January 2021 - 8 Night Southern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Breeze
Byrnath
17
Cruises13
Reviews275
Helpful Votes"So many nights I just dream of the ocean, God I wish I was sailing again" Jimmy Buffet - Changes in Attitudes, Changes in Latitudes
Past cruises
September 2020 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Glory
January 2020 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Glory
Anither Great Getaway
January 2019 - 8 Night Eastern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Conquest
September 2018 - 7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Magic
January 2018 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Dream
Santa & Mrs. Claus Had A Blast ! (REMINDER - We are NOT Carnival employees, just avid cruisers)
September 2017 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Magic
February 2017 - 7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Magic
Magic it is Indeed
Second cruise on the Magic in eight months. Love the ship, the crew, the itinerary and our fellow passengers.
There were some significant differences since last May. Scheduled check-in was a boon. When you go online you can select the time you want to check in, they offer times beginning at 11:00 a.m. in half hour blocks. You can arrive later, but you cannot enter the terminal earlier than your scheduled time. Makes for less confusion and chaos.
The Hub app is marvelous! Deck plans, downloadable Fun Times for the entire week that will even alert you to upcoming events you mark as favorites. The app is free and does NOT require you to purchase anything. Put your phone on airplane mode and your connected to the ship's wi fi. There IS charge if you want wifi for social connection.
You can add the chat feature to connect with others who have signed up for it. Chat is only a one time charge of $5.00 for the entire cruise. No more walkie-talkies or highlighters, yippee.
This was our best, most memorable cruise EVER, partially due to the fact that we went (unofficially) as Santa and Mrs. Claus. Passengers and crew alike treatedus quite well.
Schwartz,; the cruise director, was awesome. He was everywhere, engaging as many folks as possible. A large part of our success was due to his constant referral to Santa whenever he saw us (which was often).
There were a few snags as can be (or should be) expected with so many people trying to accomplish a common goal. (Dining, embarking and disembarking, going to shows, etc)
We met so many wonderful, gracious and helpful people, it was truly a memorable
voyage.
November 2016 - November 01, 2016 Cruise on Bahamas Celebration
May 2016 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Magic
Another Excellent Experience
Efficient boarding process, great service and wonderful staff.
The stateroom felt very warm to us. After the technician monitored it 3 (three) times he found it to be within Carnival standards Without even asking our cabin steward Jocelyn brought us a large fan and put it on the desk. Helped tremendously.
For the first time, beginning in the terminal waiting to board I began my cruise as "Cruising Santa". So right from the start the kids were aware they were sharing a ship with "Santa". What a privilege and blessing to see their reactions!
Another first - I got the Frank Sinatra part for the "Carnival Legends" show. Working on stage with fellow passengers and especially the talented singers and dancers was a memory that will linger a long, long time.
January 2016 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip) Cruise on Freedom of the Seas
Elegant ship, but...
The ship is beautiful, the buffet area has several serving areas so lines are greatly diminished. Cabin steward ( Conroy Francis) was terrific as well as one of the greeters at the Windjammer Cafe . I passed ten service staff before even being acknowledged with a half-hearted "morning". In the dining room we were never addressed by name. Compared to Celebrity, Norwegian and Carnival this is a glaring example of feeling welcome.
We were part of a very large group (over one thousand) with Country's Family Reunion and was surprised at the lack of recognition or appreciation of such a large group. Since we had such a full agenda of our own ( including 5 events in the main theater) I did not see any of the onboard main entertainment.
The ice and fruit carvings displayed on all other cruise lines we've experienced were missing on this voyage. No dancing or singing with the wait staff
All in all, I will cruise on other lines (unless a price that can't be beat is offered) since we prefer a more personalized experience.
.
January 2016 - 4 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Ecstasy
Great Cruise
Carnival really has the "Fun Ships".
Loads of fun, personal treatment... great value!
This was one of 2 cruises for Santa's Vacation. Went back to back again, this one was prior to boarding the RCCL Freedom of the Seas Good food, entertainment and nicely appointed ship.
October 2015 - 5 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Elation
Had a Great Time
With 10+ cruises as a reference (this was the FIFTH one THIS year alone), this was a very enjoyable experience.
All cruise lines, ships and crews are different. Case in point - we even re-boarded this ship and went for another 5 days (price was too good to pass up!). Even though the crew, the food, entertainment and itinerary was exactly the same it was a VERY different experience. What made the difference were the new passengers.
