A Little Bit Of Vitamin Sea With A Twist

[Hoofy7]

Hi all! I just got back from SB weekend in Vegas and was almost successful in doing a completely NON gambling trip, as I have a big upcoming trip and wanted to save my bankroll for it. My family and I are headed to NOLA for a weekend, by way of a day & night in Baltimore, before departing on an 8 day cruise.

Really looking forward to relaxing and focusing on what’s important ( family). Airfare was absolutely ridiculous out of any airport in NY and I had watched prices since September...I refused to pay $4300 for 4 economy tickets. Happened to find seats on a SW flight out of BWI for $400 each and snagged them up. To save over $2K, I have no issue with the 5 hour drive to Baltimore. Booked a hotel near the airport and will fly out the morning of 2/16.

I booked a comped room in NOLA at Harrahs. I plan on giving them about 4 hours of play a day because of the February Fever promotion. They are doubling all tier credits earned in February, so it’s a really great way to earn Diamond status fairly quickly and hopefully for a lot less money. I “think” I’m going to have them send a limo to pick us up from the airport on 2/16 as I think my 8 & 10 year olds would get a kick out of it.

On 2/18, we board Carnival Dream. I used my free cruise for 2 voucher from Palazzo and are staying in an Ocean Suite mid ship. I don’t think the rooms or ship are as nice as the Royal Princess, but there are some great restaurant options, and most importantly, tons of onboard activities for the kids. Waterslides, Dr Seuss at Sea, and kids clubs. We bought silly attire to wear to the big Seuss breakfast. They have a whimsical menu with red velvet pancakes, decorated waffles, and of course green eggs and ham. It was only an additional $5, so why not?

We will be visiting Montego Bay,Jamaica where I have a simple excursion to Margaritaville. Jamaica isn’t somewhere I was thrilled about going and decided to just spend time on the beach there, as they have lots of activities on the water for customers. Mom and Dad can have drinks while the kids swim. Easy and inexpensive.

The next stop will be Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. I booked an excursion on a catamaran. It will take us snorkeling at a coral reef, then to the Sand Bar to swim with sting rays and get photos, and then to a beach for the rest of the day. A lunch of island fare and open bar is included. The reviews were really good and the stops all looked beautiful.

The last stop will be in Cozumel. I think Cozumel is absolutely beautiful. It’s funny as when you are on a cruise, unless you book excursions, you don’t get to spend any time swimming in the ocean. That’s my and my children’s favorite part. So I booked an all inclusive day on Paradise Island. My kids love playing in the sand and body boarding, so it will definitely be relaxing and entertaining for all of us.

Plan on gambling in the evenings at the onboard casino. I’m going to start out cautiously, as so far my experiences have been that cruise ship casinos are really tight. If I find I’m winning, I’ll increase my bets. The casino can’t be worse than on Princess, so hoping for a better slot and VP selection. I may even attempt a shoe of BJ with my brother. My brother and his wife also booked the same cruise. So looking forward to spending time with them.

We have 2 formal nights and I booked anytime dining. I’ll decide after eating in the main restaurant the first night, if I will go back. There are some great casual options like Guy Fieri’s Pig n Anchor BBQ and his Burger Joint. The sushi restaurant ( Bonsai?), I think it’s called looked good and of course they have an Italian restaurant and a steakhouse for additional money. I know there is a Mongolian Wok, Captains Pizza, and a Mexican restaurant that there is no doubt I will frequent. I’m obsessed with tacos. Then every ship has a buffet where I can allow my kids to waste as much food as they want! Lol

Anyway, I have a busy next 10 days, so wanted to get this started. I’ll update frequently before we board the cruise ship, and whenever I happen to have free WiFi once on the ship. I’m not buying the WiFi package this time, as last time it was expensive and a complete waste of money. Hoping to win big in NOLA for some extra cruise ship casino bullets. If anyone is in Baltimore, New Orleans, or happens to be on this same cruise, please let me know! Would love to say hello. Any recommendations for a nice seafood dinner in Baltimore would also be appreciated. So ready to get my dose of Vitamin Sea!

[Elf70]

Have a wonderful trip Hoofy. I’m looking forward to your updates.

[clemi]

Have a great trip Hoofy, your plans sound wonderful.

[zeus]

Sounds like a great trip! Only three stops on an eight day trip, that to me is fantastic because I love the at-sea days. Swimming with the stingrays in Grand Cayman was a blast! But that was many years ago for me.

Have a wonderful time with your family! I know you will miss New York in the winter. [emoji50]

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[Luckylinda123]

I will be checking your report. Good luck gambling and enjoy the family cruise. Hope your husband is doing fine and healthy

[Laurie]

Have a great cruise!

[LowAndSlow]

Wow, you have a little bit of everything planned. Sounds wonderful. Have a great, safe, fun, and profitable trip!

[Mauretania]

I look forward to the cruise updates!

[Darlene]

What a wonderful relaxing fun filled family vacation it sounds like you have planned. I'll be watching for updates too. A five hour drive to save 2K sounds like something I would do too.

[Hoofy7]

Thank you everyone. @LuckyLinda, yes my husband is doing better. For those who don’t know he has an aortic aneurysm and they are monitoring him closely. His is measuring a 4.9 and at 5.5 they have to operate immediately. They check him monthly for any increase in size. It’s scary and really an eye opener on how precious life is. This is a really great group of people who seem to have genuine camaraderie and it’s refreshing. You all know how bad I suck at trip reports, but I promise to give this one a valiant effort. Lol

[emmas]

Sounds like a fantastic trip with many moving parts. Kudos to you for organizing this. Glad your hubby is feeling better. Good luck on the gambling portion and hope all of you have fun.

I will be in Vegas next week and plan to play the 3 reel Wonka at Cosmo, so will be thinking of you. Considering it slapped me up and down in September, it may be a sacrifice on my part.

