Friday, January 25. 2008
Carnival Liberty Review
Carnival Liberty wedding cruise
If you are looking for a ship that will be please everyone the Carnival Liberty is a perfect choice. This ship is great for celebrations of all kinds.
The occasion of this cruise for us was a wedding. We had folks of all ages and backgrounds sailing and a fantastic time was had by all. Well, except for that moment where one of the wedding guests in a drunken stupor decided he would catechize all the other guests and the wedding coordinator too. The bride was beautiful, the groom looked dashing and Carnival's in house wedding people The Wedding Experience took care of all the details. The ceremony was short and sweet with participation of several family members. The reception with open bar was a classy affair. If you are wondering if a cruise wedding is right for you I am hear to tell you it is!
Embarkation
Getting onto the Carnival Liberty is a pleasure. Anyone who says differently has not followed Ann's rules and in that case it serves them right. If you are like me and possess a superior intellect you will arrive at the port early, around eleven am. Do not pay attention to the nonsense spewed in your cruise documents about not trying to board prior to one o'clock. These instructions are designed to distribute the flow of the crowds. Arriving early with your cruise documents previously filled out online and your funpass printed and in hand will get you on the ship lickety split. After check in you will be asked to take a seat and allowed to board in small groups.
You cannot go to your cabin until after one pm but you can tour the ship and eat at the buffet up on Lido deck. Please do not become one of those annoying cruisers trying to sneak down to their cabin. This only delays the room steward's cleaning.
In our case the wedding was held soon after boarding in the Tapestry room all decked out in white flowers with pillars and other churchy decor. The wedding coordinator had every detail planned out down to who would sit where. The ceremony was videotaped and mercifully they edited out the shot of my behind looking the size of Chicago when as matron of honor I had to sprint up the aisle and retrieve the bride's flowers as the ceremony started. The ring bearer performed his duty with a seriousness far beyond his five years. The men were suited up handsomely in tuxedos and the women all wore shades of the ocean to eye catching effect.
About an hour before sailing the muster drill will be called. You must go with your life jacket to your muster station. The crew inform you about where to go and what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency. This whole thing takes about 15 minutes if everyone cooperates but can be drawn out as long as an hour if the staff have to track down missing passengers. Do everyone a favor and get to your station on time.
The Carnival Liberty is a lovely ship. On our trip we had the 6:15 dinner seating in the Golden Olympian dining room which was perfect for us. I highly recommend the mushroom soup and would discourage anyone from ordering the red snapper from the spa menu. Our waiter, to his credit, did try to deter me from ordering this dried out excuse for a fish dish even going so far as to whisper in my ear that no one ever finishes it but I would hear none of it. I normally pride myself on being an independent thinker and never taking advice form anyone to great success. In this instance I humbly admit that I was wrong and that no sane person, not even one on the last days of Survivor would be able to eat this particular plate of so called food. I would comment on room service but I am still waiting for them to answer the phone.
This megaliner has many other venues at which you may sample a myriad of foods. There is the Lido grill restaurant that has hot dogs and hamburgers, french fries and onion rings and the unexpected treat of nachos that you build yourself with the usual fixings. There is a buffet on Lido deck inside that serves a different ethnic food every day albeit somewhat americanized version. Of course pizza is available 24/7 for those who do not take pleasure in tasting new things. The deli also seemed to be open until the wee hours serving up tasty Reuben sandwiches and the like. The Asian food station was by far my favorite as we selected our own ingredients including noodles and lined up to have them stir fried with a choice of 3 sauces. As I stood in this line for 25 minutes to have my veggies cooked I pondered whether I could swim to China eat with chopsticks and be back on time for dessert.
The entertainment on this voyage was better than average. While the newlyweds slept in their theater seats the rest of us laughed ourselves silly at the comedian Percy Cruise's show . Even though he used jokes I have heard before his delivery was fresh and not offensive.
I know Carnival has reputation for being a party person's cruise line and I did see plenty of that going on. To each his own I say. Your cruise is what you make it. I don't party at all and enjoyed myself immensely. This ship has something for everyone from deck parties to the disco a good time is had by all.
Ports
Our first stop was Nassau where we took a taxi van for $4 per person to Cabbage beach near the Atlantis Hotel. The sea was a little choppy that day but we loved it. We tried to sneak into the Atlantis for a look see as others in our group had done (see the muster drill photo for the culprits) but we were asked for hotel ID and turfed quickly.
