Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Triumphant Thanksgiving...The Carnival Triumph 2015

Thanksgiving Cruise 2015 
Carnival Triumph
Thanksgiving Spent on the High Seas  

Disclaimer 
In November 2015 Chris and I took our kids on a Western Caribbean Cruise aboard the Carnival Triumph sailing out of Galveston, TX. We also sailed with my parents, Gigi Shirley and Poppy, as well as my sister, Allison. It was a true family vacation and we were excited to take our kids on their 1st cruise. We even managed to keep the whole thing a surprise until we arrived at the Cruise Terminal in Galveston! This beautiful floating resort took us to the following destination: 


Cozumel, Mexico 

Chris and I have been on 5 other cruises prior to this one; 3 with Carnival and 2 with Royal Caribbean. This cruise was all about the kids and showing them what it was like to cruise, Lord knows we have talked about it enough!  This will be a multiple entry blog about not only our 4 days at sea but a food blog (Revamped style) from each of our perspectives, an updated Shore Excursion rating blog, a pictorial review of The Carnival Triumph and a few more. Thank you SO MUCH to all my followers... without you the blog would not be as popular as it is today!

Our home away from home for the next 4 days! 

Click on a link below to follow along with our cruise! Thanks again for following! 

Embarkation- Galveston

 Sea Day #1- "Watch us Sway, Sway"

 Cozumel, Mexico-"Hola Mi Amigos"

 Sea Day #2-"Meet the Cruisers"

 Debarkation- "Welcome back to The Lone Star State"

The Carnival Triumph Other Helpful Tips and Information:

 Pictorial Review of the Carnival Triumph
Camp Ocean Information

American Table Menu Review- Kellie
Carnival Triumph... NEED to Know


Favorite Shore Excursions


Once again, we owe all of these blessings to our Lord and Savior! He has truly blessed Chris and I, as well as our family! We currently have 3 more cruises booked and 2 more after that on the horizon for the next 2+ years, with and without kids, and we are very excited to set sail once again.


Caribbean Princess- 10 Year Anniversary Cruise- March 2016
Carnival Legend- Alaska - June 2016 
Carnival Liberty- Christmas with the Kids- December 2016
Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas- March 2017
Carnival Breeze- Summer 2017

 Thank you so much for following along and until we meet again... 

Keep Calm and CRUISE ON!  

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Carnival Triumph... Need to Know

November 2015 

Chris and I sailed on the Carnival Triumph in November 2015 with our kids and family members and had a BLAST! We have documented our activities with pictures, videos and a completely separate set of blog posts. These blogs not only showcase our memories and activities but also have tons of tips, tricks and behind the scene knowledge! You can find these blogs HERE.



While on the Triumph we noticed some things that future travelers might want to know.
They are as follows: 