[Hoofy7]

Sounds like a great trip! Only three stops on an eight day trip, that to me is fantastic because I love the at-sea days. Swimming with the stingrays in Grand Cayman was a blast! But that was many years ago for me.

Have a wonderful time with your family! I know you will miss New York in the winter. [emoji50]

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Lol [emoji23] Today we are getting a really bad snowstorm...AGAIN! Every school in a 200 mile radius has been cancelled. It’s miserable here in the tundra of North Country NY. I won’t miss it a bit. Every female is required to take vitamin D supplements, so our bones don’t disintegrate, from lack of sunshine.

[Nhcris]

Hoofy7, your plans sound great! Starting at Harrah's NOLA is perfect! I love Western Caribbean for getting lots of beach time. We used to always go to Paradise Beach in Cozumel when the kids were with us, and it was the perfect family day. And swimming with the Sting Rays in Grand Cayman is really, really cool! I can't wait to hear about the whole experience!

Glad to hear your husband is feeling better, and that he is being monitored closely! That is some scary shit.

[Hoofy7]

Sounds like a fantastic trip with many moving parts. Kudos to you for organizing this. Glad your hubby is feeling better. Good luck on the gambling portion and hope all of you have fun.

I will be in Vegas next week and plan to play the 3 reel Wonka at Cosmo, so will be thinking of you. Considering it slapped me up and down in September, it may be a sacrifice on my part.

I hope 3 wheel Wonka is as good to you as it has been for me! Good luck on your trip. Just because I like to post this any chance I get....Bwahaha...it can happen to you too! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180207/1e0261927d9242f7fe41baf9e3695e26.jpg

[emmas]

I hope 3 wheel Wonka is as good to you as it has been for me! Good luck on your trip. Just because I like to post this any chance I get....Bwahaha...it can happen to you too! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180207/1e0261927d9242f7fe41baf9e3695e26.jpg

We can all hope.

[Luckylinda123]

That wonky never gives me much just pays Hoofy7

Did anyone ever hear from Willy? Hoofy7 and dvandentop

[dvandentop]

That wonky never gives me much just pays Hoofy7

Did anyone ever hear from Willy? Hoofy7 and dvandentopYeah he said he made it home but after I met him the next day he said he wasn't feeling well and was are miserable rest of his new year's trip.

He said he has really not doing too well health-wise so he was pretty much said his goodbyes and wasn't going to be spending much time on the internet much more very sad to have to hear that after meeting him he is such a nice guy.

[Luckylinda123]

Thanks sorry to hear that news

[FL Mary]

Have fun on your cruise! Also good luck at Harrah's NOLA. I like that casino.

[CTslotters]

Leaving the tundra for sun and fun, what can be better!?!?! Have an amazing family trip Hoofy7! We loved our catamaran snorkeling excursion in grand cayman last year, and loved swimming in the ocean in cozumel! I'll be living vicariously through your posts! :)

[bluesfan]

Have a great cruise! How exciting!

[Hoofy7]

I will take video of the casino to show the slot selection and if I can’t post it while on the cruise, I’ll do it when we get off the ship and to our hotel. We don’t fly home til Monday as I hate being rushed off the ship and trying to catch a flight the same day we get back to port. It was too stressful last time. So this cruise I’m going to take my sweet time and get as much out of that cruise as I can my last day. Lol One thing that I hate about cruising, is them requiring us to put our suitcases out the night before we leave. Does anyone else find it hard to get ready the next morning and keep out the bare minimum. I’m then stuck carrying the stuff around until I’m reunited with my luggage. Dirty clothes and toiletries and pajamas. Especially traveling with kids. Do you know if you can keep your luggage and just bring it down yourself?

[Hoofy7]

I made a reservation for Saturday night in NOLA at Antoine’s. It’s the oldest restaurant in New Orleans from what I read. They also give you a tour after dinner. I believe the restaurant was in the Gone with the Wind movie or something? It’s a little pricey, but feel it’s worth it to dine somewhere so rich in history. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180209/b977975003818c5786d0e3f5a64a4961.jpg

[Nhcris]

I will take video of the casino to show the slot selection and if I can’t post it while on the cruise, I’ll do it when we get off the ship and to our hotel. We don’t fly home til Monday as I hate being rushed off the ship and trying to catch a flight the same day we get back to port. It was too stressful last time. So this cruise I’m going to take my sweet time and get as much out of that cruise as I can my last day. Lol One thing that I hate about cruising, is them requiring us to put our suitcases out the night before we leave. Does anyone else find it hard to get ready the next morning and keep out the bare minimum. I’m then stuck carrying the stuff around until I’m reunited with my luggage. Dirty clothes and toiletries and pajamas. Especially traveling with kids. Do you know if you can keep your luggage and just bring it down yourself?

I haven't sailed Carnival for a few years, but the other cruise lines always have an option to carry off your own bags. You just have to be able to manage them with no assistance, and I 'think' the time slot for disembarking with bags is usually one of the first ones, but I don't know if it is mandatory to leave that early. I always just keep a good sized carry on with me and put any large bags out in the hallway. Maybe have the kids each keep a carry on and one for you and hubby, and put out the big bags? I hate trying to jam into a full elevator with a giant suitcase on departure morning as people have lost their courteousness and sense of humor by then HHH

[Hoofy7]

A little fun I’m packing for the kids and I to dress up for the Dr Seuss Breakfast at Sea. When in Rome....or Suessland? Lol https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180209/7e6c5a139199b2ce619d76912ac3ee40.jpg

[Hoofy7]

I had better get a move in and get packed. Leave in the morning. I hate packing. Especially for myself and kids. Happy Valentines Day everyone!

[zeus]

Dang, what you been doing all week? Wasting all of that valuable time when you should have had everything ready and sitting by the door ready to go. [emoji4] I hate packing for two of us. I could not imagine doing it for an entire family!

