TXgandy
Second Mate
Texas
Joined 02/2017
17
Cruises12
Reviews124
Helpful VotesUpcoming cruises
Past cruises
March 2024 - 6 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Dream
Ship Snob
Good cruise but I am becoming a ship snob. The Dream was small and needed a refresh.
September 2023 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip) Cruise on Allure of the Seas
First Oasis class cruise
Great week. Thankful to be able to do such a vacation.
March 2023 - 7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip) Cruise on Mardi Gras
Mardi Great!
Very much enjoyed the Mardi Gras. Nice to go on Carnival again after a couple Royal Caribbean cruises. Both companies are cutting back, not what it used to be but still pretty great.
December 2022 - 5 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip) Cruise on Adventure of the Seas
Good size smaller ship.
Good between holiday five day cruise. A lot more kids than we have seen in awhile. The weather was mostly good.
March 2022 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip) Cruise on Liberty of the Seas
Liberty is getting a little worn and dated.
Good activities on the Liberty of the Seas. It fits our family of young adults well.
September 2021 - 7 Night Alaska Inside Passage With Glacier Bay National Park (Seattle Roundtrip) Cruise on Majestic Princess
COVID Alaska
So glad after being canceled and rebooked this actually sailed. We had a great time. We saw a couple other ships at sea but not in the ports. The crew said that never happens, there are usually 3-4 ships in each port. It was great having the ports to ourselves.
August 2019 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip) Cruise on Liberty of the Seas
Great Cruise
Great cruise, it may convert me from Carnival to Royal Caribbean. I missed Guys Burgers and the Blue Iguana.
March 2019 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Vista
We really enjoyed the Vista. I may still prefer the Magic but the Vista has a lot to offer.
We missed the atrium with the bank of glass elevators but the new setup is good. We loved the 5th deck, inside and out with the piano bar, sushi, pub, Havana bar, etc.
The sky cycle was interesting. It is worth a round or two for the view. The serenity deck was always packed but we were always able to find somewhere quiet to relax.
The shows were typical. America Rocks was our favorite. After the show the 80’s dance party was a lot of fun if only to watch from deck 6. Matt is very good at what he does. The atrium was rocking and all were having a good time.
As usual the Carnival staff were great. Reflections dinning room and staff were great for dinner every night. So welcoming and accommodating. Our steward was super friendly and attentive. Can’t say a bad thing about any staff.
Bonsai Sushi was good. The Red Frog Pub is a great hang out. Enjoy the music in the Havana Bar. Not sure why more people didn’t go there. Of course Guys Burgers were outstanding. Guys Pig and Anchor were just ok but convenient when laying on deck 5.
Embarkation and self debarkation were a breeze. Embarkation was faster but everything on the return is a let down back to reality.
February 2018 - 5 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip) Cruise on Vision of the Seas
The Vision is a little bit cloudy. The decor was fine and the ship appears pretty well maintained. The crew was great, super friendly and helpful.
The shows were ok, lacking the quality and variety of larger ships. The Windjammer and main dining room food was fair. Nothing stood out. The prime rib, shrimp and bread pudding were the best. Hot dogs, pizza and burgers were gross. Pizza was not always available and the ice cream machines were not always working.
May 2017 - 5 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Valor
The Valor is a solid ship. Three stars because I like the Magic better. Had a good time in the piano bar. The guy took requests and could play anything.
I missed the Indian food the Magic has but the burger place and burrito place were good. We also enjoyed breakfast in the dining room.
Past dining room experiences were better but no real issues. We did have some confusion over seating and left one couple out but jammed them in the second night and the rest of the cruise.
February 2015 - 5 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Magic
Oh the Magic. My favorite ship so far. I have been on it twice. For how large it is I felt it was very well managed, lines were reasonable. Love the Indian food on the back. Miss the free sushi.
February 2012 - 7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Magic
March 2011 - 4 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston roundtrip) Cruise on Carnival Ecstasy
Two stars may seem harsh. Any cruise is better than no cruise but many ship are better than the Ecstasy. The Ship is smaller and dated.
We didn’t take our kids but not much offered for kids compared to newer larger ships.
Plenty of deck to nap on and I do enjoy a nap.
Adventure of the Seas
Sail date: December 26, 2022
Good between holiday five day cruise. A lot more kids than we have seen in awhile. The weather was mostly good.
Carnival Dream
Sail date: March 17, 2024
Good cruise but I am becoming a ship snob. The Dream was small and needed a refresh.
Carnival Vista
Sail date: March 31, 2019
We really enjoyed the Vista. I may still prefer the Magic but the Vista has a lot to offer.
We missed the atrium with the bank of glass elevators but the new setup is good. We loved the 5th deck, inside and out with the piano bar, sushi, pub, Havana bar, etc.
