Deniseg
First Mate
Pennsylvania
Joined 05/2013
15
Cruises9
Reviews150
Helpful VotesI just started cruising in 2008 and have taken one every year since then except 2009. It is usually a big family and some friends group. Our 1st one in 2008 was 24 family and it was AWESOME!!! I have never been on a cruise I did not like :)
Upcoming cruises
Past cruises
May 2019 - 14 Night Panama Canal Carnival Journeys (New York Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Sunrise
June 2018 - 8 Night Eastern Caribbean (New York Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Horizon
June 2017 - 8 Night Eastern Caribbean (New York Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Sunshine
Nice Ports
This was a great cruise for us because we love the ports. We had been to them numerous times before so we have our favorite places to go.
As usual, the crew, the food and the entertainment were all great.
March 2016 - 14 Night Southern Caribbean Carnival Journeys (Baltimore Roundttip) Cruise on Carnival Pride
AWESOME ITINERARY
We chose this cruise because it went to 8 islands, 5 of which we had never been to before. We loved it. We loved the ship, the crew, the food, everything. I was worried about the American Table because of all the negative reviews. Turns out that it wasn't bad at all really. Each night I found something that I liked. I was, however, not thrilled about the no tablecloth thing going on. I don't like my silverware laying on a bare table plus the glasses sweat and water gets all over the table. Another nicety that is gone is the putting the napkin on your lap. None of these things ruined my vacation by a long shot it's just that one by one, they are missing. We still had a wonderful time by far.
Because this was a "Journeys" cruise, meaning 9 days or longer, it had a few added features. It had live Caribbean music on lido, the Captain's ball white glove affair complete with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. They were delish. It also had the spectacular midnight buffet. It was all that I remembered it to be from 2008. The last time I saw it. They also had 3 formal nights and 2 were lobster, much to our surprise.
This ship had a Guy's Burger joint. Two words.....Pig Patty!!! Oh lord, I knew I should have gotten my blood work done before this vacation. It is a patty of BACON on a burger. Blue Iguana Cantina, another good stop. They are open for breakfast and lunch that I know of. You can built your own burrito.
We went to David's Steakhouse for dinner the 1st night because you get a free bottle of wine then. Dinner measured up to my expectations. I had lobster and escargots.
There were plenty of comedians. We went to a couple shows and loved them. We also took in a show at the Dive In movies. It was March so they offer you blankets with Dive In Movies embroidered on them. I found out too late that you can buy them. I will do that on our cruise next year.
We got an obstructed view balcony which I will never do again. We usually get a regular or premium balcony. This time I wanted to be next to my family and that's what they got. I learned the hard way that there are not any upgrades to these. The balcony is narrower than others so it was crowded. Again, it did not ruin my cruise but never again.
All in all this was a great ship. I would definitely sail Pride again.
June 2015 - 8 Night Eastern Caribbean (New York Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Splendor
Fun
This was our 2nd time in this room. That's how much we loved it.
Splendor can be a little tricky to find the dinning room as the galley splits the halls.
Service was great, crew was great, entertainment was great.
I'm not too crazy about this Serenity as it has no pool or hot tub.
June 2014 - 8 Night Exotic Eastern Caribbean (New York Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Splendor
Great time.
What a great itinerary. Two of my favorites. Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay, the private island. You couldn't ask for a more beautiful destination. I just wish they stayed here over night. My sister is the group leader so she rented a villa on HMC for all of us to enjoy. If you have the money, I would do it. You get fruit, snacks and drinks. It is 2 levels with a hot tub and private bathroom, AC, ceiling fan, kitchen, scuba gear, beach chairs, etc.
Our villa.
June 2013 - 8 Night Eastern Caribbean (New York roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Splendor
Splendid Splendor
This was our 1st time on Splendor. I love the ship except for the fact that it could be tricky getting to the main dinning room. The galley splits up the hallway so you have to go up a level then down or down a level then up. Also, I was not crazy about the serenity deck. On Miracle, Serenity has its own pool, hot tub and bar. This one did not.
