For a first time cruise, we are now thoroughly addicted and have booked 3 more cruises. All thanks to the carnival breeze and Johnathan Cookie Adams
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was incredibly smooth, despite never going on a cruise before I can see a well oiled machine when I see it. Came into the terminal and was immediately directed to the correct line to wait in, waited in line for 5-10 minutes, checked in at the desk for about 2 minutes and was on the gangway walking into the atrium within another 3 minutes. We were told that our room and bags would not be ready for 30-60 minutes but we were curious and went down in 15 and our room and bags were already ready. I feel like this experience will only spoil me and set higher expectations s for the future lol.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
I used to work in the food service industry so I understand very well the logistics and quality control required to be able to feed thousands of people for multiple days in the middle of the ocean on a ship. You need to be able to keep a consistent quality and flavor your food to match most people’s palettes from all over the world. This is no easy task and for my first impression it was incredible for what it was. My only “opinion” is about the specialty dining and the way you order, you have to order everything you want right away for the starters and entrees. I understand why they make you do this, it is to make things easier for the kitchen and to limit your time sat. I’m just one of those people who prefer to eat their appetizers first and from there decide what I want for my entree or if I even want one at all. But that’s just a personal thing that makes no real difference, never ate in the mdr however and I am told I would have enjoyed it much more.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
As a first time cruiser obviously the sheer amount of activities was very fun and overwhelming on a measly 4 day cruise. FOMO happened every day and we missed so many things we wanted to do, which is why we have to go in another cruise now, carnival valor on Christmas here we come!
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Five words. Cookie and the Fun Squad. I fear having Cookie as our first cruise director set the expectation really high, I cannot imagine someone being better than him.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Obviously amazing and even though generally everyone was high energy and smiling because this is the restart, I do not expect everyone be smiling all crazy all the time. I understand you do not need to be a corporate happy robot to provide good service.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
First shop and loved it, staff cleaning 24/7, made me try harder to keep the ship clean too.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We had a cove balcony, everything was as expected and relatively clean. Didn’t use our steward as we left the do not disturb sign in for most days. I’m sure he would have been great.
Ship tip
Book at least 5-7 days. We only did 4 and was filled with regret.
You, my friend, have a serious case of cruise addiction, which sometimes strikes new cruisers quite suddenly. Symptoms include (but aren't limited to): thinking 4 days is not enough time to cruise, immediately booking at least 1 more cruise before you've completed the one you're on, not wanting to leave the ship once your cruise is over. Congratulations, you are officially a serial cruiser 😊.
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