Resort-Style Main Pool Areas

The Resort-Style Main Pool area is presently on the Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Ecstasy and the Carnival Fascination.

Inspiration for the pool area was taken from the tropical beauty of the Caribbean. The pool area features a “beach” that surrounds the pool area and is made up of blue tile with yellow accents, bringing to mind the beauty of the sun shining of through the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean. Large, sunny yellow umbrellas provide a shaded area for guests to sit and enjoy being on the “beach” poolside.

A whirlpool awaits guests at either end of the pool. One gives guests the option of relaxing in soothing warm water under a thatched roof in the shade, while the other lets guest enjoy the sun under a canopy of whimsical faux palm trees. The area also includes thatched roof spiral stair cases which help to open up the area.

The two bar areas on the forward corners of the mid-ship deck area have also been given a fresh new tropical look. New mosaic tiles along with a thatch roof over head provide shade for guests to enjoy the barstool seating area which was made more spacious by removing the staircases that partially blocked views to the open deck area.

The outdoor food service area to the aft of the resort style pool and the performance stage has also been redone with new tile-work and thatched roofing providing even more of a tropical resort area feel to the Lido deck.

Photographic Experiences

 

The Ship's Photographers take both candid and posed shots all during the cruise. The photos are put on display, usually the very next day, and are available for purchase with the guest's Sail & Sign card. Special requests can be made by appointment. Following is the price list for photographs (prices vary among the fleet):

• 1 - 8 x 10:         $21.99
• 1 - 5 x 7:           $7.99
• 1 - 6 x 9            $8.99

Carnival has converted the photography services to advanced digital, using professional digital cameras by Olympus.

Photo-retrieval kiosks, a new system and first of its kind in the cruise industry, utilizes innovative "facial recognition technology". The technology matches a guest's likeness with stored vacation photos shot by the photographers and displays the images on the computer screen for review and purchase.

Photo printing kiosks allow the guest to simply insert the memory card from their digital camera into a card reader located within the stand-alone printing kiosk. After selecting photo size and quantity, the images are then printed in a matter of seconds on high quality digital photo paper. Guests can also customize their photos with colorful borders, backgrounds and other features.

• To pay for the photos, guests will swipe their "Sail & Sign" card.
• Cost: $0.50 per 4x6 print; rates will vary per size/quantity.

How to Pay for Stuff on the Ship

Sail & Sign On Board Account

Sail & Sign is Carnival's cashless on board credit program, which allows the guest to charge on board purchases and gratuities directly to a personal account for convenience throughout the cruise. The Sail & Sign Card must be utilized for all money transactions on board as cash will not be an accepted form of payment.

Credit Cards - U.S Currency - Traveler's Checks

• Guests may activate their Sail & Sign account online on FunPass or at Embarkation.
• For cash accounts, the guest must deposit money at the Guest Services Desk on the first day of the cruise.
• The following minimum cash deposits (or credit card holds) are recommended:
• 2 - 4 day cruise: $100 per person
• 5 - 8 day cruise: $200 per person
• 9 day or longer: $350 per person

 Personalized Sail & Sign cards will be provided to all guests (including minors) and are valid for use immediately upon boarding the ship.

• The Information Desk can provide the guest with a balance update at any time throughout the cruise.
• For cash deposits, as the guest approaches the deposit limit, the Guest Services Desk will notify the guest that additional money must be deposited.
• All charges will automatically be billed to the guest's credit card at the end of the voyage. The total amount will be applied to the credit card presented during registration.
• On the final morning of the cruise, a statement detailing all purchases made with the Sail & Sign card will be delivered to the guest's stateroom.
• For those guests who put down a cash deposit, if there is an overpayment at the end of the cruise, the guest will receive the over payment in the form of a check attached to their detailed statement on the final morning of the cruise.
• Any inquiries regarding a Sail & Sign Account made after the cruise need to be referred to the Guest Relations Department (71551) for researching.

 

Here is an example of what the Sign & Sail Account Cards look like:

 

 This one is gold because I'm a past passenger.  

If your a past passenger this is what your 

Sign & Sail Account Card will look like.

 

This is what a first time cruisers card will look like.  

