kreilly825

Just curious...why not consider Princess? They have beautiful ships, great food, service, entertainment. We've been on 6 Princess cruises, various ships and found them to be very consistent. They are my favorite, followed by NCL. Carnival was ok, but I don't like the layout of the ships (not to mention the decor - just doesn't do anything for me). Enjoy your research!

Congrats!!! I'm so envious - I still have 34 days to my cruise in the Grand! Have a great time!

We enjoyed Sterling's (I love rib eye!), didn't try Sabatini's (I'm not a big fan of Italian and he has no interest in sitting through a 2 hour, several course meal). Lots of people think it's great though. Can't comment on the ultimate balcony dining...they didn't have that last time I had a balcony...boy, do I miss having one! But any cabin is better than not cruising!

Because Carnival will give you a guranteed balcony if you book into a balcony category, but they will give you no guarantee of where on the ship that cabin is. As I feel too much sway in the front part of the ship, I cannot sail there so it is best for us to pay the extra $100 and be able to choose our cabin, which I always pick at almost exactly mid ship. If it is a ship we have sailed on before, I choose the same cabin we have had before as I know it is a good location for us. Our friends who are sailing with us next month also paid the extra $100 to choose their cabin to guaantee they were next door to us so we could open the balcony wall and spend time together out there. I don't know about other lines, but Carnival has always said there is a charge to choose your cabin at the time of booking. That just started a few years ago though... Sorry, I'm still confused. We were on Carnival 2x in the past 2 years and never paid extra. Are you booking a higher category than what is advertised? Maybe that's why it's more. But I have gone through the online booking process for several different cruiselines and been offered a guarantee or pick a cabin for the same price. Were you booking with a TA or directly with Carnival?

Just curious... Why would you have to pay extra to pick a cabin? I often pick a cabin (vs. a guarantee) and have always gotten it for the same price as any other in the same category (on Carnival and Princess).

We were on the Star in October 2004. We've also been on the Golden 2x and the Grand, which are sister ships to the Star. We really love the Grand class of ships. We moved to Florida in July 2004, just in time for hurricanes Frances & Jeanne. Fortunately, we had minor damage compared to many of our neighbors. I guess we were in a funk and didn't enjoy the cruise as much as we normally would. We are in much better spirits now and are really looking forward to our next cruise on the Star in April. I love the decor of the Princess ships, pastel colors, glass, chrome. Very tasteful. We were on the Carnival Glory last October and thought it was the ugliest ship we ever saw! The decor was dark and gloomy with prints that clashed rather than complemented each other. Generally, the food, service and entertainment are very good. The cabins are well laid out. The biggest gripe is probably the elevators. They don't all go to each level...the front ones go down lower than the back ones...but the back ones go higher than the others. They give you a pocket-size layout. Keep it with you, you will use it often :) Our favorite cabin type is BB on the Caribe deck (aft & port side are our favorite spots), but this trip we booked an obstructed outside to save money. Favorite hangouts: Explorers Lounge, 2nd floor above the pool w/retractable roof, aft pool, piano bar. We don't do the formal nights. We're much more comfortable in a casual setting. The grill by the pool has great burgers & grilled chicken sandwiches. The pizza isn't bad. I really enjoyed the Sterling Steakhouse (extra $15/pp). Didn't do Sabatini's. We make frequent trips to the Horizon Court buffet, sometimes just for tea. The trick with these buffets is that it's kind of "grab & go". There are many stations, and if you only want a dessert or piece of bread, you don't have to go through the whole line to get one. If there's something you want, but don't see...ask. For example, they often don't put out milk at lunch & dinner, but will get you some. They will also make you an omlet for breakfast if you ask (near the carving station). A lot of people don't like the set up for the buffet, but I think it's great. They usually put the same types of food in the same places all week, so it's easy to find what you're looking for. You can get free ice cream late in the afternoon in the Horizon Court. There is also a Haagan Daas on the ship (cost extra, but is sure worth it!) Hope you found this info helpful! :cool: