The Truth About the Carnival Mardi Gras - Our Likes & Wishes 🚢

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

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[@LFFSutra]

This was an amazing video it was good to hear positive comments and wishes and likes vs negative bashing like other videos. You two are full of life and I look forward to traveling on the mardi gras for my 40th Bday. You have some amazing pointers and things to look out for.

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

Thank you for your kind words! We hope you have an amazing trip on the Carnival Mardi Gras 👍

[@Ashleyisblahh]

The way you guys talk and present your thoughts is so soothing. Even your wishes are turned in a positive light. Just booked the Mardi Gras for my 30th this may and it was great hearing your thoughts on the ship as a whole.

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

Thank you for your kind words and support! You will love the Mardi Gras. We had such a great time 👍

[@ceceliadawe3089]

What a wonderfully informative video. I appreciate your pictures of the cabin, food, and onboard spaces. Your voices are so soothing and easy to listen to. I love your wish list. Thank you.

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

We're glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for the kind words. All the best and happy cruising! 🛳️☀️🌴

[@ItsCalamityVT]

This is the most recent video I could find I sail out on July 4th thank you so much🙏

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

You're very welcome 👍 you will love it! 🛳️

[@JohnSmith-bz9be]

Always interesting hearing you guys' thoughts. Solid and balanced review. Cheers :)

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

Thank you 👍

[@CatieField-y6t]

Thank you for making this video, I loved all the advice! You two seem like lovely people, I hope to be seated a hands-width from you in the MDR one day!

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

Thank you for the kind words! We always enjoy meeting new people!

[@stevesnellgrove1518]

Y’all are a positive couple .. very nice and enjoyable to watch and very informative.. my Wife . Amelia and I are now subscribers 👍

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

Awesome 👍 Thank you for your kind words and support.

[@jkconner9636]

Good wish about the address. We sailed on the Magic out of Port Canaveral for New Years. Had to find the address & dock # on a different website. Really surprised Carnival didn’t include that on our ticket/documents. Also agree with your comment about having to carry your phone…detracts from vacation mode…as you said, app is nice option but paper is preferred.

[@JohnRichardson1983]

I get Food & put in my room when I come back after the club at 2:00am. I also HATED the MDR seating which was a small square table in the walkway.

[@christimm4579]

My wife and I just sailed on Mardi Gras the weekend freedom set on fire in Turks. Agree a lot with your observations.

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

Awesome 👍 Appreciate you watching!

[@Ms.Yana83]

My cruise leaves next week. So excited!! Thanks for the review. 😊

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

You're very welcome 😀👍 You will love it!

[@pattycrandall5425]

My husband & I sailed on the Mardi Gras last August & going again next week. We had no problem getting a paper menu and we have heard that Carnival has started leaving the Fun Times to your room again on this next cruise. I just went down to guest services in the morning to pick one up on the last cruise.

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

We just got off the Vista and the paper Fun times were in our cabin every day, which was awesome. As for the menus, they do have paper menus. When we forgot our phone they would go find them for us but they clearly did not have enough as they could only find one for us to share.

[@JayJayDobro]

You are a delightful couple and I thank you for the valuable comments on your likes and wishes as we booked the Mardi Gras for the same cruise in Nov 2023. Our first cruise was a weekender on the Liberty and have few complaints except the main thing was the ridiculous decibel levels of the constant music "around every corner "on board. I actually became hoarse while trying to have a conversation over the din every day. My ears where still ringing on the auto trip home. Are the music venues always that loud on the Mardi Gras ? Please give me your honest thoughts on the loudness of the music.

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

The deck parties and sail away are always quite loud and even some of the musical shows. Other than that nothing stands out in our memory. I would definitely say that Carnival is louder than say a Princess cruise. We appreciate your kind words and support! Have fun on the Mardi Gras!

[@EpicAdventureCouple]

We just got back from Bermuda on the Mariner. Destination- GREAT Ship - Not so much It’s falling apart. Worn and torn from the public seats to the cabin bathrooms 🤷‍♂️ What’s going on, we went for Bermuda it’s a beautiful Island Great reviews. 👍

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

Thanks! It's been a long time since we were on the Mariner.

