Launched in December 2022, MSC Seascape is the fourth Seaside class of ship in the MSC fleet. However, the ships part of the line's Excel Class are so large and attract so many families that I've ruled them out as the most luxurious. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Start with these stories: The credit card offers that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which ThePointsGuy.com receives compensation. Carnival Pride is one of the oldest ships sailing for Carnival. Mardi Gras is full of fantastic family-friendly dining, including the line's Dr. Seuss-themed Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast (for a small fee). The Yacht Club area is not stuffy at all, but rather I found the other guests were super friendly and spent evenings listening to music and getting to know people from all around the world. The Mexican/Chinese venue Chibang, which is unique to Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration. A subreddit dedicated to Carnival Cruise Lines. I was lucky I was able to move, but had they been full, that would not have been an option, and I would have been pretty upset to pay the upgrade cost for a cabin under the galley. Included favorite topside (Decks 16 and 17) eateries consist of the popular BlueIguana Cantina for Mexican specialties, Guys Burger Joint, Big Chicken, Street Smarts ( an Excel Class exclusive which has Fries and select Asian and Kebab-style snacks in the afternoon) and the Lido Marketplace, with its varied action stations. One of the great allures of cruising is that a lot is included in the fare. The week pass is $150 but I got a 20% off for cyber Monday deal so would bring it down to like $120 a week or basically $15 a day. Aromatic steam and sauna grottos~ heated chaise lounges~ and shower features anchor a journey to relaxation and renewal. Apr 28, 2023. An escape from your escape~ immerse yourself in our Thermal Suite. Are masks required in this area? Should you go to a theme park before or after your cruise from Florida? Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles. And finally, despite the ships newness and size, throughout our week on board, staff and crew impressively provided a welcoming, efficient and friendly guest experience. External site which may or may not meet Carnival Celebration Cruise: Expert Review (2023) - Cruise Critic Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. accessibility guidelines, You Tube. If you thought some of the past Carnival ships were a bit over the top but find the more recent Carnival ships a little generic and same-y, these Excel Class ships might be just the right touch. The bathroom looked to be the same size as a standard interior cabin, which has a compact shower, but everything you need, including upgraded bath products such as shampoo, conditioner, and bath gel. Dining on any Carnival ship is a highlight, thanks to quality ingredients, a wide variety of cuisine and the overall energetic, warm and friendly service. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. However, what they sometimes leave out is that theyll often charge you for the privilege of being in a kids-free zone. It was nice that the complimentary drink package is valid everywhere on the ship, including the rooftop. Luxury lines generally include almost everything in their base fares, from drinks of all kinds to gratuities. All Contents Copyright 2022 Cruise Radio, Inc. | Website Designed by Insider Perks, Inc. Get the real facts delivered straight to your inbox, with trustworthy cruise related news. Once Opens in a new window. I would "price" the room they are offering you straight up and see what the savings is they are offering you. Bottom line, the extra space, and staff made everything feel easy and relaxed, right in the middle of a cruise ship with nearly 5000 guests. Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. At first glance, I could tell it was bigger than other standard interior cabins. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Located on deck 16, I was a short walk to the Yacht Club lounge, which is incredibly spacious. The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. The area featured other events, like a private white party, with DJ, where we danced and had fun, and, on our last sea day, we were treated to a seafood buffet. The beach is a little rocky, so water shoes may be a good idea, but the adjacent beach is very quiet and has soft sandy powder. MSC Yacht Club guests get special access while visiting the island, which I think is one of the significant differences from other cruise line suite programs. Within the lounge area is a crystal staircase that leads up to the Yacht Club dining room, which looks out over the lounge/ outdoor patios with equally impressive views. Daniel Kline. So the true starting price of the cruise is 124% more than what you see in big print on the lines website. Not affiliated with Carnival Corporation. ), Related: The 5 best cruise lines for families. To continue favoriting products, please remove some items from this list. 85. https://www.carnival.com/legal/covid-19-legal-notices/covid-19-guest-protocols, refer to Cruise Critics guide to masking requirements. A growing number of cruise ships have luxurious spa complexes that go well beyond treatment rooms. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). Carnival Celebration offers a selection of cabins that can accommodate almost any budget or need. More ships leaving from a specific port means more competition, which can drive prices lower. External site which may or may not meet My new home for the week was elegantly decorated in soothing tones of grey, with lots of drawers, a closet, a desk, and a sitting area. Good morning . And those who love both types of food can have an interesting smorgasbord of both Chinese and Mexican dishes! The thermal cruise pass was $130 per day. Choosing a Carnival cruise ship is no simple task, especially if you're new to cruising. Some of the things that come with an additional charge are what you would expect. If a traditional suite is more your style, consider a Grand Suite, which includes priority embarkation, disembarkation and dining times, as well as access to the Havana pool area. Twitter. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Where do you book the thermal suite? With more space for stretching out indoors, plus a large balcony for kicking back outdoors, try an Ocean Suite to experience private, luxurious relaxation. Water is like warm at best (even compared to other Carnival hot tubs). Although you can rent cabanas, I personally dont think you need to, as there is plenty of shade and chairs. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises, Q&A with Avoya Travel: Learn How to Turn Your Passion into Success by Becoming an Independent Travel Advisor. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. That is less than the price for the thermal suite for two people. Free internet has become standard at a lot of hotel chains, so it might seem logical that cruise lines would offer free internet, too. 9B Premium Balcony Priority embarkation and disembarkation, including some ports. Our points-obsessed staff uses a plethora of credit cards on a daily basis. Living on the east coast of Canada, she shares cruising tips and information with fellow Canucks seeking a reprieve from the great white north. Unfortunately, Carnival has been slow to adopt solo cabins, meaning that no ships in its fleet offer accommodations for one. Terms and Conditions Apply. On many ships, there are a lot of little things and some big things for which youll pay extra. WebAn exclusive area within the spa, the Thermal Suites are dedicated relaxation zones with a variety of environments - whether you prefer to lounge in the dry heat or like a little The lowest fares for each cabin category were:Interior cabin $639 per person Balcony cabin $739 per personInterior Yacht Club Cabin $1,709 per personBalcony Yacht Club Cabin $2,740 per person. For the most up-to-date testing, masking, and vaccination requirements aboard the Carnival Celebration, please refer to .css-hghiur{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;cursor:pointer;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-hghiur:focus-visible,.css-hghiur[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}.css-hghiur:hover,.css-hghiur[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}https://www.carnival.com/legal/covid-19-legal-notices/covid-19-guest-protocols. Those trips can come with a substantial price tag, which is why, as a budget option, Carnival is such a great choice. On many ships, soda and bottled water come with an extra charge (though, oddly, coffee, iced tea, lemonade and hot chocolate usually are available for free). I'm guessing the sauna and steam rooms that are included are co-ed? This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. As with the lounge area, the staff were fantastic and became quickly attuned to drink and food preferences, with an excellent understanding of the menu. The test is taking place aboard Mardi Gras, but not on Celebration. So, you never have to go far when the kids need a snack. By Want to avoid such charges? So, what is the best Carnival cruise ship? By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line, 14 things you should do before every cruise, 26 cruising secrets from an expert that will blow your mind, How to book a cruise with points and miles, 21 tips and tricks to make your cruise go more smoothly, one of the biggest lines now charging $138 a day, Are drinks packages worth the price? One of the biggest perks of Yacht Clubs is the dedicated venues, and the panoramic Top Sail Lounge is definitely an incredible area on MSC Seascape. At the expansive kids club, daily programming includes scavenger hunts, arts and crafts, and video games. Longer voyages mean more time to explore but also fewer children and less of a frat party vibe. River cruise lines at many price points also are known for their all-inclusiveness. Terms and Conditions Apply. In the segments below, we look at nearly a dozen different fees that you may encounter when cruising on big-ship cruise lines and offer advice on what to do about them. 2x points on all other eligible purchases. Though many may assume that the Chibang menu is comprised of Mexican/Chinese fusion dishes, thats actually not the