Bottom line- you get what you pay for and your attitude and expectations determine your level of satisfaction.
Carnival is not a luxury line but does offer a good product at a reasonable price.
July 2015 - 4 Night Bahamas (Port Canaveral Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Sensation
Good for 1st time cruisers
Was a good overall experience. An older ship but nicely appointed. Entertainment was good...cruise director Paul was almost non-existent. Having just got off of the Carnival Glory the day before boarding this ship made it difficult not to make comparisons. Two different ships, crews and itineraries. Overall, it was a very pleasurable cruise.
July 2015 - 7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Glory
Very Enjoyable & Best Cruise Director EVER !!
Mike Pack was the cruise director and he was EVERYWHERE.. Of all the cruises I've been on (over a dozen), he was THE best. Very engaging and entertaining. Worth going on a ship just to see him. The was clean and comfortable, staff very attentive. Although the food was good it was not as good as expected...with the exception of the Melting Chocolate Cake. Think I gained 10 lbs just eating it every night (along with some other deserts).
The main shows were very good and the million dollar plus sets and equipment were spectacular.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
After departing on Saturday, we drove to Port Canaveral and boarded the Carnival Sensation Sunday morning for a 4 day Bahama cruise. Older ship not as elegant but worthwhile for first time cruisers
April 2015 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip) Cruise on Norwegian Epic
quite enjoyable
Not my best cruise experience, but was quite enjoyable.
The best entertainment offers were too expensive. Thankfully, good free entertainment was available. The balcony stateroom was quite cramped... the sink was barely large enough to wash hands in., no reclining lounge chairs. Public bathroom equipment was partially functioning and were lacking in cleanliness as a rule. Other than that it was good enough that I would consider another cruise with NCL.
Recently returned from a 7 day cruise on the Celebrity Reflection.... it was Awesome ! I've had over a dozen cruises with Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Princess, this was my first NCL as was the Celebrity. Celebrity has the others beat in all respects.
January 2015 - 7 Night Eastern Caribbean Getaway (Miami Roundtrip) Cruise on Celebrity Reflection
My Best Cruise So Far
The ship and crew was terrific in every way. Ship was spotless and the crew was efficient and attentive. The food was good in the MDR and the buffets were diverse and tasty.
Admittedly, the majority of our sea time was occupied by the well planned and executed activities of our group planners and entertainers. The trip was an annual event through "Larry's Country Diner" and "Country's Family Reunion", both are television shows on RFD-TV. There were concerts, autograph signings and photo ops. The best part was Rhonda Vincent (dubbed the "Queen of Bluegrass Music") and several other stars would come to a smaller theater venue and jam with anyone who wished to. (See some of the pictures I posted... memories to be cherished)
Although on a different ship, I've already booked next year's event. (RCL's Freedom of the Seas Jan. 31 - Feb. 7,2016) If you like country music, check out CFR Cruise 2016. Will see you there !!
Norwegian Epic
Sail date: April 05, 2015
Not my best cruise experience, but was quite enjoyable.
The best entertainment offers were too expensive. Thankfully, good free entertainment was available. The balcony stateroom was quite cramped... the sink was barely large enough to wash hands in., no reclining lounge chairs. Public bathroom equipment was partially functioning and were lacking in cleanliness as a rule. Other than that it was good enough that I would consider another cruise with NCL.
Recently returned from a 7 day cruise on the Celebrity Reflection.... it was Awesome ! I've had over a dozen cruises with Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Princess, this was my first NCL as was the Celebrity. Celebrity has the others beat in all respects.
Carnival Elation
Sail date: October 12, 2015
With 10+ cruises as a reference (this was the FIFTH one THIS year alone), this was a very enjoyable experience.
All cruise lines, ships and crews are different. Case in point - we even re-boarded this ship and went for another 5 days (price was too good to pass up!). Even though the crew, the food, entertainment and itinerary was exactly the same it was a VERY different experience. What made the difference were the new passengers.
Bottom line- you get what you pay for and your attitude and expectations determine your level of satisfaction.
Carnival is not a luxury line but does offer a good product at a reasonable price.
Carnival Magic
Sail date: May 28, 2016
Efficient boarding process, great service and wonderful staff.
The stateroom felt very warm to us. After the technician monitored it 3 (three) times he found it to be within Carnival standards Without even asking our cabin steward Jocelyn brought us a large fan and put it on the desk. Helped tremendously.
