Love this ship!
Carnival Breeze Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 66
7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)
Sail date: October 15, 2017
Ship: Carnival Breeze
Cabin type: Inside
Cabin number: 7201
Traveled as: Couple
Reviewed: 6 years ago
Review summary
The open layout of the Breeze has made it our favorite ship so far. It never feels crowded, is easy to navigate, and certainly gives you enough entertainment options. Since sailing out of Galveston has limited itineraries, we booked the Breeze multiple times more for the relaxation as we've already been to the same ports of call.Embarkation
Good and not so good. There is major confusion OUTSIDE the terminal in Galveston as the signage, lines, and personnel directing people TO the correct "timed" lines are inadequate especially for people like us who arrived after their earlier designated time. Once inside, however, things vastly improved over previous embarkations. They did away with waiting in yet another line to receive your sail and sign card! Instead your picture was taken and you got your card as you entered the ship. And, like SWA, they called people by specific group numbers and turned away people who tried to board earlier. Yea! Very civilized and things went so much quicker.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
MDR: usually I order the smoked salmon for breakfast in the MDR but decided to try the steak and eggs. The steak was so tender and delicious I ordered it again on another day. Regular dinner options so-so but I must say the MDR bar served up an ample and tasty dirty martini!
Specialty Restaurants: We usually go to the steakhouse but decided to try the sushi and Italian restaurants. Husband and I liked them both and will do them again on our March cruise. Order the sushi boat for two! Beautiful presentation and plenty to eat. And if you're still hungry you can always hit the Lido deck afterwards. (smile). In the Italian restaurant, we both had the Carbonara which, I understand, won't be on the new menu but there should be plenty of other options. Husband really liked the ambiance of the Italian restaurant.
Red Frog Pub: OMG, husband and I discovered the "fish bowls". Enormous drink for two and they don't skimp on the alcohol.
Onboard Activities
Lots of trivia. Good gym. We were there to relax and happy to find quiet, shady areas to read.
Entertainment
Husband actually enjoyed watching the Love and Marriage Show! We hit the Adults Only comedians. The piano bar guy (an Elton John wannabe) is okay but we were spoiled by the piano bar entertainer on another ship. All the atrium musicians were excellent.
Service and Staff
Our cabin steward was so sweet and attentive. Always a smile and hello from any and every cabin attendant we passed. Alas, the waiters in the MDR leave much to be desired. We understand they're hustling but I think some of them need a refresher course in customer service as they seem perturbed at taking an order. At breakfast they're barely civil. Am guessing they're tired, burned out, or don't care knowing they'll get tips anyway.
Ship Quality
We love this ship because of its design! Lots and lots of open space and seating on the promenade deck so it never feels crowded. Outside seating for the RFP. No smoking! One of the designated outdoor smoking sections is behind the RFP at rear of ship so the cigarette smoke blows away. ( On the other hand, I wouldn't want to have a balcony cabin above the smoking areas..just saying). Also, it is possible to walk across the ship without having to go through the casino where smoking is allowed.
Cabin / Stateroom
We loved this cabin so much we booked it 3 times! It's a full size (bed, sofa, vanity) which is unusual for a cabin at the bow of a ship. And, although rated "interior", it has a window and if standing up by the bed, you can see the water. In front of the cabin is virtually a "private" deck that you can access if the headwinds are not terribly strong. We're frequent cruisers have done suites, aft extended balcony cabins, and window only cabins. If available, we'd continue booking this cabin in a heartbeat! Sad that the Breeze is leaving our home port of Galveston.
Ship tip
Book it!
Thumbs up
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Ports of call
After having previous trips here, no desire to do anything except visit local vendors at the terminal. Not a particularly good port to explore on your own.
Beautiful! You can walk through town. This excursion we did the "duck" land/sea vehicle. previous excursion was swimming with sting rays.
Seven ships were all in port at the same time which easily amounted to 25,000 people all descending on Cozumel at once. So terribly crowded at the port we lasted about 30 minutes being jostled that we headed back to the ship!
Disembarkation
We packed lighter and did self disembarkation this time as we wanted to hit the road early for the long drive home. It was pretty well organized and we were pleasantly surprised to be off the ship by 8:45am.