RoadTravelled

@euroguy You are correct. John Heald mentioned the other day that the Firenze is still sailing under the Costa brand. During the dry dock conversion to CCL it will be adding the Fun Italian Style features including the specialty dining, etc. I would assume they would recreate the Il Viagio like on the Venezia. But, I'm guessing until the plans are more finalized and confirmed more, they wouldn't open bookings yet. It's still a long way out for you so you still have plenty of time. 😉 Interestingly enough, the official CCL deck plan looks identical to the Venezia, but note where the specialty restaurant Il Viagio is on the Venezia at deck 5 mid-ship, is labeled as "Fun to be Revealed" so maybe they will do something different there? Stay tuned.

@Kendall James-Vargas Terminal B (where we fly into) was completed at the beginning of 2022. It really is quite a well-designed and beautiful airport now — a far cry from the really bad predecessor. Here's a link to more info including a video.

@Kendall James-Vargas You are correct, it's a bit of a trick to get from LGA airport to the cruise terminal on the Hudson River. That's just one reason we decided to arrive a couple of days earlier to make sure we didn't miss the ship. We typically take a taxi from LGA (which is very easy and the new airport is quite impressive). It's about $50 + tip to get to mid-Manhattan and is a fairly easy ride. From mid-Manhattan it is not hard to catch either a taxi or ride-share to the terminal (Pier 88). Yes, it's a bit more complicated that say us driving from Dallas to the Galveston port. But, it's really not that bad and worth all of the effort to sail out of NYC harbor by the Statue of Liberty and the view of lower Manhattan!

@Kendall James-Vargas We were on the Venezia in September out of NYC. She is an incredible ship — really feels like an upgraded experience to her sister Vista-class ships. The interiors are beautiful with the use of lots of "wood" looks, marble-looking vanity tops in the bathrooms, glass shower doors, and great Venetian Carnival artwork throughout the ship. We also really enjoyed the new Il Viagio specialty restaurant featuring Italian food from the various regions and cultures of Italy. The MDR menu changes that featured Italian food mixed in with the standards was also a really welcome change. All-in-all, I highly recommend.

@Kendall James-Vargas I've fortunately never been the victim of credit card fraud. However, someone did open an account in my name and then never paid the bill causing my credit rating to plunge for awhile. It took me forever to get that unraveled. There seems to be no shortage of people who are bent on thinking up ways to cheat other people to serve their own greed and get something for free. But, like the recent art theft, it's really stupid to do this on a ship. Where are you going to go to escape? You are bound to get caught. Was it really worth it in the end?

And, here's yet another approach to living pretty much full-time on a cruise ship after retirement.

Wow, I agree. I have no idea why they thought this brazen theft would go unnoticed. It's not like CCL doesn't know every single person onboard at the time AND have their picture to compare with the security cameras. Pretty dumb. And, since this was a grand theft on the high seas, I'm guessing that's why the FBI got involved, meaning this could be a serious federal crime?

@3Sisters Yes, having the small plates definitely helped for sure. As I recall the cost of the Chef's Table was $80/person which includes the meal, wine pairings, and the tour of the galley. So, all-in-all, well worth it. You are correct. We usually choose the cruise based on the ports. But, in this case we wanted to see what the whole Costa/Carnival ships were like. And, we were quite pleased with that experience.

@cruise granny sj John Heald, CCL Brand Ambassador, on his page announced earlier this month that they are changing to a toiletry bag. He has a pic of it there. He indicated that some of the ships already have them and in the next couple of weeks they should be rolled out to the fleet. We sailed on the Venezia in mid-September and got the fanny pack. I wish I knew someone who wants 2 of these as we use day-packs instead. I thought of finding a first-time CCL cruiser (blue card) and offering it to them, but didn't know how to really approach that. Oh well, I guess I'll just keep them for now.

@SpaceCowboy9 This is a good question. As I read it, the intent is to be able to expand dock-side port facilities on a as-needed basis without incurring as much capital expense in infrastructure necessary for permanent piers. And, given that it's mobile, it could possibly move to another location if needed. The advantage over tendering is that that way of doing it is very slow to get thousands of people embarked or disembarked in a relatively short time frame. And, how would they get the thousands more luggage as well to the ship effectively? Tendering works when you are at a port and can leisurely come and go during the whole port stay. I just don't think it's very practical otherwise. Just my 2 cents.

@Kendall James-Vargas We just recently finished a cruise on the Venezia from NYC to Canada. She is a beautiful ship and it was a joy to experience the "Italian Style" fun. She's a big ship but not overly so. It has a real "upgrade" feel over the counterpart Vista class ships we have sailed. We especially enjoyed our meal at the specialty restaurant Il Viagio. Last year we did a transatlantic crossing that was 5 days at sea. It was quite relaxing and we always found a lot to do and really enjoyed the trip. I think the difference here is that is not what passengers signed-up for so the expectation was different. I imagine then that disappointment would kick in. But, if you just realize it is part of the cruising experience, and make the most of it, it will work. And, it looks like Carnival is doing the right thing with giving everyone generous OBC and FCC's. So, there's worse things in life.

