jaredhamburg

I would like to see more Asian dishes added (like Pad Thai, curry, etc).  I know some of it can be requested on the side, but it would be nice to have it formally on the menu.  This can also cover lots of vegetarian/vegan needs as well for menu coverage.

I would like to see more Asian dishes added (like Pad Thai, curry, etc).  I know some of it can be requested on the side, but it would be nice to have it formally on the menu.  This can also cover lots of vegetarian/vegan needs as well for menu coverage.

There has been discussion on this board about the cruise ship being the itinerary versus the actual itinerary ports. I'm all for one of the newer ships being the itinerary with a reduced price drink package and reduced price unlimited dining package. Fun, fun, fun 'til the CDC takes the cruising awaaay! 

I'M DONE !!

Explorer is part of the Voyager class while Liberty is Freedom class.  
Freedom class is basically a stretched version of Voyager class.  It's like they took a Voyager class ship and welded in an extra section in the middle.  The extra space in the middle makes room for a dedicated Sorrento's Pizza in the Promenade and an extra pool on the pool deck.  On Explorer pizza is available at cafe Promenade.  
I like Voyager class.  They are a perfect size while not being too big.  They aren't small (bigger than anything in Carnival's active fleet up to this point) so they are a large ship while keeping the guest count to a reasonable level.
Balcony cabins on Explorer are cove like in nature while Liberty has a more open balconies with glass.  Explorer was suppose to go in for her "amplification" right when the pandemic started so it was cancelled.  They had already been doing some things to her such as the cabins were already touched when I sailed her June 2018.  Explorer was set to receive water slides in the amplification so that's a notable omission right now.
Other differences - Liberty has a Suite Lounge while Explorer still has the interior Concierge Lounge, one of a handful left in the fleet.  Generally speaking if you like Liberty you'll feel right at home on Explorer.   The layout except for the extra section in the middle is very similar.  

I am thinking .of the cruise below (9 night on Explorer of the Seas out of Galveston) and had some questions for the wonderful group brain on this board.
1.)  Is Explorer of the Seas a good ship?  I know people like Liberty of the Seas really well, but it has more mundane Western Caribbean itineraries (done that twice, have never been to the Bahamas).  The Jewel of the Seas sailings to the Bahamas do not line up with my job very well (cannot easily take vacations in the first quarter of the year).  I know Galveston is limiting, but it is a drive versus a flight and saves a lot of money.
2.)  What is good to do as a cruise excursion in Miami and Orlando given the times?  It would be my wife and I and a 10 YO girl and a 6 YO boy.  I wish it was going to Key West, but that may not be a thing for cruise ships at all.
Thanks everyone!
 

I am thinking .of the cruise below (9 night on Explorer of the Seas out of Galveston) and had some questions for the wonderful group brain on this board.
1.)  Is Explorer of the Seas a good ship?  I know people like Liberty of the Seas really well, but it has more mundane Western Caribbean itineraries (done that twice, have never been to the Bahamas).  The Jewel of the Seas sailings to the Bahamas do not line up with my job very well (cannot easily take vacations in the first quarter of the year).  I know Galveston is limiting, but it is a drive versus a flight and saves a lot of money.
2.)  What is good to do as a cruise excursion in Miami and Orlando given the times?  It would be my wife and I and a 10 YO girl and a 6 YO boy.  I wish it was going to Key West, but that may not be a thing for cruise ships at all.
Thanks everyone!
 

Hi!  The plan would be October 2021.  I am hoping things would be some kind of normal by then.  But.....I thought we would be back to normal by now when this whole COVID-19 mess started.....Thanks for the tips!

That Star Trek charter looks so dang fun.....I mean the 80s one is also pretty rad. But I agree that this is not a sign, as conventions need to be overcapacity to make it worth it. Any cruise that features a theme or something like that has to be full to make it worth it as they are already a sort of specialized rate. Plus socializing at these types of things is number 1, so social distancing can't be involved.

I can't recommend enough, staying away from a Great White concert.

I found that the other day as well and cannot for the life of me find it again.....I soooo wished I had bookmarked it.....

I was able to do just that on the new website, you put the last name and the number of the FCC and it tells you the amount you have. But now i am not able to get the new website...i always have the old one. If i remember correctly it was before you choose the number of persons...but im not sure.

Not that I know of but BOY would that be nice !

And I am just here wishing I could complain about experiencing slow food service on a cruise ship.....

Thank you both!  I have asked for a refund (not enough extra on cruise fare to make it worth the restrictions of the FCC) and will reach out to MEI once the old FCCs are cleared out as I believe they can be used for deposits now.

Hi Jared
Thank you for considering using MEI-Travel for a future trip - 
Yes, you can use the FCC for the deposits now to book cruises -GOOD luck and yes, lets
get cruising again so everyone can use their FCCs.  Especially @Matt who must have 20 now!!!
 

Thank you both!  I have asked for a refund (not enough extra on cruise fare to make it worth the restrictions of the FCC) and will reach out to MEI once the old FCCs are cleared out as I believe they can be used for deposits now.

Thank you both!  I have asked for a refund (not enough extra on cruise fare to make it worth the restrictions of the FCC) and will reach out to MEI once the old FCCs are cleared out as I believe they can be used for deposits now.

Yes- as the PP said your FCCs belong to you! You can rebook it with an agent and have them apply FCCs to it later.

Yes.  Your FCCs belong to you and not the agent.  You can do, or take it wherever you wish.  
A L&S is different though in that you still stay with the agent that the original booking was done through (if there was an agent to begin with).

I agree 100%.  Even if it is not to blame, it will be the excuse for all the changes central planners wish to make....

I agree 100%.  Even if it is not to blame, it will be the excuse for all the changes central planners wish to make....

I agree 100%.  Even if it is not to blame, it will be the excuse for all the changes central planners wish to make....

This virus will be the excuse to end many things that we used to enjoy.....at this point, nothing surprises me or is unexpected in the name of Covid or social distancing or whatever term they come up with next.

Wife may act like she has no idea who you are?? That's a PERK!!!!   ??