Princess Cruise - Day 2 (Sea Day)

Caribbean Princess

Day 2 - Sea Day

June 3, 2018

Today was a Sea Day and we slept in a little late. We were really exhausted from the night before and it felt like it was catching up to us. We went to grab some food at the Marketplace and then headed to the Calypo Bar on the pool deck. Funny thing is, we asked the bartender there to make us a drink, right from their menu and he had to look it up! I was a little surprised because this happened the day we got on the ship!  Coincidence? Not the same person either but figured he must of been new and just learning. So back up to the pool deck, sunscreen on and all, we had a Caribbean cooler. Great drink and very tasty! After about an hour there and feeling extremely hot, we decided to tour the ship and get our bearings as to where everything was and the public venues. Of course we hit some of the shops on board. One event that was going on was the Effy store. Of course, it’s a big gimmick as they have you standing around, thinking you are going to either buy something or win something, and you don’t. So we entered the raffle and left to continue to see what else was transpiring about the ship.

Since I was locked out of my phone, I purchased the internet package, costing about $159 and gave us 400 minutes plus and extra 30 minutes. If you are thinking about getting the internet package, I would say that it is definitely worth it! I would also purchase it onboard as you get a deal with extra minutes.  Remember, that it has to be purchased the first day at sea or you won't get the bonus minutes.  If you don't bring your laptop, they do have their own internet/library combo area and printing capabilities. However, their internet is slow. Sometimes it can take up to 5 minutes to get any kind of link or search to run. I brought my own computer and that seemed to help a little but not much. You are able to view your account on your mobile phone through caribbean.princess.com and not be charged. However, Princess does tell you several times to put your phone on airplane mode so that you don’t get charges the astronomical amount of money in order to use the internet/wireless network. 

Still locked out of my phone, there was no way for me to unlock it until I got on land and used the Wi-Fi in Grand Cayman. Just had to wait until tomorrow, which was frustrating enough and I do like to stay in contact with friends and loved ones. I was able to use the camera so that was a plus.

After exploring the ship some more, we went to Slice to get some pizza. They also had Focaccia and some Bruschetta fresh out of the oven! They make their own pizza on board and it was better than Norwegian cruise line’s pizza! On the other side was Salty Dog. Here, you were able make your own hamburger, hotdog, or sloppy joes. Very filling, so be careful not to overdo it. Both Slice and Salty Dog are complimentary so no worries on paying a cover fee. 

   

As with every ship I have been on, you can’t forget about a good game of Bingo! So we headed to Club Fusion to play. We purchased the super pack which enabled you to have the bingo table, 5 paper bingos and a raffle ticket. Of course we didn’t win but it was fun to play. The price was about $79 per super pack but there are others you can purchase for less. 

We headed back to the cabin and what a surprise!  A beautiful decoration for our 3 year anniversary!  Great idea also for family and friends celebrating their special occasion.  (If you ever want to do that for your friends, family, etc for their cruise, just contact Maraloha Travel, LLC and we can arrange it for you!)

After going back to the cabin after Bingo, we got dressed and ready to go see a show at the Princess Theater. This show was the Princess dancers and their production. I can tell you I was not impressed with it at all. I have seen many on ships, on Broadway, Opera’s, etc. and I was disappointed in this one. The two singers they had for this one show were not that great. I would rate it as mediocre. However, I was willing to give it the benefit of the doubt and see another one. 

Then it was off to the Skywalker Lounge to see if there was anything going on. Nope! The dance club was dead as a door-nail. It was about 1:30AM and they called last call already. Wow! I am a late night person and this was pretty disappointing.

 

Back to the cabin to get some rest for Grand Cayman.

Until tomorrow…..Grand Cayman!

Please feel free to comment as I would love to hear from you.  Tune in for Day 3 of our cruise on the Caribbean Princess!

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Princess Cruise - Day 1 (Embarkation)

Caribbean Princess

Day 1 - Embarkation & Sail Away Day

June 2, 2018

Well, as we did last year, we were off to a late start and didn’t get to the hotel until 2am.  It wasn't so bad that we arrived late as we had a late checkout at 12pm.  We were staying at the Four Points By Sheraton in Fort Lauderdale, only 5 minutes away from the cruise pier.  The hotel was a reasonably priced and included free parking for the entire time we were sailing.  The shuttle to the cruise pier from the hotel was run by a different company, and not the hotel, which the website does not state that.  The shuttle was only $16 per person/round trip .  In addition, the hotel shuttle, even though it stated that they have it free to the pier, it was not.  It only went to the airport so I told management to make sure that they tell that to people as on their website it was misleading that the shuttle was supposedly free through them.

We got on the shuttle at 12:55pm and arrived no later than 10 minutes to the pier.  It was easy on as I was given Elite status for my graduation accreditation for Princess Cruises.

