First time on the new Excel class. Enjoyed the ports and all of the great snorkeling.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
There was a Coast Guard inspection on embarkation day so the first check-in available was 11-11:30. We arrived to the port at 10:30 and there were already a lot of people there so it seems they started at the normal time. We are Platinum and got boarding group Q. I can’t remember the exact time but we were definitely eating lunch at a normal lunchtime. Very easy embarkation.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Loved all the new venues. My only pet peeve is the super slow service in the main dining room. Servers were all outstanding and hustled so I think it might be the kitchen slowing things down.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Almost too much to do! Saw 2 of the Center Stage shows and they were great. The main theater show we saw was pretty bad. Saw one comedian and it was ok but that is not my thing. Tons of trivia and other stuff always going on.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Only reason it’s not 5 star is because we had the worst room steward we have ever had.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Beautiful ship but some very awkward placements for places.
Cabin / Stateroom
1 out of 5
I hate the new smaller room! The bathroom is a joke! We are not huge people and short also but could barely turn around. They also decided it would be fantastic to make every other room with the beds by the bathroom. Unfortunately, we had one and you have to squeeze between the wall and bed to get to the bathroom or door. It also felt so much smaller with the couch by the window. Only upgrade is the sliding door to the balcony.
Spent the day at Eagle Beach. Took a taxi and then rented umbrellas and beach chairs near Coco Loco. Beautiful water and a nice, relaxing day. Watched the sunset from our balcony and it was amazing.
Took a tour with Irie Tours. Swam with sea turtles, stopped at a nice beach and toured the Hatto Caves song with an island tour and great commentary fro Miguel our driver/guide.
Appreciate your informative review. I’ve read that the bathrooms are small and the rooms smaller than older ships. It makes me sad, as Carnival was once known for the largest cabins in the industry. Sorry you were disappointed.
So weird that Bonaire is not included in the ports. We did a snorkeling excursion with Woodwind and it was more than 5 stars. Amazing crew, beautiful water and we saw sea turtles, squid, eels and all kinds of fish.
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