The sky cycle was interesting. It is worth a round or two for the view. The serenity deck was always packed but we were always able to find somewhere quiet to relax.
The shows were typical. America Rocks was our favorite. After the show the 80’s dance party was a lot of fun if only to watch from deck 6. Matt is very good at what he does. The atrium was rocking and all were having a good time.
As usual the Carnival staff were great. Reflections dinning room and staff were great for dinner every night. So welcoming and accommodating. Our steward was super friendly and attentive. Can’t say a bad thing about any staff.
Bonsai Sushi was good. The Red Frog Pub is a great hang out. Enjoy the music in the Havana Bar. Not sure why more people didn’t go there. Of course Guys Burgers were outstanding. Guys Pig and Anchor were just ok but convenient when laying on deck 5.
Embarkation and self debarkation were a breeze. Embarkation was faster but everything on the return is a let down back to reality.
Mardi Gras
Sail date: March 18, 2023
Very much enjoyed the Mardi Gras. Nice to go on Carnival again after a couple Royal Caribbean cruises. Both companies are cutting back, not what it used to be but still pretty great.
Majestic Princess
Sail date: September 05, 2021
So glad after being canceled and rebooked this actually sailed. We had a great time. We saw a couple other ships at sea but not in the ports. The crew said that never happens, there are usually 3-4 ships in each port. It was great having the ports to ourselves.
Liberty of the Seas
Sail date: March 20, 2022
Liberty is getting a little worn and dated.
Good activities on the Liberty of the Seas. It fits our family of young adults well.
Allure of the Seas
Sail date: September 03, 2023
Liberty of the Seas
Sail date: August 25, 2019
Great cruise, it may convert me from Carnival to Royal Caribbean. I missed Guys Burgers and the Blue Iguana.
Carnival Magic
Sail date: February 23, 2015
Oh the Magic. My favorite ship so far. I have been on it twice. For how large it is I felt it was very well managed, lines were reasonable. Love the Indian food on the back. Miss the free sushi.
Carnival Ecstasy
Sail date: March 24, 2011
Two stars may seem harsh. Any cruise is better than no cruise but many ship are better than the Ecstasy. The Ship is smaller and dated.
We didn’t take our kids but not much offered for kids compared to newer larger ships.
Plenty of deck to nap on and I do enjoy a nap.
Carnival Valor
Sail date: May 01, 2017
The Valor is a solid ship. Three stars because I like the Magic better. Had a good time in the piano bar. The guy took requests and could play anything.
I missed the Indian food the Magic has but the burger place and burrito place were good. We also enjoyed breakfast in the dining room.
Past dining room experiences were better but no real issues. We did have some confusion over seating and left one couple out but jammed them in the second night and the rest of the cruise.
Vision of the Seas
Sail date: February 14, 2018
The Vision is a little bit cloudy. The decor was fine and the ship appears pretty well maintained. The crew was great, super friendly and helpful.
The shows were ok, lacking the quality and variety of larger ships. The Windjammer and main dining room food was fair. Nothing stood out. The prime rib, shrimp and bread pudding were the best. Hot dogs, pizza and burgers were gross. Pizza was not always available and the ice cream machines were not always working.
Cruise tips
Carnival Dream
Don’t know how people cruise without magnetic hooks to hang things in their room.
Allure of the Seas
Book the shows early but don’t be afraid to standby if you don’t get one. Many had room.
Pretty good port area. Nice to have complementary loungers at the beach.
Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic
Nice port area. Did the catamaran and snorkel excursion through Carnival. Hour plus bus ride, see a little of the towns and countryside. The catamaran was nice. Snorkeling was ok.
Mardi Gras
Don’t let the size worry you. You can find your way around and always find a quiet spot.
Not my favorite, limited options. The ruins are good. Booked through Native Choice, they did well.
Coxen Hole, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras
Enjoy Roatan, beautiful! Victor Bodden tours always does a nice job.
Our best weather day made Skagway really nice. A scenic little town. We rode the White-pass Railway. Very scenic and worth it even though we could only go half way due to track maintenance.
Had a great time whale watching even in the rain. Third party operators do fine here. We also did the team which was great. The rain had stopped so we were able hike around some on mount Roberts.
We enjoyed exploring in the rain. Princess provided umbrellas so that helped. The Lumberjack show was touristy but fun. The totem museum was educational. Creek street was cool and the creek was packed with salmon.
Love Seattle. On a nice day there is not a prettier city. We enjoyed the waterfront and Pikes Market.
Majestic Princess
The Medallion and app are nice for room access and finding other members of our travel party. The Medallion app seemed quirky for making dinner reservations and checking activity schedules.
