First time cruisers ensured to be "Allured"?? -April 2019 TR

[Magical2017]

We didn't pre-purchase any premium dining packages so this was going to be an out of pocket lunch. This is where I will give you the next tip.

Tip of the Day- Don't pre-purchase a premium dining package! You will get a better deal on the ship!

There were only a few other tables of diners when we arrived. Upon arrival, the manager asked us if we had a dining package. When we said no, he proceeded to tell us of the many choices and that he could offer us some specials. Our waiter then took a few minutes to explain the package. We told him we were hesitant to purchase a package because we were traveling with friends who weren't interested in a package and we wanted to eat together.

Our waiter was phenomenal! So efficient and nice! The food was fabulous!

And he was a great salesman! We did, in fact, purchase a 3 night dining package, received a BOGO lunch, and were able to bring our 3 friends to dinner the next night at 1/2 price- and he would include alcoholic drinks for them as well(they didn't have a drink package).

Also, every day we were approached by a crew member offering 1/2 off at the premium restaurants. One night the main dining room was at capacity. The crew members outside were offering Chops Grille at 1/2 off!

I love that you were offered discounts, but not the "approached by a crewmember" part. Did they keep approaching because you said you would think about it the first time, or did you say no and they kept pushing? I do hope it is the former and not the latter. It sounds like it was a great deal and worked out very well for you, though!

 

[pattyw]

I love that you were offered discounts, but not the "approached by a crewmember" part. Did they keep approaching because you said you would think about it the first time, or did you say no and they kept pushing? I do hope it is the former and not the latter. It sounds like it was a great deal and worked out very well for you, though!

We were approached many times- every day- by various crew members inviting us to dine at a premium restaurant at a discount. Usually we were approached outside of the main dining room. Once when we were having lunch in the solarium, the waiter approached us and asked us if we'd like to have dinner at Samba, the Brazilian steakhouse.

We were happy with the deal our waiter gave us at Giovanni's. But, we didn't really like constantly being approached to try a premium restaurant. I do have to say that when we dined at the premium restaurants, we were treated to wonderful food and amazing service!

 

[pattyw]

Cruise Compass- Day 4- Cozumel:

 

[pattyw]

We did not get off in Cozumel. We weren't interested in shopping and decided to take advantage of the low crowds on the ship!

We enjoyed a walk on the walking/jogging path around the ship! Loved the signs of encouragements they have! So funny!!

 

[pattyw]

Pictures of another ship and Cozumel:

 

[pattyw]

More from the walking/jogging path:

 

[starvenger]

I see the Headliner was the ventriloquist guy. We were supposed to get him in 2017 on Harmony, but we ended up with a Motown cover guy instead (sang well, not my cup of tea, left pretty early). I'd seen the ventriloquist on various talk shows, and I think he was on Night Court once. Probably would've enjoyed him more than the Motown guy.

How did you find the balcony, btw? I actually like it, even though it's not as close to the stage. Also easier to escort your kids out if they get bored/tired of the show.

 

[Frozen2014]

I think at this point the best dining pre purchases are the Ultimate package, the BOGO offer and First Night Done Right, if offered. Each one saves you at least 50% off the list price so there’s really no downside to them.

Otherwise, absolutely wait and see what they offer you on board, because the list prices have gotten hiked to unreasonable levels in the past 5-6 years.

I agree that BOGO and FNDR are very good deals but wondering if these are a thing of the past? On our current bookings, they are no longer showing and are replaced with Chops + 1, which costs $30 more than BOGO.

Don't want them to be pushy but good to know you can get specialty dining deals when on board.

 

[starvenger]

I agree that BOGO and FNDR are very good deals but wondering if these are a thing of the past? On our current bookings, they are no longer showing and are replaced with Chops + 1, which costs $30 more than BOGO.

Don't want them to be pushy but good to know you can get specialty dining deals when on board.

I think FNDR disappeared shortly after they started offering Ultimate packages. BOGO was still around last year but they could have removed it.

My experience with the staff pushing product is virtually nil. I must give off an "I'm not interested" vibe or am good at avoiding staff or something because I rarely get approached. I do see people being asked if they're interested in specialty dining so it's not as if it doesn't happen.

 

[pattyw]

I see the Headliner was the ventriloquist guy. We were supposed to get him in 2017 on Harmony, but we ended up with a Motown cover guy instead (sang well, not my cup of tea, left pretty early). I'd seen the ventriloquist on various talk shows, and I think he was on Night Court once. Probably would've enjoyed him more than the Motown guy.

How did you find the balcony, btw? I actually like it, even though it's not as close to the stage. Also easier to escort your kids out if they get bored/tired of the show.

He was very good!!

We sat in the first row of the balcony - and it was a good view. Bonus- we had a railing in front of us! More leg room and somewhere to put our wine glasses!

 

[pattyw]

I agree that BOGO and FNDR are very good deals but wondering if these are a thing of the past? On our current bookings, they are no longer showing and are replaced with Chops + 1, which costs $30 more than BOGO.

Don't want them to be pushy but good to know you can get specialty dining deals when on board.

We liked the deal that we received on the 3 day dining package- the manager and waiter at Giovanni's gave us the deal. We talked about it while dining. I was ok with this. I did not like being approached many times a day about specialty dining. They were outside of the main dining room every day giving the 1/2 off deals.

I think FNDR disappeared shortly after they started offering Ultimate packages. BOGO was still around last year but they could have removed it.

