PodCast 4.0 Chit Chat

[mdvlprof]

No need to apologize ... we ALL make mistakes from time to time!

We sailed Carnival several years ago ... it was horrendous! We chose Carnival because of its itinerary to Belize. A storm rerouted us to Nassau ... so we rebooked ... again ... wanting to go to Belize. We're not know which cruise was worse. It was a zoo, and we felt like we were at Howard Johnson's Motel.

On one of the cruises, we discovered the mattresses in our stateroom were severely worn, and concave. Having disabilities with my back (Steven), we asked for the mattresses to be replaced. We were told there were no other mattresses available on the ship. After reminding them of our advance notice (provided to CCL upon booking) of low back issues, ONE of the mattresses was eventually replaced. Seriously, now ONE mattress became available? We did not ask for another stateroom ... but perhaps we should have done so. I (Steven) felt guilty about sleeping on a normal mattress, while my DW was in agony for the week.

We was surprised at what appeared to be so many people who were happy with HoJo's. As you can see by our sign-off, we are NOT a Carnival fan.

Sorry you had such a bad time on CCL. We never have had a bad time on them. Not nearly as nice as DCL, but will do in a pinch.

Of course, find nothing wrong with HoJo, either. It's all about managing expectations. I don't go to HoJo expecting level of service you might get elsewhere.

 

[Euphscott]

We've had terrific results with Carnival. This wll be our 4th trip including a spectacular 8 day cruise for our honeymoon. As mentioned, you do have to manage expectations as well as do your homework.

CCL does get the reputation for being Wal Mart of the seas. And while that is a bit harsh, I get the analogy at the lower end of their offerings. Shorter and less expensive cruises on their older ships does attract a crowd that is less interested in civility and more concerned with racking up a bar tab. Knowing that - we avoid those. We've targeted off season, longer trips on the newer ships. And I have to say - the Carnival product in that situation is quite fun. True, the shows are more glitz and Vegas style versus Broadway style and classy that Disney presents, but the adult entertainment is hopping each night on a CCL cruise and the food is across the board better than DCL. And do I have to mention the pricing?!

I never feel as if we are settling by choosing another line. In fact, I think it actually helps me appreciate the good that DCL does. However, with repeated voyages, DCL gets stale and predictable - same shows, same jokes, same menus, same itineraries. That's ok to a point - but eventually I like to step out and enjoy something new. If we stay away a bit, we can then return to DCL and find a little freshness - certainly sailing on the new ship will provide that in December.

As for my trip in July? We visit Jamaica, a new island to us, the first ropes course at sea, an outdoor rum bar in the midship, with live music, nightly comedy shows, piano bars, spa cabins with exclusive access to Thalassotehrapy and rain forest saunas, and dining IN the galley with a special chef created menu. None of those I can experience on DCL - so vive la difference!

 

[NancyIL]

I haven't been on a Carnival cruise, so I can't comment about it. I have enjoyed my cruises on HAL, Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Celebrity, and I'll cruise on Celebrity and RCI this May and June. Itinerary is important to me, and other cruise lines usually have more appealing itineraries than DCL and at better prices...with a few exceptions.

Three of my four Disney cruises (including this one) will have been group cruises with people from other Disney fan sites, so the emphasis was on group fun and enjoying the ship rather than on the ports visited. I am pretty sure that after this Podcast cruise in December, I will be done with cruises to the Bahamas and Caribbean on DCL - unless they start to offer much better itineraries.

 

[Euphscott]

I am with you Nancy - different lines allow us to see different ports - and in spite of the DCL borg, other lines DO have very nice products. I love DCL and what they do (and if asked, they would be my favorite line), but it's quite interesting to see the cheerleaders here that believe that DCL can do no wrong in comparison to other lines (and typically on CruiseCritic, each line has their cheerleaders!).

I too have dipped into the Princess (LOVE this line) and Royal Caribbean pools as well and have yet to experience a bad cruise. Each line has it's strengths and weaknesses and the uniqueness is what attracts us to try and experience different ways of enjoy the seas. You DO have to do your homework as each line has some ships or itineraries (and time of year) that just won't suit individual hopes.

In a way - I feel bad for those that are blindly loyal to a brand - becaause for all the great things each brand brings to the table - they all have warts too. And limiting one's self to that brand only hurts themself in missing out on the fun! I love em all!

 

[mdvlprof]

So, you like Princess? Thinking of doing a PC on Princess.

 

[NancyIL]

So, you like Princess? Thinking of doing a PC on Princess.

I love Princess! I've been on 2 Alaska cruises and 2 Transatlantic cruises with them, and I have a future cruise booking ready to move to something specific one of these days.

 

[Cherinva]

Hey all....just thought I would pop in and say hi.....

 

[OKW Lover]

Hey all....just thought I would pop in and say hi.....

 

[Scott5150]

Hey all, I have not been here in a while. Just purchased my airline tickets this week - 4 round trip tickets from Harrisburg PA to MCO for $201 each. Not that bad. I have status on United, so I get to check bags for free.

Now that I have purchased air tickets - it feels like the trip is getting closer.

Scott

 

[Euphscott]

That's a good rate Scott!
It does somehow feel more real with a milestone payment.

