Home > Still Traveling > Archives > 2005 > May > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USDrinks and Nightlife
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We found the drink prices to be reasonable (margarita $3.95, pina colada $4.95, chocolate martini $7.50), but many of the drinks seemed low on alcohol. I’ve had only a few drinks for four consecutive years because we’ve been having and raising a family, and I am a generally a cheap date when it comes to alcohol. But after two rum drinks I wasn’t feeling any buzz at all. Chocolate martinis the second night were stronger.
My husband wants me to point out that the martini and wine glasses were smaller than at many restaurants and that the alcohol was meticulously measured.
The “Fun Ships� do offer plenty to do at night and that was probably the best part of our day. We were very pleased with the quality of entertainment aboard the ship. The cruise director got the shows rolling each night in the Paris Lounge. It felt a little like being at summer camp, but he was very funny and the shows were as good as those in Vegas. We saw a pretty good comic one night after the show.
Down the way, there was a Filipino band covering songs from the ‘70s and ‘80s. They were excellent and it was a nice cozy little spot.
Later, we ended up in the karaoke bar. I have never been to a karaoke bar before and would likely never make the effort again. But it was there and the atmosphere was nice (not too smoky, comfortable booths) and there was lots of country music (which we both love). I kept thumbing through the book trying to find the perfect song to sing. My husband was deeply concerned – even my kids tell me not to sing.
Experienced cruisers: How do other ships’ entertainment compare with ours? Are there that many options on other ships?
Tomorrow: Excursions
Permalink | Comments (18) | Categories: Cruising
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Angela Mangham-Hose
May 19, 2005 12:04 PM | Link to this
My husband and I just spent our honeymoon on the Carnival Funship Fantasy to the Bahamas. We had a great experience with all of the entertainment aboard, as well as food galore with all the buffets. One night we participated in the Newlywed and Not So Newlywed Game and that was really fun. Our ship’s host, Paul was great and very entertaining all the time. We went to the casinos quite often (to play a little, but watch the pros more often) and also went to the late night dance party a few nights and were delighted that the DJ had the latest R&B and hip-hop hits. The drinks of the day were great…we kept our souvenir glasses each day so that we could pay the more affordable $4.50 for refills as opposed to $6.25.
We went on a Carnival santioned shore excursion to Blue Lagoon Island, and that was an enjoyable feat as well!
There was good hearted fun had by us as well as the other vacationers that we spoke with and I would definitely do it again!
By Angela Mangham-Hose
May 19, 2005 12:04 PM | Link to this
My husband and I just spent our honeymoon on the Carnival Funship Fantasy to the Bahamas. It was the first cruise for both of us.
We had a great experience with all of the entertainment aboard, as well as food galore with all the buffets. One night we participated in the Newlywed and Not So Newlywed Game and that was really fun. Our ship’s host, Paul was great and very entertaining all the time. We went to the casinos quite often (to play a little, but watch the pros more often) and also went to the late night dance party a few nights and were delighted that the DJ had the latest R&B and hip-hop hits.
The drinks of the day were great…we kept our souvenir glasses each day so that we could pay the more affordable $4.50 for refills as opposed to $6.25.
We went on a Carnival santioned shore excursion to Blue Lagoon Island, and that was an enjoyable feat as well!
There was good hearted fun had by us as well as the other vacationers that we spoke with and I would definitely do it again!
By Jeff Pruett
May 19, 2005 3:08 PM | Link to this
As a frequent cruiser over the past nine years, I’m always amused to here someone complain about their $500 (or more!)bar tab. When you start drinking at noon and stop at 2 AM, what do you expect? I have never sailed on Carnival; I enjoy the Holland Amercia ships. I have always found the entertainment, food and service to be outstanding.
By Lois
May 19, 2005 3:19 PM | Link to this
After dinner there is nothing better than some time in the casino for some “budgeted” entertainment, a walk around the deck, or smoke a fine cigar and drink some port wine at “cigars under the stars”.
By Theresa from the AJC
May 19, 2005 3:31 PM | Link to this
Hey Jeff - We lived in Manhattan before we had our kids so weren’t shocked by the drink bill. We didn’t really drink much during the day. It was generally just around dinner time and after.
One thing I didn’t mention that we really enjoyed a lot was a piano bar before dinner. We would go and have a drink and listen to a classical pianist and usually a violin or 2. It was very relaxing to look at the ocean, listen the music and unwind with a martini. We never have that luxury at home — restaurants with kids is no fun, so we enjoyed being able to take dinner and drinks slow.
Lois — On the casino, my husband was bummed because there was no real poker there -he loves to go to Biloxi to play and when we lived in NY he loved AC— Are any of the cruise lines playing poker or is it not worth the space since the house makes less on that game than others??? But our tablemates made close to $500 in one night on craps (which I don’t understand at all) — they used it toward a couples massage — very nice!