Chris' next card will be gold since he is now a past passenger

The following Credit Cards are accepted as a form of deposit to open a Sail & Sign Account at the start of the cruise. There will be an initial hold placed on file as a deposit. During the cruise, additional holds will be added when the Sail & Sign Account exceeds the amount of deposit Carnival has on file. If a credit card is presented, this will reduce the amount available on the credit card for other purchases. If a debit/check-cashing card is presented, the hold will restrict the available cash in the checking account. Any remaining hold after the end of the cruise will automatically be released by the guest’s issuing bank within a time period determined by the bank.

The following credit cards are accepted:

• Visa Card / Visa Gift Card
• MasterCard / MasterCard Gift Card
• An ATM/Debit Cashing Card may be used as long as it is a registered MasterCard or Visa Card.
• The Discover Card / Discover Gift Card
• American Express Card
• Diner’s Club / Diner's Club Gift Card
• JCB Card
  Note: Gift Cards may also be referred to as "secured" or "pre-loaded" credit cards or “Travel Funds Card”.

Note:  The following are not acceptable:

• Gift Cards / Travel Funds Cards issued by: American Express; Optima
• Keychain (mini) credit cards
• The American Express “Persona Select”
• ATM/Debit Cashing Card other than those registered by MasterCard or Visa Card.

General Information:

• The name on the credit card being used for the Sail & Sign account must match the name of a sailing guest; we will not accept credit cards belonging to non-sailing individuals.
• The cardholding guest must be an authorized signer by the card-issuing bank.
• Upon completion of the Sail & Sign Application Form, the cardholder agrees to pay for the individuals indicated on the form; it is not necessary for these individuals to be booked in the same cabin as the cardholder.
• A maximum of three staterooms may be linked to one credit card.
• All charges will be billed to the credit card or debit/check cashing card at the end of the cruise. Carnival will not be held responsible for any bank imposed overage or insufficient funds charges on debit/check cashing cards or credit cards.

Automatic Teller Machines (ATM)

Automatic Teller Machines are located on the Promenade Deck on all ships.

• There is a $5.50 fee per transaction for this service, which is controlled by the bank sponsoring the ATM's, Bank Atlantic of Fort Lauderdale, FL. 
• Guests are able to withdraw funds and make balance inquiries on their checking and savings accounts while the ship is in port or at sea.
• Note: The supply of money may be depleted prior to the end of the cruise.

The following is a list of major credit cards and Networks accepted:   

• Honor
• Tyme
• Shazam
• American Express
• Magic Line
• Oath
• Mac
• MasterCard (Cirrus for Non-U.S)
• Visa (Plus)
• Nyce
• Pulse
• Yankee
• Alert

Check Cashing On Board

Guests may use their personal checks on board to acquire a cash advance. Global Cash Access (GCA) provides this service by debiting the guest's checking account, using the account number on the check. The guest must have available monies in the checking account that the check is drawn on.

Important Note: Just like debit cards, the money are immediately debited from the guest's checking account.

1. For this service, GCA charges 5.5% of the value of the cash advance requested or a flat fee of $5.50 if the amount requested is $100 or less.
2. Since the guest's checking account is debited (same as if using a debit card), the personal check is returned to the guest.
3. Both the Information Desk and the Casino offer this service.
4. Limits are determined by the available monies currently available in the guest's checking account.
5. We do not accept Cashier's Checks, Bank Checks nor Money Orders. 

Check Cashing On Board

Guests may use their personal checks on board to acquire a cash advance. Global Cash Access (GCA) provides this service by debiting the guest's checking account, using the account number on the check. The guest must have available monies in the checking account that the check is drawn on.

Important Note: Just like debit cards, the money are immediately debited from the guest's checking account.

1. For this service, GCA charges 5.5% of the value of the cash advance requested or a flat fee of $5.50 if the amount requested is $100 or less.
2. Since the guest's checking account is debited (same as if using a debit card), the personal check is returned to the guest.
3. Both the Information Desk and the Casino offer this service.
4. Limits are determined by the available monies currently available in the guest's checking account.
5. We do not accept Cashier's Checks, Bank Checks nor Money Orders.

Traveler's Checks

Traveler's Checks can be cashed on board at the Guest Services Desk; since Traveler's Checks are considered as cash, there is no fee for this check cashing service and no limit to the dollar amount cashed.               

Canadian Traveler's Checks can be cashed on board at the Guest Services Desk at the current exchange rate.

