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Cuqui

Age: 50
Occupation: Administrative Services
Number of Cruises: 14
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Lines
Ship: Carnival Spirit
Sailing Date: January 14th, 2002
Itinerary: Panama, Costa Rica, Belize

Dear Cruise friends - we just got back from the BEAUTIFUL Carnival Spirit cruising the Exotic Western Itinerary from January 14 through 23, 2002 - Panama, Costa Rica & Belize and just had to share our experiences with other cruise-aholics!

ABOUT US

Our group consisted of eleven adults, all of us in our early fifties - mostly couples - all repeat cruisers - celebrating Birthday’s & anniversaries - all doing this ship & this itinerary for the first time.

Two of us have put together our impressions to benefit those LUCKY souls going on a cruise in the near future. Most of the couples have done at least three cruises, mostly with Carnival, but also with RCL, some as many as TWELVE usually one or two a year, usually 7 or more days. As you can see, we LOVE cruising and we LOVE Carnival, so honestly, this time was no different - we wanted to stay on and on and on...Like you may have heard someone say, a bad day cruising beats a good day back home ALWAYS! Oh, well, hopefully we can go again VERY SOON!

Reading so many reviews, we were a little concerned about the new design of this ship, the itinerary & the entertainment. So now it's our turn to express our experiences.

THE PORT OF MIAMI

Since we live in Miami, (YES, we’re VERY LUCKY!) we only needed to drive about 20 minutes from home, park (at $10 a day) and walk over to the ship. One caution, the additional security at the port as well as the number of vehicles (cars & trucks) coming in to the port on a weekday (we sailed out on a Monday) was a bit trying. Allow yourself enough time to get through this traffic and bring lots of patience - after all, it's not up to your Cruise company.

We crossed the port bridge around 1:00 p.m. and it was around 30-45 minutes by the time we got through security, we parked & started our walk to the terminal, A similar trip in the past would be 15-20 minutes. Your hand-bags get x-rayed and any scissors, bottles, etc., are located. You can throw them out - or you can sign to pick them up at the end of the cruise. No problem if you put them in the regular baggage, though - but be aware that baggage also gets x-rayed & checked by Police Dogs. Anyone carrying diving knives and the like should be prepared to explain their contents. The line to check in and get your Sail-N-Sign card was easy, it took us no more than 10 minutes for everything.

THE SHIP

We loved the "LOOK" of this ship - everything is very different from other Carnival Ships - we're told it's modeled after a Costa Cruise Lines Ship - Almost all the common areas (shops, casino, lounges, etc) are on deck 2 & 3; and of course the Lido Deck, Pools & Gym on Decks 9 & 10 – the other in-between Decks 4 - 9 as well as Deck 1 (Riviera) are all cabins.

The pools are all very nice, seems like chairs are always available. The new system with the towels (you have to sign up for them) reduces "chair-saving." The water slide was working, but not full-time. The operating time was posted in the Capers - Lots of passengers took advantage of the slide, however we did not use it.

We did spend A LOT of time at the Spa. The whirlpool is WONDERFUL, then you have the Steam Room, the Sauna & of course the Solarium - We found that at 4pm EVERY day at SEA we just had to go and pamper ourselves there. Oh, by the way, the showers are also GREAT. Four wall-mounted shower-heads as well as the ceiling shower that "surround" you! TRY IT - YOU WILL LOVE IT!

About the vibration that others have mentioned, we did feel it - but it’s nothing to worry about, unless you make it an issue - it’s not a problem. About the “rocking of the ship” three people in our group started to “feel the motion” of the ship & they quickly got their BRACELETS on - & it was over - Don’t leave home without them - otherwise you pay $15 at the Gift Shop. Most of ours were bought aboard the Jubilee a few years back - definitely a good investment! The rest of us felt FINE & never needed the bracelets or any medicine for that matter.

We did see some areas that show the wear-and-tear that 2,000 passengers & all the elements inflict upon their "floating hotel" but - in our view - nothing of significance. In fact, it may work sometimes to your advantage. Two couples in our group were asked by the Purser's Office (via letter) to allow access to their cabin by maintenance workers between 10 am and 2 p.m. during the Costa Rica stop. Obviously not a problem since you spend the day touring. As a thank you each couple received four complementary bar tickets - How about that!