By Bob
May 20, 2005 10:49 AM | Link to this
We are also experienced cruisers, and were on the Disney Wonder at the beginning of May. Good: free sodas Bad: Soda fountain was at teh extreme rear of the ship, and the adult pool was at the extreme front of the ship Good: Staterooms had 2 bathrooms Bad: bed was just made, sheets were never changed
Bad: Pools had no steps, just ladders Bad: All other entertainment shuts down during the Disnay shows in the main show room
In all, it was a decent cruise, but not worth the premuim that Disney charges. My wife’s grandson loved it, though
By Van
May 20, 2005 3:57 PM | Link to this
My wife and I are experienced cruisers, however all of our cruises have been on Norwegian Cruise Lines and we’ve never had a problem of any nature with them. We do have our first cruise booked with Carnival this coming November and after seeing the mixed reviews, I am somewhat apprehensive. Norwegian’s “free style” cruising is very easy to get used to and having to plan an early or late seating is going to be something we haven’t had to contend with yet. As far as air travel is concerned, our 1st cruise was purchased with airfare and it was a nightmare. Were supposed to fly out of Columbus, GA to Memphis, TN and then on to Miami. Well, the crew for the Columbus flight was late getting in the night before so the flight was cancelled and the next flight to Memphis was in 24 hours. We were bussed to Atlanta (now get this) to get on a plane to Detroit, MI and once there, get on a plane to Miami, FL. We began our journey that day at 5:30 a.m. and as we walked on the ship at 4:30 p.m, the gang plank was pulled up and the ship departed while we were standing in the doorway. Since then we have always flown a day prior to our departure, spent the night in the departure city and never had any more problems.
We are looking forward to our Carnival cruise and pray that we’re not disappointed after having cruised so extensively with Norwegian.
By Theresa from the AJC
May 20, 2005 4:09 PM | Link to this
Oh VAn - that is a terrible story. Flying is so unpredictable — heading down our flight was perfect, flying back it was terrible. We’ve developed a new rule about it being a 10 hour or less drive — if it less than 10 hours we’d rather drive it than deal with the airports — but that’s another blog. I really think Carnival is being unfairly attacked —- we had a good time. There were a few things that bothered us, that we thought could have been better. On the freestyle eating vs having a scheduled time, I liked having a later dining time so we could spend the whole afternoon playing. And if you’re worried about getting hungry there is always room service or the buffet line to hold you over. I did get pizza one time when I was really hungry and dinner was two hours away. There are lots of options even with set eating times.
By Kevin
May 20, 2005 4:46 PM | Link to this
I have never cruised Carnival, but my wife and I have cruuised on Royal Cribbean three times so far, and have another trip planned for this summer. We are traveling the recently remodled Empress of the Sea’s. Our experience has very good. I would like to know any toher comments regarding Royal Cribbean.
By robin
May 23, 2005 11:10 AM | Link to this
TOOK MY FIRST CRUISE THIS YEAR IN HAWII ON THE SENSATION BY CARNIVAL . THE SHIP WAS BEAUTIFUL BUT !WE FLEW TO HONOLULU WHERE THEN WE PROCESSED ONTO THE SHIP.WE CRUISED ALL THE ISLANDS AND THEN SET OUT ON A 6 DAY CRUISE BACH TO MEXICO.I WANT TO SAY IT WAS TO MANY DAYS AT SEA GOING TO MEXICO.I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THE ISLANDS AND THE SHIP WAS BEAUTIFLI BREATH TAKING .MY COMPLAINT WAS THIS , THE ENTIRE CREW WAS TOTALLY RUDE THE ENTIRE 10 DAY CRUISE .EVERY QUESTION WE ASK ,WE GOT RUDE ANSWERS ANDEYES ROLLING LIKE OH NO NOT ANOTHER TOURIST QUESTION .I WANT TO POINT OUTALL THE CREW HAD A BRITISH ACCENT .MY FINAL COMPLAINT WAS THE FOOD. I RATED IT C- , EVERY MEAL MADE ME FEEL LIKE I WAS EATING ARMY FOOD .MY ONLY RECOURCE WAS THE UPSTAIRS RESTURANT WHICH WE PAID FOR AN A+ .WE WONT CRUISE CARNIVAL AGAIN .