@euroguy I would concur that a flight before noon would be unwise. In addition to the time to get to MCO from the port, I can tell you from experience that MCO can really get backed up at security. It's sometimes just crazy and other times not too bad. But, better to be there and have to wait at the gate than miss the flight all together.

@Cruising Caribbean No, never been employed by a cruise line — just a satisfied passenger.

Great news for Carnival and underscores what we've always experienced on our CCL cruises — the crew are all so professional, friendly, and the hardest working people that I've ever seen. In striking up conversations with them, you can just tell they love working at CCL and having the opportunities to support their families back home. So many of them I've talked to have made great careers with CCL, being there for many years.

A cautionary tale of things possibly to come in this type venture?

@RoyalBee These are all excellent questions and many of those that I had when reading these articles. The monthly fees quoted at this point (before actual deployment of the ship) you know are going to be higher when reality kicks in a couple of years later. And, they are only going to get higher. You can bet there will be "special assessments" made if these big capital expenditures that are not contemplated happen. These seem to have similar features to an HOA or even a time-share arrangement possibly with the sub-leasing component? So, one big question is if you decide to sell your unit, how will that work? What would be the market for that and do you own the rights to sell or otherwise get out of the arrangement?

@Cruising Caribbean Another great tip that we learned from our Carnival PVP is that if you are an AARP member (over 50), you can buy Carnival gift cards for a 10% discount. They offer a $100 gift card for $90 and a $500 gift card for $450. Once you get the e-Card in your email, you can apply it to virtually any CCL expenses for the cruise. We've used them to pay for the final cruise payment, specialty restaurant bookings, adding it to our onboard account, cruise cash, gifts to our family & friends who love CCL, etc. It's an instant 10% discount! They are somewhat buried in the AARP website under the Rewards | Redeem section. But, definitely worth the effort to find.

@Woody14 thanks for your confirmation. I also reached out to John Heald, CCL Brand Ambassador today. He also said the same thing that they know it's included. And, if you want to give extra, of course you can. So, I feel better now knowing that the servers are aware. Thanks again for posting.

I have a question regarding specialty dining on CCL. In order to insure that we always get the restaurants and times we want, we always pre-book those online before the cruise. As such, we are charged for the meal and in addition the 18% gratuity is added in the cost at that point as well. We notice though, that when we get the bill at the end of our meal, it shows the meal charge and then a credit in the same amount is applied yielding a total bill of zero. But, there is no mention of the 18% gratuity that we have already pre-paid. It always makes me very nervous to leave the gratuity line empty on the bill, even knowing that we have already paid it, and just sign the bill as requested. Does the incredible waitstaff know that a tip is already been paid? Is that pre-paid tip still distributed to them? I would never want them to think we aren't tipping them and their service was not appreciated — they are always such great servers. Our first time doing this several years ago, we forgot we had pre-paid this so added a tip on the bill. That of course meant we had actually paid it twice. I went to Guest Services this last cruise and inquired about it. They didn't really know exactly why it was done that way except to say that it had something to do with the fact the meal cost was pre-paid (and not charged onboard itself) and the bill was just reflecting that. Any thoughts to help me feel more comfortable about this?

@euroguy Well, nothing is guaranteed in life I guess. But, based on my experiences at MCO and again looking at the terminal maps online, the instructions on CCL I believe are right and make sense. That's where the buses for ground transportation are located below bag claim for Terminal B (and where we've always gone to pick up the Disney buses). And, the rental car desks are right there. One thing to keep in mind is that Terminal A and B are just on opposite ends of the same building. But, the only level that serves both sides is Level 3 which is the arrivals area. That's probably where a lot of the comments you are reading have the confusion coming in. More than likely the hotel shuttle will drop you off at arrivals since that is typically their goal (get people on their plane). So, after arriving at Terminal B, just then take the escalators down to Level I following the signs for rental cars and then to the Hertz desk per above instructions. Again, when you get close it's easy to spot the Carnival activity going on. I think you'll be just fine. I'm sure someone at the airport can direct you if necessary. Don't fret. Oh dear, now I'm on the hook for making sure you have a great experience at Rudi's! 😉 I do hope it doesn't disappoint. I'll be on pins and needles awaiting your review.

@euroguy Picking up the shuttle is really easy. We've done this many times including several where we arrived prior to the date of departure. On the date you are boarding the ship, just head from your hotel to the airport meeting point outlined on the website between 10am and 12pm. Meet the CCL staff (who will have signs and you'll see a sea of baggage carts with porters). Here's the section on CCL website that tells you where. Your name will be on their list so check-in with them. Make sure though to bring a copy of your purchase receipt just in case. Once they take your baggage, they will escort you in groups to where the buses are waiting. You board the buses and when you get to the port you'll pick up your baggage from the bus and then proceed to check-in as normal at the terminal. Does that help? UPON ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT After collecting luggage guests would proceed to one of the meeting points listed below. Once there, a representative will escort guests to the pier transportation. Transportation service is provided by Sunward Tours. Service is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM. Should guests have questions regarding the transportation service, the transportation provider can be reached at the following contact number on the day of the sailing only: 386-866-0914. Orlando Airport: Level One Ground Transportation of Terminal B, inside against the wall next to Hertz car rental counter. Melbourne Airport: Within the ground transportation area. Guests who arrive prior to their sail date must return to the meeting location mentioned above on the day of the sailing no later than 12:00 PM.