This ship also has an alternate Restaurant, Nouveau Supper Club at the top of decks 10 & 11. It is very cozy & elegant but at this point you pay an extra $25 per person. We did not feel a need for that - after all, the food in the restaurant was excellent, truly - in our case - no need to improve on it. The stairway to that Supper Club is SPECTACULAR - it's free-standing in the Atrium from deck 9 & features a glass floor - so you are literally walking on glass in the Atrium. Great Kodak Moment. No charge for that - just a little exhilarating! We went by during the morning and saw the Versage dishes that they use and which, by the way, are also available for purchase at the Gift Shop for $75 each (WOW!). The shops are beautifully lined up like a Mall area. Although much smaller, it reminded us of the Mall area at the Paradise Resort in Nassau. The items, nothing spectacular, regular Carnival items, T-shirts, jewelry, perfume, etc. For this itinerary, there's little to find on the ports of calls - other than crafts, post-cards & magnets - so you are better off getting your goodies on board, we did!

Oh, don’t miss The Jungle - which is the path leading to the children’s Play Room - it’s quite different - seems like too much space for that, but they again it does isolate the Play Room.

THE CASINO & THE BINGO

Our view always is to take the money that you can AFFORD TO LOOSE. We did that & our friends likewise. We don’t do the Casino as full-time entertainment so mostly broke even or lost - as is the case in most other cruises. One person in our group won $300 in the $1 slots - she had brought $200 to play with and was down to about $20 when she won. They have LOTS of different slot machines, even the one cent slots for the pure entertainment of playing! From other cruises, it seemed there were less Bingo games available - specially if you have second sitting dinner. Oh, well, the "Free Cruise" Bingo is available to everyone and a definite MUST DO. There are some restrictions as to what ship you can book it, but HEY it's a Category 12 suite for a 3, 4, 5 or 7 day itinerary! Sorry...we were not the winner...

THE CABINS

We had BEAUTIFUL balcony cabins on Deck 8- seems like much bigger than others - you can walk around both sides of the bed - this is a BIG PLUS - at least for us - because whoever gets stuck with the wall-side of the bed - has to jump-over to get in and out - right? well, not this time! We had the two twin beds as a one king size bed and a sofa with a small table. LOTS of storage space. Mini-bar with lock, we did not use it, but it's nice to have. HIGHLIGHT of the cabin: the extra-large balcony - WONDERFUL!!! trouble is it's a bit misty while the ship is moving - worst of all...we will be hard-pressed to have a better cabin, unless we go to a suite the next time! We had read that the cabins on deck 8 aft were noisy because they are right below the Lido deck, we had some friends in that location, and they had no problem whatsoever. Another couple claimed when you are quiet enough, you might hear chairs moving but not actually the "noise" coming from upstairs. Our cabin was right below the Spa - absolutely no noise, no problem, just HEAVEN. We also read about paper-thin walls and that you are able to hear the people in the next cabin, but no one in our group had that problem.

As has been mentioned in other reviews, the A/C control is on the wall - WHICH WE LOVED, this way you don't have to get on a chair to adjust it. The room temperature was always perfect. One couple felt their room was not "cool" enough, but when we were there it seem fine. The bathroom is much bigger than other ships & they have Shampoo & Shower Gel in dispensers in the shower and also some samples in a little fish-shaped basket! - Also shelves along the side of the mirror - fantastic for all the "goodies" that you bring along. The safe is right below the TV - it's easy access & you don't have your clothes obstructing the safe door. Every cabin had bathrobes for each of us to use during the cruise - WONDERFULLLLL~ They collected the robes and the little fish-shaped baskets the night before you pack - I guess far too many were getting "lost." I suppose if you "put-it-away" before then, they can always use your "Sail & Sign" card...jajaja. We understand from our neighbors with inside cabins they did not get the robes and that the cabins were actually smaller, no sofa, only one chair. Sorry...should splurge for a balcony if you can - it's well worth it! As with other cruises, you get towel animals every night - usually hard to tell exactly what it is, but so much fun, and of course, they get photographed. True Story: We saw a lady bring her towel animal on top of a pillow - carrying it like a baby - she did the line at the Pursers' Desk to ask what it was....unbelievable! Sorry....We don't know what they told her - what we can say is that they did keep a straight face....one of us almost made the line to ask what they said to her...can only guess it's her first cruise! :o)

PUBLIC AREAS.