For the first time, beginning in the terminal waiting to board I began my cruise as "Cruising Santa". So right from the start the kids were aware they were sharing a ship with "Santa". What a privilege and blessing to see their reactions!
Another first - I got the Frank Sinatra part for the "Carnival Legends" show. Working on stage with fellow passengers and especially the talented singers and dancers was a memory that will linger a long, long time.
Carnival Glory
Sail date: July 11, 2015
Very Enjoyable & Best Cruise Director EVER !!
Mike Pack was the cruise director and he was EVERYWHERE.. Of all the cruises I've been on (over a dozen), he was THE best. Very engaging and entertaining. Worth going on a ship just to see him. The was clean and comfortable, staff very attentive. Although the food was good it was not as good as expected...with the exception of the Melting Chocolate Cake. Think I gained 10 lbs just eating it every night (along with some other deserts).
The main shows were very good and the million dollar plus sets and equipment were spectacular.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
After departing on Saturday, we drove to Port Canaveral and boarded the Carnival Sensation Sunday morning for a 4 day Bahama cruise. Older ship not as elegant but worthwhile for first time cruisers
Carnival Magic
Sail date: February 11, 2017
Second cruise on the Magic in eight months. Love the ship, the crew, the itinerary and our fellow passengers.
There were some significant differences since last May. Scheduled check-in was a boon. When you go online you can select the time you want to check in, they offer times beginning at 11:00 a.m. in half hour blocks. You can arrive later, but you cannot enter the terminal earlier than your scheduled time. Makes for less confusion and chaos.
The Hub app is marvelous! Deck plans, downloadable Fun Times for the entire week that will even alert you to upcoming events you mark as favorites. The app is free and does NOT require you to purchase anything. Put your phone on airplane mode and your connected to the ship's wi fi. There IS charge if you want wifi for social connection.
You can add the chat feature to connect with others who have signed up for it. Chat is only a one time charge of $5.00 for the entire cruise. No more walkie-talkies or highlighters, yippee.
This was our best, most memorable cruise EVER, partially due to the fact that we went (unofficially) as Santa and Mrs. Claus. Passengers and crew alike treatedus quite well.
Schwartz,; the cruise director, was awesome. He was everywhere, engaging as many folks as possible. A large part of our success was due to his constant referral to Santa whenever he saw us (which was often).
There were a few snags as can be (or should be) expected with so many people trying to accomplish a common goal. (Dining, embarking and disembarking, going to shows, etc)
We met so many wonderful, gracious and helpful people, it was truly a memorable
voyage.
Carnival Glory
Sail date: January 19, 2020
Carnival Dream
Sail date: January 21, 2018
Santa & Mrs. Claus Had A Blast ! (REMINDER - We are NOT Carnival employees, just avid cruisers)
Carnival Sensation
Sail date: July 19, 2015
Was a good overall experience. An older ship but nicely appointed. Entertainment was good...cruise director Paul was almost non-existent. Having just got off of the Carnival Glory the day before boarding this ship made it difficult not to make comparisons. Two different ships, crews and itineraries. Overall, it was a very pleasurable cruise.
Celebrity Reflection
Sail date: January 31, 2015
The ship and crew was terrific in every way. Ship was spotless and the crew was efficient and attentive. The food was good in the MDR and the buffets were diverse and tasty.
Admittedly, the majority of our sea time was occupied by the well planned and executed activities of our group planners and entertainers. The trip was an annual event through "Larry's Country Diner" and "Country's Family Reunion", both are television shows on RFD-TV. There were concerts, autograph signings and photo ops. The best part was Rhonda Vincent (dubbed the "Queen of Bluegrass Music") and several other stars would come to a smaller theater venue and jam with anyone who wished to. (See some of the pictures I posted... memories to be cherished)
Although on a different ship, I've already booked next year's event. (RCL's Freedom of the Seas Jan. 31 - Feb. 7,2016) If you like country music, check out CFR Cruise 2016. Will see you there !!
Celebrity Reflection
Sail date: February 07, 2015
With more than a dozen cruises to compare; this was without doubt , the best. Numerous Carnival, Royal Caribbean and one NCL behind me and they all pale in comparison. Food, service, cleanliness and ambiance were all exceptional.
