Loved using the thermal suite on Horizon - nice facility in Cloud 9. Many offer wine, beer and soda with lunch and dinner at no extra charge. Other zones include the Miami-inspired 820 Biscayne on Deck 8 with its indoor/outdoor Cuban-themed Bar 820, included Deco Deli and Miami Slice eateries, the included Italian-themed full service Cucina del Capitano and the for-fee Rudis Seagrill. On our cruise, it quickly became a central hub of activity, with people hanging out throughout the day, taking in some specialty cocktails, and grabbing an afternoon snack or pre-dinner drink. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises, Q&A with Avoya Travel: Learn How to Turn Your Passion into Success by Becoming an Independent Travel Advisor. WebOcean Suite A Carnival Pride suite is the ultimate way to cruise. Getting excited. You can keep up with her on Instagram at @IAmSarahJaneB. The one thing I did not see was sushi, a popular cruise ship meal. A nominal charge of $8, per guest, will be assessed for additional visits.. It was for us (also interior). On some ships, certain menu items in the free main dining room now come with an extra charge. Find the right card for you. Note that these internet charges seem to do nothing but rise in cost. So, it's important to know that Carnival won't serve any passenger more than 15 alcoholic drinks in a single day. In elevators, when returning to the ship from port visits, in the eateries and at shows, by the pools you name it most guests, despite such varied backgrounds and identities, were happy to converse and share in the fun. The way around these fees is simple: Dont order room service. They come in several varieties, from 185-square-foot insides to Havana Suites, which offer 260 square feet of interior space (with a dividing wall to separate sleeping and living areas), plus a 100-square-foot patio area with loungers and a hammock. You shouldnt be happy about it, either. There is a fee for entering the Thalassotherapy pool and thermal suite on Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream, Carnival Magic, Carnival Splendor, and Carnival Sunshine. The Yacht Club area is not stuffy at all, but rather I found the other guests were super friendly and spent evenings listening to music and getting to know people from all around the world. Bottom line, the extra space, and staff made ), Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families. On Decks 6, 7 and 8, the included eateries range from the sprawling Guys Smokehouse for barbecue, beer and live music jams to Cucina del Capitano for Italian, Miami Slice for pizza, Deco Deli for sandwiches, JavaBlue Cafe for breakfast pastries, sandwiches and afternoon snacks, and Chibang, an intriguing and popular eatery that offers up both Chinese and Mexican specialties, in addition to the two MDRs, the Festivale and Carnivale Restaurants. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. As of the date of this posting, for instance, Carnival Cruise Line was advertising four-night cruises to the Bahamas out of Port Canaveral, Florida, starting at $104 per person. Page will reload to reflect new bookings. Deck 9? It offers a top-deck, adults-only Serenity sun deck area; an extensive menu of spa treatments, salon services and fitness classes at the onboard Cloud 9 Spa; and a handful of upmarket cabin offerings. For digs that include pampering, try a Cloud 9 Spa cabin to receive extras like complimentary thermal suite access and two free yoga or Pilates classes. As with the lounge area, the staff were fantastic and became quickly attuned to drink and food preferences, with an excellent understanding of the menu. It was nice that the complimentary drink package is valid everywhere on the ship, including the rooftop. This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. I am allergic to almonds, and the staff was very careful to check ingredients each meal, offering tasty alternatives where needed. This was my initial question when I learned that MSC Cruises has inside cabins in their Yacht Club section. I live for the Cloud 9 Spa and frankly will only sail on the Dream Class ships because of it. Three on the Magic and three on the Breeze so far..al Facebook. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. So this alone would almost make it worth the upgrade, with $760 in benefits. Celebrity Cruises and Carnival both charge for room service delivered late at night. Today, she loves cruising with her husband and two daughters to new places and aspires one day to do a world cruise. Where do you book the thermal suite? Longer voyages mean more time to explore but also fewer children and less of a frat party vibe. You can also refer to Cruise Critics guide to masking requirements on the worlds major cruise lines as we know them. Formerly Carnival Triumph, the ship was completely gutted, overhauled and renamed in 2019. Either way, the daily fees that some cruise lines tack on to passenger bills can be a shock to first-time cruisers. MSC Yacht Club guests get special access while visiting the island, which I think is one of the significant differences from other cruise line suite programs. Finally is the $314 doable within your budget. The thermal cruise pass was $130 per day. Get Carnival Celebration price drops 250,000+ people have entered their email. According to MSC, a Yacht Club interior cabin is 226 square feet (compared to a 172-183 standard cabin. I loved it. Bolt, the first roller coaster at sea, makes Carnival's Mardi Gras one of the most family-friendly in the fleet. Not affiliated with Carnival Corporation. Opens in a new window. There was also a cocktail party with the captain and officers and a traditional English tea on our last sea day. Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Many river lines will include many drinks, including beer and wine, with lunches and dinners. Its Family Harbor staterooms provide access to a special family lounge area with TVs, sitting areas and internet stations. Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Dedicated to the past, present and future of travel, the Gateway Zone on aft Decks 6 and 7 houses two of my favorite bars, the sophisticated Golden Jubilee (which is adorned with decorative elements rescued from past Carnival ships) and Latitudes, which combines air, sea and train travel themes under a double-deck ceiling and towering fiberoptic windows that broadcast changing imagery throughout the cruise. Youll find sprawling thermal suites with saunas and steam rooms, thalassotherapy pools, heated loungers, rain showers and even snow rooms (with real snow) where you can laze away the day. The ship also includes pizza, soft-serve ice cream, Shaq's fried chicken and Guy Fieri burgers in its fares. I wore mine to walk through the spa front desk and took it off once inside. All Contents Copyright 2022 Cruise Radio, Inc. | Website Designed by Insider Perks, Inc. Get the real facts delivered straight to your inbox, with trustworthy cruise related news. The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. Princess, for instance, charges $20 for a half-day pass to the Sanctuary, an adults-only lounge area found on most of its ships. However, on many ships, there also are a growing number of extra fees that might take you by surprise particularly if you havent been on a ship in a while. I am a light sleeper, so this did not work well for me. However, what they sometimes leave out is that theyll often charge you for the privilege of being in a kids-free zone. Related: The best cruise ships for solo travelers. You can follow her daily exploits, both at sea and on land, on Instagram or Twitter @slyjabroni. Princess sometimes turns its free buffet area into a crab shack experience serving such items as snow crab, jumbo shrimp, clams and mussels for a hefty fee. This booking number and last name combination could not be found. To me, $314 seems kinda steep for a balcony to To give everyone an opportunity to dine in this unique venue, we are implementing a pilot project on Mardi Gras All guests are welcome to enjoy a complimentary dinner during their voyage. Looking at Horizon deck plans, your balcony on 6 should be covered. Carnival, for instance, has a less pricey social plan that brings access to key social sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. Others call them gratuity charges. Access to the thermal spaMSC for me cruise bands to cabin entry and payment24 hour concierge access and butlerCabin attendant with twice daily room serviceAccess to Aurea area dedicated deck, loungersDiscounts on specialty dining, and spa packages, As I mentioned, this cruise cost just under $2000 per person, which is considerably more than a standard cabin, but it has many perks and benefits. A line-by-line guide. The wi-fi was fine for email and checking social media, but not great for streaming or uploading files. So, to best answer this question, I booked an inside cabin in the Yacht Club for a price of $1,689 per person on MSC Seascape, MSCs newest ship sailing in the Caribbean. Though many may assume that the Chibang menu is comprised of Mexican/Chinese fusion dishes, thats actually not the case. The worlds biggest cruise line by passenger capacity, Royal Caribbean, for instance, now levies a $7.95 per order service charge for room service even if all you order is a single side of hash browns. accessibility guidelines, Pinterest. External site which may or may not meet It was well staffed, you never waited long for a drink, and always easy to find a seat. One of the biggest perks of Yacht Clubs is the dedicated venues, and the panoramic Top Sail Lounge is definitely an incredible area on MSC Seascape. All of the Yacht Club cabins and venues are located on decks 16-20 in the front area of the ship, so nothing is far. The 8 best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity, The 8 classes of Carnival ships, explained, The 7 best cruises for seniors who love to travel, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. To tell you the truth we love having the balcony (that's why we always book them) not having covering is not a deal breaker as we really only use it early morning as we are pulling in to port and in the evening for a little while. So, you never have to go far when the kids need a snack. The lunch and dinner menu changes daily, but it also has everyday classics such as filet mignon, fish, and pasta, to name just a few. 68. r/Cruise. However, on most mass-market ships, expect to pay extra. I think the area is worth the week pass charge, if you enjoy steam rooms and saunas. Retired travelers have all the time in the world to take longer cruises, which generally allow them to visit more far-flung locales. Here's what to know if it's worth it, MSC Cruises opens bookings for new cruise ship to launch in 2025. Or consider a trip with Viking or Virgin Voyages. There is also Carnival Kitchen, where guests can take cooking classes and the exclusive Chefs Table experience set within the galley. Both lines offer adults-only zones that are available to passengers at no extra charge. Related: 21 tips and tricks to make your cruise go more smoothly. In addition to a comedy club and an onboard spa, the ship also offers an adults-only sun deck, several bars and lounges, and plenty of dining options and daily activities to stave off boredom on longer voyages. Although prices vary by cruise, I had a look at an upcoming cruise on MSC Seascape in August for seven days to the Eastern Caribbean. Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles. It seems to be a hallmark of MSC to have bedazzled staircases, making everything sparkly and magical. The cruise line provides a seated 3-course lunch with specialty cocktails to top off the perfect day. I think for the Yacht Club interior room, they could have dedicated a little more space to make a slightly bigger bathroom, including the shower. Its common for even mid-priced river cruise lines to include shore tours in every port, for instance. Ill answer your questions from my most recent experience. WebCarnival Cruise Lines: Free to use steam rooms and saunas. Page will reload to reflect new bookings. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Carnival Cruise Line has implemented a test regarding charging for a second meal at one of the restaurants found on its Excel class ships. The only way to avoid this fee is to open your wine or Champagne in your room and then either drink it there or take it around the ship in a nondescript glass. The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line, 14 things you should do before every cruise, 26 cruising secrets from an expert that will blow your mind, How to book a cruise with points and miles, 21 tips and tricks to make your cruise go more smoothly, one of the biggest lines now charging $138 a day, Are drinks packages worth the price? All Havana Cabana cruisers get access to an exclusive lanai and pool deck. The ship also does a nice job accommodating families of all sizes and budgets. Also, unlike the typical service fee or resort fee found at a land resort, they are not per room. Summer Landing, an enclave at the far aft end of Deck 8, contains the guest services area, popular Guys Pig and Anchor Smokehouse and Brewery, the Heroes Bar (dedicated to veterans and their families) and the Patio Pool area, which adjoins a starboard lanai with outdoor bars and a port lanai with a quiet promenade within earshot of the gurgling sea. I particularly enjoyed the live music during the evening hours, from a very talented singer named Bernard. They allow you to spend more time outside without the intense crowds of the pool area. Other cruise ship attractions that often come with an extra charge include wine-tasting events, IMAX theater shows, escape rooms and behind-the-scenes tours. Guests enjoy a complimentary bar, loungers in the garden area, as well as a private beach with drink service. Plus the little "spa gifts" if that's your thing. In a post on Facebook, Carnivals brand ambassador John Heald explained. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. #3 I anticipate a little bit cooler weather on the first/last day of this cruise so thought this could be a great place to be. Royal Caribbean, meanwhile, will charge you extra for a 60-second flying experience on Anthem of the Seas skydiving simulator (after one initial free ride). With this ship, it is nice to see Carnival give a nod to the themed decor that put the line on the map in the 1980s when architect Joe Farcus unleashed his wildly conceptual designs on the cruising world. Speaking of drinks, many cruise lines will allow you to bring your own wine or Champagne on board, usually in limited quantities. Other lines that have started charging for room service include Norwegian Cruise Line, which now has a $9.95 convenience charge for room service. #3. Many of the cruisers I spoke to were experienced, having sailed Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity and Princess , but wanted to try MSC. Should you book an inside Yacht Club cabin? The cruise line's brand ambassador, John Heald, recently addressed the issue Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. Within the lounge area is a crystal staircase that leads up to the Yacht Club dining room, which looks out over the lounge/ outdoor patios with equally impressive views. Masks: not required in the thermal area. Those trips can come with a substantial price tag, which is why, as a budget option, Carnival is such a great choice. The club draws in young cruisers and gives them space to make friends and play with peers. Here at TPG, we call this the nickel-and-diming-ization of the cruise world, and were not happy about it. If taking lots of fitness classes is part of your vacation routine, you might consider the value of trading up to a higher-end cruise line that includes fitness classes (and other extras) in its fare. The taxes, fees and port charges line on invoices covers all the fees that countries, states, towns and ports charge ships and their occupants fees that the line passes on to you. Port Canaveral plans to expand its infrastructure in the near future with a new $175 million cruise ship terminal. There are Balcony Staterooms in the Cloud Nine Spa, Family Harbor and Havana categories and, close to the sea, there are Cove Balconies that have solid metal, versus