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[TwoArmedBandito]

I had better get a move in and get packed. Leave in the morning. I hate packing. Especially for myself and kids. Happy Valentines Day everyone!Have a great time Heather and family!

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[Nhcris]

Bon Voyage! I can't wait to hear all about your fun!

[CTslotters]

A little fun I’m packing for the kids and I to dress up for the Dr Seuss Breakfast at Sea. When in Rome....or Suessland? Lol
Love this! Dressing up is part of the fun! When we did the Disney cruise with Adam's family, we made sure to tell them to pack a pirate themed outfit for the Pirates of the Caribbean party. It's so much more fun to join in the fun!
And I loved Antoine's when I ate there, but that was about a decade ago! The service was spectacular. I was there for work and the dinner used up my entire daily food allotment the company reimburses you for, lol! Good thing the hotel served free continental breakfast that morning!
Have a blast Hoofy and family! :)

[Hoofy7]

Didn’t fare to well with the Southwest Check-In. I did it the very second it turned 7:35AM and got B-10 through B-14......hopefully we can still get seats together.

[sondor]

Didn’t fare to well with the Southwest Check-In. I did it the very second it turned 7:35AM and got B-10 through B-14......hopefully we can still get seats together.
You should be ok with those..may just be back furthur

[Hoofy7]

We made it to our hotel. Finally. Traffic sucked. We stopped for dinner but I forgot my phone to take photos. I had liver and onions anyway as I needed something soft. Lol We have to get up at 4AM to get ready for flight so going to watch some tv and chillax. I’ll update tomorrow. Good night all!

[Hoofy7]

At the airport waiting to board. Flights ON TIME, so first win. Heading to Atlanta and then off to NOLA! As you all know my son has autism. Well TSA agent decided to question him about his age and what his sisters name is. Well we call her by her middle name. He kept saying, “Her name is Luce!” What he calls Lucy, so of https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180216/e56432e52eb2ed0f15c1fd76f2fb8309.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180216/47edcdce7bda7be30092f3fa4830b9ad.jpgcourse she starts questioning him further. She started to get agitated he wasn’t answering right, so finally I told her he has autism! Kinda pissed me off.

[zeus]

Damn, poor kid. I know I would have been royally pissed off. I hope the little guy is okay, and that it does not spoil his day. He deserves to sit in the pilot's seat! [emoji3] Safe travels!

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[TwoArmedBandito]

At the airport waiting to board. Flights ON TIME, so first win. Heading to Atlanta and then off to NOLA! As you all know my son has autism. Well TSA agent decided to question him about his age and what his sisters name is. Well we call her by her middle name. He kept saying, “Her name is Luce!” What he calls Lucy, so of https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180216/e56432e52eb2ed0f15c1fd76f2fb8309.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180216/47edcdce7bda7be30092f3fa4830b9ad.jpgcourse she starts questioning him further. She started to get agitated he wasn’t answering right, so finally I told her he has autism! Kinda pissed me off.WTF?! Damn TSA. What's the reasoning behind this? I don't think I've ever seen the TSA ask any questions to anyone unless they go into extra screening. And it's about their luggage etc.

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[Hoofy7]

Well...guess where I am? Still in Baltimore. We got on plane and got an hour into the flight when something went wrong with the pressurization system. So we turned around. No flights until later tonight. My kids are so upset and we have no luggage as we all checked it. They gave us each a $200 travel voucher...woohoo.....

[Mary9915]

Sorry to hear about the rocky start to your holiday...at least the $200 voucher makes it a bit better.

Can't wait to follow along. I'm excited to hear about your dinner at Antiones.

[Elf70]

Sorry about your rough start. I hope things go smoothly going forward and you have an awesome trip.

[Hoofy7]

We made it. I’m exhausted. I look like a homeless person after my travel day. I checked in and am on the 19th floor. The room is perfectly adequate and clean. It’s just not Vegas quality. Walked over to the casino for about an hour and just couldn’t get on anything I really wanted to play. A bit disappointed in the slot selection still. I was too tired to play much so I’m back at hotel. Only win worth a photo, but still ended up down $500 for the hour. [emoji20] https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180217/c928b48ff0a97e2bec6ae816e6e4a930.jpg

[zeus]

Boo!!! What a disappointment on the slot selection. And $500 in one hour? Dang, I guess it saved you money by being delayed.

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[Hoofy7]

The worst part was the above slot game I retriggered 3 times. I had 30 spins and usually would have been handpay close. Most wins with multiplier of 5X, 8X, or 10X are around 50-90 for even just 4 of a kinds. Mostly dead spins. I’m awake and out smoking. For us smokers, NOLA going smoke free is a definite deterrent.

[Hoofy7]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180217/af48c2b01a0f8b063bf89cc1e8ffb7a7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180217/9e7ee3d684832292043976bc380bebfe.jpg
My smoking spot! Lol

[Mimi]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180217/af48c2b01a0f8b063bf89cc1e8ffb7a7.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180217/9e7ee3d684832292043976bc380bebfe.jpg
My smoking spot! LolI know that spot well, HHH!

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[Hoofy7]

Got a river view room and we have watched the cruise ships come in all morning. It’s not a Vegas View, but I am happy with it. I love the excitement of the “little things” in my kids eyes! The nice rooms, the view of their cruise ship, and room service. I think being Vegas spoiled we forget about how awesome some of the perks of being a gambler actually are for the money we lose. Oh, forgot to mention had a nice lady come introduce herself to me last night while I was playing...she called me Miss Heather. Lol She said if I needed anything she’s from VIP services, just to give her a call or stop in host office? Kinda odd as she also called to welcome me before we arrived yesterday. Probably didn’t leave the best impression with my appearance last night! Hoodie and sweats! Bwahaha
My kids are eating on the beds....https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180217/ec93699ecf563492800811854844f6a5.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180217/cee381e36c57bc276dff5b42a37ecd1a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180217/e0765e70c6892f9a327750ce8f71468a.jpg

[Hoofy7]

Guess what this chica is going to do now??? Get a shower and call and see if I can get my hair did somewhere! Lol Feeling lazy and this humidity I look like Pippi Longstockings.