Carnival Elation
Sail date: October 17, 2015
Got a super deal so we decided to extend our previous cruise. What a delightful experience. We were escorted off the ship and walked through customs, booking and processing. After visiting the VIP lounge for complimentary coffee, juice and pastries and re-boarding the ship we were offered complimentary drinks at the Atrium Bar until our room was ready. The Cruise Director, Captain and Guest Services Director all greeted us and welcomed us back on board. Several other staff recognized us as well and again treated us as family. We received a complimentary "We Love Our Back to Back Cruisers" photo and a very nice basket of fruit, nuts, dried fruits and sweets.
We really were treated like royalty! (Hope you have the opportunity to try a back to back experience sometime.
Carnival Ecstasy
Sail date: January 25, 2016
Carnival really has the "Fun Ships".
Loads of fun, personal treatment... great value!
This was one of 2 cruises for Santa's Vacation. Went back to back again, this one was prior to boarding the RCCL Freedom of the Seas Good food, entertainment and nicely appointed ship.
Freedom of the Seas
Sail date: January 31, 2016
The ship is beautiful, the buffet area has several serving areas so lines are greatly diminished. Cabin steward ( Conroy Francis) was terrific as well as one of the greeters at the Windjammer Cafe . I passed ten service staff before even being acknowledged with a half-hearted "morning". In the dining room we were never addressed by name. Compared to Celebrity, Norwegian and Carnival this is a glaring example of feeling welcome.
We were part of a very large group (over one thousand) with Country's Family Reunion and was surprised at the lack of recognition or appreciation of such a large group. Since we had such a full agenda of our own ( including 5 events in the main theater) I did not see any of the onboard main entertainment.
The ice and fruit carvings displayed on all other cruise lines we've experienced were missing on this voyage. No dancing or singing with the wait staff
All in all, I will cruise on other lines (unless a price that can't be beat is offered) since we prefer a more personalized experience.
.
Cruise tips
We like the tender ride. Shops are okay, had a few local brews
Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras
Santa likes to ride the Magical Flying Chairs and toss candy vanes to the folks on the ground or in the air as they pass by
Just here to board ship
So much to do!
Carnival Glory
Be sure to get a Guy's burger
Carnival Magic
There is free trolley service in San Juan. To avoid waiting in long lines, get off the ship early and walk to your left along the sidewalk. There are signs posted for the trolley stops. If you go to one of the next two stops you come to, the lines will be MUCH shorter.
Carnival Magic
Check out the showers at the Cloud 9 Spa... anyone can use them and they are wonderful
Save money ...Price souvenirs in the shopping area when getting off the ship but don't purchase anything until you check out the smaller shops in town, Haggle, haggle then walk away until merchant offers a lower price.
Price souvenirs in the shopping area when getting off the ship but don't purchase anything until you check out the smaller shops in town, Haggle, haggle then walk away until merchant offers a lower price.
Carnival Magic
Guy's Pig and Anchor is ONLY open on sea days. Get there early!
Carnival Glory
If Mike Peck is the cruise director - he is where the party is !
Carnival Ecstasy
The Serenity deck is a great place to get away from the crowds and be, well... Serene ;)
Take the free shuttle from just outside the shopping area off the dock.
Carnival Sensation
Bring extra hangers, don't overpack. It's a vacation - RELAX, have fun and go with the flow.
Carnival Glory
The Serenity deck is just that... escape from the kiddies
Quaint and beautiful
Trunk Bay at St. John's is one of the world's best beaches
Got in port late due to sea conditions, meandered through the streets and hit a couple shops. Been here before so it eas okay.
Celebrity Reflection
The glass elevators are really neat - visually stimulating. As with any ship, sometimes the fastest way to get where your going is to take an uncrowded elevator in the opposite direction. (What goes up must come down... and vice versa)
In the Mall be sure to watch for the local, enterprising entertainers for some cool photo ops. Tipping is appreciated for their efforts.
Sting ray city was great. After spending some time on the sandbar, our excursion took us to two locations near the reef ledge for snorkeling. Nice equipment, assorted juices and personable crew made for a nice outing. Went during Spring break so the sandbar was quite crowded.
This IS a must see... although 30 years ago it was much easier to climb !! Watch out for hidden holes and little drop offs.
So much to see...
Strolled through town... late arrival due to sea conditions
See both sides when you come
Celebrity Reflection
Many places to hide away for quiet time if you need it. Spectacular décor. Glass elevators for enhanced appreciation of the experience.
Lots to see and do here... you can't do it all in one trip.
Dunn's River Falls is a must. Whether you challenge the rocks and torrent or do the dry climb, don't miss out.
Great shopping and scenery.
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