It certainly did not ruin my trip because there is so much going on most times. The crew was just wonderful as usual. I am amazed at how the stewards and dining crew can remember your names. They always have a smile on their faces.
We did the steakhouse on the 1st night. You get a free bottle of wine then. Dinner was delish. It only cost $35.00 per person. and is very well worth it.
The one day it was very foggy and the fog horn was going often. That's OK with me because I love that sound.
Also, my sister talked me into getting a day pass for the spa. It cost $40.00 and you have 24 hours to use it as much as you want. It was REALLY nice.
It was my aunts birthday a few days before we left so I had their room decorated as a surprise. They did a really good job. I also had a birthday cake delivered to dinner that night.
We had choppy waters one day so they hung "barf bags" all over the ship. I giggled when I first saw that.
June 2012 - 8 Night Exotic Eastern Caribbean (New York roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Miracle
Great trip
This was our 3rd time on Miracle, that's how much we love it. Let me start with Micky. He was a drink boy on lido. I asked him where I could get a monkey head drink and he said at the other end of the ship. He asked if I wanted him to get me one and I said no that I would get it later. Next thing you know I am on lido and here comes Micky to tell me that he has my monkey head and he asked what I wanted in it. OMG!!! That was ABOVE and BEYOND what he had to do. Especially when I said I would get it. I decided right there that I loved this boy. LOL The rest of the crew were wonderful but he was a stand out.
We did Nick and Nora's Steakhouse on day 1 so we could get the free bottle of wine. We were not disappointed. If you have the extra $35 per person, it is well worth it.
I did tea time each time. I love tea time with all the snacks and tea. I always get there early as to get a window seat. It's all about ambiance. LOL
June 2011 - 5 Night Canada/New England (New York roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Glory
Oh Canada
I was not really feeling this cruise as it approached because we were supposed to go to Mexico but that fell through. The night before we left I thought to myself that I was in it for the food.
Let me tell you, I am glad my family talked me into going with them. Canada is so beautiful and clean. People are so nice that they stop you on the street to talk to you. One guy stopped me to tell me about a building across the street. He said that way back when the owner wanted to build it, city council was giving him a hard time. Finally when he did build it, he put faces on it, some animal and some that represent city council members. Refer to picture below.
The weather was beautiful. At the one shop we went a lady told us it had rained for days before we came. We had 2 days on land and they were both nice.
The ship was clean, the crew was awesome and so was he food.
I am really glad I went.
June 2010 - 8 Night Exotic Eastern Caribbean (New York roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Miracle
Wonderful
This was a really great itinerary. We went to Half Moon Cay, Carnival's private island. The sand was so incredibly soft and the water was crystal clear. The crew comes off the ship to prepare an island BBQ. It was out of this world. Everything about this island was as close to perfection as it could get. Grand Turk is beautiful and we did the stingray swim. It was very nice and you get to buy pictures afterward.
Nassau we just walked around town. There is so much to see. However, it was so incredibly hot. All I had to do was breathe and the sweat ran off me. I still had fun though.
The crew was exceptional and the ship was great.
June 2008 - 8 Night Exotic Eastern Caribbean (New York roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Miracle
AWESOME!!!
This was my 1st cruise ever. From the moment I walked on the ship I was in awe. The food was great, the crew was great, everything was great.
I did the dolphin swim. It was the ONE thing I had to do and I was not disappointed. I also went para sailing and loved it. We did the champagne catamaran to St. John and enjoyed it.
Over all, I have no complaints.
Carnival Sunshine
Sail date: June 20, 2017
This was a great cruise for us because we love the ports. We had been to them numerous times before so we have our favorite places to go.
As usual, the crew, the food and the entertainment were all great.