Food Tips
  • Guy's Burger Joint and Blue Iguana are incredible and CANNOT be missed. These are located on the Lido deck by the main pool and both have 2 lines. Typically people get into the 1st line they see by the exit of the elevators but each place offers 2 lines, on the left and right of both, so be sure to look for the shorter of the 2. 
  • Blue Iguana offers breakfast burritos that are not only custom made but are very special and unique for a cruise ship breakfast. In addition, their lines are short in comparison to the full buffet in the back of the Lido deck. 
  • The Carnival Deli on the port side of the Lido Deck buffet is easily missed but is the best Carnival deli in our experience. We were able to walk right up during peak lunch hours and get sandwiches within minutes. 
  • Chopsticks is a great lunch option and has various Asian food available with minimal wait time. This did get VERY busy as the cruise progressed and people realized it was there so I would recommend trying it out at the beginning of your cruise. 
  • Tea Time is offered from 3:00-4:00PM on sea days but the desserts go quickly. Be sure to get there early if you are craving delicious sweet treats. 
  • The Express Breakfast option at the very back of the Lido buffet (where the dessert are usually) has shorter lines than the main buffet and offers most of the main options likes bacon, eggs, pancakes and waffles. On most days the main breakfast buffet was 50-100 people deep but the Express Breakfast area was only 10 people deep if that. 
  • The best ice cream machine (best working and tasting) was on the far aft starboard side. This station also offered both strawberry ice cream and strawberry frozen yogurt. 
  • The omelet station is on the Starboard aft and also not very well known. For whatever reason it was not open until the last sea day but it did offer Carnival's famous made to order omelet. 
  • The service in the Main Dining Room was the slowest we have ever experienced on any cruise line and was very inconsistent. There were menu mess-ups and wrong printing of the nightly menu and non-friendly waiters. The overall atmosphere of the new American Table style of dining was not welcoming and seemed less special to my family and I. My review of the new American Table style of dining can be found HERE!
  • The Taste Bar is a great pre-dinner appetizer but is not offered on all days on the Triumph like on other Carnival ships. Be sure to check the daily FUN-TIMES and Taste Bar schedule at the beginning of the cruise. 
  • The Casino Bar on Deck 5 offered great daily drink specials for $5. This is the cheapest drink we have gotten on a cruise ship in a long time and they turned out to be the best drinks we had on the cruise. They offer cocktails and even fancy wines as the $5 specials. This is only available at this particular bar (Casino Bar/ Deck 5) from 5:30-8:30PM. 
Around the Ship Tips
  • The pool underneath the exit of the water slide on Deck 12 is the least busy and has an adjacent hot tub that is also not very busy and easily unnoticed. 
  • The Aft hot tubs are very hot but are overly populated most of the time. However, they are empty around 10:30PM onward. 
  • The aft pool has a retractable roof that can be closed if it begins to rain or it is too windy. This is a nice option for people with fair skin as well. It is right in the middle of the aft seating area of the Lido buffet so be forewarned that there will be people eating and food close by. 
  • Deck 10 Aft had the most open deck chairs on any cruise we have been on and especially that of Carnival. Deck 11 was also VERY underpopulated throughout most of the cruise. 
  • The Seuss at Sea Dr. Seuss activities were fantastic and EVERYONE (ages 3-58) LOVED them! These were very well organized and the staff that worked these events were some of the best we encountered on the cruise. The Green Eggs and Ham breakfast event was SUPERB and well worth the added $5 cost. Be sure to reserve your seats early as these events SELL OUT! Sometimes they will add a second seating for this breakfast but not always. 
  • The towel folding activity and puppet show that follows is adorable and once again we all loved it. This is usually on the last sea day and fills up fast so get there early. 
  • The beds can be moved in any stateroom category and set up in just about anyway to meet your needs. We had someone get sick in our party and the room steward changed the bed location and this helped her a lot. We too moved our beds so they would be perpendicular to the ship instead of parallel as this helps with nausea and sea-sickness. 
  • The Captain's celebration and pictures are not in the main walkway of Deck 5 like on other Carnival ships but near the deck 5 stairway leading to the atrium. This was not well advertised, which meant fewer people and lines, but easy to miss if you are not looking for it. 
  • Kirk, the current cruise director, was FANTASTIC and one of the best we have sailed with. Be sure to find him and meet him if you ever sail with him on the Carnival Triumph.
  • The Carnival Triumph decor was very well throughout and creative but not very well maintained. The "world" theme was unique and I loved all the tie-ins that were made throughout the ships decor. However, the carpets were disgusting and needed cleaning and the cabin decor needs an update. This should not detour you from booking the Carnival Triumph and certainly not ruin a cruise but it is a critique I have for this ship. 
  • The cabins are standard for the cruise industry but small in terms of Carnival. The inside cabin was smaller than 150 SQFT and lacked closet space. Our particular cabin had 3 closets but were all hanging closets and not shelves which limited functionality. 
  • The mini golf course is terribly laid out and often very crowded. Be sure to hit this attraction up EARLY in the cruise before guest know it is there. 
  • The jogging track is 11 laps = 1 mile. This is small even for a cruise ship and made for a very long (and somewhat confusing... "Am I on lap 7 or 8?") morning jog. 
  • The only smoking section is on the Starboard side mid-ship on deck 10. However, we dd notice the Triumph to be less smoky than other ships. 
  • There is a hidden area on deck 9 forward just past room 9-206 on the Starboard side. This was right above the bridge and provided a clear sailing view. We used this area for sail-way and practically had the whole area to ourselves. 
Other Helpful Tips
  • Faster to the Fun may not be worth the $59.95/ cabin for a shorter 4 day cruise, especially a cruise WITHOUT a tender. The times we were able to get on board before the rest of the 3,000 people and those of us getting off were not as impressive as other sailings and may have lost that exclusive perk. The private line at Guest services was nice but again rarely used on this sailing. Carnival advertises 15-20 cabins but there was EASILY 150-200 guest that had the FTTF perk which once again took away from the exclusivity. The major draw for us will continue to be the stateroom being ready as soon as your board. However, we have gotten to our room to dump our stuff early in the past and didn't have to pay $60! In addition, I feel the staggered check-in times that the port of Galveston is trying out seems to help with the check-in process which again means the FTTF perk is not as needed. We sail out of Galveston again on the Carnival Liberty in December 2016 and we may not purchase this excursion. 
  • Carnival is known for hot staterooms and the Triumph was no different. If you are a hot-nature person or do not like to sleep hot... bring your own fan as they are hard to get on board. 
  • The main shows, such as Wonderful World and Big Easy, are very long even for cruise ship shows at 1:20-1:30 each so plan accordingly. 
The Carnival Triumph is a state of the art cruise ship and a great "short cruise" ship. I would recommend this ship to anyone who just wants to get away for a few days! I hope these tips help you as you plan your adventure aboard the Carnival Triumph. 