glass balconies. My first evening, I heard people walking, random pounding, and some other strange noises. I have seen where their upsell is not really that much different in price, and one time it was even higher than buying the same room outright. This haven for relaxation is inspired by traditional Turkish Baths and can be a refuge for self-care or a Mardi Gras is full of fantastic family-friendly dining, including the line's Dr. Seuss-themed Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast (for a small fee). Lets Sail the world the Virgin way. Included favorite topside (Decks 16 and 17) eateries consist of the popular BlueIguana Cantina for Mexican specialties, Guys Burger Joint, Big Chicken, Street Smarts ( an Excel Class exclusive which has Fries and select Asian and Kebab-style snacks in the afternoon) and the Lido Marketplace, with its varied action stations. On many ships, there is no-extra-charge food available nearly around the clock from multiple outlets just steps away from your room, from casual buffet eateries to grab-and-go pizza stands. Those $499-a-week rates that you see advertised include not just a room on a ship but also meals and entertainment. WebWhen we went on the Breeze, there was only like $100 difference between a regular room and the Cloud 9 room and thermal suites (and other stuff) are included. On many ships, soda and bottled water come with an extra charge (though, oddly, coffee, iced tea, lemonade and hot chocolate usually are available for free). Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. It offers the line's signature Serenity adults-only sun deck, RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and a slew of lounges, nightclubs and daily activities. Even the pickiest of eaters will be satisfied. Whether you're searching for an inexpensive vacation, a family-friendly vessel or a ship that will take you on a longer voyage to Europe, there's a Carnival cruise to fit your taste and budget. Wide open with tons of light, it has two stories of windows spanning the front of the ship, and there are plenty of couches and chairs to relax. It can save you money if you normally would order a large number of drinks every day. Related: The 8 best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity. We are booked in 6426 balcony cabin on deck 6 . Neither allows kids, so every lounge area on the ship is a kids-free area. Just say youre going to charge us $9.38. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Luxury lines generally include almost everything in their base fares, from drinks of all kinds to gratuities. Related: 26 cruising secrets from an expert that will blow your mind. This is great information! Thank you! Is that included with the thermal suite pass or is there an extra charge for it? If a traditional suite is more your style, consider a Grand Suite, which includes priority embarkation, disembarkation and dining times, as well as access to the Havana pool area. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, Park Hyatt Tokyo will close in 2024 for a much-needed, year-long remodel. Note, however, that Grand Suites run only 345 square feet with 85-square-foot balconies disappointing when you consider some of Royal Caribbean's largest rooms are nearly five times that size. One of the hallmarks of cruising is that theres always a free meal available somewhere on a ship. Another option: Consider one of the growing numbers of lines that include service charges in their base fares. Once They are per person. A great contender for the title of best Carnival ship for singles is Carnival Sunrise. WebDetails. The exception is on luxury lines, where drinks of all types are generally included in the fare. A crowded pool deck is a common occurrence on a sea day, making the Yacht Club's private roof deck area a great benefit. Going on an 8day southern carribean cruise on thr horizon end of January. Find out which fun ingredients staterooms, dining, activities go into each deck. Certain hotels have resort fees. Want to avoid such charges? Port Canaveral plans to expand its infrastructure in the near future with a new $175 million cruise ship terminal. Are masks required in this area? However, the price differential sometimes isnt nearly what it appears when you start to factor in all the extra charges youll experience on a less all-inclusive line. This means that everyone on the ship can have one dinner at Chibang free of charge, the same way its always been since the restaurant debuted with the launch of Mardi Gras. Several of the biggest cruise lines like to boast about the adults-only sunning areas on their ships where you can escape from the little ones. Panoramas is shallow and very small. DOWNLOAD PDF YOUR STATEROOM Interior Cloud 9 Spa Interior A repurposed industrial site, it has become a Bahamian oasis with pristine waters and 8 beaches. I had a spa cabin that included unlimited access to the thermal suite. Throughout the Carnival Celebration, there is also an infusion of tasteful yet vibrant colors (deep greens, soothing blues and bold reds) that are offset with slate, muted wood tones and ivory. I have been upsold on Sunshine from a balcony to a Spa Suite for $200 and thought it was worth it for access to the tile chairs, etc. Planning a cruise? This haven for relaxation is inspired by traditional Turkish Baths and can be a refuge for self-care or a shared experience. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! What did you like about it, and what did you dislike about it? Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. It offers Bahamas and Caribbean voyages of three to five nights. I just got off Panorama on Oct 30. Daniel Kline. Complimentary room service used to be a standard on cruise ships, but a growing number of lines now charge extra for it. 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. Its an interesting concept, but one that works because chances are everyone can find something theyll like. If you're into wellness, relaxation and self-care, check out the spa and fitness center's manicures, pedicures, facials, massages, teeth whitening treatments, acupuncture, anti-wrinkle procedures, state-of-the-art cycling classes, thermal suite, hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms for a fee. Related: 14 things you should do before every cruise. On the port side of Deck 6, there is the Cloud 9 Fitness Center with its excellent LifeFitness cardio machines (most facing the sea), a weight room and stretching area. At the forward end of Decks 5 and 6, there is the two-deck Cloud 9 Spa, which has a thermal suite, numerous treatment rooms and a beauty salon. It might be more economical to upgrade to a spa cabin than paying for both people in the cabin to have a week pass. Fitness classes cost $10 each. A growing number of cruise ships have luxurious spa complexes that go well beyond treatment rooms. Thankfully, the next day I was able to move cabins. Still, for the most part, cruises arent all-inclusive. Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. External site which may or may not meet Chantal McPhee has a great passion for travel since first venturing to the Bahamas as a child with her grandparents. The best US national parks you should visit at least once (or twice), British Airways subscription plan: Purchase Avios for under 1.3 cent each. All three cruise lines go after families, and Carnival and Royal Caribbean have been going hard after Disney's audience. If anyone has any opinions on this please let me know. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Dining on any Carnival ship is a highlight, thanks to quality ingredients, a wide variety of cuisine and the overall energetic, warm and friendly service. That actually works in its favor if you're a retiree who enjoys smaller ships and vintage design in this case, more artwork and decor by Farcus. First transatlantic cruise coming up on Sunday. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. The good news is: Not every thermal suite on a ship comes with an extra charge. Offer ends 5/3/23. Norwegian charges $199 per week for a thermal suite pass at its spas, and lines such as Cunard and Carnival have daily fees for access to thermal suites, too. Fun for All. I enjoyed going in, sitting in the steam rooms, soaking quick in the tub and the rain showers. Water is like warm at best (even compared to other Carnival hot tubs). On many ships, youll pay $10 or more for classes in yoga, Pilates, spinning and the like. External site which may or may not meet Check here before booking an award fare. The ship also acts as your transportation it gets you from place to place at no extra cost. After all, cruise ships are just hotels that happen to float. I did discuss the issue with the head Manager. At many big brands, such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Princess Cruises, youll sometimes pay exorbitant amounts for internet access. The week pass is $150 but I got a 20% off for cyber Monday deal so would bring it down to like $120 a week or basically $15 a day. Should you go to a theme park before or after your cruise from Florida? So, which Carnival cruise ship is the best? Booking(s) successfully added to your profile and cruise companion group. This deck area is far more spacious than what I have seen on other cruise ships like Royal Caribbean or Celebrity. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Lines that now include gratuities in their fares include Azamara, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Seabourn, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea Cruises and Virgin Voyages. Here are my picks for the top options in several categories. 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program, 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping, 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases, Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points), Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status, Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award. Water is like warm at best (even compared to other Carnival hot tubs). After a swift boarding process and a nice introductory lunch onboard, I headed to my cabin, keen to see what it looked like. Carnival's Cloud 9 Spa thermal suites are Our opinions are our own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by our advertising partners. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year. They remain included in the cruise fare with no changes. Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean. They provide a lot of value and great perks as part of the Yacht Club with so many dedicated spaces, friendly and well-trained staff, and upgraded benefits. A handful of specialty restaurants on a limited basis (Cucina del Capitano, Chibang, Guy Fieri's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse).
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