Our cruise ship was full - we had one couple in our group that decided on the cruise only eight days before sailing - and they were told only 5 cabins were left. In fact they went on "stand-by" & only got their cabin number the day of the sailing. Again, the ship was full but yet you never saw a big crowd of people anywhere - except the night of the Captain's party.

The set-up of the Lido Deck food has been re-done, instead of six or more stations with the same variety of food, they have six or more stations with different types of food - One for sandwiches, one for fruit, one for salads, one for Hamburgers/HotDogs & Steak Sandwiches, another w/ the "Food of Nations" (different every day - for example: Caribbean, Mexico, French, Italian, American, etc.) This means you do much smaller lines, get what you specially like & go back later for a different thing. The service at the Lido Deck is FANTASTIC! We usually sat around an area serviced by Daniella - very sweet & hard-working waitress from Bulgaria and three other young people. They not only clear the tables when you are done...they bring and prepare your coffee, bring you water, etc. and constantly try to please you. We always had our breakfast & lunches at the Lido Deck & Dinner at the Dining Room. Oh, and the plates, glasses & ice cream cups are all in pastel colors perfectly coordinated with the decor! Must be a girl's thing but definitely a nice touch. By the way, on days at sea, don't miss - make your own Sundae - between 3pm and 4pm - next to the Fantail Bar on Lido. We made it RELIGIOUSLY every time at 2:55 p.m. (so we'd be first in line!) :o)

DINING ROOM.

Beautiful Room, very elegant - all-in-all excellent service & excellent food. We had requested second sitting and a table for 11. Although we did get second sitting, there was a confusion about our "table for 11" which we addressed the same day we boarded - they had split us in a table of 7 and another of 4. We were not guaranteed the requested "change" and were convinced the arrangements were not going to be improved - well, guess what, they were - and we got the very next day our table of 11, still second sitting, on the second floor. The lesson is, ASK, just in case they can accommodate you - but be sure you ask right away. Nothing is "for sure" but they do try. The menu has great food - and no problem with a second or a different entree should you request it. They served lobster the first formal night & it took two seconds for our waiter to bring around a second round of lobster tails for those that wanted them. We can only guess we looked like Seafood Lovers! Desserts likewise, excellent, and no trouble with seconds. Our waiter Abraham & his assistant, Manuel were very nice. Manuel made THE BEST CAPPUCCINO AND THE BEST EXPRESSO for us EVERY DAY! Note, the Cappuccino and the Expresso at the Dining Room is free, if you get it from the other places, like The Fountain Cafe - then it's not.

DISAPPOINTMENTS

On the down side, to us it seems there's a less of a constant party atmosphere as in other Carnival ships. The music was more mellow, one or two people for VERY SHORT periods of time - definitely not as many bands. The deck party was run by a DJ - the pool area music was also DJ & even on formal evenings the last music session wrapped up around 1:30 a.m. - except the disco, which had EXTREMELY loud music for the younger crowd and is open late. This was fine for us who usually went to sleep around midnight. - Oh, but you can guess, the Casino was always open (and full) & during the day, there was always something to do.

Our Cruise Repeater's Party was a bit rushed. We learned that in our particular itinerary they had over 1,000 repeater passengers. They were arranged in three sessions of 45 minutes each starting at 3 in the afternoon on a day at sea. The Captain’s Farewell party was definitely a disappointment, there was really no "party." Everyone was dressed up with no where to go - there was no music in any of the lounges and the drinks were happy hour (reduced prices), no goodies to eat.

We did enjoy the music of 2-Slick a couple of times at Club Cool, but most of the time, the other lounges seemed quieter. The other disappointment was the Deco Lounge (Deck 3), since this is a designated smoking area but it happens to be on the promenade walkway of the second floor entrance to the dining room. Since we are non-smokers, it was a bit difficult to make it through in - or out - of the dining room through the cloud of smoke. We got smart & started using the stairs or the elevators to avoid it. Hopefully Carnival notices this & re-locates the smokers!

ON THE UP SIDE!

On the up side, the shows were very as expected, ALL VERY GOOD! The cruise director, Shawn was VERY, VERY nice and knowledgeable. We had met her back in the Jubilee in January 2000 - she is not like John Heald, but definitely, from our perspective a close second. The comedians were very good and the singers EXCELLENT.