It was perfect timing to get on the ship at 1:30pm as we were able to go to our cabin and unwind from the day before.  The cabin was pretty spacious along with the closet area.  You could fit all your clothes and your luggage all in that area with no problem.  The bathroom was a little small with not much ample room to fit your toiletries for one person.  However, there was a spacious balcony and huge flat screen tv, with a separate vanity/sitting desk to do your business if necessary.

  

  

On my trip, however, I got locked out of my phone so I spent pretty much most of the day on the ship while in port, to get it to open.  I completely forgot my pin, tried to have the system search for my phone thru Samsung and no luck.  Either I had to completely factory reset my phone or wait until I got to Grand Cayman to find a Wi-Fi spot to get this phone unlocked.  So, being stressed just from that, I was still able to use my camera on the phone, had to call my carrier to make sure I don’t get cellular roaming charges, and hopefully get this mess cleared up.

After that, we went to the Marketplace to get some food.  This is your typical buffet café on the ship.  They are open later than most food venues and not very crowded.  This is nice as I don’t see many kids running around, noise level was quiet, and the food was much better.  Even the service!  As soon as you sit down with your food, a waiter comes up to you and asked you if you want to drink.  This is usually not typical on the cruises I have been on, except for the more upscale ones. 

At 3:30pm it was time to do the Muster Station drill. Of course, most people were talking during it which drives me nuts! I bet when there is an actual emergency, and I have been through some, they wont remember a damn thing! With that said, Princess made announcements that parents were responsible for the behavior of their kids, people to be mindful of others late at night returning to their cabin, and if you see someone overboard, grab the life preserver and throw it overboard to the person. Again, this was a nice change as the other cruise lines don’t mention about parents being responsible, late night noise or the life preserver. I smiled at this and hoped that other cruise ships would follow this practice.

We then went to explore the ship, both the Pool on Deck 15 and some of the outside bars. The first bar we went to was the Calypso bar on Deck 16. We went to get a drink, however, when we asked for something on their menu, the bartender didn’t know how to make it??? It was just weird to experience these bartenders, being on the ship this long, don’t know how to make their own drinks that are on their menu?

  

Because I bought the drink package, we are able to have 15 drinks a day.  This includes alcohol, soda, water, and coffee, even in the International Café on deck 5.   If you think that you would not go through that many, you just might! 

After having a few, we headed back to the cabin and relaxed a little before getting ready to explore the ship at night.  We headed to the casino and it seemed that there were not a lot of people in there.  Some were playing the slot machines, others on the tables.  However, this casino is VERY small.  They only have about 20 slot machines, craps table, poker pro table, blackjack, and Texas Hold ‘Em.  That’s it.  I was really surprised to see that as that again, is not typical on a big ship. 

Usually no one is around after 1AM.  Really?  Most of the ships I have been on are up until the wee hours of the morning.  However, you do have an older crowd, some in-between, and some who just want to relax and not be stressed out.  It also seems that everyone goes to bed early on this ship.

The schedule for meals is another story I will get into later and trying to make a reservation for one of the specialty restaurants, Sabatini’s or Crown Grill.

Until tomorrow…..a day at sea!

Please feel free to comment as I would love to hear from you.  Tune in for Day 2 of our cruise on the Caribbean Princess!

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Carnival Miracle - March 24, 2016

Carnival Cruise Line

Miracle

Leaving: Port Of Tampa

March 24, 2018

Another great day for ship inspection! I was so excited to go on this ship as it was the first time I’ve ever been on this ship. The Carnival Miracle was first launched on June 3, 2003 and christened by a United States Army soldier Jessica Lynch in Jacksonville, Florida, on February 7, 2004. Her first voyage was a 3-day cruise to the Bahamas. Now, she sails out of Tampa, Florida from 6-9 days to the Western Caribbean and 10+ to the Panama Canal.

Fun Fact: Carnival Miracle underwent their first refurbishment in 2012 and now, an extensive refurbishment in March 2015, that added an array of new features like the RedFrog Pub and Alchemy Bar to fun entertainment choices such as Playlist Productions and Hasbro, The Game Show, and the family-friendly Seuss at Sea program.

As I arrived at the pier, it was easy breezy to get through security and find my group. Travel agents have a different section that waits until the ship is ready for us to board to visit different areas. This usually happens before the passengers get on board at noon.

As we started walking on board, there was a fellow travel agent wearing the signature Carnival Funnel hat! I had to take a picture with him. It wouldn’t be all Carnival if I didn’t. Also, my BDM challenged me to wear the Carnival shirt on the inspection, and of course I did. How do you like it?

There was a big group of travel agents on the ship inspection so we had to break up into groups. The first thing that happens, as I’ve noted in all of my other ship inspections, you visit the staterooms. This gives you and of course, my clients, an idea of what an inside, oceanview, balcony, and suite look like. Here are some pictures of some of the cabins, which hopefully interest you to book with Maraloha Travel vacation:

Interior Stateroom (1247) (Category 4A) (Rivera Deck): For first time cruises or for the cost conscious, this is a great cabin to stay if you are the very active, "out and about" cruiser, however, not for the claustrophobic. It has two twin beds (convert to king), desk and seat, 3 closets, a full private bathroom with shower, Carnival Comfort Collection linens and 24-hour room service.