Grand Cayman Island was our second stop. We have been there previously so did not do an excursion but took a take for $4 per person to 7 mile beach. We all rented lounge chairs and set about the hard work of ...well lounging. One thing you should know about 7 mile beach. It looks so beautiful and calm and inviting but as you enter the water there is an area of loose sand. While wading in thinking you are entering paradise you will sink about 3 feet which causes a touch of panic like the feeling of stepping into quick sand for a second until you keep walking. We spent the better part of our time here floating on our air mattresses giggling at the looks of terror that spread across the faces of our fellow swimmers.
Our last port on this trip was Jamaica, Ocho Rios to be exact. We have been to Jamaica more times than I can count so again avoided a ship sponsored excursion. We took a taxi for $10 total to Mahogany beach. There was no charge to enter the beach area which is small but tranquil and inviting. There is a restaurant and gift shop on site as well as watersports and massages for those so inclined. As a connoisseur of jerk food I felt obligated to sample the jerk chicken delivered to my beach lounge chair. I pronounced it yummy and was tempted to order more as my travel companion gobbled most of mine up at breakneck speed.
The last was a day spent at sea which found me sitting on our balcony reading a murder mystery novel while my travel companion went for a massage and shopping in the ships stores.
All in all I would sail on this ship again even the identical itinerary as it encompassed some of my favorite places.
If you are looking for a ship that will be please everyone the Carnival Liberty is a perfect choice. This ship is great for celebrations of all kinds.
The Carnival Liberty at anchor near Grand Cayman Island
The occasion of this cruise for us was a wedding. We had folks of all ages and backgrounds sailing and a fantastic time was had by all. Well, except for that moment where one of the wedding guests in a drunken stupor decided he would catechize all the other guests and the wedding coordinator too. The bride was beautiful, the groom looked dashing and Carnival's in house wedding people The Wedding Experience took care of all the details. The ceremony was short and sweet with participation of several family members. The reception with open bar was a classy affair. If you are wondering if a cruise wedding is right for you I am hear to tell you it is!
Embarkation
Getting onto the Carnival Liberty is a pleasure. Anyone who says differently has not followed Ann's rules and in that case it serves them right. If you are like me and possess a superior intellect you will arrive at the port early, around eleven am. Do not pay attention to the nonsense spewed in your cruise documents about not trying to board prior to one o'clock. These instructions are designed to distribute the flow of the crowds. Arriving early with your cruise documents previously filled out online and your funpass printed and in hand will get you on the ship lickety split. After check in you will be asked to take a seat and allowed to board in small groups.
You cannot go to your cabin until after one pm but you can tour the ship and eat at the buffet up on Lido deck. Please do not become one of those annoying cruisers trying to sneak down to their cabin. This only delays the room steward's cleaning.
In our case the wedding was held soon after boarding in the Tapestry room all decked out in white flowers with pillars and other churchy decor. The wedding coordinator had every detail planned out down to who would sit where. The ceremony was videotaped and mercifully they edited out the shot of my behind looking the size of Chicago when as matron of honor I had to sprint up the aisle and retrieve the bride's flowers as the ceremony started. The ring bearer performed his duty with a seriousness far beyond his five years. The men were suited up handsomely in tuxedos and the women all wore shades of the ocean to eye catching effect.
All passengers are required by maritime law to participate in the muster drill
The Carnival Liberty is a lovely ship. On our trip we had the 6:15 dinner seating in the Golden Olympian dining room which was perfect for us. I highly recommend the mushroom soup and would discourage anyone from ordering the red snapper from the spa menu. Our waiter, to his credit, did try to deter me from ordering this dried out excuse for a fish dish even going so far as to whisper in my ear that no one ever finishes it but I would hear none of it. I normally pride myself on being an independent thinker and never taking advice form anyone to great success. In this instance I humbly admit that I was wrong and that no sane person, not even one on the last days of Survivor would be able to eat this particular plate of so called food. I would comment on room service but I am still waiting for them to answer the phone.
This megaliner has many other venues at which you may sample a myriad of foods. There is the Lido grill restaurant that has hot dogs and hamburgers, french fries and onion rings and the unexpected treat of nachos that you build yourself with the usual fixings. There is a buffet on Lido deck inside that serves a different ethnic food every day albeit somewhat americanized version. Of course pizza is available 24/7 for those who do not take pleasure in tasting new things. The deli also seemed to be open until the wee hours serving up tasty Reuben sandwiches and the like. The Asian food station was by far my favorite as we selected our own ingredients including noodles and lined up to have them stir fried with a choice of 3 sauces. As I stood in this line for 25 minutes to have my veggies cooked I pondered whether I could swim to China eat with chopsticks and be back on time for dessert.