[Nhcris]

So sorry you had such terrible flight experience. That shit is so much worse when you have kiddos with you. But glad to see you made it with your sense of humor intact :)

It's been awhile, but I have never liked Harrahs NOLA. There is something depressing about it to me, and the no smoking thing makes it even less appealing. But it is a wonderful port to cruise from, and I love that river view! Get that hair all prettied up, and have a nice relaxing day today.

[dvandentop]

Sorry just catching this have a great time on the cruise and in Nola!

[Hoofy7]

I gambled yesterday for just a few hours and lost $1000 without getting a single bonus or win over $30. I had no problem calling it a wrap until cruise. It was disgusting. Should be able to see our ship soon as the sun comes up, out my hotel window. Kids went exploring yesterday. Goofballs! We ended up cancelling Antoine’s as a few of our dinner party had too much booze. Not me! I actually only had a Corona and a piña colada the entire day. We ended up eating at Dragos because it was so close to Harrahs. It was just ok, nothing to write home about...but that’s what I’m doing! Bwahaha https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/f91e13865d0b2751b9b5907c4f695f28.jpg My son had to buy weird shit....https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/b8ce6059bec076490081fa76703ccefe.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/1c5f2df3463be99f026bd0fe654c76d0.jpg Having conversations with statues. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/70df59cbc94b2612cfa0096492ae6dac.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/0cc6b19e74df4b962b59e4c615279ec0.jpgCharbroiled oysters and raw oysters with French bread..sorry started eating before I remembered.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/62f9785f5408260c00a686875793bf64.jpg The Shuckee Duckee rare duck breast with oysters in spiral pasta.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/2aeb9b492497de733fced04b3ec6d1d6.jpgFried alligator bites and calamari.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/7dc8b206810c3d41f50d2e8084be516a.jpgBoudin Stuffed Shrimp.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/4063de3f4f6beae966b850f105e1456e.jpgSeafood pastahttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/9fa235413e6497b4bc13db6bd7fb4a02.jpgMy son with chicken fingers and fries.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/ee280acb8e8af2711c3a9a2126ca46d7.jpgCajun Redfish roasted potatoes and collard greens ( mine) lol
Can’t wait to get on that ship!

[Hoofy7]

My son picked out a T-shirt yesterday and he wanted it SO bad, he didn’t read it he just thought it was a Snickers Bar T-shirt...but inside the candy bar wrapper instead of the SNICKERS logo it said STRIPPERS! I would have let him buy it as I thought it was hysterical, but my husband over ruled me! Lol

[Hoofy7]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/d7c362194e8ae1e312d12c317ad861fd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/060c1a8f9a6ea2230d85b5b43297fc50.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/6fc169b9c2b6172e92afa72342180828.jpg Pool at my brothers hotel in French Quarterhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/87a4b61ceb501d81a38c85c71c1cc7f6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/f6949cd441d102b2bfaffaca553ba8f3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/a6a7b0eb166bcc26baaa3a995dc0593f.jpg Drunks riding the mechanical bull. Lol

[Hoofy7]

^^^^^Girl had some pipes! Lol

[zeus]

All this report has done is make me rethink a trip to Harrah's NOLA. But then again my low-rolling ways would hopefully make my BR last a little longer. Maybe? But, Dang, not getting to have a ciggie each time I got a bonus would suck a big one! But I guess that was not an issue for you since you couldn't get a bonus. Bwahahaha!! Just kidding! Sorry! [emoji15]

I am with your son on t he food choices. Out of all of the pics I would have gone with the chicken fingers. I am quite the foodie! [emoji3] Looked like a fun day exploring.

Now go Get On That Boat!!!

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[Hoofy7]

Of course kids are having their favorite breakfast in bed...lol https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180218/9721eab7ece1a608b00605c362a57470.jpgThey just pick them up and eat them with no syrup...or FORK! ;) I can’t wait to get on the ship.

[Nhcris]

Your kids are so cute! It looks like they had a blast exploring. The food looked interesting :)

Now I can say it. BON VOYAGE!!

[clemi]

Loving your updates Hoofy, sending good luck wishes for a fun cruise!

[foamy]

Have a great cruise and get that boy a stripper. hhh

[Hoofy7]

Onboard the most redneck cruise Ive ever seen. Grandmas are twerking in a competition already and I’m dying laughing. Gambling in the mighty Mississippi and started with a $100 bill...

[Hoofy7]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180219/2462767608d98bc7f769127f7f810c52.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180219/398dbbbd2c705a1a1145c7f243d84c9a.jpg

[zeus]

You got to take some pics of these grannies twerking! And zeus wouldn't mind a pic or two of some nice looking men by the pool. [emoji7]

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[Cyndyga]

Loving this trip report, you have a comedic writing style that is a very fun read especially with all the accompanying pictures! Have a great cruise!

[Jen Jen]

Just catching up on your TR looks like you are having a fabulous time. Thanks for sharing your NOLA cruise it's on my bucket list. Enjoy your family cruise.

[Mary9915]

I'm really enjoying your trip report so far Hoofy...more please!!!

