Carnival Rolls Out New Menu

[Cruising Caribbean]

The well-anticipated CCL menu rollout is now live onboard two ships featuring some cool vegan additions. Although I'm not vegan and would prefer some new non-vegan items, I'm glad CCL is moving in the right direction, enhancing its menu options. What are your thoughts on this new menu rollout? The vegan desserts don't sound half bad, but the plant-based salmon sounds odd. 

Edited September 18, 2023 by Cruising Caribbean

[euroguy]

@Cruising Caribbean i would pass on most vegan dishes.  no offense to vegans and yes i am/was very aware of vegan diets/meals etc. as I dated one for a while, to each their own. 

I am anxious to see what is on the new menu and have the opportunity to experience it. Hopefully someone has and will enlighten everyone what to expect and what's good v yuk ☺️ 

[Cruising Caribbean]

@euroguy I would totally prefer a carnivorous menu over a vegan menu, but I would try some of the options! The vegan cheese and meat don't excite me, but a vegan chocolate dessert doesn't sound half bad. I have used coconut cream for baking in the past and it has a nice creamy texture. It isn't dairy but it does have plenty of flavor. Dating a vegan must have been intense! Did you try being vegan yourself? Going out to "normal" restaurants must have been a challenge. I guess the vegan lifestyle is still very popular. I like bacon too much to consider converting.

[euroguy]

@Cruising Caribbean no I didnt try to be vegan I love my steaks and seafood way to much and oh yes it was a dining challenge when out and staying in. 

[Cruising Caribbean]

@euroguy As a carnivour myself, that would be a pretty big sacrifice to give it all up. That's a commitment for sure! At least it wasn't a forever commitment! I see the cruise lines expanding their vegan options but I still think guests would enjoy other flavor-packed meat and dairy food options. Obviously, pizza is a keeper, but everything else gets bland after a while. What is your usual go-to breakfast/lunch at the CCL buffet areas? 

[euroguy]

@Cruising Caribbean well I'm happy to say I will ne trying out the new menu in February on the Mardi Gras.  

I did a search online and saw what the menu has to offer and I must say I'm intrigued but of course the jury is out until I try it out.

[Cruising Caribbean]

@euroguy This is surely exciting news! Will this be your first time on Mardi Gras? This award-winning ship won't disappoint. I have really been wanting to give it a try. I can't wait for your cruise review. Look at this Hawaiian Salmon Poke! Do you like salmon pokes? 

Edited October 3, 2023 by Cruising Caribbean

[euroguy]

@Cruising Caribbean this my 1st time on the Mardi Gras and am excited to see what it offers. I have seen pictures and I can't wait to see the new design with the main atrium on the side v center with its windows looking out and different color and newer designed cabins. I'm thinking it will be a true destination within its self.

Yes I enjoy Salmon and other seafood 

I go Salmon fishing every year below is one I caught this year

[euroguy]

I will add that the Mardi Gras is a massive ship and do have my concerns if I will be able to explore it in it's entirety and walking from bow to stern I might need an electric scooter so not to be totally worn out 🤣

[RoadTravelled]

13 minutes ago, euroguy said:

I will add that the Mardi Gras is a massive ship and do have my concerns if I will be able to explore it in it's entirety and walking from bow to stern I might need an electric scooter so not to be totally worn out 🤣

@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.

 

[euroguy]

@RoadTravelled thank you for the run down on the XL class ship. Little sad to hear about the show issue. I don't normally do a lot of the shies as frankly they seem to be underwhelming and almost like a high school or college production type. I know on my latest cruise to Alaska the Luminosa had the older type curved bench seating which was nice however the cast during the Rock show seemed to be yelling/screaming verses singing as they didn't have the voices to perform/carry the roles. I can't hold a tune to save my life and shows I've thought where good I've heard others say other wise, so for me to recognize the problem and not enjoy it really says something. In fact I left midway through, yes it was that bad.

With that said I love the show on the Panorama called the celestial on final might. Truly great show something I might pay to see elsewhere.