For FUN AT SEA, like we said before, in this cruise we spent more time at the Gym's Jacuzzi with a SPECTACULAR VIEW ! We also used the Sauna, Steam Room, Showers & Solarium. In case you did not hear it the first time...don't miss the wrap-around showers at the Gym! Oh, a tip, many of us signed up for a Scalp, Neck & Shoulder Massage offered only on the last day of the cruise, for a reasonable $19 for 25 minutes - DO IT, YOU WON'T BE SORRY!

UNEXPECTED SURPRISES

Carnival provided for a Catholic Priest to be on board the WHOLE TIME. He celebrated Mass everyday and an Interdenominational Service on Sunday. This was important to us and to many other passengers, since ALL the services were well attended. We understand this is not always available, but we were very pleased that Carnival was thinking of our spiritual well-being also. Of course, the ship has a Chapel and there was a wedding on the day we sailed. We never saw the bride & groom after that…don’t know if they were just “busy.” :o)

SHORE EXCURSIONS

In our cruise the itinerary was reversed from what was shown on the tickets. We were advised at the Travel Talk on Day 2 (at Sea). It was not a surprise because we had "inside" information about it - since we wanted to be sure we could connect with family in Costa Rica. As such, instead of Belize, Costa Rica & Panama - we did Panama, Costa Rica & then Belize. Shawn explained the reason for the reversal was to hit Belize on an off-day from the Pride. This is a tender-in port & with two ships each with a couple of thousand passengers to tender simultaneously, would mean someone would be delayed. This was no problem for us at all - we’re just including so you know they can change itineraries.

We signed up for a Carnival Shore Excursion in Panama (to Panama City, Colonial Panama & the Miraflores Locks - on the Pacific side) including lunch at a FANTASTIC RESTAURANT called Las Pencas. - If you we recommend the Pepper Steak! We also signed up for a Carnival Shore Excursion in Belize - formerly British Honduras - definitely a very poor country, but already developing fast in the area of tourism. Here we visited Belize City & the Mayan ruins of Altun Ha - and even did the big climb to the Pyramid dedicated to the Sun God - WHAT A GREAT VIEW - don't miss it!

In Costa Rica we went to Puerto Viejo Beach & saw a couple of black sand beaches along the way. We were taken there in a mini-bus hired by the cousin of one of the people in our group - She is a native Costa Rican and she & her husband just loved showing us their country. We found out the mini-bus was about $100 for the whole day - this is transportation ONLY, no lunch included - and it accommodated 8 comfortably, 11 a little cramped. For lunch our new friends took us to Manzanillo Beach, to a beach-front restaurant called Maxi's - Fresh Red Snapper coupled with rice & beans & plantains - DELICIOUS!!!! The bill for all of us was around $100 US Dollars, including beers & refreshments.

ON YOUR OWN.

Of course, there are a lot of adventurous cruisers out there. Well, CONGRATULATIONS to you! You will be saving a lot of money...but will have to deal with the risk missing the ship or feeling worried about the individuals & the transportation you selected.

All three ports are at least one hour away from most of the interesting sights - so that means that if you want to see ANYTHING you will have a good hour of driving AWAY from the port. Otherwise, just stick around the port kiosks and browse through the arts & crafts (nothing spectacular, trust me!)

We had originally decided to venture out on our own to save money, after all there was quite a few of us and we all know Spanish - we did decide at the tail end for Carnival Shore Tours and we are VERY HAPPY to have done so. Sure, you can get a taxi or a mini-bus for A LOT LESS money - but you have no idea where they are really taking you and run the risk of a flat tire or other mishap - like a traffic jam - which cannot be communicated to Carnival. If that happens, then you really have to spend money getting to the next port on your own. By the way, if that happens...& you don't have your U.S. Passport - the troubles multiply! Oh, don’t forget to take your camera so you get a BEAUTIFUL picture of the Spirit WITHOUT YOU... boo!

We wanted to skip that risk and that worrying - - - so for us, the best option was to pay a little more and have the peace of mind. We had two terrific guides, Bennie (a girl) in Panama & Big Ed in Belize. They were very knowledgeable, friendly and a joy to be with. Oh, and in both tours they had COLD WATER BOTTLES for us - at no extra charge!

