Nadine

I have recently read about a mardi gras cruise on the Regal cruise ship and wanted to know if anyone has done this? even if on another cruise ship? <BR>The advertisement said that it is a 5 night cruise to Key West and New Orleans in Feb. during mardi gras. Sounds like a lot of fun without the hassel of finding a hotel room. <BR>Any info. would be appreciated. Thanks. <BR> <BR>

judy cuervo

I'm doing the Labor Day sailing on Regal this weekend. I'll see what I can find out for you and respond next week. My husband and I wanted to do it last year for the same reasons you site but couldn't. Never did find out how close the ship is to all the action, which was our major question. Love the itinerary: Mardi Gras AND Key West (and, if I recall, she even stays in Key West late enough for a sunset--I always end up sailing away at about 1:00 p.m. from there).

nadine

Thanks - I would love to hear what you find out. Have fun this weekend!

mary

I agree...Judy when you get back can you let us know how the cruise was. If you recall I'm booked on the Regal for the halloween cruise. <BR> <BR>I appreciate it!!

judy cuervo

I'm back! I'll start with the Mardi Gras cruise: According to a bartender I spoke with, the cruise docks at the New Orleans terminal which is about a 15 minute inexpensive cab ride from Bourbon Street. She said last time the ship was nearly booked, so it would be pretty crowded. <BR> <BR>The Labor Day sailing was PACKED with a real party-down crowd--VERY different from the two-day I did three years ago. The food was very, very good; the activities were non-stop. Again, the only really negative thing I can say is that most cabins leave a lot to be desired--except for ours, that is. We had an Admiral Suite--the highest category--and it was simply terrific. A comfortable living room and a comfortable bedroom with King-size bed, tons of closet space and small fridge. Still, even at that level, the bathroom left a lot to be desired. But the public rooms are terrific, especially the Commodore Club which is one of my favorite bars at sea: An intimate, wood-panelled piano bar that's next door to the disco but, by some miracle, the disco music doesn't invade the quiet atmosphere of the Commodore. The food was great--an incredible barbecue with ribs, chicken, sausage, hamburgers, etc. out on deck was my favorite. The freshly made donuts in the morning, the pizza from the on-deck pizzaria (don't get it from the buffet--it's been steamed by that time), a Mexican buffet that I, unfortunately, missed because we were hanging out at the Commodore and weren't close to being hungry. Great music: A Caribbean-type band that played great stuff but not so loudly that you couldn't talk. They did an amazing job on the casino over the past three years. Then, it looked like Casino Night at the local grade school and now it really is a happening casino (I won $37.50). Another great bar is the pool bar. Unlike most ships, that have a lame little strip bar with about 6 barstools, this pool bar is big, oval and situated on a raised platform, separating it somewhat from the deck. It's a great place to meet people and on our trip, it was always hoppin'. <BR> <BR>IF you can get over the fact that most of the cabins are, though clean, very spartan and small (though, again, not the Admiral Suite), and that the bathrooms involve a lackluster toilet, sink and shower with absolutely no frills whatsoever, you'll love it. <BR> <BR>The value really is great and, face it, for a 50 year old ship, it's really in incredible shape! <BR> <BR>/jc

Nadine

Thanks so much for the information. Sounds like you had a great time! I am going on the one night cruise this coming weekend. After reading your review I am definitely looking forward to it. <BR>The Mardi Gras cruise sounds interesting too. I am going to look into it.