Good, relaxing, fun, after Thanksgiving cruise. Several entertainment options on board for music, dancing, comedy, and gambling. Good, interesting ports, good food, comfortable cabins, decent service.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
A few long lines that moved quickly but a stress free boarding
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Lido deck had many options such as Blue Iguana for Mexican food, Wok Stations, Two omelet station for mornings, a Pizza Stand, the Seafood Shack, and an Italian Restaurant. that was free in the afternoon. We did not go and pay at any of the specialty restaurants. We ate breakfast and dinner in the dining room most days due to more choices, no long omelet line, great coffee. Lobster and Filet Mignon served without extra charge at least once. Food was good, dining staff dance/entertained each evening. Dinner took at least two hours each night. Carnival needs more anytime dining staff.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Fitness center was nice with plenty of machines including treadmills, bikes, weights, weight machines, and rowers. No charge except for classes. Clean, with towels, machine wipes, water fountain
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Shows in the lounge were decent. Motor City show was good, but lacking in diversity for something that came out of Detroit. Many comedians and some were excellent. Dancing in the area outside the Red Frog with the Sea Sharks, a guy doing country music, a lady doing folk singing, a violin trio. Music on Lido deck seemed a little off from other cruises. We spent less time out there. Cruise director, Nono, was everywhere urging you to have fun and providing options. Silent Disco was fun to try, but ended up being dominated by a younger group who simply huddled in a dance group and sang out loud! (silent disco?) Casino was great with loose slots for the first couple of days.
Children's Programs
Did not bring children
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
cabin steward was fine, but less present and personable then cabin stewards on other cruises. I think it was actually a team even though we had a name and a card. Towels animals were cute and thoughtful. Service in the anytime dining room was slow. Dinner was always at least two hours, often more. It seemed that that the staff had several tables to cover. Food often arrived warm, not hot. I never got my filet mignon cooked medium. It was always well done. They were not rude, just busy and less personable. At dinner, I would have given up them trying to entertain for faster service. The desserts were okay, the famous chocolate melting cake running the gambit from solid to something resembling a runny pudding. More dessert choices needed. Note: As the week went on, less and less people were eating in the dining room. You could tell them when you wanted a table on the Hub App, but if everyone didn't show up at the same time, yu had to stand around and wait. A manager made Janna seat us one night and we noted that there were a lot of empty tables. The separate line for Platinum and Diamond members was a big help. The other line was almost always long.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Cleanliness was good. Someone was always cleaning. My cabin was kept clean, the elevators, bathrooms, and public areas were also kept clean. Appreciated the black runner rugs when going from the outside Lido deck to inside to alleviate the slippery ceramic tile. Did not get lost and learned the layout of the ship quickly. Room was pretty quiet. Only smoke filled areas endured was in the casino. Should consider a smoke free area in the casino.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Good size for two people. Beautiful views of the ocean and the ports. Beds were most comfortable I've experienced on a cruise. We had six pillows on the bed and it was wonderful! Decent sized shower and shower gel and shampoo provided. Fridge could have been colder, but suited our needs. Two chairs and table on the balcony. Sat out there many nights and days to enjoy.
Ship tip
If you're going to eat at about the same time each day, you're probably better off in the main dining room then the anytime dining because the anytime dining can take an inordinate amount of time.
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