My experience with the staff pushing product is virtually nil. I must give off an "I'm not interested" vibe or am good at avoiding staff or something because I rarely get approached. I do see people being asked if they're interested in specialty dining so it's not as if it doesn't happen.

I think Joe and I looked like 1st time cruisers! We definitely walked around looking confused at times! I guess we were just surprised at how they were pushing the specialty dining. But when we dined at them and saw how empty they were, I understood! We actually loved dining in the specialty restaurants with no crowds and attentive wait staff!

 

[Monykalyn]

Love the walking track.
Hey the Valor-ship we were on last October! Loved the ship-got all the upgrades, small enough to not have to fight crowds and easy to navigate. We got off in Cozumel and explored-rented scooters and tooted all around the island (even got lost lol) with a friend who'd been a few times before.

Bet the ship was fun to explore at port with most of crowds gone!

 

[ckmiles]

Finally caught up! Your pics are gorgeous, especially one of yo and Joe in your Fancee clothes!

One of my most favorite things on a cruise was the nightly delivery of the newsletter- we never did much of the stuff listed on them but I loved reading them cover to cover.

I have never stayed in a Balcony room but I'd like to one day- Did you find the balcony windy when the ship was moving? I had heard rumors and not sure I would like being blown around on the balcony!

 

[pattyw]

Love the walking track.
Hey the Valor-ship we were on last October! Loved the ship-got all the upgrades, small enough to not have to fight crowds and easy to navigate. We got off in Cozumel and explored-rented scooters and tooted all around the island (even got lost lol) with a friend who'd been a few times before.

Bet the ship was fun to explore at port with most of crowds gone!

That cruise sounds great! Do you take short cruises- 4-5 days or 7 days? We'd like to try a shorter cruise next time. Carnival has a lot of choices!!

Yes- we really enjoyed the peaceful ship when we were at port!

 

[pattyw]

Finally caught up! Your pics are gorgeous, especially one of yo and Joe in your Fancee clothes!

One of my most favorite things on a cruise was the nightly delivery of the newsletter- we never did much of the stuff listed on them but I loved reading them cover to cover.

I have never stayed in a Balcony room but I'd like to one day- Did you find the balcony windy when the ship was moving? I had heard rumors and not sure I would like being blown around on the balcony!

Thanks for reading along, CK!!

Yes- it was always nice to come back to the cabin and look at the cruise compass! There was always so much to do!! We didn't take advantage of many activities, either!

We loved the balcony!! If you were standing at the railing it was a little windy. But if you sat on the loungers or at the table it was fine. The dividers between cabins protected you from the wind!

 

[pattyw]

So, port day at Cozumel was going to be salon and spa afternoon for Joe and I!! He wanted his hair trimmed so we made an appointment at the salon.

Also, they had specials for massages, so we opted to have a couples massage!

 

[pattyw]

We received a discount off of the special for our massages! We had 75 minute hot stone full body massages for $149/each! The massages were wonderful!! Aahh!!!

My salon/spa caveat: They will try to sell you products- many products!

We did purchase a lot of hair/spa products $$! I think at the time, we were in such a relaxed mood that we were agreeable to purchasing the products. They are great! and we are using them at home! Just know this in advance and prepare yourselves so you aren't caught up in the relaxation and purchase items that you'll regret later.

Also, on the last day at sea, they have a sale on so many things! They had spa products on display, too!!

Our massage therapist also invited us back for another massage- and gave us a great special deal! We could have another full body massage with hot stones and a facial- for $99!! We didn't hesitate to agree and made another appointment for Friday afternoon!

We really enjoyed the spa!

 

[Monykalyn]

Spa sounds great!! Yeah it's easy to be agreeable when you are a pile of goo LOL! Have heard about the hard sell at the end.

That cruise sounds great! Do you take short cruises- 4-5 days or 7 days? We'd like to try a shorter cruise next time. Carnival has a lot of choices!!

Yes- we really enjoyed the peaceful ship when we were at port!

So far just 4-5 day. Would love a 7 day though!
You should try Carnival-it has a reputation from people who went years ago, or never at all, or who LOVE to talk down to people. Research ship and ports, but longer cruises do tend to be less "party" anyway.

 

[mevelandry]

That cruise sounds great! Do you take short cruises- 4-5 days or 7 days? We'd like to try a shorter cruise next time. Carnival has a lot of choices!!

Yes- we really enjoyed the peaceful ship when we were at port!

Depending on the ship (I'd pick a new ship or one that was deeply refurbished recently)... We've been on a very nice Carnival Key West-Cozumel 4 nights cruise. The prices were low and the cruise was very nice.

We've done 4, 5 and 6 nights... The only cruise where there was a little bit more partying was the 5 nights one. All the other ones were quiet.

As Monykalyn said, I believe Carnival has been treated unfairly.

 

[Lynne G]

Enjoying reading all that you did. Ah, the Spa. Sounds so lovely. Never have been, as kids have always been with me. Oh well. I've done a 7 day on the Disney Fantasy, 4 day on the Disney Dream, and 5 day on the Disney Magic. Due to the pricing, we'll be on the Carnival Legend this coming January, for 7 nights.

I like the longer cruises. And, a verandah if I can afford it. And luckily have, each time we have sailed, a verandah. The higher deck, the better. I did sail with Royal, but that was so long ago, I can't count it. Royal sold the ship we were on, to a European entity, I think Spanish or Italian. Sovereign of the Seas. And, it was that cruise, that I found out, I need motion sickness medicine, as I get sea sick.

Thanks for posting all the info, and ha ha to all the saying on the walking/jogging path.