I have heard that the shows on the newer and larger ships are suppose to be so much better and was looking forward to seeing some. I might have to try and go early to get good seating.

Thank you for the tip about Rudis, it sounds fabulous and white table cloths are a nice touch. The one problem I could see for myself is I'm traveling solo and frankly it's not so great to sit by yourself during dining. Not sure if they place multiple groups at one table, which would be great for me. 

I'm anticipating that regardless of a few potential pit falls I will enjoy the ship and all its grandeur 

[RoadTravelled]

24 minutes ago, euroguy said:

@RoadTravelled thank you for the run down on the XL class ship. Little sad to hear about the show issue. I don't normally do a lot of the shies as frankly they seem to be underwhelming and almost like a high school or college production type. I know on my latest cruise to Alaska the Luminosa had the older type curved bench seating which was nice however the cast during the Rock show seemed to be yelling/screaming verses singing as they didn't have the voices to perform/carry the roles. I can't hold a tune to save my life and shows I've thought where good I've heard others say other wise, so for me to recognize the problem and not enjoy it really says something. In fact I left midway through, yes it was that bad.

With that said I love the show on the Panorama called the celestial on final might. Truly great show something I might pay to see elsewhere.

I have heard that the shows on the newer and larger ships are suppose to be so much better and was looking forward to seeing some. I might have to try and go early to get good seating.

Thank you for the tip about Rudis, it sounds fabulous and white table cloths are a nice touch. The one problem I could see for myself is I'm traveling solo and frankly it's not so great to sit by yourself during dining. Not sure if they place multiple groups at one table, which would be great for me. 

I'm anticipating that regardless of a few potential pit falls I will enjoy the ship and all its grandeur 

@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]

@RoadTravelled I'm really glad to hear that you feel that the shields are improving, thats incouraging to hear and motivates me to try and see a couple.

Regarding rudies I'm pretty outgoing and do strike up.conversations easily but at.the same time it does take an interested party to remain engaged lolol from the pic it appears to be a bit formal, which I can do. Was it relaxed or more on the formal side?

Edited October 5, 2023 by euroguy

[RoadTravelled]

31 minutes ago, euroguy said:

@RoadTravelled I'm really glad to hear that you feel that the shields are improving, thats incouraging to hear and motivates me to try and see a couple.

Regarding rudies I'm pretty outgoing and do strike up.conversations easily but at.the same time it does take an interested party to remain engaged lolol from the pic it appears to be a bit formal, which I can do. Was it relaxed or more on the formal side?

@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]

@RoadTravelled ive not done the steak house for the sole reason of solo travel but i have done the bonsi cook at your table which everyone is seated around the cook top, which was fine. 

Question regarding the CCL Shuttle, it seems to be some confusion as to the location to meet the shuttle at the airport. Not sure when you last cruised out of MCO, but perhaps you can give some clarity to were to meet it. 

[RoadTravelled]

@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]

@RoadTravelled sorta... as i was reading the reviews on CCL for transportation and people said that the information wasn't accurate and had issues, thus the readily I asked about the location. I am arriving day before and hotel is only 4 miles away from airport and has transportation to and from airport. So I will be having the hotel transport me to the closest location to where the CCL Reps are but need to make sure to the exact location.  Are you saying that the instructions you copies is in fact accurate?

As always thanks for the help...and I've reserved Rudies table for 1 lol, yes you twisted my arm 😜 

[RoadTravelled]

@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]

@RoadTravelled good info about the different levels.  I'm usually pretty good about navigating airports and traveling but insight is always helpful when available.

Rudies yep expect a review just for you... I might be sending you my paypal acct. Infor requesting reimbursement.... just kidding 😇 im sure it will be good. I am a little picky about my food though. Its not so much as to the location or ambiance but rather taste and being good.  I have had literally street food in 3rd world countries that is made by momma in her beatup pan brought out to her leaning shack to sell and was absolutely delicious and on the other hand eaten at Michilin rated restaurants in New York. I'm pretty diverse as long as not spicy hot, tasty, and cooked properly.