case. (Note that the arcade and Bolt cost extra. #2 DH absolutely LOVES hot tubs, but I have a problem with either the kids in them, or the adults who haven't gotten out in 3 hours but have been drinking the entire time, so I'm hoping that this could be a great happy medium for us. It is a beautiful blue building that looks like a Bahamian house, with white rafters and Caribbean decor. The thalassotherapy pool is not a hot tub. READ NEXT: Carnival Jubilee to Feature Two New Zones, Including One Inspired By Life Under The Sea. I have been upsold on Sunshine from a balcony to a Spa Suite for $200 and thought it was worth it for access to the tile chairs, etc. Celebrity Cruises and Carnival both charge for room service delivered late at night. See what a point or mile is worth with our appraisals of a loyalty programs currency, based on redemption values. Plus you are way up on the ship which could bother you sea sickness-wise and you are a hike from everything. Related: 14 things you should do before every cruise. Many river lines will include many drinks, including beer and wine, with lunches and dinners. In general, though, only the highest-end lines in the cruise world (and many river lines) offer free internet. Later in my cruise, I talked to another couple that had the same issue. A nominal charge of $8, per guest, will be assessed for additional visits.. Drinks are not allowed in the spa. When I used the thermal suite on Splendor the pool was much larger and conducive for several people to sit in and actually soak. If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. Booking(s) successfully added to your profile and cruise companion group. Going on an 8day southern carribean cruise on thr horizon end of January. External site which may or may not meet Plus, your own feed of TPG content. I have seen where their upsell is not really that much different in price, and one time it was even higher than buying the same room outright. My wife is not completely sold on Carnival yet so I'm just trying to make her have an enjoyable cruise. The entire area is coed. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. All for Fun. I wore mine to walk through the spa front desk and took it off once inside. Since 2009, Cruise Radio has provided the latest cruise news and industry analysis through informative articles, videos, and weekly podcasts. This deck area is far more spacious than what I have seen on other cruise ships like Royal Caribbean or Celebrity. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! The ship also includes pizza, soft-serve ice cream, Shaq's fried chicken and Guy Fieri burgers in its fares. For fee choices include the always popular Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse, Bonsai Sushi and Bonsai Teppanyaki, Rudis Seagrill (the latest seafood venue from Rudi Sodamin, executive chef for Holland America and Princess), Emerils Bistro 1397, which offers a la carte courses from celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse with revolving selections that tie in with the daily destination theme of the nearby Lattitudes Bar. has spent more than 15 years writing about travel, with particular emphasis on cruises. Related: Everything you need to know about tipping on cruise ships. Fitness classes cost $10 each. Short sailings also tend to draw a more fun-loving, social crowd. CARNIVAL The best Carnival cruise ship for kids is undoubtedly Mardi Gras. Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. The 8 best cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity, The 8 classes of Carnival ships, explained, The 7 best cruises for seniors who love to travel, The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship, The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship, A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines, 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly, The 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 12 Differences between big and small MSC cruise ships, I took my first Norwegian cruise after more than a decade. On the Carnival Celebration, the choices are mind-boggling and it is almost impossible on a typical week long cruise to sample everything offered. Chantal McPhee has a great passion for travel since first venturing to the Bahamas as a child with her grandparents. and our I had a spa cabin that included unlimited access to the thermal suite. I think the area is worth the week pass charge, if you enjoy steam rooms and saunas. The Breeze and the Dream are mostly identical and have wonderful Thermal Suites. I would say the pool is like a hot tub but not miserably hot like Page will reload to reflect new bookings. Offer ends 5/3/23. If you want to splurge on your cruise, the Yacht Club is absolutely the way to go. Powered by Invision Community. Up forward on Deck 18, for those seeking a quiet retreat, there is the included adults-only Serenity which is much larger than those on other Carnival ships and even has its own sheltered pool area and a convenient salad bar. Page will reload to reflect new bookings. In the heart of the ship, on Decks 6, 7 and 8, Celebration Central is home to the brand-new Tropicale and Aquaria Bars, a large section of