@euroguy I would say the atmosphere was relaxed and not "stuffy" at all. Yes, people were dressed for a fine dining experience and as mentioned the setting included white tablecloths, upscale flatware and china, etc. that you don't get in the MDR. The food of course is more formally presented. But, that just made the experience feel more special. The staff and people who sat around us were very relaxed and easily struck up conversations. I find, as in all areas of life, if you want people engaged, ask open-ended questions. People generally like to talk about themselves. LOL Have you ever eaten in any of the other Specialty restaurants on CCL ships, like the steak house? If so, it's really no different, just seafood instead of steaks.

@euroguy I don't believe Luggage Valet is available through Carnival at MCO. RCL used to do that but I see on their current website that Orlando is no longer listed. It was probably too expensive to maintain post-COVID since the port was not providing this service (like they do in Seattle). As @Cruising Caribbean indicated, if it were me I would book the Carnival shuttle bus given the distance to the airport (about 45 mins. away). That makes renting a car or taking a taxi or ride share not very feasible or practical. We've used it several times and it is so convenient and cost-effective. And, you are sure to get on the ship that way. I always recommend that you never schedule a flight before noon on the day of disembarkation. It's just too risky. And, I can tell you from my experiences at MCO that the airport TSA lines are usually not very efficient and can get really backed up. That's especially true in the mornings when you have all of the Disney crowds leaving from the WDW vacations. And, the Brightline train from Miami to MCO just began operations a couple of weeks ago that adds even more traffic into the airport. Bottomline, take an afternoon flight and take the Carnival shuttle. It will save you a lot of anxiety in my view.

@euroguy I wholly agree with you about the shows. We are somewhat of theatre snobs, so have never been impressed with the shows on Carnival. Like you, we have always said they just seem to think yelling and screaming is somehow a measure of talent. Actually it just hides the fact that they don't have the chops to sing it properly. It gets really old fast and we have skipped or left many a show. HOWEVER, I have to say our just completed cruise on the Venezia has us really thinking that whoever is in charge of the productions now has really upped their game. The shows had actual live and talented musicians playing with the show, great choreography, talented dancers, lavish costumes, AND the singers actually sang with some really great arrangements. The Broadway show was definitely worth seeing especially. The shows on the Celebration were also quite creative and well done (at least what we could see of them). So, if that is a measure of where Carnival is heading, I think there is hope. I'm thinking if you travel solo and make a reservation for one, they will just seat you at a 2-top table (see pic above for the tables along the curve wall with one chair and banquette seating. That's where we sat and the tables are so close that we actually struck up great conversations with the tables to our left and right. It's kind of the best of both worlds. If you want to eat in peace you can, or you can meet your "neighbors" and have a great evening. And, we always have great conversations with the incredible waitstaff as well. I wouldn't pass it up if I were you for the reason of solo travel. Just my 2-cents.

@euroguy We've not sailed on the Mardi Gras. However, we did do the inaugural crossing of the Celebration, her sister ship, last November. We loved the ship. It's beautifully designed with so many options in food and entertainment. Her style is very sophisticated, modern, and aesthetically appealing. You are right though. It is HUGE! I think I counted one day over 24 places to eat on the ship! It's even divided into "zones" to keep track of where you are. But, after a number of days you do get it figured out as it's very easy to navigate from forward to aft and it's good to have so many options at your disposal. Even with so many passengers, it never really felt crowded as the ship's size absorbs the crowds well. As a fish lover, you must try Rudi's Seagrill (see pic below), one of the Specialty restaurants. Who knows, maybe you'll get a casino voucher and get a comp meal? The food is top-notch and the service impeccable. And, it's so nice to be able to have dinner with tablecloths again. 😉 Just makes for a special dinner. The only really negative aspect we found was the main stage that is set on one side of the ship in what is usually the atrium area. This space at night turns into the show productions with seating in suspended balconies around the upper areas of the lobby as well as on the floor. The issue is that there is just not enough seating available. And, the sight-lines are horrible in most of them. So, what happens is people stake out their seats for them and their family an hour or more ahead of the shows and the people who arrive a bit before showtime have no place to sit. And, the fact that the area also still functions as an atrium (open to the shops, coffee shop, sushi bar, etc.) creates distractions and unwanted noise to be able to enjoy the show. We watched standing from the side-lines most nights and then gave up after awhile. Maybe they have this issue solved by the time you go. A nice idea on paper — just doesn't work in practice. Bottomline, I'd sail on any of these XL class ships anytime. You will have a grand trip I predict.