Cash Advance on Credit/Debit Card

Global Cash Access (GCA) provides guests with cash advance services by using the guest’s credit card or debit card, provided that the guest has an available limit.

1. For this service, GCA charges 5.5% of the value of the cash advance requested or a flat fee of $5.50 if the amount requested is $100 or less.
2. Both the Guest Services Desk and the Casino offer this service.
3. Limits are determined by the available credit limit on the guest's credit card or debit card account.

Credit Cards and Debit Cards Accepted

• Visa
• MasterCard
• The Discover Novus Card
• Diners Club International
• The American Express Card
• JCB Card
• Arriva (GCA's own credit card which guests may apply for, on board, in the casino).
• Maestro
• Interlink
• Star
• Pulse Pay
• NYCE
• MAC
• Cash Station

 

More About the Activites and Entertainment on the Ecstasy

Activities and Entertainment

The "Fun Times" newsletter offers an at-a-glance overview of the day’s events, including activity and entertainment options, dining choices, children’s programming and more. “Fun Times” is delivered to each stateroom, each evening, for the following days scheduled activities.  

The following activities and entertainment are offered fleet wide, unless otherwise noted.

Parties

• Captain’s Celebration – “Fun Farewell”

o        For details, see section under: On Board Life

• Past Guest Reception

o        Note: Offered on cruises 5-days or longer

• Late Night Deck Party

Full Gambling Casino

Gaming Lessons / Tournaments: Blackjack; Slots; Poker

For details, see section under Shipboard Knowledge Menu

Shows and Entertainment

• 3 Bands and Orchestras (Calypso, Dance Music, Easy-Listening)
• Karaoke
• Spectacular stage shows each evening at sea
• Midnight shows
• Live music for dancing
• Bingo Sessions (prices vary; most sessions are $10 per card/3 for $20)
• First-Run movies featured daily on the in-cabin TV
• Behind the Fun Tour

Youth Programs

For details, see section under Shipboard Knowledge Menu

• Camp Carnival - supervised for young cruisers, 2-11 years of age
• Circle "C" - exclusive program for 12-14 years of age
• Club O2 for Teens  - exclusive program for 15-17 years of age

Sports

For a list of specific ships, check the Ship Features chart under the Ship Features section

• Shuffle Board (select ships)
• Ping Pong (select ships)
• Volleyball (select ships)
• Basketball (select ships)
• Miniature Golf
• Golf Putting
• Jogging Track

Spa Carnival

Note: Some classes may not be available on every ship; the classes listed with a $12 fee are not offered on: HO

• Beauty Seminars
• Aerobics
• Step Aerobics
• Total Body Conditioning
• Absolute Abs
• Sunrise Morning Stretch
• Pathway to Yoga ($12 fee)
• Pilates ($12 fee)
• Spinning Cycle Class ($12 fee)
• Kick Boxing Class ($12 fee)

Fun and Games with the Cruise Director and Social Staff

Note: Games vary and are up to the discretion of the Cruise Director

• Horseracing                    
• Trivia                                       
• Win/Lose/Draw                           
• Scavenger Hunt                           
• "Survivor"                     
• Lido Deck and Pool Games
• Couples and Lovers Game
• Who Wants to be a Millionaire?
• Battle of the Sexes
• Ship Building Competition
• Game Show Mania

Instructive Talks – Demonstrations - Classes

• Fun Ashore Talk 
• Shopping Talk
• Debarkation Talk
• Ice Carving Demonstrations
• Dance classes
• Galley Tour (select ships/itineraries - subject to ship scheduling)
• Art Auction at Sea
• Scrapbooking (select ships/itineraries - subject to ship scheduling)

Get-Together with Fellow Guests

• Friends of Bill W. (Alcoholic's Anonymous Meeting)
• Friends of Jimmy K. (Narcotic’s Anonymous Meeting)
• Friends of Dorothy (GLBT Meeting)
• Card Players meet and play
• Singles Meet and Greet

On Board Facilities

• Video Arcade
• On Board Duty-Free Shopping
• Library (books and board games available to use during the cruise)
• Internet Cafe

What to expect on the "Fun Day at Sea" days

Since we only have one stop on our cruise, your probably wondering what else there is to do on the ship when we have our "fun day's at sea".