[@Wendythegr8]

We just got off our first cruise. We were on the Carnival Breeze. My husband hated the MDR because of how close you were seated to other passengers. Loved our cruise but I understand what you were saying about the seating arrangements.

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

Yes, it is definitely very close when you think you are getting a private table. Thanks for watching 👍

[@DAVEfiend42]

I am going on this boat in December and I have been on the original boat to

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

Awesome! You will love it!

[@fortyfabulouscruising3855]

I like your wishes. I'm sailing on Mardi Gras in 25 days so this truly help.

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

Awesome 👍 Enjoy. I'm sure you'll have a great time. 🌴☀️🛳️

[@stevesnellgrove1518]

Oh yea we are going on the Mardi Gras For the first time in April 2023 .. so very excited 👍👍👍

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

You will love it! Such a great time. Enjoy!!! 🛳️🌴☀️

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

Sounds like an awesome room! Enjoy your trip! 🛳️🌴☀️

[@luvsmickey]

I just want to say that I have watched your blogs which I have enjoyed but I really love this format where you kind of summarize it all up and love the likes, dislikes and wishes! My new favourite cruise vloggers/bloggers/!😃💕

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

We are glad you enjoyed them! Thank you for your kind words and support 👍

[@skylissawilliams6079]

Love this video

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it. 🤗

[@margueritechester4541]

Question the sea day brunch is it a charge do you have to make reservations?🎉

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

The sea day brunch was complimentary and we would just make a quick reservation in the Carnival Hub App.

[@clairegicbc]

I also have a square cabin on deck 10 but at the back of ship. It will be my first time on Mardi Gras. I noticed the large water bottles on desk, were they already there on day one? Same for paperwork. I'm planning on getting the paper fun times and paper menu. Looking forward to trying the food and seeing the entertainment. Will be on the ship for four weeks in a row.

[@margueritechester4541]

Question when you were at amber cove you walked to the beach. How was the beach. The resort next to it do you have any info on that. Is it private can us visitors pay to stay for the day. Do you know the name of the resort? Thank you

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

I'm not sure what the resort is called. I'm sure if you go on Google maps you'd be able to find it. The beach next to Amber cove was fine but the day we were there the water was quite merky.

[@deborahlogsdon394]

I was on the Mardi gras last year. We had a suite, the couch was as hard as a rock. Way to uncomfortable to sit on. The food was terrible. We ate in the MDR only one night and we're sick the rest of the night. We're were on deck 9 and could hear the rollercoaster from there. But other than those problems the cruise was fine.

[@NELKBOYZCLIPS]

headed out on the Mardi Gras tmrw

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

Awesome 👍 You will love it!

[@TheJourneyContinues-sbm]

Thank you both so much for creating this video! My husband and I just booked a cruise on the Mardi Gras for March of 2024! A couple of questions: (1) Which internet package did you choose and why? (2) At the VERY MOST, my husband and I combined together would probably have 5 or 6 alcoholic drinks a day, and not that many every day. I’m thinking the Cheers drink package isn’t worth it for us. We also don’t do soda, other than an occasional ginger ale. Thoughts?

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

Awesome! You will love it. As for internet, we had data on our phones in Puerto Rico and we just bought it for the day a couple of times so we didn't have it throughout the whole week. The one thing with the drink packages is you have to remember that you are in port a few of the days so during that time you are not on the ship to use the package. It really comes down to how much you're planning on drinking. For anyone else watching, please comment below on which internet package you recommend and if you find the drink package worth it.

[@thats_mr_b_]

Good stuff brother. Lots to comment on but only thing that stuck out to me was t he survey comment. As a former manager those things are important, that was the only way I can push to corporate or upper management on sling changes. Carnival will use that to see how it’s working and what’s not working. Sucks to see people complain but helps to see where the weak points are at. Thanx for this, had some info other channels didn’t talk about

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

I appreciate your comments. We don't mind being told that there is a survey coming but the amount of times we were told about it became annoying. We understand that it is important for improving in the future and I did fill it out. However, being asked too many times felt like we were shopping in a commission store where everyone is trying to make a sale and won't stop pestering you.