Jamaica is beautiful but a little sketchy. The people are nice but very poor so everyone is angling for a buck. The Royal Caribbean port is very nice! Our Dunn Falls & River Tubing excursion through RC was ok. The guide and driver were great. The tubing was great. The lunch was ok, not really worth it. Dunn River was a let down. The site guide there rushed us through with little time to enjoy the Falls. I think the faster he goes the more groups and tips he gets.
It’s Galveston.
Liberty of the Seas
Magnetic hooks are the bomb. Must have for your room. We used 4 but will take more next time. They work in the shower too for hanging swim wear.
Never touched land. Booked the Turneffe Atoll dive through Carnival. The scuba boat picked us up with others from the Carnival Magic and RC Liberty. About 26 divers split in four groups. 50 minute ride to the site. Two good dives, great coral. Good briefing, ok equipment. Our group was last so some sediment kicked up by other groups. Lunch was ok, cold chicken and rice.
Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras
Really like Roatan. We always use Victor Borden, great, reliable. The monkeys and sloths are getting old but West Bay is always great. Love the snorkeling.
Cayman is ok. Expensive. Nice West Bay dive with Turtle Divers. Great dive boat, ok crew. Pretty easy meet. More drive time than boat time. Never rode in such a nice boat such a short distance.
A number of people told us not to even get off the boat but I am glad we did. People are friendly but everyone is looking for a buck. Probably the most pushy place I have been. Snorkeling was surprisingly good at Doctors Cave beach. Visibility was not the best and the beach was crowded but saw a number of fish and rays out by the buoys. Jimmy Buffet’s was fun until it got too rowdy for our family. The slide and floating toys there were a blast. Lunch was good. Traffic was crazy. I wouldn’t wander too far off the beaten path. Vendors seemed the most willing to deal and had some nice crafts. I would love to explore more with a trusted guide.
A number of people told us not to even get off the boat but I am glad we did. People are friendly but everyone is looking for a buck. Probably the most pushy place I have been. Snorkeling was surprisingly good at Doctors Cave beach. Visibility was not the best and the beach was crowded but saw a number of fish and rays out by the buoys. Jimmy Buffet’s was fun until it got too rowdy for our family. The slide and floating toys there were a blast. Lunch was good. Traffic was crazy. I wouldn’t wander too far off the beaten path. Vendors seemed the most willing to deal and had some nice crafts. I would love to explore more with a trusted guide.
Love Cozumel. Always feel safe. Plenty of taxis to and from the port. The people are friendly and not too pushy. They do seem less willing to bargain as so many buyers come through. The water around Cozumel is beautiful. Try Playa Azul and Chankanaab. You can get excursion packages to Chankanaab but it is easy and cheaper just to get a cab and go. Cabs can also take you to Playa Azul. Playa is smaller and less busy. They have a nice small beach, pool, loungers, restaurant and bar. They offer activities such as snorkeling, jet skis and zip lines.
Love Cozumel. Always feel safe. Plenty of taxis to and from the port. The people are friendly and not too pushy. They do seem less willing to bargain as so many buyers come through. The water around Cozumel is beautiful. Try Playa Azul and Chankanaab. You can get excursion packages to Chankanaab but it is easy and cheaper just to get a cab and go. Cabs can also take you to Playa Azul. Playa is smaller and less busy. They have a nice small beach, pool, loungers, restaurant and bar. They offer activities such as snorkeling, jet skis and zip lines.
Love Cozumel. Always feel safe. Plenty of taxis to and from the port. The people are friendly and not too pushy. They do seem less willing to bargain as so many buyers come through. The water around Cozumel is beautiful. Try Playa Azul and Chankanaab. You can get excursion packages to Chankanaab but it is easy and cheaper just to get a cab and go. Cabs can also take you to Playa Azul. Playa is smaller and less busy. They have a nice small beach, pool, loungers, restaurant and bar. They offer activities such as snorkeling, jet skis and zip lines.
Love Cozumel. Always feel safe. Plenty of taxis to and from the port. The people are friendly and not too pushy. They do seem less willing to bargain as so many buyers come through. The water around Cozumel is beautiful. Try Playa Azul and Chankanaab. You can get excursion packages to Chankanaab but it is easy and cheaper just to get a cab and go. Cabs can also take you to Playa Azul. Playa is smaller and less busy. They have a nice small beach, pool, loungers, restaurant and bar. They offer activities such as snorkeling, jet skis and zip lines.
Love Cozumel. Almost always scuba dive, we had a great dive this trip.
I think people are overly negative about Progreso. Sure it doesn’t compare to Cozumel but it can be a fun stop. The ruins at Dzibilchaltun are a nice trip that isn’t too far. The ruins at Uxmal are very nice but further away. The beach being on the gulf is not as nice as the caribbean. Every time I have been there it has been windy as well which doesn’t help. The people are nice. You can meet some nice people and find some surprises walking around town. Get off the boat and off the pier and check it out.
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