Carnival Pride
Sail date: March 13, 2016
We chose this cruise because it went to 8 islands, 5 of which we had never been to before. We loved it. We loved the ship, the crew, the food, everything. I was worried about the American Table because of all the negative reviews. Turns out that it wasn't bad at all really. Each night I found something that I liked. I was, however, not thrilled about the no tablecloth thing going on. I don't like my silverware laying on a bare table plus the glasses sweat and water gets all over the table. Another nicety that is gone is the putting the napkin on your lap. None of these things ruined my vacation by a long shot it's just that one by one, they are missing. We still had a wonderful time by far.
Because this was a "Journeys" cruise, meaning 9 days or longer, it had a few added features. It had live Caribbean music on lido, the Captain's ball white glove affair complete with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. They were delish. It also had the spectacular midnight buffet. It was all that I remembered it to be from 2008. The last time I saw it. They also had 3 formal nights and 2 were lobster, much to our surprise.
This ship had a Guy's Burger joint. Two words.....Pig Patty!!! Oh lord, I knew I should have gotten my blood work done before this vacation. It is a patty of BACON on a burger. Blue Iguana Cantina, another good stop. They are open for breakfast and lunch that I know of. You can built your own burrito.
We went to David's Steakhouse for dinner the 1st night because you get a free bottle of wine then. Dinner measured up to my expectations. I had lobster and escargots.
There were plenty of comedians. We went to a couple shows and loved them. We also took in a show at the Dive In movies. It was March so they offer you blankets with Dive In Movies embroidered on them. I found out too late that you can buy them. I will do that on our cruise next year.
We got an obstructed view balcony which I will never do again. We usually get a regular or premium balcony. This time I wanted to be next to my family and that's what they got. I learned the hard way that there are not any upgrades to these. The balcony is narrower than others so it was crowded. Again, it did not ruin my cruise but never again.
All in all this was a great ship. I would definitely sail Pride again.
Carnival Splendor
Sail date: June 17, 2014
What a great itinerary. Two of my favorites. Grand Turk and Half Moon Cay, the private island. You couldn't ask for a more beautiful destination. I just wish they stayed here over night. My sister is the group leader so she rented a villa on HMC for all of us to enjoy. If you have the money, I would do it. You get fruit, snacks and drinks. It is 2 levels with a hot tub and private bathroom, AC, ceiling fan, kitchen, scuba gear, beach chairs, etc.
Our villa.
Carnival Miracle
Sail date: June 15, 2012
This was our 3rd time on Miracle, that's how much we love it. Let me start with Micky. He was a drink boy on lido. I asked him where I could get a monkey head drink and he said at the other end of the ship. He asked if I wanted him to get me one and I said no that I would get it later. Next thing you know I am on lido and here comes Micky to tell me that he has my monkey head and he asked what I wanted in it. OMG!!! That was ABOVE and BEYOND what he had to do. Especially when I said I would get it. I decided right there that I loved this boy. LOL The rest of the crew were wonderful but he was a stand out.
We did Nick and Nora's Steakhouse on day 1 so we could get the free bottle of wine. We were not disappointed. If you have the extra $35 per person, it is well worth it.
I did tea time each time. I love tea time with all the snacks and tea. I always get there early as to get a window seat. It's all about ambiance. LOL
Carnival Miracle
Sail date: June 16, 2010
This was a really great itinerary. We went to Half Moon Cay, Carnival's private island. The sand was so incredibly soft and the water was crystal clear. The crew comes off the ship to prepare an island BBQ. It was out of this world. Everything about this island was as close to perfection as it could get. Grand Turk is beautiful and we did the stingray swim. It was very nice and you get to buy pictures afterward.
Nassau we just walked around town. There is so much to see. However, it was so incredibly hot. All I had to do was breathe and the sweat ran off me. I still had fun though.
The crew was exceptional and the ship was great.
Carnival Miracle
Sail date: June 10, 2008
This was my 1st cruise ever. From the moment I walked on the ship I was in awe. The food was great, the crew was great, everything was great.
I did the dolphin swim. It was the ONE thing I had to do and I was not disappointed. I also went para sailing and loved it. We did the champagne catamaran to St. John and enjoyed it.
Over all, I have no complaints.