Keep Calm and CRUISE ON! 

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Monday, December 14, 2015

Triumphant Thanksgiving... Debarkation

Back in The Lone Star State
Monday, November 30, 2015

It was complete darkness and silent in our inside cabin and for the first time in a week I heard my phone ringing for my morning alarm. It was 7:00AM and we were still creeping into Galveston Bay. I got up and showered and got the kids ready before I did our final packing. At this point it was "just dump it all into the suitcase" type of thing and I would sort it out once we got home. Chris had to be at work on this day as it was the first day back from Thanksgiving break and he was required to be there. The poor guy had to get up and ready in a suit and tie to get off the ship.

We finished throwing all of our stuff into our crazy amount of suitcases (we are notorious for over packing but since this was the first time we had sailed in the fall AND we had the kids, we felt it was warranted) and headed off to the Lido buffet for our last breakfast on board The Carnival Triumph. We knew the lines would be long at 7:30AM since EVERYONE was trying to get off the ship and get food before doing so. The lines were VERY long at the buffet but manageable at the Express Breakfast in the aft and Blue Iguana was not any longer than usual at a 5-6 person wait time. We got the kids their last breakfast from the Express and Chris and I shared one last DELICIOUS Blue Iguana breakfast burrito. It was fantastic...In fact, I think I can still taste it!

We went back to the room and snapped a few pictures of the emptiness (unfortunately it was not as clean as I would have liked... sorry) and then went to Gigi and Poppy's room to say goodbye. It was at this time that the kids and Gigi decided it would be cool to throw Lucky Charms at the seagulls. I had seen this before but my kids thought it was hilarious. Totally illegal, I'm sure, but funny nonetheless!

Throwing Lucky Charms to the seagulls. 


She LOVED it! 


And if we didn't get kicked off before... we surely will now!
Good thing the cruise is over! 

My parents did not have to rush like we did so they were debarking by their zone number which happened to be Zone 2. 

Carnival (and most cruise lines) offer several categories of debarking: 

  The "Self-Assist" mean you carry off ALL of your own luggage. You do not have to have your bags outside of your room the night before because YOU carry it off. It allows you to have peace of mind that your luggage will not become lost and it also is a little easier in our opinion. 

 The "Zoned" debarkation is what 90% of the guests do. This is where you place your luggage outside of your cabin the night before at 11:00PM or sooner and the crew takes it to a holding area of the ship until we reach the port. Then the crew will unload ALL of the luggage (think 3,600+ guests for most ships) and you will collect it AFTER you get off the ship. This method means 1) packing the night before (and putting the end into reality) 2) finding your luggage in a mass deposit at the terminal 3) waiting to get off the ship longer and in some cases HOURS later. And keep in mind that you are still required to get out of your room at a certain time, usually within an hour of arriving in port, and could have to wait in a common area of the ship. Despite Chris having to go to work, we typically still do the "self-assist" because we like the ease of getting off and it seems to be less of a hassle in our experience. 