The entertainment on this voyage was better than average. While the newlyweds slept in their theater seats the rest of us laughed ourselves silly at the comedian Percy Cruise's show . Even though he used jokes I have heard before his delivery was fresh and not offensive.
Nothing says cruise like drinking out of a coconut monkey head glass.
Ports
Our first stop was Nassau where we took a taxi van for $4 per person to Cabbage beach near the Atlantis Hotel. The sea was a little choppy that day but we loved it. We tried to sneak into the Atlantis for a look see as others in our group had done (see the muster drill photo for the culprits) but we were asked for hotel ID and turfed quickly.
Grand Cayman Island was our second stop. We have been there previously so did not do an excursion but took a take for $4 per person to 7 mile beach. We all rented lounge chairs and set about the hard work of ...well lounging. One thing you should know about 7 mile beach. It looks so beautiful and calm and inviting but as you enter the water there is an area of loose sand. While wading in thinking you are entering paradise you will sink about 3 feet which causes a touch of panic like the feeling of stepping into quick sand for a second until you keep walking. We spent the better part of our time here floating on our air mattresses giggling at the looks of terror that spread across the faces of our fellow swimmers.
Our last port on this trip was Jamaica, Ocho Rios to be exact. We have been to Jamaica more times than I can count so again avoided a ship sponsored excursion. We took a taxi for $10 total to Mahogany beach. There was no charge to enter the beach area which is small but tranquil and inviting. There is a restaurant and gift shop on site as well as watersports and massages for those so inclined. As a connoisseur of jerk food I felt obligated to sample the jerk chicken delivered to my beach lounge chair. I pronounced it yummy and was tempted to order more as my travel companion gobbled most of mine up at breakneck speed.The last was a day spent at sea which found me sitting on our balcony reading a murder mystery novel while my travel companion went for a massage and shopping in the ships stores.
All in all I would sail on this ship again even the identical itinerary as it encompassed some of my favorite places.
Friday, October 26. 2007
Carnival Elation Review
Elation Review
The Elation is a ship built in 1998 for Carnival Cruise Lines. It was the first ship to have the azipod propulsion system. Everything you read about the Elation will include a small blurb about the azipod system. You may wonder what the heck that is so I'll tell you. It's much like having front wheel drive on your car. Instead of the energy source pushing the ship it pulls it instead. This makes maneuvering the ship much easier so you can be confident there won't be any listing or tipping over of the ship on your cruise. Also it reduces those vibrations that cause motion sickness in people like myself.
Enough about mechanics though because Carnival's got the fun don't they? Yessirree they do. The Carnival Elation has three swimming pools. One with a 214 ft water slide! ImageThis is where the music is and the pool games. Expect it to be busy the first few days. My favourite pool is the one at the back of the ship on verandah deck because it takes new passengers about 3 days to find it so for the first couple days of your cruise it is uncrowded. The last pool is the kiddie pool on promenade deck at the ships aft (back). This pool is a bit like swimming in a toilet with all the babies in their swim diapers-which are not allowed.
Continue reading "Carnival Elation Review" »
The Elation docked at Grand Turk Island
The Elation is a ship built in 1998 for Carnival Cruise Lines. It was the first ship to have the azipod propulsion system. Everything you read about the Elation will include a small blurb about the azipod system. You may wonder what the heck that is so I'll tell you. It's much like having front wheel drive on your car. Instead of the energy source pushing the ship it pulls it instead. This makes maneuvering the ship much easier so you can be confident there won't be any listing or tipping over of the ship on your cruise. Also it reduces those vibrations that cause motion sickness in people like myself.
Enough about mechanics though because Carnival's got the fun don't they? Yessirree they do. The Carnival Elation has three swimming pools. One with a 214 ft water slide! ImageThis is where the music is and the pool games. Expect it to be busy the first few days. My favourite pool is the one at the back of the ship on verandah deck because it takes new passengers about 3 days to find it so for the first couple days of your cruise it is uncrowded. The last pool is the kiddie pool on promenade deck at the ships aft (back). This pool is a bit like swimming in a toilet with all the babies in their swim diapers-which are not allowed.
Continue reading "Carnival Elation Review" »
Tuesday, October 16. 2007
Getting Hitched At Sea
First let me congratulate you for being so smart as to leave your wedding planning to someone else and the fun to yourselves.
