TinaB6

I am a seasoned 15 cruise traveler, and don't judge a cruise on one or two things going wrong. So, it takes a LOT to disappoint me, but disappointed I was. My main complaint is the food and service. The food was the worst of the experience. Where most cruises offer a variety of dishes, Carnival's Imagination left little to the Imagination. The greasy and high fat foods were in abundance, and for a day or so that was fun. When I sought out some veggies on the steam trays, there were none to be found. The "mild" fish, salmon and the crab cakes tasted so fishy, we only took one bite. The "ribs" on the menu were delivered and didn't look like any ribs this Southern gal has ever eaten. Not sure what animal they were from, but it was a strange and repulsive meal. The Mongolian Grill is the ONLY fresh prepared foods. Choosing your OWN fresh veggies, you can have them prepared by the Mongolian chef, or eat as a salad. Still it gets old after a few days of it. Needs more variety for all sort of diets. Either everything is High Fat and cheap food, or Aqua Spa of almost tasteless food. A happy middle would be great, like they used to have before cutting costs (why did they choose to do this in their food area?) The service ranged from distracted to out right rude. I saw more than one elderly person walking with a cane and carrying their food tray at the caf. Many staff walked right by them with empty hands only to huddle together to gossip. This occurred EVERY day, not just a one time experience. There was no silverware to be had where the trays and plates were. It was obvious they had been placed on the tables. Still, there were none available. As my food (such as it was) cooled, I sought out someone cleaning dishes and asked for utensils. I was told they were on the tables already. I asked the staff member to "please point me to a clean and dressed table, all I see is a sea of dirty tables". I was then "pointed" to a stack of utensils where the staff got them from to dress the tables. I was never assisted otherwise. This is ONE of more than 20 episodes. Forget the 2 top tables, you get ignored completely by your waiter. We saw our ass't waiter only ONCE per night. That's right, no refills on drinks or water, no more than one roll, etc. They were busier at the larger tables (perhaps seeing more tips per table?) The room Stewart needed nightly reminding to refill my ice bucket. The sodas and water in the room for purchase was never replaced from the first day. They would have sold me more, had they taken the time to replace. This is a good cruise for anyone who just wants to veg out in the sun. Granted it was cold and snowy at my home, and many joked "well, it beats being at home in the snow". True enough, however, I could have done the same at a resort that would have been more hospitable, and treated like a valued guest, not an inconvenience. In these tough times when you invest $2000 (with the air, pre hotel, cruise, taxes, tips and spending $) you can do better than this ship. I am not sure if the entire cruise line of Carnival is like this or not.