This cruise we had FTTF and we were on a time crunch to get Chris to work in North Houston by 11:00AM so we HAD to do "Self-Assist" so we met in the London Dining Room with the other 150-200 guest who had FTTF. The Diamond and Platinum guest met there too and those guest totaled about 40. This is when both Chris and I noticed it may not be worth the $59.95/ cabin for FTTF if it is just a 4-5 day cruise. We had to wait about 35 minutes before we were allowed to debark the ship. Some of the wait time was due to customs but other was due to lack of organization. I do know that because of the Paris terrorist attacks the week prior to this cruise the US boarder patrol was cracking down on checking for US citizens which caused somewhat of a delay.

We were debarking the ship and listening to that dreadful last DING by 8:50AM. This is always the worst part about a cruise and usually it is fine because we want to see out kids but today we had them with us so it was even more depressing (plus Chris was headed STRAIGHT to work). We had to wait in the US Customs line longer than usual because not everyone in our party had a US Passport. The lines for birth certificates was significantly longer and it took an additional 20-30 minutes and we were some of the 1st people off the ship. Using a birth certificate for your kids instead of a passport was easy to do and saved us quite a bit of money but this was a drawback for sure. 

We cleared the US Customs line by 9:20AM and were in the car by 9:35AM. We parked at EZ Cruise Parking off of Sante Fe drive in Galveston. It was about a 4.5 block walk from Terminal 1 but only $35 for 4 days. If you are cruising a shorter cruise via Galveston I would recommend using this parking lot and paying online ahead of time to get the discount. 


We got onto Harborside drive and said goodbye to The Triumph as our kids began to cry already asking to go back to the ship. We were able to make it to Chris's school by 11:00AM with time to spare. We all reminisced about the cruise and how much fun we had and we told the kids we were going again in December 2016. Little Miss Natalie immediately started singing a song about going on another cruise.

We had a GLORIOUS 4 days of fun and family time and making memories with our kids. We are so blessed to have this opportunity and are so grateful for these blessings! I hope these posts have helped answer some questions that you may have about cruising, or cruising with kids or The Carnival Triumph. Thank you all so much for following along!

We have 3 cruises currently booked and 2 more on the calendar. We love cruising and are literally ADDICTED! And now I think our 2 little ones are too!


 UP NEXT:
Caribbean Princess- 10 Year Anniversary Cruise- March 2016
Carnival Legend- Alaska - June 2016 
Carnival Liberty- Christmas with the Kids- December 2016
Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas- March 2017
Carnival Breeze- Summer 2017

 Thank you so much for following along and until we meet again... 

Keep Calm and CRUISE ON!  


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Stitch Fix #6 Review

November 2015 
Swing and a MISS 

It's 75* and muggy in Houston... Anything but "winter" weather and on my doorstep as I got home was another STITCH FIX! This would be my 6th Stitch Fix since spring 2015 and I was hoping for some light clothes that I could wear in these dreaded muggy and warmer-than-usual temperatures in Houston. My 6th fix arrived and I was ecstatic. I opened the box to find a few sheer options which would allow for layering and warmer Houston temps but also found HEAVY jeans and a very heavy sweater. I was optimistic... 


Crescent Purdue Crochet Detail Blouse- $48 
This blouse was simple and cute but even on the hanger I was not too impressed. It was made of a cotton blend and was already needing ironing so that was a red flag for me. I put it on and it fit very well but was a little shorter than what I would choose for myself and feel comfortable in. The arms were also a little tight. I sent this one back as I was not satisfied with it from the very beginning. 
I liked the color and the cut but I felt like the length was too short! 


Cute and simple!