I was pretty exciited when I got news I get my first bag free with me American Airlines credite card - we usually bring two carryons and a garment bag - so that saves us a chunk of change. I notice lots of exceptions these days to bag fees - I am suspecting that the industry likes the extra money, is getting hammered from a public relations standpoint and looks for ways to look like good guys in giving the "benefit" without acknowledging it was a bad move.

 

[sdlong329]

We returned from the Fantasy Maiden Voyage ... unpacked our luggage ... realized we somehow managed to leave my water shoes on the ship. Well, most of them ... we have the inserts for the shoes ... just not the shoes themselves. OH FUDGE!

We were at Wal-mart earlier today (SHHHHH! Don't tell anyone else ... I don't want anyone talking about us). DW STRONGLY suggests I get a pair of water shoes, since they are IN SEASON. Accordingly, I believe we can officially say we have begun packing for podCast 4.0!

 

[Euphscott]

Water shoes can be a valued item on cruises!

We've found Keen shoes to be really good for water shoes as well as hiking and comfortable for long walks in port. Yes - more expensive than a Wal Mart purchase, but we've gotten multiple cruises-worth out of them and no end in sight. I recall trying to cruise with water shoes - always uncomfortable!

How funny that the MV begins to fill the lost and found bin!

 

[mdvlprof]

OOO. I just noticed on my ticker that we are getting much closer to cruise.

Just got back from annual conference in MI. So now I can start packing pile for cruise. YAY.
DH asked about taking Amtrak down, since he's starting to not like the long drive. I'm deciding if we want to do that, or just add an extra day [and a hotel] to the trip. With DS, I'm not sure if we want to fly.

 

[NWmom]

OOO. I just noticed on my ticker that we are getting much closer to cruise.

Just got back from annual conference in MI. So now I can start packing pile for cruise. YAY.
DS asked about taking Amtrak down, since he's starting to not like the long drive. I'm deciding if we want to do that, or just add an extra day [and a hotel] to the trip. With DS, I'm not sure if we want to fly.

You can go to www.amtrak.com to check into going by train. Might not be a direct route though.

 

[mdvlprof]

You can go to www.amtrak.com to check into going by train. Might not be a direct route though.

Gave DH comparison price for fly/train/drive including rental car, if we need. I'm leaning toward auto-train. It's a few hours drive, but looks like a good deal, and we'll have our car with us..

 

[Cherinva]

Hey everyone....haven't been around for awhile...hope all is going well.

 

[sdlong329]

Water shoes can be a valued item on cruises!

We've found Keen shoes to be really good for water shoes as well as hiking and comfortable for long walks in port. Yes - more expensive than a Wal Mart purchase, but we've gotten multiple cruises-worth out of them and no end in sight. I recall trying to cruise with water shoes - always uncomfortable!

How funny that the MV begins to fill the lost and found bin!

I don't do much in the way of hiking ... the water shoes seem to work well for me when I am wading on the ocean, or in the pools / hot tubs on the ship(s). That's about as adventurous as I get!

Thanks for the tip on the KEENS ... will take a peak online!

Steven

 

[sdlong329]

For those who have participated in other podCast cruises ... are you able to share previous experiences with meet-n-greet prior to boarding the ship? I understand it is not uncommon for DIS to arrange discounted rates for either Swan or Dolphin, and also, group shuttle transportation from the resort to the port. I also recognize guests will arrive days in advance for extra R&R.

We're looking at DW's vacation time ... and we're not sure we will have much time to spend in Orlando / WDW area prior to the cruise. We *do* anticipate flying in the evening prior to the cruise, but we're thinking we'll likely be arriving mid / late Friday evening ... as such ... we will not have much time, if any at all. With this in mind ... we're not sure whether we should be looking to book a hotel (airport or Crowne Plaza, etc) ... or wait for a one night stay at Swan / Dolphin.

Lastly, I've heard Magical Express does not transport to Swan / Dolphin. Can anyone shed light on this, from past experience?

Steven

 

[OKW Lover]

On past DIS Cruises, there has been a loosely organized meet during the days ahead of departure. Nothing official and no formal participation by any of the PodCast Crew. Just a bunch of folks deciding to get together at a specific time/place.

I'd expect people to start arriving for the cruise a couple of days ahead. It always seems to be a good idea to be there at least a day early for any cruise (not just because its at WDW) as protection against any airline mishaps.

You're correct that ME does not go to the Swan/Dolphin. If you're going to be arriving in Orlando early enough to make it worthwhile to go to WDW that day, then either Mears Shuttle or a limo service is your best bet. If you're not getting in till later in the day you may want to just find an inexpensive hotel at the airport - one that offers a free shuttle to/from - and spend the night there.

 

[NancyIL]

Greetings from Italy! My DH and I arrived in Rome on Mother's Day, and today was our 3rd and last day. Tomorrow we're taking the train to Florence for 2 nights, before cruising out of Venice on Celebrity for 12 nights. The cruise ends in Venice the same day the DIS ABD group arrives there, so it's possible I could spot a familiar face or two on the street!

I'll think more about this Podcast cruise when my current trip ends...right around the first day of summer.