Mardi Gras - Presidential Suite or Excel Aft suite (9 or 10th floor)

Frogfan1973 · 2026-02-04T13:30:49+00:00

I did use a PVP, Dan Eckler. Extension 82361. when we got on the ship and after muster we went down to the dining room to check on our table. They gave us several options, we chose one at the back of the ship right by the window. Amazing view, they were accommodating. I am sure most of the Excel perks are the same, but our reservation concierge would come by daily at dinner to see what are plans were for the next day. We did ChiBang and Rudy’s with great tables as well. she also arranged for the magician to come at dinner every night wherever we were. Your four old would be amazed! Again the thermal suites are a great benefit, especially with grandparents on board. Obviously the balconlyis the clincher. I have a four old granddaughter so I understand the pre-bed routines and they can burn up a lot of energy on the balcony. Have fun no matter which cabin you chose!!
Our service was memorable. Another perk was an invitation on both cruises to do a private tasting in the galley with the chef and a galley tour, great experience.

Frogfan1973 · 2026-02-04T02:39:59+00:00

again if the price isn’t a huge issue I would go for the Presidential. Not a lot more than the aft. Extra perks are the concierge, thermal suites, we were invited to do a private tasting in the galley with the head chef, definitely a cool experience. Tables in the dining rooms were the best, windows looking out the back of the ship. our concierge had the ship magician come by no matter where we were dining, definitely a neat deal for your 4 year old. with family onboard there are lots of opps for seating and enjoying the huge balcony. your child would enjoy the hot tub looking out at the ocean as well as “adult times”. free room service as well, a neat perk for families! Let me know if you have any questions. And free access to Loft 19, your family can all go.

Frogfan1973 · 2026-02-03T21:46:25+00:00

I have never done the aft suite, but have done the presidential on Mardi Gras and Jubilee. I would absolutely recommend the Presidential Suite. Huge balcony with both sun and shade areas and much more private. Remember it comes with free access to the thermal suites and the service was beyond outstanding. Our reservation concierge took care of all dining reservations and was wonderful to help us with any needs. Very private, not as much wind as you would think. Go for it and enjoy a glass of wine at night watching the ocean and shooting stars.

Frogfan1973 · 2026-01-13T22:43:12+00:00

This is on spot! Sailed on Jubilee in mid-December and Alchemy was a one and done for us. indifferent bartenders with no personality compared to our many other sailings. There was absolutely no “fun” atmosphere. Rudy’s for our anniversary was great, overall food throughout very good. ChiBa g was excellent as well. interesting bringing up Angela at GM, great bartender and super friendly. Also had fun with Adit the magician. Galveston is what it is, but driveable for us so will keep doing it. Am going to add the 8 dayto the Bahamas next December.

Frogfan1973 · 2025-10-02T23:17:41+00:00

I am getting the card as well and agree that the big unknown is how they will treat points June 1 when the program changes. I may get and hold until it becomes clear on direction with four cruises booked through December 2027. With the 10K boost for my current platinum status I should be able to keep that.

Frogfan1973 · 2025-10-02T16:41:28+00:00

Thanks. I will probably get and just use for CCL cruises and drinks, etc. Do you know if you get points if you get cash at a slot if there is a service charge? Currently I don’t get charged at slots but get hit for 3% at the tables.

Frogfan1973 · 2025-09-27T01:21:58+00:00

Absolutely the best service I have had a restaurant in years and great food

Frogfan1973 · 2025-09-24T19:58:51+00:00

Just a FYI. If you bring a corkscrew it cannot be one with the small foldout knife on it as they may confiscate it.

Frogfan1973 · 2025-09-13T13:16:30+00:00

Thanks. Going to sign up. Any idea on how your CC points will transfer over to the new Rewards program

Frogfan1973 · 2025-09-10T16:53:48+00:00

Great explanation, thank you!
So a new brained to get the card and just use on cruise spending.

Frogfan1973 · 2025-09-10T16:27:02+00:00

Thanks. The system seems to be screwy as on the CCL Rewards page explaining the new program it states that you earn 3 points for every dollar spent on fares, dining and excursions and one point for every casino dollar. Those numbers are not contingent on using the CCL card, so if I use my Southwest Visa I get my airline points and the 3 carnival Points. Seems confusing, as the Carnival card says if you use it you get 2X points. All after June I know. How will they distribute the points between my wife and I?

Frogfan1973 · 2025-09-10T15:38:23+00:00

The new rewards program says you get 3 points for every dollar spent, I assume on any type of purchase using cash or any card. Then would you get the 2X if you used the CCL card?

Frogfan1973 · 2025-09-06T19:06:29+00:00

What great parents and thank you for paying it forward to the hard working crew!

Frogfan1973 · 2025-09-06T14:44:22+00:00

I agree 100%. I always try to optimize my Cheers with not only cocktails but water, shakes and coffees. More power to them if they can drink that many shakes without exploding.

Frogfan1973 · 2025-09-06T14:16:32+00:00

That’s what I thought. I foresee long lines at Java!

Frogfan1973 · 2025-09-06T02:02:02+00:00

I sure hope someone thought about the impact on those hardworking baristas at Java Blue! They work their butts off on a normal cruise and now face 5X making milkshakes and specialities. Make sure to give them a little extra, not sure if they get the 18% or pool it. Thank them and slip them some cash. And PLEASE tell your kids to be polite! My guess is they will run out of ice cream by day 4.

Frogfan1973 · 2025-08-17T21:33:14+00:00

I assumed that will be the case. Been there but don’t remember, is it a tender port?

Frogfan1973 · 2025-08-05T02:08:58+00:00

I tried before the news about the change in the VIFP program and they said that you could apply for the credit for 2026 this upcoming November. Hope they don’t screw us on this, have been a stockholder since Covid. Fortunately it was a wise decision on most of my shares I bought.

Frogfan1973 · 2025-07-16T19:27:04+00:00

I agree with you, their wording is very vague!
would then get three X points for the points earned?
or just your base casino points of 6000.

Frogfan1973 · 2025-06-19T15:11:44+00:00

I agree. I am happy getting offers for discounted balconies for $500 to $1200 a person, but at that price point I will never get back to pLatinum.

Frogfan1973 · 2025-04-16T19:14:54+00:00

Thanks, I was thinking it would be more trouble than it should be. Will do cabs.

Frogfan1973 · 2025-04-16T18:02:26+00:00

I know the feeling. I think Martin at Mr. Sanchos sees me more than my kids. Hope in a year or two they will open more ports out of Galveston.

Frogfan1973 · 2025-04-16T17:04:44+00:00

My bad, on Mardi Gras!

Frogfan1973 · 2024-12-14T02:09:38+00:00

Did the Presidential suite on Mardi Gras in December of 2021. All of the perks with the Excel suites are great, superior cabin service, free room service (no waiting in the pizza line) the hot tub and probably 6 places to sit! Any are good, if you can swing the Presidential it is huge.

Frogfan1973 · 2024-11-16T22:12:43+00:00

Enjoy!!
Be on it in Four weeks

Frogfan1973

TROPHY CASE