[@thats_mr_b_]

@@NorthernVikingExplorer right, in my opinion personality types lable it is reminders while others label it as pestering or annoying and repeat it to others as annoying surveys vs just a survey.

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

@@thats_mr_b_ I don't mind being reminded once but 5 times within a couple of minutes is too much for me.

[@thats_mr_b_]

@@NorthernVikingExplorer the olé’finger wave by the 5th request. “Ok mom!! Geez!” Hahaha hey what did you use to it your video together ?

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

@Cody Burton LOL, 99% of the ship footage was filmed on a GoPro and I use Hitfilm Express for my video editor.

[@melonie4504]

Love your channel!!!thnks so much for all the info cause we will be on the Mardi Gras in February. Can you explain a little more about the lobster that you had? When it’s available is it included and what restaurant? Thanks again so much for putting out such great content!

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

Thanks for the kind words and support! 😃👍The lobster is complimentary and is typically served on one of the 2 formal nights in the main dining rooms.

[@jaymac971]

Just came upon your page and have to say your video is so helpful and informative. Can’t wait to actually see the rest that would pertain to us. We are actually looking at booking the Mardi Gras for March 2023. I do have a question, regarding Guys smokehouse, is it complimentary? I saw on the carnival page that it’s extra on some ships. It sounds like all the food is fantastic!!! Are there shows every night, it does sound like there is music everywhere according to what I heard on here. Also is this the itinerary that did Puerto Rico as we are doing that one and we’re wondering if you have been through Old San Juan. We were supposed to have done it on The Breeze in 2020 to celebrate our 20th anniversary but we all know what happened in 2020 haha. So I guess my question too would be, for a first time cruiser, would you recommend the Mardi Gras. Thank you so much for any info. Jason

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

Thank you for your kind words and support! You will love the cruise and March is a great time to sail. Guys pig an anchor is complimentary for the buffet at lunch and they charge for dinner with more of a sit-down menu rather than a buffet. As for shows, yes there are shows every night some of them being larger musical productions to smaller comedy, music Acts, magicians etc. Plus there are smaller music acts playing throughout the ship on different days and times. As for Puerto Rico it was beautiful and a very walkable city. If you look through our Mardi Gras Vlogs we do have a full day in San Juan that we share. All the best and enjoy your cruise.

[@birthday4481]

I did not realize you could choose how many days you purchased Wi-Fi packages, for I thought you had to do it for the whole cruise. ?

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

No, you can buy it for individual days while on the ship but it's more expensive.

[@monkeyb1820]

We have MG booked over thanksgiving (family of 4). I think the answer to this is 'no' but do you recall if the app (or maybe internet plan?) lets you text each other so that you can find each other when you split up for while?? I agree with you guys: I like a paper menu. Scrolling is just more hassle than being able to glance around at a piece of paper. Historically on Carnival we always eat in the mdr (the carnival dinner buffet just doesn't do it for us), but I wish Guy's or Shaqs was open later. IIRC, Guys closes at either 5 or 6; They should keep the serenity tubs open later. The other ones, even if they put signs out 'adults only', the signs would be ignored. Overall, great analysis and review. I've jotted down my list of crucial things, that self-operated coffee machine at Pig and Anchor is a must...I just wish there was one by Blue Iguana, b/c I love the juevos rancheros for breakfast...

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

Thanks for your kind words and support. If I remember correctly they have a chat plan that allows you to communicate with your family members on board. I think it was $5 per person. If anyone else watching has been on and can recall the pricing please comment below. Thanks

[@monkeyb1820]

@@NorthernVikingExplorer their website shows that the $5 per person is their standard plan for this, so I guess we'll do that.

[@tysonlutzwowdetail]

what were the mask rules like?

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

This was the March 26th sailing and masks were optional. I would say less than 5% of people wore masks. However, at this time masks were required for staff and for embarkation and disembarkation in the port.

[@inthekitchenwithjoann6911]

What room number did you have

[@NorthernVikingExplorer]

I believe it was 10481.