There is so much to do, there are activities going on all over the ship and around the pool.  My favorite thing to do is to find a shady spot and read a good book while people watching around the pool.  I sometimes have my camera and telephoto lens so you better be on your best behavior or you'll never know what will show up on Facebook...LOL!!

They have all kinds of games throughout the ship and around the pool during the day.  There are lectures if your interested in learning about Cozumel or Mayan Culture.  Of course shopping in the ship's shops.  You can even learn how to make the towel animals that will grace your beds when you come in from your evening out.

 I've scanned in some of the "Carnival Capers".  This is the newsletter you will find in your cabin every night for the next days happenings on the ship.

I know that these are not really readable.  I've put links to the originals so that you can read them in .PDF format.  You'll need Adobe  Reader to see these if you do not have some form of Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat click here to download the newest FREE version.

**disclaimer:  These "Carnival Capers" are not from our ship.  Most of the activities do not vary much ship to ship though.  This is just to get an idea of what to expect.

Click Here for the readable .PDF version

Click Here for the readable .PDF version

Thanks for stopping by.

The next few posts will give you an idea what to pack for the different occasions on the ship and what to expect for the the we're in Cozumel.

Darla

Drinking Your Way Around the Ship

I know this topic will be pretty important to some of you.  Let's face it, we went to Azle, we drink! (well most of us drink)...LOL!!

Here is a list of the bars on the ship.  Alcoholic drinks are not included in your cruise rate.  Drinks are the normal prices you would find at any other bar.

Atrium Bar

Society Bar

Neon Piano Bar

Metropolis Bar

China Town Lounge

Stripes Dance Club

Pool Bar

Starlight Lounge - This is where they will have smaller shows and sometimes karaoke night.

Blue Sapphire Lounge - this is where they will have the nightly entertainment.  Stand up comedians to Las Vegas style variety shows.  Each night is a different show.

Carnival will add the gratuity automatically to each drink order.  Bartenders, waiters and waitresses do not handle any cash.  All drinks will be charged to your cabin daily. Your bill will need to be settled by the last night of the cruise by cash, debit or credit card.

Eating Your Way Around the Ship

I touched a little on the dining before, now I'm going to go over more detail dining options...

All ships have the main dining rooms...on the Ecstasy they are the Wind Song and Wind Star.  We should all be at the same dining time in the same dining room as a group (not all at one table, just the same area of the dining room).  These are the main dining rooms, they serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.  No bathing suites are allowed for breakfast or lunch in the dining rooms. At dinner no shorts, flip flops, tank tops and other pool type clothing are allowed.  Casual dresses, like sundresses or capri or regular pant suites for women and nice jeans or dockers and polo or button up shirts for guys.

Here is a sample dinner menu:

Starters
The Chef Recommends
Asparagus Velouté
Asparagus Cream Soup
Tropical Fruits
Marinated with Lime Juice and a Touch of Tequila
Cured Salmon and Candied Tomato
Dill Cream, Stewed Apples and Grapes in Lemon Dressing
Fried Chicken Tenders, Marinated Cucumber and Lettuce
Served with a Zesty Honey Mustard Sauce
Heart of Iceberg Lettuce
Zucchini and Vine Ripened Tomato Fritters
Choice of Blue Cheese, Thousand Island, Ranch, Balsamic Vinaigrette, or French Dressing
Beef and Barley Soup with Diced Root Vegetables
Gazpacho Andalouse
Chilled Tomato Broth with Diced Plum Tomatoes
Peppers, Cucumbers and Mediterranean Herbs

Carnival Classics
Fresh Fruit Cocktail
Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail
Served with American Cocktail Sauce
Caesar Salad
Hearts of Romaine Lettuce Tossed with our Caesar Dressing
Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese, Anchovies and Herb Croutons

Spa Choices
These Items are Lower in Calories, Sodium, Cholesterol, and Fat. Salads are prepared with
Diet Dressing. Calorie Count and Fat Content can vary up to 10%.
Marinated Fruit with Papaya Smoothie
[130 calories, 3 grams of fat, 0 grams of Trans-Fat]
Gazpacho Andalouse
Chilled Tomato Broth with Diced Plum Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers and Mediterranean Herbs
[61 calories, 2.5 grams of fat, 0 grams of Trans-Fat]