Collective Concepts Lowe Lace Inset Blouse- $54 
This sleeveless tank was sheer and perfect for those undecided Houston temperatures. It could even be worn in the summer months. A true go-to and all-around tank top. I tried it on with a long cardigan and really liked it. The price tag was a little high, especially for a simple tank top, and that was the sole reason I sent it back. Of course, looking back I wish I would have kept it but $54 for a tank top is just too much for me. 

The tank top was nice and exactly what I wanted but the high price tag was just too much for me! 


A closer look at the tank! Cute details! 


Eclair Pip Crew Neck Blouse- $64
This was a stunning blouse on and off the hanger. It was a sheer lace style 3/4 sleeve blouse that could also be layered to adapt to the ever changing Houston temps. It could be dressed up or down and I loved that it would be very versatile. The color was DREADFUL and was not appealing or attractive on my fair skin. In addition it too was a VERY high priced shirt for the lightness and sheerness of it's fabric. I sent it back after much debate. I think, had it been in a different color or even shade I would have kept it despite it's outrageous price tag. 

I loved the sheer lace detail and the 3/4 sleeves!


But the color was AWFUL! 

Liverpool Loren Boot-cut Jean- $78
Finally, my stylist listened and sent me a pair of petite, or short length, jeans. These were a perfect dark shade and looked to be perfect... until I put them on. Then I swear you could see every curve and roll I had. I felt like they fit but I would have been happier with a larger size as I do not like to wear skin tight jeans. I really liked them and almost talked myself into keeping them on the fact I would need to lose 5-10 pounds to pull them off, But even at the cheaper price point of only $78 for jeans I just couldn't do it knowing I would have to lose a little weight in order to feel comfortable. They looked fine but I just felt weird in them, almost like a "hooker" or something. I sent them back. 

Jeans that are not too long... YES! 


I felt like I was showcasing EVERYTHING was very uncomfortable! 



Pixley Avi Open Drape Cardigan- $78 
WooHoo... My stylist is AWESOME! She listened and perhaps even reviewed my blog posts and requests for a smaller size on open cardigans and sent a perfect cardigan. I loved EVERYTHING about this piece. It was a great length that could be dressy or casual. It featured a very on-trend pattern of Aztec and various color blend combinations as well as a dressier layered option as it opened up in the front. It fit great and I loved it... but I was sweating already in my 70* air-conditioned house and I knew it just would not work. It was too heavy and thick for Houston winters. Maybe if I lived back in Oklahoma but down here... if I am sweating just trying it on, it will NEVER work. I sent it back for that sole reason. 

The overall look of the cardigan and jeans!


Loved this one but it was just too hot! 

Such a bummer but again... If I am sweating just trying on then it will never work for me and Houston temps! 



Final Review 
So my 6th Stitch Fix was a swing and a miss as I sent back ALL of the items they sent and lost my $20 style fee. I was very upset at this as the last few fixes I have only kept 1 item and often it was because I felt I HAD TO to not lose my $20. This service just may not be for me. I am a bargain shopper and RARELY do I splurge and purchase expensive clothing items. I know this service has worked well for others but I am not sure if it is for me. I do not have time to shop for myself very often but I feel like I would rather wait 2-3 months to shop and get LOTS of items at great price points instead of only getting 1-2 items at higher prices. I am sad that it is not for me but I have to be realistic. I have challenged myself to lose the 15 pounds I have gained from stress and etc this school year by my 1/2 marathon in early March. If I do in fact achieve this goal then I will have my 7th FIX shipped... If not, then this will have been my last fix and ended on a sad note! 

I think STITCH FIX is a great concept and may work for the hard-working, highly-paid professional women but this teacher salary mama may not become a regular Stitch Fix customer. I hope this helped some of you and I hope some of you try STITCH FIX out because you never know until you try! Don't forget to click my referral link if you are interested in trying! 

Remember... 

God is good... ALL the time! 
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American Table Menu Review- Kellie

Mixing it Up a Little Bit
Carnival Triumph- November 26-30, 2015
American Table Menu Reviews via Kellie

Thursday, November 26th

Lunch- Guy's Burger Joint and Blue Iguana Cantina 
Super Melty Cheese- 5.0

Cannot be beaten on ANY cruise ship... EVER! 
Blue Iguana Customized Burrito (featuring pork carnitas and guacamole)- 4.5
These are incredible and we LOVE them!