Carnival Splendor
Sail date: June 18, 2013
This was our 1st time on Splendor. I love the ship except for the fact that it could be tricky getting to the main dinning room. The galley splits up the hallway so you have to go up a level then down or down a level then up. Also, I was not crazy about the serenity deck. On Miracle, Serenity has its own pool, hot tub and bar. This one did not.
It certainly did not ruin my trip because there is so much going on most times. The crew was just wonderful as usual. I am amazed at how the stewards and dining crew can remember your names. They always have a smile on their faces.
We did the steakhouse on the 1st night. You get a free bottle of wine then. Dinner was delish. It only cost $35.00 per person. and is very well worth it.
The one day it was very foggy and the fog horn was going often. That's OK with me because I love that sound.
Also, my sister talked me into getting a day pass for the spa. It cost $40.00 and you have 24 hours to use it as much as you want. It was REALLY nice.
It was my aunts birthday a few days before we left so I had their room decorated as a surprise. They did a really good job. I also had a birthday cake delivered to dinner that night.
We had choppy waters one day so they hung "barf bags" all over the ship. I giggled when I first saw that.
Carnival Splendor
Sail date: June 17, 2015
This was our 2nd time in this room. That's how much we loved it.
Splendor can be a little tricky to find the dinning room as the galley splits the halls.
Service was great, crew was great, entertainment was great.
I'm not too crazy about this Serenity as it has no pool or hot tub.
Carnival Glory
Sail date: June 18, 2011
I was not really feeling this cruise as it approached because we were supposed to go to Mexico but that fell through. The night before we left I thought to myself that I was in it for the food.
Let me tell you, I am glad my family talked me into going with them. Canada is so beautiful and clean. People are so nice that they stop you on the street to talk to you. One guy stopped me to tell me about a building across the street. He said that way back when the owner wanted to build it, city council was giving him a hard time. Finally when he did build it, he put faces on it, some animal and some that represent city council members. Refer to picture below.
The weather was beautiful. At the one shop we went a lady told us it had rained for days before we came. We had 2 days on land and they were both nice.
The ship was clean, the crew was awesome and so was he food.
I am really glad I went.
Cruise tips
St. Thomas is so beautiful. We went to Magic Ice ice bar. We had been there before but looking at the website I could tell some things had changed so we went again. After that we took an independent tour of the island. It lasted longer than what they said and they were so nice. We then went up the sky ride and enjoyed the awesome view.
We love San Juan and have a few places that we go. We stumbled upon a tchotchke place that I fell in love with and we go there each time. It's near the ship. We also go to Barrachina every time we are here. It is the birthplace of the Pina Colada. At first we just went there for that but now we also eat there too.
This is our favorite port. We love it here so much that we want to retire here, We did all the shore excursions we wanted to in the past so now we go to Jack's Shack all day. On our way back to the ship we stop by Margaritaville to buy souvenirs.
We have left out of NY quite a few times but I always love the passing scene as we are leaving port.
Carnival Sunshine
If yo get the chance, go to Serenity. I LOVED the waterfall.
There is so much to see in town right near the cruise ship. Lots of shops and lots of history. Tour the forts.
There is shopping right at the cruise ship. We walked around in the shops. We also went on a champagne catamaran ride. That was nice you get to go snorkeling & then on the way back there's alcoholic & nonalcoholic drinks & snacks like fruit and crackers. Then I went parasailing for the 1st time.
Tortola, British Virgin Islands
We did the dolphin swim here. If there was one thing I had to do on this cruise, it was the dolphin swim. Yes it is expensive but it was worth every penny. I would not change that experience for anything
In St. Maartin we took a cab to Maho Beach so I could see the planes land and take off. I was not disappointed. They fly in so low it can be scary neat. I got what I went there for, pictures and video.
In Antigua we did zip lining over a rain forest and then the beach with BBQ chicken for lunch. It was all included. It was a really fun day. The food was good and the beach was beautiful. This was the 1st time either of us had done zip lining and we loved it.