By Candy
May 23, 2005 2:02 PM | Link to this
I’m not sure which ship you were actually on Robin but Carnival Sensation definitely does not go to Hawaii. If the staff was British leads me to believe you were on Princess or perhaps Norwegian
By bill cuthbertson
May 23, 2005 2:42 PM | Link to this
Been on several cruises stay away from european ships— the 2 best are carnival and royal carribean royal carribean wins on the fact you can buy liquor at duty free on board carry to your room buy only mixers==carnival doesn’t
By Randy
May 23, 2005 5:00 PM | Link to this
I hear a lot of grumbling from first time cruisers. Lets begin with Cruise lines. I find Royal Caribbean to be a more sedate, stuffy group. Carnival more middle of the road(party) atmosphere. As far as food, I would rate Celebrity as the best. Service has been good on all for the most part. Royal Caribbean was a little less freindly. We all have our off days and you may encounter those workers on the ship who seem to wish you would just go away. I think this is more the exception that the norm. As far as being a bargin vacation , I feel all do a great job. Just be sure to research what each line caters to. I am middle aged and would find a Disney cruise unbearable, since they cater to families with children. Hope this helps.
By Ken Schwartz
May 23, 2005 5:12 PM | Link to this
We take a cruise more for the ports of call. The entertainment on board will never be confused with Broadway however the Crew Show on Holland America is ALWAYS a must see.
After more than 30 cruises we ‘pick and choose’ very carefully. On a Carribean cruise a few years ago, I met some guys in the cigar bar after dinner the first night. When they told me they were ‘the entertinament’ on the ship, I kind of rolled my eyes. Then I found out that one was a comedian and ventriliquist, one a magician that used birds a lot in his act, and the last of the three was a juggler.
We went to all of their shows and had the best time!
Of course we had a better time drinking and smoking cigars after their shows.
By Tanevery Jenkins
May 24, 2005 9:00 AM | Link to this
Hi,My husband and I have been on several carnival cruises and have always had a wonderful time. The crew have always beenexcellent and a great help.The lady that said she had to pay for dinner I do not beleive even upstairs the meal was included with the price.Speaking of food we prefer free standing that way we eat when we want to and we are not rushed to stop what we are doing and go eat.The food has always been great.Carnival hires people from all over which I think is great.They may have a guest that may neeed a translator so why not have someone on staff to make the guest feel welcome and comfortable
By Nora
May 25, 2005 12:21 PM | Link to this
I’ve cruised Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, and would say that the food is comparable, but the service is not. “Free style” is a nice idea, but it is hard to execute. Just because you can make a dinner reservation for the time of your choosing does not mean that the table will be ready at that time. After two nights in a row of having an 8 PM reservation, being seated at 8:30, and not being able to order until 8:45, we gave up on free style and started going to dinner at a time close to the early seating on other ships and had better luck. The free style service was overall good, but very slow at times. One night we waited 25 minutes between the time we ordered dessert and the time it actually arrived at the table. In the meantime, the line of people waiting for tables grew. Again in principle, it is a good idea, but it just doesn’t work. Because there is no seating after yours, you never know when you will be done eating. We had to miss part or all of some of the planned evening’s entertainment. When the ship has confirmed dining times, the activities are planned around the meals. Plus, when you have the same waiters every night, they know your quirks by the second day and anticipate the lemon in the water. Yes, you do have to show up to dinner at a time not of your choosing, but the trade-off is that less time is demanded of you. And since even cruise lines with timed seatings have specialty restaurants, you can still plan for a leisurely dinner.
By James West
May 26, 2005 8:17 AM | Link to this
My wife and I have cruised numerous times and have settled on Princess as the best overall value. And, the personal choice dinning is wonderful. We’ve had no difficulty with this arrangement since we prefer dinning around 6:30. This allows plenty of time to dine before the shows begin. While we prefer Princess, I must say —- I’ve never had a bad cruise!!
By Barry Worley
May 26, 2005 11:47 AM | Link to this
About Carnival: After resisting, I finally gave cruising a try and now have been on two 7-day cruises with Carnival. Both were great experiences and much of this was probably due to traveling with 9 other friends each time and less about Carnival. These are the TIPS I offer: go with several friends and you’ll have a better time. The 7 day cruises are really a good deal and feel like a real vacation. If your group uses the same travel agent to book several staterooms you will likely be upgraded a level or two. Get a window or balcony if you can, you’ll really like it much better. Book a late dinner seating for a more adult oriented atmosphere unless you have kids in tow or are from down on the farm and must eat early! I thought for the shear numbers of people being fed that Carnival did a great job with food and there are lots of choices. The newer ships like Conquest have a reservations only restaurant that for $25.00 treats you like royalty and is well worth a try. Go on a newer and larger ship and you be happier with the array of offerings. As others mention, you can avoid the pitfalls by just saying no to some of the more expensive drinks and photos that they push. I thought the regular drink prices were reasonable like for house wines and beers. If you want free drinks go to your captain’s reception!