Interior with French Door (obstructed views) (4201) (Category 4K) (Main Deck): Another option for couples is to get this cabin that sleeps 2 people. This is another great cabin if you are looking for more of an ambiance to your cabin or a balcony feel to it. But remember, the French Doors have obstructed view. These views are obstructed by a lifeboat, tender boat and/or steel beam. It features two twin beds (convert to king), sofa and coffee table, desk and seat, full bathroom with shower, 3 closets, and other features that come with the Interior Stateroom.

Interior Stateroom with Picture Window (obstructed views) (4203) (Category 4K) (Main Deck): For second time cruises or for couples looking for a quick getaway, you can stay in this cabin. Don't worry if you are claustrophobic, this cabin gives you a little natural light and gives you a view beyond your stateroom, out to the observation deck outside including a great sky view. (Note that the view will be obstructed. View is obstructed by a lifeboat, tender boat and/or steel beam.). However, this cabin only sleeps 2 people. It has a full private bathroom, Carnival Comfort Collection linens and 24-hour room service. In addition, it also is is also designed as an Ambulatory Accessible Stateroom: This stateroom is designed for use by people with mobility limitations, who do not require the regular use of a wheelchair, scooter or other similar assistive devices. For example, it is ideal for the person who only use an assistive device (like a cane or walker) for traversing longer distances, and who may benefit from certain accessible features like grab bars, to assist with balance.

Aft-View Extended Balcony (4239) (Category 8M) (Main Deck): If you want a little more room and an extended balcony, this is the cabin for you. Extended Balcony staterooms feature a larger balcony with more lounge-around room, more kick-back space, two twin beds (convert to king) and single sofa bed, sofa and coffee table, desk and seat, full bathroom with shower, 3 closets, and private aft-facing extended balcony with patio chairs and table, and all the Carnival stateroom amenities: a full private bathroom, Carnival Comfort Collection linens, and 24-hour room service. This cabin sleeps 3 people.

Premium Balcony (6279) (Category 9B) (Empress Deck): Unlike the standard balcony cabin, this cabin is one seriously spacious stateroom! It’s about more than just the room itself, you’ll find… step onto your oversized balcony and you’ll find that when there’s a sea breeze in your hair, there’s no limit to the relaxation you can have. Two twin beds (convert to king), one upper pullman and single sofa bed, sofa and coffee table, desk and seat, full bathroom with shower, 2 closets, private large-size balcony with patio chairs and table.

Ocean Suite (6197) (Category OS) (Empress Deck): A Carnival Miracle suite is the ultimate way to cruise. Great for celebrating that special occasion or with family. With more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors, try an Ocean Suite to experience private, luxurious relaxation. Ocean Suites also include VIP check-in, walk-in closet and bathroom with whirlpool. Sleeps 4 people with two twin beds (convert to king), sofa, armchair and coffee table, desk and seat, full bathroom with shower/whirlpool tub/double sinks, walk-in dressing area with vanity table, seat and ample closet space, along with private large-size balcony with patio chairs and table.

After we visited the staterooms, it was time for the public areas, including the casino, atrium, pool deck, and so much more:

One of my favorite places is the Serenity Adult Only Retreat. Somebody at Carnival knows just what our clients need, and it's pretty much exactly the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. Look, you'll still be on the same ship as the kids, the hoopla, and all the Carnival-style excitement… but you could easily forget, because when you’re at Serenity you could not be further from it all. The world you'll find yourself in is one of complete peace, sea breezes, swaying hammocks and, of course, a nearby bar. It's the place to get done the kind of stuff you just can't seem to do anywhere else — reconnect with your partner, finish that book, or do absolutely, blissfully, nothing at all. Plus IT'S FREE and INCLUDED with your cruise to enjoy! No kids allowed. These pictures just don't do it justice as you will have to experience and see it for yourself.

After 2 hours of visiting the ship, it was time for the complimentary lunch. Some yummy selections, and wine is complimentary.

Of course, you also can't forget about the lively entertainment you get on a Carnival Cruise!

Here are some documents, along with other files in my previous review of the Carnival Paradise, that can give you an idea of cost of drinks, ship daily schedules, shore excursions, and more: Great information to review and plan ahead!

Daily Itinerary - Day 1

Fitness Schedule

Shore Excursions - Western Caribbean

Carnival App

Health Form Questionnaire (must be done before boarding ship)

(You can find more helpful files in the Carnival Paradise Ship Inspection page)

Overall: The ship was a good large size, not too small and not too big, as they say 'just right!' It also leaves right out of Tampa, Florida, easy to get too, convenient for us Floridians who live in the Tampa area, and excellent pricing! This is a ship you don't want to miss!

I hope you all enjoyed our visit on Carnival Miracle and stay tuned for more visits with Maraloha Travel!

Please feel free to comment as I would love to hear from you.

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