Carnival Marti Gras Excel Suite | Ep 62

What happens when Haven-loving luxury travelers take a chance on Carnival’s Excel Suite on the Mardi Gras with two babies in tow? Dr. Krystal Sodaitis sits down with Rebekah and Ben Guillow of Lux Travel for Families to discuss their bold decision to try Carnival’s brand-new Mardi Gras in an Excel Suite shortly after cruising resumed post-COVID. As longtime Norwegian Haven fans, they share why they chose this massive ship for their young children (then 9 months and 4 years old), what the Forward Excel Corner Suite actually delivered, and how Loft 19 compared to The Haven. The conversation covers the ship’s neighborhood design, the surprisingly elegant and muted-tone suite with a separate bedroom and living room, massive wrap balcony, “car wash” shower, and excellent room steward service. Rebekah and Ben highlight standout perks like priority dining reservations, food delivery to Loft 19, the exclusive family pool, and the outstanding cabana service that included daily sparkling wine, snacks, and personalized touches for their daughter. Listeners get a grounded, family-focused perspective on whether Carnival’s Excel Suites offer real luxury value, especially for parents who want both excitement and relaxation. Episode Highlights: • 🚢 Why Haven fans chose Carnival Mardi Gras’ Excel Suite post-COVID •  👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Cruising luxuriously with babies (9 months & 4 years old) • 🏠 Forward Excel Corner Suite: separate bedroom + living room, huge wrap balcony, car-wash shower, muted elegant decor • ☀️ Loft 19; Carnival’s exclusive sun deck with private pool, loungers and paid cabanas. Is it worth it? • 🍾 Outstanding cabana service: sparkling wine, endless snacks & personalized towel animals • 🍔 Enjoying Carnival’s fun vibe while retreating to a quiet suite • 💭 Defining luxury as low friction, feeling special, and kids being genuinely welcomed • 🔄 How Loft 19 compares to Norwegian’s The Haven About the Guest: Benjamin and Rebekah  Guillow met on vacation in Mexico, so travel has been part of their story from the very beginning. Before having kids, they explored the world extensively, and when they became parents, they were told that kind of travel would have to slow down. Instead, they chose to bring their kids along for the journey. Along the way, they discovered that families are not only welcomed but truly embraced, even in the most luxurious destinations.  That passion led us to become travel agents with a Forbes-rated agency in 2023, where they now help others create unforgettable experiences. they  book everything from weekend getaways to bucket-list adventures, specializing in luxury travel for families, couples, and individuals. For them, travel isn’t just what they do, it’s who they are, and they’re always excited to see where it takes them next. Connect with Benjamin and Rebekah: Email: Rebekah.BenGuillow@LuxRallyTravel.com  (mailto:Rebekah.BenGuillow@LuxRallyTravel.com) Website: Ben & Rebekah Guillow | Travel Advisor (https://www.luxrallytravel.com/the-team/ben-%26-rebekah-guillow) Youtube: @luxtravelforfamilies (https://www.youtube.com/@luxtravelforfamilies/featured) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luxtravelforfamilies (https://www.instagram.com/luxtravelforfamilies/) About the Host: Dr. Krystal Sodaitis is a pediatrician, executive, and life coach for neurodiverse physicians—and the passionate host behind Luxury Cruising. She brings expert insight and honest excitement to every interview, helping curious travelers elevate their adventures at sea. 📍 Website: luxurycruising.net (https://luxurycruising.net/) 📧 Email: luxurycruisingpodcast@gmail.com 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/krystalsodaitis (https://linkedin.com/in/krystalsodaitis) 📝 Looking for the perfect luxury cruise: Take our quiz (https://luxurycruising.net/quiz-290556) 👥 Want to be a guest? Fill out this form to connect.  (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEDzttJSyBqkGmuIrLp7SxSfPozYsx6LWFuxkDbKTdLeF-iA/viewform?usp=header) Looking for the perfect spa experience: Spa table (https://app.fgfunnels.com/v2/preview/2Z9jcPSEGCYO2zfFy8rE) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com (https://pcm.adswizz.com) for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.