Main Courses
The Chef Recommends
Pan Seared Fillet of Tilapia
Green Pea and Sundried Tomato Fondue
Vichy Carrots and Mac ‘n Cheese
Sweet and Sour Shrimp
Large Tiger Shrimps in a Tangy Sweet and Sour Sauce
Served with Scallion, Garlic and Shrimp Fried Rice Noodles
Chicken à la Grecque
Broiled Boneless Chicken Breast with Herbs and Tomato Confit
Virgin Olive and Basil Oil
Grilled New York Strip Steak from Black Angus Beef
Accompanied by Three Peppercorn Sauce
Mac N Cheese and Vichy Carrots
Linguini with Italian Sausage, Bell Peppers and Mushrooms
Served with Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (Also available as a Starter)
Indian Vegetarian Dinner
Cottage Cheese and Peas, Roasted Vegetables Mash with Indian Spices
Slow Cooked Chick Peas, Indian Bread Stuffed with Cumin Scented Red Onions

Carnival Classics
Broiled Fillet of Fresh Norwegian Salmon
Served with Vegetables of the Day
Grilled Breast of Corn Fed Chicken
Served with Vegetables of the Day
Barbecued Baby Back Ribs
Served with Creamy Coleslaw, Grilled Spring Onion and Fries
Baked Idaho Potatoes, French Fries or Steamed White Rice

Assorted Steamed Vegetables

Spa Choices
These Items are Lower in Calories, Sodium, Cholesterol and Fat. Salads are prepared with
Diet Dressing. Calorie Count and Fat Content can vary up to 10%.
Pan Seared Fillet of Tilapia
Vichy Carrots, Romaine and Melon Salad Dressed with Mango Salsa
[330 calories, 8 grams of fat, 0 grams of Trans-Fat]

Desserts
GRAND MARNIER SOUFFLÉ
Served with Orane Vanilla Sauce
CAPPUCCINO PIE
Coffee Ice Cream Pie with Whipped Cream
DIET APPLE PIE
Dessert is Prepared with a Sugar Substitute
Alternative Selections
WARM CHOCOLATE MELTING CAKE
Served with Vanilla Ice Cream
FRESH TROPICAL FRUIT PLATE
Ice Creams
VANILLA • CHOCOLATE • STRAWBERRY • BUTTER PECAN
*Sugar-Free Ice Cream is available upon request
Sherbets
ORANGE • PINEAPPLE • LIME
Cheeses
PORT SALUT • BRIE • GOUDA • IMPORTED SWISS • DANISH BLEU
Beverages
FRESHLY BREWED COFFEE, REGULAR OR DECAFFEINATED •MILK • SKIMMED MILK
HOT CHOCOLATE • ICED, HOT AND HERBAL TEAS • ESPRESSO • CAPPUCCINO
Liqueurs**
SAMBUCA • KAHLÚA • GRAND MARNIER
AMARETTO DI SARONNO
Cognacs and Brandies**
HARDY V.S.O.P. • HENNESSY V.S.O.P. • COURVOISIER V.S.
FUNDADOR BRANDY
Dessert Wines and Ports**
RIESLING, ZELTINGER SONNENUHR, SPÄTLESE SELBACH OSTER
DOW’S LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE • GRAHAM’S SIX GRAPE
QUADY ELECTRA, CALIFORNIA

**alcoholic beverages at additional charge

The Lido Buffet (Panorama Bar & Grill)::  Attire is casual.  They will have everything from chicken and roast beef to a pizza, desert and salad bar.  Don't forget the soft serve ice cream machines!  If you're a night owl, bring your appetite to the late-night buffet. Also, unlike land resorts, their kitchen never closes.

The Pizzeria:  Featuring salads, freshly baked pizzas and calzones is accessible 24 hours a day.

The Rolls Royce Cafe:  Serves a menu of snacks and light fare, accompanied by a full drink menu.

The Mongolian Rotisserie Grill:  The pool area eatery.  I believe they also serve hamburgers, hot dogs and french fries.

24 Hour Room Service:  Stateroom Dining, complimentary - and cheerful - stateroom service is always just a call away.  

Every ship also features a complimentary sushi bar and a New York-style deli.   And you can stay slim with the low-fat, low sodium and low cholesterol Spa Carnival meal options.

I got hungry just typing the post..gotta go eat now.  What's bad is my food won't be nearly as good as what they serve on the ship.

Good eating!

Darla