[Mimi]

The Grannies must have been hitting the Hurricanes hard, HHH. Be thankful you weren't on the Carnival cruise out of Australia, total free for all family ruined the cruise for everyone! They were terrorizing all the passengers :(

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[Hoofy7]

Hi everyone! Sorry it’s taken me so long to update. I wasn’t sure if I should even finish this report as I don’t want to ruin the optimism any of you may have about an already booked cruise on Carnival, but don’t want to leave you hanging either. I’ll start with the port. It was very easy to get on and literally took us 15 minutes to get checked in and to our captains lounge to wait until they allowed us to board. It was much faster than Port Everglades. I was onboard the ship before 11am! Couldn’t ask for an easier process. Unfortunately, that was where the luck ended. Our room wasn’t ready til around 3pm. When I first got into our suite, I looked around and thought the 1970’s threw up in it. Lol Very worn and outdated. Then I noticed the thick dust all around the television. There was only ONE tv in a suite! It was probably only a 32” television too. Boo! Very disappointed. Then I look down and see an open safety pin sticking straight up out of the carpet. THAT would have been a disaster had any of us stepped on it. The other cruise goers were a mix of ages, but totally classless. Now I can sit at a dive bar all day and don’t claim to have the manners of Princess Di or anything, but these people were slobs. Kids running all over raising hell without ANY supervision. Even at the pools where there are no lifeguards. Running on the wet decks...I was stressed watching them. People throwing garbage all over the floors, spilled drinks everywhere.......I just could not believe the difference between Carnival & Princess.
Played in the casino awhile and at first I was doing ok. I got my $100 bill up to almost $600 and felt good about it. Then any luck I may have had departed with the ship leaving port. No matter how much I bet or what machine I tried, I could not win! On the Wonder 4 Tall Towers betting $10.20 a spin, I would open up the tower to the top and not win more than $25! It was brutal and I never saw a single handpay the entire cruise! The slot selection was just ok. No Wonka! Boo Again! There were a lot of the Asian themed slots, but nothing really new. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180301/881b6dbfa6dc02e94ffa5cef88907f24.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180301/3e6eb51663b094608c69aee4f3a7ff91.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180301/5308f69629ea3e1411de134a7573ba48.jpg My biggest hit the entire cruise was $300 and I lost $4000! I should have learned my lesson, but I just kept chasing like an idiot! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180301/7554d4ccd37492b198e2d7358e5859cf.jpg

[Hoofy7]

The service.....there wasn’t ANY! I would have to walk and walk and walk to find a coffee. If you wanted a drink, you had to wait 20 minutes in line everywhere on the ship. I bought the Bottomless Bubbles drink package and it was a complete waste of money. They also print a receipt for every single drink...even bottled water....and you have to sign it each and every time you order anything! On Princess, you just handed your card and that was it. Not Carnival! You hand your card, they make your drink, you get your drink and a few minutes later you get a black leather booklet with the cost of your drink and an added 15% gratuity to EVERY drink and are required to sign for it. It really makes the process take so much longer than it should! The wait staff was almost non existent and you pretty much are on your own. There’s no smiling waiter walking around offering to grab you a coffee like on Princess....there are no waiters in the entire buffet on Lido deck! You either have to bring a drink with you or get your own water and lemonaid in plastic cups in the center of the buffet! So having that drink package, you can’t even get a coke or beer to go with your buffet! Another Boo!
The food....I’m sorry to say it was absolutely disgusting, inedible, and I literally went 3 days at a time without eating. Horrible! Again, I’m sorry I can’t give you all anything positive as there was NOTHING good about this cruise. I hate sounding so negative, but it was not the Carnival Dream, but it WAS the Carnival Nightmare!!!

[Hoofy7]

Ok, so obviously you can tell by now that the ship was a nightmare and were not enjoying ourselves at all. So we were all ready to get off the ship and looking forward to our excursions. One thing I really don’t skimp on is the excursions. I make sure to book the more expensive ones at least a few times. I had such a great time on my last cruise booking the catamarans that take you snorkeling, to swim with sea life, and that also include a beach stop with open bar and lunch. It’s always the most expensive excursions you can choose, but in my previous experience, worth every penny. Well we get a note under our door late at night that EVERY single excursion we booked was cancelled due to not enough people! Again, this is all due to the cheap, disgusting people onboard this shitty ship we were on. Out of 4,000 people not enough would spend the money to fill a small catamaran? There were 6 of us booked!!!!! It was so disappointing, my kids were devastated! We had to just wing it at every port. Ruined it for us in every way. We were badgered by sales people soon as we got on the piers, ripped off by taxi drivers on the islands, and just not at all what we envisioned. The first stop was Jamaica and if one more person stopped me trying to get me to pay them to put braids in my hair.....I was gonna lose it. Jamaica was a shit hole! Dirty and poverty everywhere. We ended up just going to Margaritaville on our own instead of the cancelled excursion. It was fine, but nothing special. Cost us more money since nothing was included than it would have if the excursion hadn’t been cancelled. There was a nice play area with water slides into the ocean and a DJ. Had a few drinks and just watched the kids swim. Even in the bar, locals were trying to sell you junk. Montego Bay is definitely off my list of future travel destinations. Lol

[foamy]

Well that sucks I have never been on a cruise and don't want to go this just makes my decision seem better.

[Mary9915]

I so appreciate your honest feedback Heather. I'm sorry the trip was such a bummer...

[TwoArmedBandito]

Wow Heather! That sounds like an awful experience for the whole family. If theyre lax on the ship about so many things you can see. I wonder what theyre cutting behind the scenes. Thanks for reporting.

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[Hoofy7]

Well that sucks I have never been on a cruise and don't want to go this just makes my decision seem better.

I have to say our last cruise on Princess was incredible. The gambling was just as tight, but we had an amazing time. The ship was beautiful, food was delicious most of the time, and the service was top notch. It was night and day different onboard this one. I highly recommend the Royal Princess foamy. I’d go again anytime on that ship. But Carnival I wouldn’t get on that hell on water ship if they paid me $5000 a day! Lol

[Laurie]

So sorry the cruise was that bad especially the excursions getting cancelled. Thanks for the report and pictures!

