This was the cruise that I wasn’t supposed to take. Marlene had booked it with a friend who backed out. I was able to fill in only because the timing was perfect – the cruise began 3 days after the primary election. I was exhausted from all of my election activities, so it worked well as a break from the intensity of the previous month.
But the cruise seemed long. I don’t think I have ever before thought that a cruise was too long – even the 30-day TP1 cruise to Australia. Maybe it had to do with the itinerary – there were no new ports – or maybe it was the ship (our second cruise on the Carnival Conquest). There just wasn’t anything new in this trip. I like new.
Highlights:
- Getting the $970 “Mega” bonus in the casino. Totally unexpected and the second largest prize I have ever received in a casino. It made the losses on all the other days tolerable.
- The SEA experience. This was our first Sailings Exclusively for Adults Carnival cruise. No kids on board. Very nice. And we got some useful bling: a reusable straw, a wrist cabin card holder and Gatsby Party hats and headbands.
- The cruise director. Filipe was a lot of fun.
- Some of the meals. The prime rib was very good and there were some very good desserts.
- Our cabin. It was large with a nice ocean view. And being on Deck 1 we experienced almost no motion at all. If you suffer from seasickness, book a cabin on Deck 1.
- Our fellow passengers. Overall it was a congenial group and we ran into four couples that we have cruised with before.
Lowlights:
- The casino overall. Lots of people losing lots of money. I had several days where I lost over $100 with no bonuses. I expect bonuses to be hard to hit but they shouldn’t be impossible.
- Some of the meals. The kung pao chicken was terrible, two of my filets were tough (that should never happen) and Marlene complained about her cod (“mushy).
- The late night buffet. This isn’t intended as a meal, but the fare borders on disgusting.
- Our cabin attendant. He was clearly annoyed by our almost constant use of the “Do Not Disturb” sign. He seemed to take offense on us preventing him from doing his job. Attitude.
The shows were too good to be included as a lowlight, but not good enough to be included as a highlight. Ditto with the itinerary.