In Dominica we did a hike through the rain forest to Sari Sari Falls. It was treacherous and strenuous. We had to cross the river about 8 times but the end result nearly brought tears to my eyes. The falls were BEAUTIFUL!!! On our way out we had soup for lunch. It was made in a pot over an open flame right there by the river. It was delish. We hurt for days afterwards but we survived. LOL
In St. Lucia we just waled around town. We found a straw market and I bought a few things. It must have been farmers market day because there produce stands set up all over.
In Martinique we also just walked around town. It was kinda tricky here because most speak French. LOL At the end of the pier was dancers and tent stores. I bought a few things there. People were saying the locals were rude but we had no problems.
In St. Thomas we did a beach day in Megan's Bay. It was BEAUTIFUL!!! I would definitely go back again.
In Grand Turk, we always head down the beach a few hundred yards to a local watering hole. The beach is much nicer down there and not as crowded as Margaritaville. This is our favorite island and we want to retire here :)
In San Juan we toured Castillo San Felipe del Morro. We did this on our own. It is HUGE!!! Give yourself most of the day to do this. After that we walked to Barrachina. A usual stop for us here. It is the birthplace of the Pina Colada. We go there just so we can have one.
This was our 1st time leaving from Baltimore and we liked it. We got there early, about noon. We were on the ship about 90 minutes after arrival. We did self assist to get off. This was also a 1st for us. We usually travel in a large group and can't do self assist. We got off the ship really soon after they started leaving people off.
Carnival Pride
This was the 1st time that I ever got the internet package. It came down considerably. I like to keep in contact with home because of my pets and house. Texting got costly in the past. I got the middle package. It was all but streaming video. I posted pictures as we went. Folks at home loved it.
St. Thomas is absolutely beautiful. We docked right near a high end shopping mall. Even though I could not afford any of it, it was nice walking through it just to take in the scenery.
If you are going to buy liquor on your cruise, I'd buy it here if you sail Carnival. Carnival always docks at the same dock whenever I've gone there. They dock where there is a liquor store right there.
It was very humid and hot this day but we made the best of it. we walked around town twice. Be on the lookout for locals that come out of nowhere putting jewelry on you and asking for a donation. When you tell them how much you will donate they tell you no and say a higher amount.
Get there early and you can get on early.
Loved it here. The water is so clear but rocky by the dock. Margaritaville is nice but can get expensive if you eat. The pool there is free.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)
Absolutely beautiful beyond words. I usually wear swimmy shoes in the water, I didn't need them here. The sand is so soft.
Carnival Miracle
Serenity is awesome. It's an adult only area. It has it's own pool, hot tub and bar. There is clam shell loungers, hammocks and lots of other chairs. I spent a lot of time here.
In St. John we just walked around town. A police officer rolled up on this little vehicle that you stand on to drive. He started chatting with us and must have seen something in my face because he asked if I wanted to get on it. OH HELL YEA!!! I could not believe he asked me that. What a great photo op.
We did the Peggy's Cove and Titanic tour. It was very surreal :( We went to Fairview Cemetery and saw all the graves, some had names and some did not. We then went to Peggy's Cove. I sure wish I could have spent more time here. It so beautiful. We went up to the lighthouse and we spoke to a local store owner.
If you get there early, you get on early.
Carnival Glory
I always wake up earlier than my non husband so I would order room service breakfast, mostly salmon, and I would go out on our balcony ans eat that and have my coffee and then when he woke up we would go to the lido breakfast.
We did the sea lion swim at Atlantis. Lunch was included as well as everything else except the water park. We toured the Dig, the underground aquarium. It was beautiful. Seriously, it seems like you need a week to take all of Atlantis in, and talk about beautiful. The sea lion swim was awesome. You have to suit up in a wet suit and then they walk you over to Sunshine, a movie star sea lion. Interacting with her was soooo much fun.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)
BEAUTIFUL!!! The sand feels soft like flour. My sister's mom rented a cabana for us. It comes with fruits, snacks and drinks plus you can still partake in the BBQ that is included. It was raining this day, ALL DAY, but it did not stop us from swimming in the crystal clear waters. You're gonna get wet anyway, right?