Now, let's get some misconceptions out of the way first. You won't be married by the captain at the bow of the boat while the ship sails along. These things aren't allowed in real life. The Captain is busy driving the ship so don't bother him about your wedding. The only exception to that is on the Grand Princess and Star Princess where the Captain can marry you but not at the front of the ship.
Continue reading "Getting Hitched At Sea" »
Activities Offered On Carnival Fantasy Class Ships
Cruises are replete with opportunities to bring out the glutton in all of us. There is tasty food available at every hour and at multiple venues. And who can resist the chance to gorge themselves? I have learned from experience that it is entirely possible to go up a dress size in only a week. There is much more to a cruise than the food so what I propose is to let you in on all the activities available on the Carnival Sensation that will help you to avoid that particular humiliation and help you to maximize your enjoyment of your cruise.
Relax in one of the several hot tubs with your favourite beverage.
The Carnival Sensation has an outdoor 9 hole mini golf course located on the sports deck. There is no extra charge for the use of the clubs and golf balls. There is also a gold pro onboard who can assist you with golf lessons and arranging tee times in various ports.
The gym and spa together are over 12,000 square feet. The gym is equipped with free weights and treadmills. There are also stationary bikes and elliptical machines. Classes are offered in aerobics, yoga, kickboxing cycling and Pilates for a small fee. The spa is an oasis of relaxation offering the usual manicure or pedicure and hair salon. They also offer a dreamy hot stone massage. The lime and ginger massage is an exfoliation treatment with massage. The ultimate is the Swedish massage for two. Those under 16 aren't allowed in the gym or spa. Passengers between 16 and 18 years old can go in but only with an adult accompanying them.
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Dining On The Carnival Glory
Glorious Dining on the Carnival Glory 
The Carnival Glory is 110,000 tons of glorious fun. The ship was built in 2002 and is the second in a series of Conquest class ships produced by Carnival Cruise Lines. This vessel has something for everyone whether young or old. For those seeking excitement and action or relaxation and peace this is the ship for you. Carnival Cruise Lines has mastered the art of entertaining and serving thousands at once.
Let's start with the most talked about cruise experience of all, dining at sea. On the carnival Glory there are two formal dining rooms called the Platinum and the Golden. Upon boarding you will be assigned one of these with a specific dining time and table number. You are not obligated to eat here at any time however if you choose to dine in these dining rooms you must sit at your assigned and and be on time. You may be seated with others or only with your traveling companion. Some love this aspect of cruising , getting to know new people, I do not and always request a table for only those that I travel with. These two dining rooms serve a different menu each night with lobster being served on formal night which usually is takes place on the first day at sea with no port stop. There are usually 7 entrees to choose from, a chicken, a beef, a fish and a vegetarian selection. Anything you see as an entree can be prepared as an appetizer instead if you would like to just sample it. There are also at least 6 appetizers to choose from like chicken satay skewers or mississipi delta prawns. Caesar salad and garden salad are always on the menu. The dessert menu is scrumptious with treats such as tiramisu or key lime pie you are sure to find one to your liking. Dessert usually has 4 or 5 choices, one of them being low fat or sugar free.
Continue reading "Dining On The Carnival Glory" »
Don't miss the Grand Gala Buffet at midnight.
The Carnival Glory is 110,000 tons of glorious fun. The ship was built in 2002 and is the second in a series of Conquest class ships produced by Carnival Cruise Lines. This vessel has something for everyone whether young or old. For those seeking excitement and action or relaxation and peace this is the ship for you. Carnival Cruise Lines has mastered the art of entertaining and serving thousands at once.
Let's start with the most talked about cruise experience of all, dining at sea. On the carnival Glory there are two formal dining rooms called the Platinum and the Golden. Upon boarding you will be assigned one of these with a specific dining time and table number. You are not obligated to eat here at any time however if you choose to dine in these dining rooms you must sit at your assigned and and be on time. You may be seated with others or only with your traveling companion. Some love this aspect of cruising , getting to know new people, I do not and always request a table for only those that I travel with. These two dining rooms serve a different menu each night with lobster being served on formal night which usually is takes place on the first day at sea with no port stop. There are usually 7 entrees to choose from, a chicken, a beef, a fish and a vegetarian selection. Anything you see as an entree can be prepared as an appetizer instead if you would like to just sample it. There are also at least 6 appetizers to choose from like chicken satay skewers or mississipi delta prawns. Caesar salad and garden salad are always on the menu. The dessert menu is scrumptious with treats such as tiramisu or key lime pie you are sure to find one to your liking. Dessert usually has 4 or 5 choices, one of them being low fat or sugar free.
Continue reading "Dining On The Carnival Glory" »
