So happy to be back to cruising! Think it’s time to try a new cruise line for options. Mexico was great as ever!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Quick and friendly! The embarkation team from the port to the ship all assist in the excitement and make it such a fun morning!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
I feel like Carnival has consistently declined in food, even before the pandemic. I’m sure many will argue me on that but this is just my opinion. Guys, blue iguana are good. Lido marketplace is lacking so my recommendation would be to find other options :) The marketplace deli is pretty good though.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
A lot of trivia. The shows ran into some lighting and screen issues. Just glad to be back cruising but activities aren’t back to what they used to be yet. I understand CDC still has a lot of say in this as they can’t / aren’t having large indoor parties and such like they used to in the lobby. Still, had more options than time to do so we were never bored - just different from pre-pandemic cruise entertainment which is to be expected right now.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Sounds like they are struggling to get a lot of staff back that they lost during the pandemic. The cruise director did a Q & A as an activity one day and our group thought that was really interesting. Could literally ask him anything from crew life to craziest stories. That was pretty fun and interesting. Also enjoyed seeing the CD in a lighter setting.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Staff is wonderful as always. Only issue was the pizza place. Longest line every night, only two workers and neither spoke English nor got your order right even when you pointed to the picture of the pizza you wanted. Nothing huge, just something they could improve upon as things get back up and going. Absolutely loved our dinner crew and housekeeping crew.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Ship is definitely ready for a refurb but kept very clean!
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
We had a aft corner balcony - believe it’s called a “premium corner balcony” or something like that. Beautiful and big (balcony and cabin) but I’m not sure I’d do an aft balcony again due to all the black stuff that drops down from the funnel. It was always “dirty” out there (no fault to anyone).
Ship tip
Keep expectations low but don’t worry - you will have an amazing time! It’s just different in general right now. However, if you are a “foodie” - Carnival might not be the best bet. Thinking I might try RCI next time. We sailed Celebrity and food was amazing but it would be totally boring for kids. Hoping RCI will be a compromise of fun, good food, and still have a good kids program.
Disembarkation took about 3 hours. Cruise director kept saying carnival had no control over it and that it is up to port authority and customs. I wish that disembarkation was as easy as embarkation :)
You are not wrong about Carnival's food. I've been on Carnival twice with a big gap in between and thought maybe the food has gotten better over time. I see it still hasn't changed much! I had the same idea as you and I decided to try RCL. I'm going with my young children in November and they do have a kids program. I'm looking forward to the change. I hope it's worth it!!
Thanks for the review 😁
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