Very nice overall. But felt like the shorter cruises are not treated as "importantly" as longer ones. Very limited fun squad. Limited activities. Just felt a little "cheapy". The level of service was different. I enjoy Carnival cruises - but I did wonder about the shorter cruises. I am going to take another shorter one before I make a conclusion. BUT, the cruise director, Kegan, and the Fun Squad made it an excellent experience.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Very fast and not overcrowded. Galveston has redesigned the port so not as long a process and building not as hot.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The main dining room for dinner was pretty good. Our servers were excellent in main dining room dinner. Went to breakfast for first time in the main dining room. I had heard so much about it. It was very disappointing. Food cold, not prepared as ordered, our server never came back for long periods of time. The buffet was relatively good. Service was very good in the buffet overall with the exception that one server asked one of my first time cruisers to reach under her seat and hand her a fork that was on the floor- and the fork did not belong to the cruiser. We had just sat down. We did not dine in any specialty restaurants this time.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Entertainment
5 out of 5
The fun squad was great. The cruise director, Kegan, was Awesome! Without this crew- this sailing would not have been very enjoyable. There was a very small team- but they were mighty, friendly, approachable, fun, respectful, and seemed very genuine. They made this cruise.
Children's Programs
No children traveling.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Overall the service was good. But I was very surprised. I am used to exceptional service. Our room steward was ok. The room was not as clean as usual. We got a balcony for the first time and the room was not as clean. However, our room steward was very understanding that we were not early risers. Some of the wait staff was not as professional or nice. Especially a gentleman working the pool area. I wish I had gotten his name. And surprised by the lady server who asked us to pick up a fork from under our seating area- and we had just sat down.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The ship was fine. Not being able to enjoy seating on the Lido deck is becoming very challenging. The common areas were cleaned and well maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
This was my first balcony. Opinion is split on if it is worth it. Cabin was not as clean (walls, deck). My spouse loved it based on the view. I am still on the fence because cabin felt rushed. You know how important the towel animals are to guests- and we didn't even have one the first night. I have been on interior cabins on different decks including the spa deck- and cabins were cleaner compared to this one. Room steward was very nice and understanding that we were not super early risers.
Ship tip
Be prepared to forgo some events if you want to enjoy the deck movie or lounge seating. Most of the cruise we had to just sit in one spot to keep a seat. Also be prepared for long lines for the comedy. We stood in line for over 45 minutes for the comedy show. The comedian was worth it- but the crew member working the comedy club line was not very pleasant.
Excellent port. Went to Mr. Sanchos. Had an Awesome time with server Mr. Bear. He was AWESOME! Food was great, drinks (non alcoholic) were great, massage and cabana were excellent!
Disembarkation was faster. However in the past those who carried their own luggage usually got off faster. The new system allows those who checked baggage to get off much earlier. We were not aware of this change.
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