Western Caribbean Cruise

Author Message   Damaso (Tony) Cabrera Senior Member Username: Tonyc Post Number: 237 Registered: 08-2006 Posted on Saturday, March 17, 2007 - 10:59 pm:    Rachel, I love escargots (pronounced "scargo"). They're indeed "snails" but very tasty and gourmet (very expensive in some places). As you, southern fried chicken, potatoes and corn on the cob are one of my favorites as well. Tony   William H. McClure Advanced Member Username: Hovey Post Number: 46 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Saturday, March 17, 2007 - 09:48 pm:    We have made two recent trips on Carnivals'Celebration to the Eastern Carib and will be our last. It is a "3 star" (1 to 5, with 5 the highest)rated ship which in my opinion is the bottom of the barrel rating. Ratings can be found at www.vacationstogo .com Generally the newer the ship the higher the rating.   Tom Jackson Senior Member Username: Tombo Post Number: 160 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Saturday, March 17, 2007 - 01:42 pm:    Joe - I use CruiseReviews.com when researching cruise ships or cruise destinations. The site has professional reviews as well as "trip reports" from casual cruisers. I like it because the reports tell it like it is and most folks don't hold back on their likes or dislikes. It gives you a idea about the food, service, cabins or port visits. I find it helpful when trying decide on a particular ship. The the other reason for this response was I was checking the site this morning and found it has a review of Carnival's Freedom. It looks pretty nice from the comments and pictures. I hope this helps you and as others on the board who like cruising.   Rachel R. Jones Member Username: Rae_j Post Number: 7 Registered: 03-2007 Posted on Saturday, March 17, 2007 - 12:44 am:    Tom I did try some of the food that I couldn't pronounce. One being escargot (I have no idea whether or not I spelled that correctly) and it was okay. I really wished I'd had someone with me that knew of its correct taste and whether or not I had a just sample. I couldn't finish them all as they were a bit "bouncy." It had nothing to do with the fact that they were in fact, snails. I'm from Carolina and have eaten frog legs which do taste like chicken. They just tasted like strong, rubber mushrooms. The chocolate buffet was unreal. I ate so much on that trip, I felt ashamed. All in all, it was great. However, I don't have any other cruises under my belt. So I have nothing to compare to. I will say for the thread starter, the 2 port calls are wonderful! Cozumel was my absolute favorite. Be sure to scuba if you indeed book that cruise. The water there is crystal clear.   Tom Jackson Senior Member Username: Tombo Post Number: 158 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 04:08 pm:    Joe - The Freedom is a brand new ship. I am not even sure if she has made her maiden voyage yet. So there is not a whole of information out about her. The Freedom is one of the ships I am looking at for next year's (2008) Transatlantic cruise. Enjoy and please to a trip report about your cruise.   Joe Joyce Senior Member Username: Joejoyce Post Number: 75 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 02:16 pm:    Does anyone know anything about Carnival Freedom? We're looking at a repositioning cruise aboard her from Civitivecchia (Rome) to Miami in Oct.   Tom Jackson Senior Member Username: Tombo Post Number: 157 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Thursday, March 15, 2007 - 12:03 am:    Rachel - I really love Carnival and their ships. I just wanted Tony to know it is a party ship and that most of the folks come to party and have a good time. But because of that atmosphere, a lot of folks (older or with small kids) are turned off and go away saying never again on Carnival. I didn't like the loud noise or it was not the place for young children. I personally, think they are missing out on a great time. But that is just my opinion. The food on Carnival is good, but not great. But with all the different restaurants and food selctions on board, you are bound to find something you like. For example the pizza on Carnival ships has the reputation of being the best in the cruise industry. I can't vouch for that, but it is pretty darn good. And for the partying, that doesn't bother me. Matter of fact, I still like to get out on the dance floor and shake a leg. But at my age, I just have to make sure I don't break it in the process. Besides if I don't get out there, who is going to show these young folks what real dancing is suppose to look like and not just the jumping around done today.   Rachel R. Jones Junior Member Username: Rae_j Post Number: 6 Registered: 03-2007 Posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2007 - 05:53 pm:    Hi We've only cruised once and it was with Carnival. We left out of New Orleans (just before Katrina) and had 3 port calls: Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. Food? I have no clue. I'm a country girl from NC so all that fancy stuff is neither here nor there for me. I can't critique it since I'm in the dark on its supposed taste anyway. Fried chicken and potato salad make me happy. So needless to say, we spent a lot of time at the 24/7 pizza stand back aft. I completely agree with Tom, though. Definitely the party ship which is why I had such a great time. And even when we did retire to our rooms, I don't recall being disturbed by those still wandering around. The service was great, I thought. We had an international crew if that makes a difference. You can book your activities (if you like) on the cruise before you arrive at your port calls which we found very convenient. We had a great time with Carnival. Good luck with whatever you decide to do! Rj   Garee Michael Harrison Senior Member Username: Gareemharrison Post Number: 91 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Friday, March 02, 2007 - 02:37 pm:    We went on the same trip out of Tampa. It was our first cruise. I thought it was fine. Weather was perfect, ports were fine. We ate well, have no complaints. Other on the cruise had 7-10 trips under their belts and they had things to compare and a few complaints. My husband says it was the best Cruise he had been on, of course, he was comparing to US Navy. A great improvement over the color scheme. We had a balcony suite so we were very spoiled and happy. Carol in Ocala   Phyllis DeLancey Senior Member Username: Phyllis Post Number: 1360 Registered: 06-2003 Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 11:47 pm:    Don't have first hand info, but my cousin tried Carnival twice, both out of Tampa. Both times it was terrible. One time they lost someone over board, like Tom said lots of drinking, late nights and young folks.   Tom Jackson Senior Member Username: Tombo Post Number: 142 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 11:00 pm:    Tony - I have never sailed on the Inspiration, so I can't comment on that ship. However I have sailed on other Carnival ships three different times. Each one was a good cruise. Carnival's food is not the best in the cruise industry, but is decent . And if you thought the food in the mess halls was good or okay, you love their food. Also Carnival Cruise Line is known as the "fun ships" and draws a younger crowd that parties all night long. I see you and I are close to the same age. So if the all night dancing and partying might brother you, I would skip it. It has never been a problem for me. I just drink by warm milk and head to bed when the mood strikes me. Those late night partying days are anicient history for me. All kidding aside, I like Carnival. For the money they are hard to beat. Matter of fact, I am planning another cruise with them in September. Others on this board, will tell you they love them, others will say they hate them. Take the cruise and judge for yourself. Then you can decide if you like them or not for future cruises.   Damaso (Tony) Cabrera Senior Member Username: Tonyc Post Number: 216 Registered: 08-2006 Posted on Thursday, March 01, 2007 - 10:20 pm:    I'm looking at a 5-Night Western Caribbean (Tampa Round-Trip) 5-Night Cruise, abord the Carnival's Inspiration at the beginning of May, visiting Grand Cayman and Cozumel, Mexico. Has anyone experienced Carnival Cruises before? I've heard mixed rumors about their ships, service, etc. Any feedback will be helpful in making a decision.