Posted on November 26, 2015 in Cruising, Travel
Cruising on the Carnival Ecstasy Bahamas Cruise
Our cruise on the Carnival Ecstasy was a family cruise. My Dad, brother, sister-in-law, husband and myself went on a 5 day cruise to the Bahamas.
We had a balcony cabin that was perfect for my Dad, husband and myself. My brother and wife had a neighboring stateroom. The outdoor balcony had dividers which we were able to open for one large balcony.
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Sleeper upper with towel creature.
Our ‘evening visitor’.
Every evening each stateroom received the Funtime, the Daily on-board activity schedule. The schedule included the next day port of call, tours, time schedule (do not miss the re-boarding times), ship activities, dining, spa specials, showtimes and lounge entertainment.
The ship is walkable with elevators conveniently located off the atrium. Dining rooms provided for early and late dining and breakfasts. One ‘food station’ had 24 hour service. Also available was in-room meal delivery. The buffets had meal options from soup and salad to delectable desserts. Specialty dining rooms for an additional fee are reservation only. Poolside beverage and food stations provide outside dining to enjoy lounging around the pools and hot tubs throughout the day.
Parents and children can participate in numerous games. The ship has a “kids center” where parents can check their children into the club and enjoy the spa or fitness center. Staff members provide interactive activities and supervision for the children.
Did someone say ‘shopping’? Yes, there is shopping on board for souvenirs or any necessity you left at home. Specialty shops for clothing, jewelry and flowers are in the shopping arcade. The evening ‘shopping sales’ will find women looking for that something special as the men stand to the side to hold the purchases!
Looking to enjoy the indoors and find a quiet niche for reading? Throughout the ship are reading rooms and leather recliner chairs overlooking the sea. Grab a tropical drink or specialty coffee and enjoy!
Cruising can be as laid back or as active as you want. It is your cruise, so choose your style of cruising, make reservations (highly recommend travel insurance) and pack lightly.
Have you cruised before? Share where you have cruised and on what cruise line!
Mary Ann
Posted on August 25, 2015 in Travel
Plan Ahead For Fall – Why not a cruise?
The month of August is coming to an end quickly. Summer vacation is over and students are heading back to the classrooms. It’s time to pick up the magazines which have been piling up on the floor and open the cover and start reading. I’m retired and I still have not found time to page through and read all the informative articles. Fall is here and it is time to get started.
Fall is my favorite season with the changing colors of leaves, the crisp mornings, less humidity and great outdoor activity time. Time to grab the camera and head out the door.
This time of the year is also vacation planning time. Have you seen the cruise deals and air deals lately? As many of you may know I am ‘addicted’ to cruising. I am gathering all my photos and have a list of cruise lines I have traveled with and will share that information in the upcoming weeks. I will be sailing away on my 15th cruise in December. (I actually cruise frequently because that is how my husband likes to travel. We don’t get lost, even with a GPS, and we only unpack once.) I have packing for a cruise down to an art form. If we drive to the port it is 2 small suitcases, 1 large case and a carry-on for my camera equipment. If we fly, it is 2 small suitcases and 2 backpacks, that’s it. No checking luggage.
As of today, I have sailed on Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Norwegian and Bahama Breeze. In the coming weeks, I will be posting my cruise experiences.
Planning a cruise? Do you have questions? Sign up for my emails and ask away. I will reply shortly.
Mary Ann