[Hoofy7]

The Cayman Islands are beautiful. My entire family was seriously contemplating abandoning ship, and swimming up to this yacht! It was named Vibrant Curiosities and an absolute dream yacht! We were hoping they would take us in when they saw all four of us looking like starving and battered refugees! Bwahaha Must be nice, huh???https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180301/c2275116f4eb021e0554a81ae7be5c9a.jpg

[Hoofy7]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180301/cb6054a0452ea5978dbe64e226cea647.jpg
Our room photos, the kids were having more fun playing iPads than exploring the ship. lol Oh, while they were swimming in the pool onboard, crew came over and closed down the pool. I figured out why as soon as we got back to our cabin. My poor kids had chemical ( salt) burns all over their sensitive skin areas from it being set too high! They never bothered to tell us why they closed it. Luckily my daughter told me that her skin was burning, so we immediately threw both of them in our tub to get the salt off them. It was raw the rest of cruise! Just absolutely unacceptable! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180301/a1381528b7e99ff89bd0bf49c5028706.jpg

[FL Mary]

Sorry you had a bad cruising experience. I have never done Carnival but have done Princess several times. Thanks for the report!

[clemi]

So sorry Hoofy on the poor experience you all had on your cruise.

[Hoofy7]

You live and learn. We definitely had lots of family togetherness in our room, snuggled up shivering with fevers, fighting over the toilet...Bwahaha! Now that’s family bonding! ;)

[Elf70]

Sorry it was such a disappointment. I know another person who loves to cruise who had an awful experience on Carnival. No cruising for me! You had better plan a make up trip to LV. [emoji3] You need to recover from your vacation!

[zeus]

Oh, Hoofy, I am so sorry it was such a shitty trip. [emoji852] I know the only Carnival cruise I took, about 12 years ago, the food was mediocre, but damn!!! And I cannotg believe they could not get folks on these excursions. Are people that damn cheap? It is part of the experience.

I am glad you did finish the report though. You may have saved someone fe on a horrible experience!

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[DK528]

That sounds absolutely awful Hoofy7 ... hope you have a trip soon to make up for it!


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[Hoofy7]

I have some more photos I’ll post on here too. There were some we took in Cozumel at Paradise Beach. The waiters were trying to sell us cocaine! Bwahaha https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180301/e9b7c9a0f6f12d803a15a632733471df.jpg My husband, Lucy, & Jax in Cozumel at Paradise....https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180301/22cef6862ce0bef0c340138aee0b422d.jpgKids and their crazy uncle...

[Hoofy7]

The phrase,”I need a vacation from my vacation!”....really stuck in my head this trip....I didn’t have high expectations, but I just could never have imagined it being as bad as it was. I need a Vegas IV drip STAT!

[Reen]

So sorry you had a bad experience on the cruise. I had a bad experience on my first and only cruise many years ago, never again. I think you deserve a trip to Vegas soon.

[Mimi]

I did a Carnival cruise years ago and it was one and done for us!! Sorry it was such a nightmare.

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[Curlyd]

We cruised 4 times, twice on Royal Caribbean and twice on Celebrity. Celebrity was the better of the two but RCI was good also. Never had a desire to cruise on Carnival as we had heard too many not nice things.

Like Hoofy7 we loved the excursions but usually used private tours not booked through the cruise ship. We enjoyed visiting all the different islands and picked cruises that were 10 - 11 days long with 9 different islands to see.

I do wish we could still cruise but just not doable with Bill's health. Oh well!

Sorry your experience was so bad.

[Darlene]

Definitely sounds like you need a redo vacation. If I even decide to take a cruise, I'll definitely stay away from Carnival.

[goldengreeke]

Great TR and pictures, but sorry your vacation sucked.

Carnival has always been the arm pit of the cruise lines. I wouldn't go on a cruise with them even if it was 100 percent free.

Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Holland America, I have no problem with. Haven't cruised on any others.

[Hoofy7]

I still am not back to 100%. I feel weak, still coughing especially at night, and my stomach is super acidic. I’m having trouble eating much of anything. I literally feel exhausted. Worse part is I’m paler than when I left! Bwahaha! I’m lucky that we were able to take a family vacation as I know many families that can’t afford to do that and they would have appreciated that cruise (even as terrible as it was), so for getting away I’m thankful. We all survived the travel and made it home safe. I just wish there had been ONE thing redeemable about the cruise. I sat last night and tried to think of a single thing that was enjoyable and couldn’t! Lol I regret that I spent around $8000 on a free cruise between travel expenses and casino losses. It definitely was NOT an $8K trip. I honestly think I may take my kids to Vegas. All our food and hotel would be comped and they would love the pools. We can get tickets through Caterpillar for a NASCAR hospitality suite and race free and my son would love to go see his favorite cars and drivers in action. My daughter is obsessed with Kawaii type items and I’m sure we can find all kinds of shops selling that. I always thought it was bad parenting to take children to Vegas, but the more I think about it, I really think it could be a lot of fun and super inexpensive. Have any of you taken kids to Vegas?

[Nhcris]

Oh Hoofy, I am so sorry to hear that it was so bad :( I gave up on Carnival after a crappy cruise 7 years ago, and won't return. That's why I was so pissed when Grazie switched to them from Princess. I hope you will let someone at V/P know just how terrible it was, as it reflects very poorly on them!

Honestly. I don't think taking kids to Vegas is such a bad thing as long as you have ideas for fun things for them to do, and it sounds like you have a great plan. If they have a great pool and a few activities, I bet they would love it. And if you take them to the Hoover Dam or out to see some of the beautiful scenery, it could also be educational. I see families in the Palazzo elevators all the time, and they usually looked relaxed and happy. I say GO FOR IT! You deserve it!