Pre-Dinner Appetizer- The Taste Bar 
featuring Blue Iguana 
The Taste Bar offerings for this sailing.
Notice they do not serve on Port Days!
Taste Bar Menu for Blue Iguana 

Pork Carnitas and Tortilla soup- 4.0

"The Cruiser" drink-4.5+
 Incredible and a great 1st day value at $8.95 (plus 15% gratuity added to ALL drinks)!

Dinner- Thanksgiving Feast in the London Dining Room 
The Thanksgiving Feast Menu 


The Kids Menu Night #1


The Wine package and Cocktail menus for Night #1

Appetizers
Oysters Rockefeller- 4.5

Crab, Tuna and Tomato Salad- 4.5+
WOW... Crab salad was PERFECTION!

Mac N Cheese Fritters- 3.5 

Main Entrees
New York Strip Steak- 4.0
Perfect cut of meat and cooked well but nothing TOO special. 

Creamed Spinach- 0.5
Yeah... disgusting!

Ratatouille- 3.5
You only live once... It was tasty but nothing special!

Desserts
Whipped Pineapple- 4.0

AND it was sugar free... SCORE!


The Thanksgiving Feast offered by Carnival was unique and different. It offered a menu ranging from traditional "Turkey Tom" and ham to New York Strip steaks and even some vegetarian offerings! It was a GREAT way to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner!

Friday, November 27, 2015- Sea Day #1

Breakfast- Blue Iguana Cantina
A Mexican Fiesta Breakfast Burrito-4.0

(featuring Mexican Eggs and Hash browns) 



Brunch- Sea Day Brunch in Paris Dining Room

The Carnival Triumph Sea day Brunch Menu 

The community bread basket- 4.0

Extra fancy dedicates and pastries. 



Flaming Tomato Soup- 4.0
I read reviews describing as best tomato soup ever... I was not that impressed. 


Made to order Omelet- 4.5
These NEVER disappoint! 


Short stack of Pancakes- 4.0
The dish is served with 4 but you can ask for just 2. 


Banana Cream Pie- 5.0
The BEST dessert on the ship!

Lunch- Lido Deck Favorites 
featuring Blue Iguana Tacos and Pirate Pizza 

Pepperoni Pizza-2.5

This is not worth the 20-30 minute wait!



Blue Iguana Pork Tacos- 4.5


Dinner- London Main Dining Room

The NEW American Feast (Short cruise/ 3-5 nights) menu

In September 2015, Carnival took the Lobster off of this menu but we still enjoyed it very much!



The American Feast kids menu


The American Feast desserts menu


Appetizers 
Broiled Sea Scallops- 4.0
The risotto that accompanied was fantastic.
The scallops were chewy... I was somewhat disappointed!


Stuffed Mushrooms- 4.0

Main Entrees
Blue Crab Ravioli- 2.5
Weird... would be my description!
Without the Lobster on the menu, I was looking forward to this the most and I was disappointed. 


Oven Baked Japanese Sea Bass- 2.0
The olive capers that accompanied was odd flavored and the fish was dry! 

Desserts
Chilled Strawberry Bisque- 4.5

(from the appetizer portion of the menu)



Vanilla Creme Brulee'- 4.5

Late Night Snack- Carnival Triumph Deli
Triumph Deli Menu.

This simple menu really hit the spot for those late night snacks! 

The grilled cheese was our favorite for sure! 


Saturday, November 28, 2015 

Breakfast- Lido Aft Buffet

Lunch- Lido Aft Buffet and Chopsticks
Various Buffet Options- 3.5

Typical Carnival buffet but featuring Fish Crepes and a yummy Mediterranean panini. 



Guy's Burger Joint "The Ringer"- 5.0
Their BEST burger and absolutely INCREDIBLE! 

Dinner- London Dining Room
American Table Menu Night #3 Appetizers and Wines


American Table Menu Night #3 Mains


American Table "Port of Call"- Cozumel Menu 


American Table Menu Night #3 Desserts
(Pie was Peach)

Appetizers
Featured "Cajun" Flat Bread- 4.0


Braised Rabbit- 3.0
Weird!