the sprawling Empress Casino, numerous shops, the for-fee Bonsai Sushi and Teppanyaki eateries, the Piano Bar 88 and the Punchliner Comedy Club. Not having my own private balcony was not a big deal at all. So, which Carnival cruise ship is the best? One way around them is to book a cruise during one of the frequent promotions that some lines offer where they throw in service charges for free. The premium cabin offers guests complimentary Italian water, a stocked mini-bar, and a coffee machine, as well as comfy robes and slippers. The new While my MSC Yacht Club experience was fantastic, there are a few areas that I think could be better. Find out which fun ingredients staterooms, dining, activities go into each deck. Find the right card for you. Cabins in the Family Harbor category feature a nautical theme, plenty of storage and space to sleep at least four people. ), as well as messaging services such as WhatsApp but not much else for $10 a day. For the record, we find that fee-on-top-of-a-fee structure absurd. Lines that now include gratuities in their fares include Azamara, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Seabourn, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea Cruises and Virgin Voyages. Princess sometimes turns its free buffet area into a crab shack experience serving such items as snow crab, jumbo shrimp, clams and mussels for a hefty fee. #3. That actually works in its favor if you're a retiree who enjoys smaller ships and vintage design in this case, more artwork and decor by Farcus. 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program. The thermal cruise pass was $130 per day. #3 I anticipate a little bit cooler weather on the first/last day of this cruise so thought this could be a great place to be. The prices range from around $17 to well over $30 a plate. (Take note if you're thinking of bringing your grandkids. Related: The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line. It really is up to you. The thermal suite is free for passengers in a spa cabin, but you can also choose to pay by the day or duration of the cruise to have access to this little slice of relaxation. Or consider a trip with Viking or Virgin Voyages. At many lines, the extra-fee shocks start even before you get on a ship. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year. Many of Mardi Gras' standard cabins sleep at least four people, and the ship also offers connecting cabins. Get expert advice, insider tips and more. Some venues are too small to accommodate demand; lines for peak hour dining. Here are my picks for the top options in several categories. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy. The exception is on luxury lines, where drinks of all types are generally included in the fare. Others call them gratuity charges. You also shouldnt assume theres nothing you can do about it. 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. Speaking of drinks, many cruise lines will allow you to bring your own wine or Champagne on board, usually in limited quantities. In a post on Facebook, Carnivals brand ambassador John Heald explained. I live for the Cloud 9 Spa and frankly will only sail on the Dream Class ships because of it. Three on the Magic and three on the Breeze so far..al Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPGs editors and is not influenced by the card issuer. Thanks in advance . However, you can go into the booking process wide-eyed by searching the fine print on booking sites for such fees before you commit to a particular sailing. I was on the Breeze a couple of weeks ago and everything is coed, except for the areas you mentioned. Click here to reload the page in order to enable certain features. I tried the cheapest MSC Cruises Yacht Club suite. To me, $314 seems kinda steep for a balcony to balcony move and you're getting Spa access. External site which may or may not meet Posted 16 minutes ago. Planning a cruise? Other cruise ship attractions that often come with an extra charge include wine-tasting events, IMAX theater shows, escape rooms and behind-the-scenes tours. Sandwiches and select pastries at Java Blue. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, Park Hyatt Tokyo will close in 2024 for a much-needed, year-long remodel. For digs that include pampering, try a Cloud 9 Spa cabin to receive extras like complimentary thermal suite access and two free yoga or Pilates classes. Because short sailings tend to attract a more lively crowd, passengers can expect lots of dancing, socializing and late nights at Henri's Dance Club. Royal Caribbean, meanwhile, will charge you extra for a 60-second flying experience on Anthem of the Seas skydiving simulator (after one initial free ride). If you're on a budget and simply looking for one of the cheapest Carnival cruise ships, a solid bet is Carnival Conquest. There will be 3 sea days if that makes a difference, Scan this QR code to download the app now. (But is a thalassotherapy pool the same as a hot tub?) Loved using the thermal suite on Horizon - nice facility in Cloud 9. On many ships, youll pay $10 or more for classes in yoga, Pilates, spinning and the like. They remain included in the cruise fare with no changes.