Ever go on a Cruise and become part of a Wedding Party?
Carnival Breeze Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western
Contributor Level:
Second Mate
Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Reviews: 2
Helpful Votes: 97
7 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)
Sail date: July 01, 2018
Ship: Carnival Breeze
Cabin type: Inside
Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Reviewed: 5 years ago
Review summary
If you made it reading through my review this far, you may be wondering why I wrote the tag line I did. Here's the story, I'll try to keep it short. Embarkation was great, I got in my room as scheduled. I enjoy a beverage or two. At my designated dinner time I was escorted to my table for seven. I was seated at what might have been one of the best tables in the dining room. It was the best table which I had been assigned for a cruise. A window adjacent table on the port side with a tremendous view. As is not unusual for me, I was the first at my table. I delayed my ordered so I could place it with my fellow diners. But after 20 minutes of waiting I went ahead and ordered. By the end of my meal I was still the only person at my table for seven. I figured that the other diners likely attended the Steakhouse or other premium dining. The following evening I go to my table, again I am the first person seated. This night I wait about 5 minutes before placing my order so I can get a good seat at the after dinner show. One thing I haven't mentioned is my table was 'boxed' in by 3 large 10-12 person tables. After about 10 minutes of sitting I am approached by a gentleman from one of those tables. He commented how he noticed I was dining alone and asked if my party was elsewhere. I mentioned that I as cursing solo and I didn't know who else was to be seated at my table. He told me he was the Groom and the 3 tables around me were all part of the wedding party. He asked if I would like to join them and any of the tables. I politely declined as I had order food and I wanted to meet the other people assigned to my table. He understood and went back to his table. My food came and I enjoyed my meal. By the time I finished my meal, I still didn't have any other diners at my table. I was a bit concerned and ask my waiters if they knew if anyone was assigned to be dinner here. I was confused as to why as a solo cruiser I would be the only one seated at a 7-person table. After my dinner I approached the Groom and mentioned that if the offer was still good I would like to join them the following night. He response was "absolutely" and I was welcome to sit at any table. The following night I went to my table just to see if I had diners at my table again I was the first one. Some of the Wedding party had been informed I would be dining with them and invited me over. I took the time to meet them all by the end of night I didn't have all their names but I knew their relation to the Bride and Groom. For the remainder of the cruise I just sat at one of the tables of the wedding party. They were delightful and great conversation; exactly what I wanted for my dinner experience. During all this time my table, the best table, was unoccupied. This was a 7-night cruise. On the last night of the Cruise I didn't get to see the bride and groom as they were dining elsewhere. But I did sit with the wedding party and enjoyed their company. After about 20 minutes into dinner, I noticed 3 people I hadn't see before. They weaved between the Wedding Party Tables and sat at my table. I laughed and pointed it out to my new companions who also got a laugh. They didn't eat a full dinner and left after about 30 minute. I never found out if they were assigned to my table or just took it because no one was sitting there. In either case it didn't matter as I got the better end of the deal when all was said and done. There's the story, hopefully it didn't bore you. But this goes to show you can meet some pretty awesome people on a cruise.Embarkation
Embarkation was smooth. I had a 1pm embarkation time but was able to get on a bit sooner. Port Staff was friendly and helpful. I felt a little bad for the poor security guard as we tried to find that metal somewhere on my person that kept triggering the alarm. He took it with good spirts on my 6th pass through the detector.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
I'm certainly not putting the food 'down' but it was your typical fare. Though nothing really 'jumped' out at me. I did have the drink package so I enjoy many beverages. All bar staff was helpful and responsive.
I was not a fan of the BBQ joint. The food was bland and the sauces were watery.
Piano Bar 88
This was my primary hang out, I do like a good pianist.
Onboard Activities
I didn't really use the onboard activities as this was more of a relaxing trip for me. 4-star rating was granted to not affect the overall rating.
Entertainment
I was able to attend all the early after dinner shows, they were entertaining. I enjoyed meeting many of the entertainers after some of the shows and in the Piano bar. I did also enjoy the music in many of the bars but I did feel the Frog Pub stage was a bit small. The guitar player, though talented, was just not the environment for his style. It could have just been the A/V system was not adequate.
Service and Staff
I have no complaints for any of the staff but, just that doesn't deserve a 5-star rating in itself. Bar staff was attentive. Waiters in Main Dining went above-and-beyond to make my dining experience memorable. My room steward was helpful, polite and efficient.
Ship Quality
Everything was good about ship with one exception. The Basketball court is located just above the Italian Restaurant. During my lunch one afternoon the dribbling from above was readily apparent. I hoping that during the actual hours of the restaurant that the court would be closed for sake of the diners having an experience.
Cabin / Stateroom
My Cabin was small, but aren't they all. The features and amenities were fine. The room was kept clean. I was able to put my large suitcase under the bed.
Ship tip
Seek out the bow seating for a wonderful view.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
This was my first time to Jamaica. The dock workers securing the ship to the dock were very friendly. They were the first people to welcome me to Jamaica. The excursion lines were set up very well and easy to find my excursion.
Due to getting of the ship later than I intended I was not able to go on an excursion. This as a bit of a small port. I only noticed one bar and enjoyed my obligatory 'local' brew. Shopping was about the same as I have seen in other ports. Tender was quick and efficient. However, it was very apparent which line to join to get back to Breeze. I was initially in the incorrect line thankfully the helpful Carnival staff got me to the correct line.
I'm not sure what to write about this port as I feel it is a bit of the bar which to rate other ports. I went on an excursion which was a blast. Though I didn't get to do much shopping this trip due to getting back later in the day.
Disembarkation
Traveler Photos