[Hoofy7]

Is it just me or does my daughter have legs like a gazelle? Bwahaha I never noticed before how long her legs are?!? I’m so short, but I think she may get some height from her dad. Another thing I forgot to mention was the kids clubs onboard Carnival. We had to make our kids leave kids club on Princess as they got spoiled rotten in it. They were given so many goodies and had scavenger hunts with really nice prizes. On Carnival it was the opposite. They never wanted to go as it was really boring they said. There were very few kids on Princess so I think they were given extra attention and had better activities and supplies for crafts. They were given stuffed animals and t shirts and hats. My daughter got to do Top Chef Jr at Sea and bake a cake in the galley. Over the top on Princess. On Carnival there were so many kids and parents were dumping them off from the moment they opened until they closed. The child care staff was overwhelmed and the activities were cheapened because of the amount of kids. I really thought because Carnival was set up more for children, that the kids club would be really well run. It wasn’t. It was like budget day care. So even in that area they failed. I did forget that there was ONE thing in the ship edible. Guys Burger Bar. The fresh cut fries were really good and the cheeseburgers weren’t terrible. The problem was you had to wait in line for 30 minutes to get one. Lol These people would order 4-5 burgers at a time and sit down and eat them ALL. My husband is a big guy and he couldn’t eat even a 1/3 of what these cruisers were packing down. I watched a lady eat 4 of those burgers and 2 giant hot dogs for lunch! Bwahaha I’ve never seen anything like it. I think Carnival really missed the boat though on food choices. With a name like Carnival I was telling my husband that they should have fair food. Have cotton candy, salt water taffy, corn dogs, fresh cut fries with vinegar, and funnel cakes. All these things are inexpensive and would have been SO much better than the other slop they were serving. I think it would go over really well and I would have killed for a corn dog with mustard on that ship. ;)

[Hoofy7]

Oh Hoofy, I am so sorry to hear that it was so bad :( I gave up on Carnival after a crappy cruise 7 years ago, and won't return. That's why I was so pissed when Grazie switched to them from Princess. I hope you will let someone at V/P know just how terrible it was, as it reflects very poorly on them!

Honestly. I don't think taking kids to Vegas is such a bad thing as long as you have ideas for fun things for them to do, and it sounds like you have a great plan. If they have a great pool and a few activities, I bet they would love it. And if you take them to the Hoover Dam or out to see some of the beautiful scenery, it could also be educational. I see families in the Palazzo elevators all the time, and they usually looked relaxed and happy. I say GO FOR IT! You deserve it!

There must have been complaints already about V/P switching to Carnival as my recent cruise offer from them is back to up to 15 days on Princess in a balcony cabin. With the ability to upgrade to a mini suite through play. So looks like it was a one time Carnival promotion and they immediately went back. Lol My host from V/P has been calling and I haven’t answered. I’m sure he’s wondering where the hell I’ve been. Bwahaha I went from 4-5 trips there a year to only going once in 2017 and I didn’t gamble over SB weekend and didn’t see him then either.

[DK528]

Hoofy7 when I saw your photos earlier in the thread I thought to myself that your daughter has long legs :)


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[Nhcris]

There must have been complaints already about V/P switching to Carnival as my recent cruise offer from them is back to up to 15 days on Princess in a balcony cabin. With the ability to upgrade to a mini suite through play. So looks like it was a one time Carnival promotion and they immediately went back. Lol My host from V/P has been calling and I haven’t answered. I’m sure he’s wondering where the hell I’ve been. Bwahaha I went from 4-5 trips there a year to only going once in 2017 and I didn’t gamble over SB weekend and didn’t see him then either.

Happy to hear they got rid of Carnival! But not happy that I didn't get a Princess offer :( Can I ask how long ago you got yours, and what the timeline is? I may gripe to my host and see what he can do. We loved our 2 Princess cruises and I hate to actually pay for one haha.

[zeus]

I would not say gazelle, but maybe pageant material? Just think of all of the fun taking her to all of the pageants to compete in. You would not ever have time for Vegas. Or the money. Yay, pageant mom!!! Bwahahaha! [emoji23]

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[Hoofy7]

Happy to hear they got rid of Carnival! But not happy that I didn't get a Princess offer :( Can I ask how long ago you got yours, and what the timeline is? I may gripe to my host and see what he can do. We loved our 2 Princess cruises and I hate to actually pay for one haha.

It’s been awhile and already over. I was unable to go. It was probably November I think? I had already booked the Carnival one at that point and wasn’t able to go to Vegas to pick it up. BUT the next one should be coming soon as it’s usually in April. There’s 3 a year I believe. The next one I get I’ll let you know.

[Hoofy7]

I would not say gazelle, but maybe pageant material? Just think of all of the fun taking her to all of the pageants to compete in. You would not ever have time for Vegas. Or the money. Yay, pageant mom!!! Bwahahaha! [emoji23]

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When she was a toddler and we lived in Louisiana we decided to do the pageant circuit. She won every single one we entered except for one she was just Queen. It was all about the money and how much you spent. Lol It was definitely more for the mothers than the toddlers. They just liked the trophies and crowns and prizes at the end. She is so NOT a lady now! Lol Pageants would definitely not be her thing. I have to fight her to brush her hair! She dresses like a boy and hates anything girly.

[Nhcris]

It’s been awhile and already over. I was unable to go. It was probably November I think? I had already booked the Carnival one at that point and wasn’t able to go to Vegas to pick it up. BUT the next one should be coming soon as it’s usually in April. There’s 3 a year I believe. The next one I get I’ll let you know.

Ok, thanks. I did know about the November one. I am already booked on a regular offer for April, so I hope they don't pass me by on this one! I am doing an MSC cruise from my local in a couple weeks, and I just know I am going to be yearning for Princess.

[CTslotters]

Hoofy7, I echo everyone's sentiments and am sorry to hear about the bad cruise, but appreciate the honesty as I think it's helpful to share the good and the bad on here!
We've only cruised on Disney and Celebrity and both were wonderful so we are hesitant to even try a different cruise line, lol!

[michelelovesvegas]

Hoofy7 I traveled a lot with my kids when they were young (also single mother) and some of our trips I would have wrote off as the worst trips ever. Now, as they are all adults, sitting around at holidays when they remember and talk about the trips, you would think that they were the best trips ever. You never know... Not to say to put yourself out there again to have a bad trip! lol

[Hoofy7]

Apparently I didn’t get enough! Booked a 14 day cruise on Princess in a full aft suite for me and hubby and the 2 youngest. We know we like Princess and the older or LGBT crowds much better than the Carnival trash! Lol [emoji23] Leaving out of Lauderdale on 11/25-12/9! Of course I’ll start a new trip report then. Lol https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180523/4e6f9c1a520159eb90bb6cf21f05bdb8.jpgThats the itinerary though photo was of a different date cruise.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180523/a497fd7704c895080ae312b9d2d7c94b.jpg And it wasn’t cheap....BUT the benefits and perks of a full suite are awesome plus it has a huge AFT balcony. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180523/5a7c26886e01eef82b28be79ce6d5e86.jpg Am I fucking crazy or just really need a nice long vacation? Anyone gone on this cruise before?

[Hoofy7]

I thought someone in here had taken this cruise or am I mistaken? Anyone else want to join me? I’d love to have some other board members onboard. If any of you play at Venetian/Palazzo, their cruise promotion starts today I believe and it’s for up to a 15 day cruise on Princess. Perfect way to use it is to join me and get the max out of that comp. (Hint Hint) TwoArmedBandito are you picking yours up?

[TwoArmedBandito]

I thought someone in here had taken this cruise or am I mistaken? Anyone else want to join me? I’d love to have some other board members onboard. If any of you play at Venetian/Palazzo, their cruise promotion starts today I believe and it’s for up to a 15 day cruise on Princess. Perfect way to use it is to join me and get the max out of that comp. (Hint Hint) TwoArmedBandito are you picking yours up?Never done a cruise. Shocker!

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[Hoofy7]

Never done a cruise. Shocker!

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WE should remedy that! We can have a low rolling at sea competition! Plus a “sea” how much food we can waste competition...you know to get your moneys worth and all! Lol

[Nhcris]

That is an amazing itinerary and a suite on the Aft is my favorite! I decided to forego the Palazzo offer when I got a casino mailer from Holland America with a nice offer. We'll be sailing out of Boston to Bermuda, so no flights, no hotels and no bankroll to donate to Palazzo :) Your trip sounds far more exciting, though!

[Hoofy7]

That is an amazing itinerary and a suite on the Aft is my favorite! I decided to forego the Palazzo offer when I got a casino mailer from Holland America with a nice offer. We'll be sailing out of Boston to Bermuda, so no flights, no hotels and no bankroll to donate to Palazzo :) Your trip sounds far more exciting, though!

Well I wish you’d have joined me! I’d have done the keto dining with you! I’ve thought about that itinerary you are taking, but out of NYC. My son is still terrified of flying since our SW airlines flight to New Orleans had a pressurization issue and we had to turn around mid flight. He keeps saying he’s going to stay with grandma and not going on the cruise unless we are driving. Lol I’m not driving to Fort Lauderdale. That’s too many extra days. I booked that Pier 66 Marina Hotel I think it’s called with a marina view, snooze and cruise package that included breakfast and transport to port.

[Nhcris]

Well I wish you’d have joined me! I’d have done the keto dining with you! I’ve thought about that itinerary you are taking, but out of NYC. My son is still terrified of flying since our SW airlines flight to New Orleans had a pressurization issue and we had to turn around mid flight. He keeps saying he’s going to stay with grandma and not going on the cruise unless we are driving. Lol I’m not driving to Fort Lauderdale. That’s too many extra days. I booked that Pier 66 Marina Hotel I think it’s called with a marina view, snooze and cruise package that included breakfast and transport to port.

It would have been fun to be on the same cruise! One of these days we will get a Joker cruise together as we do have quite a few cruisers on here.

The time we are doing ours on a shoestring as we have a few other things planned this year, and we booked it last minute. We just booked an ocean view, and the funny part is that the damn dogs are staying in the Presidential Suite at their kennel. What is wrong with this picture? HHH


We stayed at the Hilton right across the Marina from her 66 Hotel and it is the perfect location. When you get ready too think about excursions, I may have some ideas for you as I have done most of those ports, with Martinique & Barbados probably being my favorites. You really chose a special itinerary and you just can't beat Princess as far as I am concerned. They just seem to do things right!

[Mauretania]

Hoofy7
It sounds like a fabulous cruise and itinerary!

[Hoofy7]

Thanks guys! I absolutely loved the catamaran sail for snorkeling with sea turtles and coral reefs with beach stops and a grilled lobster lunch in Antigua! I already booked the same excursion as all 4 of us had the best time on it and it was delicious! I love Barbados too! We took catamaran and snorkel trip there last time but open to all your suggestions. I’m really stoked about Aruba & Curaçao as both are gorgeous islands.

[Hoofy7]

Also from my Carnival cruise report where I bitched non stop about how horrible it was....did any of you see that same ship I was on ( The Dream) flooded bad on a floor or so while on a cruise not long ago? Bwahaha See! I wasn’t exaggerating on how awful that thing was. Too bad it didn’t get junked!

[TwoArmedBandito]

Also from my Carnival cruise report where I bitched non stop about how horrible it was....did any of you see that same ship I was on ( The Dream) flooded bad on a floor or so while on a cruise not long ago? Bwahaha See! I wasn’t exaggerating on how awful that thing was. Too bad it didn’t get junked!I didnt realize it was the sme ship. Wow!

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[Hoofy7]

I didnt realize it was the sme ship. Wow!

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I noticed the Carnival Dream isn’t doing as many cruises now. Wonder if they are fixing it or something? Or maybe I’m just hoping it’s scrap metal? Lol

[Hoofy7]

One of my next cruises port of calls is Trinidad & Tobago. (Port of Spain) I was excited for it but it’s gotten listed on places to avoid because of terrorism and crime. Think we will stay in the ship instead. Kind of a bummer and wish they would change the port of call because of this.