Greek Salad- 5.0
The best GREEK salad I have ever had and best salad on any Carnival ship. 


Main Entrees
Crisp Portobello Mushrooms- 4.0

One of the oddest combinations I have ever had, even on a cruise ship, but good. 



Street Tacos- 4.5
Coming from a Tex-Mex addict, these were done VERY well! 


Desserts
Kids Brownie Sundae- 3.5

The Brownies were hard and same as offered on Lido. 

I was hoping for fresher and better!

Buttered Popcorn Pot de Creme- 4.5
My mom kept going on about this and she had a right to... IT WAS AMAZING!
It sounds weird but is OH SO GOOD! 

Sunday, November 29, 2015- Sea Day #2 

Breakfast- Dr. Seuss Breakfast/ London Dining Room
Dr. Seuss Character Breakfast Menu 


Dr. Seuss Character Breakfast Menu 

Belgium Waffles- 3.5
VERY sweet!


Truffula Tree Pancakes- 4.5


Eggs your Way (Custom Omelet)- 4.5


Green Eggs and Ham- 4.5

Even Luke liked them!



Cat in the Hat Yogurt Parfait- 3.0

Lunch- Lido Deck Favorites
Featuring Guy's Burger Joint and Blue Iguana
The Ringer- 5.0
PERFECTION!


Dinner- London Dining Room
American Table Menu Night #4 Appetizers and Wines 

American Table Menu Night #4 Mains

American Table Menu "Port of Call" Western Caribbean Menu (Night #4)

American Table Menu Night #4 Desserts
(Pie was Cherry)


Appetizers
French Onion Soup- 3.0


Featured Flatbread- 3.5
BBQ themed and a great combo. 


Caprese Salad- 3.0
This time it had too much balsamic dressing. 

Main Entrees
Tiger Shrimp Creole- 5.0+ 
Easily the BEST main entree of the entire cruise and at the top of my BEST EVER cruise dishes!

Incredible flavor and texture!


Ricotta Ravioli- 3.0

I did not like it as much but Luke LOVED it! 
Mac n Cheese with Bacon- 4.5+
This was INCREDIBLE and only offered on certain nights!
Order it... Just do it! Trust me!


Desserts
Cherry Pie- 4.0
This was not your everyday "cherry pie filling" pie!
It was very tasty!

Banana White Chocolate Bread Pudding-3.0
This was disappointing and WEIRD!
(Forgot to take a picture as I was eating in our room)


As far as eating goes, this cruise was all about trying out the new American Table menu and what they had to offer in the realm of food. We found some great dishes and some we were disappointed in. We categorized our favorite appetizers, main dishes, sides and desserts, as well as ship wide favorite and biggest surprise. This menu offered some MAJOR disappointments but it also had some MAJOR SURPRISES! 

Carnival Triumph Bests and Favorites
Best Appetizer- Crab, Tuna and Tomato Salad
Best Main Dish (MDR)- Tiger Shrimp Creole
Best Side Dish (MDR)- Mac N Cheese with Bacon 
Best Dessert (MDR)- Buttered Popcorn Pot de Creme


Ship Wide Favorite Food Item- Guy's Burger Joint "The Ringer" Burger 
Ship-Wide Biggest Surprise- Buttered Popcorn Pot de Creme
Ship-Wide Biggest disappointment- Blue Crab Ravioli- 2.5
(I think a lot of this had to do with the fact I truly wanted lobster but it was not offered so this was the next best thing... It turned out to be just another Red Lobster style of ravioli)

It has been fun enjoying and blogging about all of these lavish meals. It will take me a month just to get rid of the pounds I gained while on board! BUT... It was worth it and I deserved it! I cannot wait to get back on board in March and try out a new cruise line's offerings. The Caribbean Princess will be different I am sure and I better start dieting NOW to get ready for that one! 

Thanks for following... I hope this does not leaving starving! 

God is good... ALL the time!


Clink on the link and check out our Past Cruises: 
 Carnival Magic June 2015 














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