? My wife and I were on our first cruise(Conquest) last month and we loved it, now we're hooked. We would love to catch up to you in taking that many cruises. Question, we plan on going on the conquest on 9/08. Between now and then how would you describe going on the ecstasy ? Will we like it, after the conquest ? Are there shows ? Activities ? Did it feel too short (5 days) ? I trust your answer because you've been on so many and both ships. Do you book with PVP or TA ?

 

Thanks

[Stircrzy]

Great review. I was on the 4-day Ecstasy Cruise this last Labor Day and am scheduled for the 5-day next Labor Day. I loved the ship. Too bad Capt Scala is on leave right now -- he has so much personality. We loved listening to him.

 

Captain Scala will return from vacation in mid-November. He'll go back on vacation again in mid-March.

 

Rob, I've been on 13 cruises...I'm doing my 8th on the Ecstasy in January! She's a great ship!

[rob6465]

Thanks Stir, did you feel it was too short of a cruise, after a 7 day or just right ? I felt 3 days at sea in beginning was too much, 2 would've been good. We're thinking of a 5 day cruise in April, then 7 day in september. 2 CRUISES A YEAR WOULD BE SO COOL.

[Stircrzy]

My first cruise was a 10 day to Alaska. Subsequent cruises were 7 nighters.

 

At first I felt the shorter (4-5 nighters) were tooooo short, but with my acquisition of rescue animals, I've found the shorter cruises to be "jussst right". I now have a chance to take at least 4 short cruises a year, and one longer cruise.

 

I think you'll enjoy the Ecstasy, especially if Captain Scala is back on board!

[KRUISE KING]

sorry it took so long to reply Ecstasy is a good filler for the conguest January and February you can find some great prices 5 days aren't 7 but they are just as good I wouldnt take less than 5 i ues a PVP e-mail me if you have any more questions! djbigmikesatx@aol.com

[KRUISE KING]

I think you'll enjoy the Ecstasy, especially if Captain Scala is back on board!

He's right there is something very special about that captain he is the best in the fleet!

[Stircrzy]

He's right there is something very special about that captain he is the best in the fleet!

 

(I'm a she...):p

[tisabee]

Kruise King ? My wife and I were on our first cruise(Conquest) last month and we loved it, now we're hooked. We would love to catch up to you in taking that many cruises. Question, we plan on going on the conquest on 9/08. Between now and then how would you describe going on the ecstasy ? Will we like it, after the conquest ? Are there shows ? Activities ? Did it feel too short (5 days) ? I trust your answer because you've been on so many and both ships. Do you book with PVP or TA ?

 

Thanks

I can speak to this as I was on the Conquest in April of this year & I just got off a 4 day on the Ecstasy Monday, (I'm working on posting my review). It was great! The only real difference for me was 3 days! LOL! All kidding aside, the ship was wonderful. The crew were pleasant, food was good, sun was out, drinks were strong, bed was soft & my DH & children were all at HOME!!! I had a fantastic cruise!

T

[KRUISE KING]

(I'm a she...):p

 

sorry:confused:

[caribbean dreams]

Thanks for the great review.

Always nice to have a first time Carnival cruiser so happy:)