Carnival Miracle
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Serenity. There is a pool and bar there as well as clam shell seats and hammock type things.
We did the dune buggy excursion. It was very nice. You go all over the island. To a lookout, to the light house, through a limestone quarry etc. I was amazed at all the free roaming horses, donkeys and cows. They pay you no mind as you drive by. We went to Margaritaville for drinks and a bite to eat. Nice but expensive.
The earlier you get there the earlier you will be on the ship.
St. Thomas is beautiful. We went to Coral World on our own. We went there to swim with sharks. Yes, sharks. It was fun. Also at Coral World, they have a huge aquarium and a lorikeet exhibit where you can feed the lorikeets plus more that I did not get to see. I want to go back. The cab driver set a time and picked us up. On the way back to the ship, he stopped at a beautiful over look so we could get pictures. Out of nowhere came a man and a donkey that was wearing flowers and clothes. He said her name was Monica Lewinski (LOL) and let you take pictures with her for a donation. She was cute. We later went to Magic Ice ice bar. You get a parka, gloves and leg warmers to keep you warm. There were ice sculptures all over. You get a free shot and a shot glass to take home.
Grand Turk is our favorite island. On Grand Turk we did the dune buggy excursion. This was our 2nd time doing this. It takes you around most of the island and you stop at an over look and at the lighthouse. This time it rained for a few minutes but we still had fun.
We have been here before so we knew where we wanted to go. All were in walking distance. Baracchina, the birth place of the pina colada. We go there just so we can have one. The liquor store right there at the pier. You can get really cheap liquor there. Don Q distillery museum. You got a free drink there. The local Harley Davidson store to get a tshirt. I found a great tchotchke place that was close to the ship.
I always love to watch the scenery as we sail out of port.
Carnival Splendor
I try to hit all the tea times that are offered. At tea time they have hot tea, desserts and hors d'oeuvres. It is free and lasts about an hour. I always try to be 1st in line so I can get a window seat.
It was nice to walk around town. We wanted some local money so we asked at the one shop. None of the locals had any so the directed us to the bank. LOL
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Private Island)
if you have the extra money, rent a villa. You get fruit, snacks and drinks. It is 2 levels with a hot tub and private bathroom, AC, ceiling fan, kitchen, scuba gear, beach chairs, etc. Well worth the money.
Skip Margaritaville. way over priced. Lunch for 2 of us was $96.00. All we got was appetizers and a drink. Instead go down the beach 500 yards to the left to Jack's Shack. Great food and great owners. The collect license plates.
Our usual port of departure.
Carnival Splendor
Deck 6 forward, as far front as you could possibly get is a hidden secret. We were the only 2 there. We saw a lot of flying fish. It was so neat. Take pair of binoculars to use while out on deck or on your balcony. I plan on buying a pair.
My very favorite island. We skip Margaritaville and go down the beach 500 yards to the left to Jack's Shack. Great food, great owners and the beach is much better down there.
We always get there early at about 11AM. We get on the ship in less than 1/2 hour after we get there because not many people are there.
We've been to Magic Ice ice bar twice now. It is a minimal fee and inexpensive cab ride there. You get a free shot and take home branded shot glass.
We have a few go to places here. Barrachina, the birthplace of the pina colada just so we can have one. The Harley Davidson store for the annual t shirts. I generally just love to walk around town and take in the scenery.
If you want a cheap event, pay the $20 to ride the Sky ride to Paradise point. Awesome view for some great pictures.
Hands down my favorite port. I tend to skip Margaritaville and go 500 yards to left down the beach to Jack's Shack. Awesome food awesome owners and an awesome dog.
Carnival Miracle
Serenity is AWESOME!!! I spent a lot of time here.
Carnival Miracle
We went to early dinning so there was still time to do things after dinner.
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