True story #1: Panama - the security around the Canal Zone is very high. Local taxi drivers are not necessarily allowed to the Locks’ Visitor’s Viewing area - at least the day we were there. So they must drop you off, you pass through security showing your ID’s & then WALK a few blocks to the Visitor Center. Our tour bus of course was allowed in (after the security check was completed at the gate) and we were WELCOMED at the Locks. Oh, almost forgot to tell you, our bus was escorted THE ENTIRE DAY by police escorts...with lights flashing...just like VIP's - running through the traffic jams in the city...WOW! Even when we stopped for lunch, our tour buses were safely kept in a street area blocked off by the police cars...WE LOVED IT! By the way...our sailing time was scheduled for 4pm (which means you must board by 3:30) well, due to the lunch break & the traffic, etc., we arrived at the port around 4:20pm - and of course the ship was waiting for us. In fact, we noticed that during the day, the tour guide was communicating with Carnival and advising our whereabouts! - Must say it again, WE LOVED IT!

True Story #2 - In Belize, once the tour bus passed Belize City - we headed out to THE REAL JUNGLE to find Altun-Ha (the Mayan Ruins) - it is a REALLY deserted area, dirt road (seems like only a one lane road) and after 45 minutes you arrive at a fork in the road that then leads 15 minutes later to the Ruins. Had we been on our own, we would have wondered WHERE they are taking us...No thanks, we don't need that worrying. You must know: If you are going to Altun-Ha, the national bird is the mosquito - they are HUGE! - well, you got to remember this is their natural environment - and they do get you! DON'T FORGET THE INSECT REPELLENT - we brought it AND USED IT! On our group we had only one person with two mosquito bites. By the way, don't embarrass the guide by asking if yellow fever and malaria have been controlled (as someone asked) - they are! Your only problem is the itching...jajaja

The only adventure on our own was Costa Rica - which we went to a couple of beaches & double & tripled-checked our route and distances to ensure we made it back in time. The beaches we visited were about 2 hours away from the Pier and we did not (THANK GOD) miss the ship. There was one Carnival tour group that was delayed & the ship waited until they arrived (two hours late).

PHOTOS

The prices for the professional pictures are still the same, 5x7 at $6 (or 2 for $10); 6x9 $8 (or 2 for $15) and the 8x10 at $20. They do a GREAT JOB, and if you can - they are the best ! This cruise, they even had Western clothes a couple of nights for those black-and-white “Old Time” Photos & for a change, there’s also a digital picture w/ special effects - usually different every day - at Deck 2 right before dinner. They are GOOD! We noticed the photographers were not pushy at all, in fact, we had to flag them sometime or we'd be missed. By the way, if you find Andrew the photographer - please say “Hi” from “the group of 11” - He will probably remember J He is VERY VERY NICE, even helped out with one of our cameras when it seem it was broken!

We got our own pictures today and are thrilled of how they turned out - must go now, it's time to plan the next cruise!

By the way, if you are planning a Carnival Spirit Cruise & have any questions - we have the Capers for the whole week & we’d be happy to answer if you just drop us a line!

Oh, and when you read other reviews of people that are worried about a future cruise or did not like their own cruise, remind them of the 10 Commandments of traveling - especially #1 #2 & #3 - They are listed below for your reading pleasure!

Ten Commandments for Travelers

These have been around for a long time, but, although a bit cute, they have lasting value. Even the most experienced traveler might find value by reviewing them occasionally.

1.Thou shalt not expect to find things as thou left them at home...for thou hast left home to find things different.

2.Thou shalt not take anything too seriously.. for a carefree mind is vital to a good vacation.

3.Thou shall not let other travelers get on thy nerves.. for thou paid good money to enjoy thyself.

4.Thou shalt not forget.. thou are a representative of your country at all times.

5.Thou shalt not worry.. for he who worrieth hath no pleasure and few things are fatal.

6.Know where the passport is at all times.. for a traveler without a passport is a traveler without a country.

7.As a stranger in a strange land.. be prepared to do as its people doeth.

8.Thou shalt not judge all people of a country.. by the one person who hath given thee trouble.

9.Blessed is the traveler who can say thank you in any language.. for this and a smile doubles the value of any tip.

10.Remember thou are a guest in every land...and those who treat their hosts with respect shall be treated likewise.

Bon Voyage!

Mercy (& Eddy) - Costa Flavia, Tropicale, Carnival Destiny, Victory, Fascination & Carnival Spirit mercyez@yahoo.com

Cuqui (& Frank) - Ecstasy (x2), Fantasy, Carnival Destiny (X2), Inspiration, Imagination, Jubilee, Fascination (x3), Victory & Carnival Spirit
Franke@netrox.net

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