Last Carnival Cruise

Item: Carnival Celebration
Rating: 3.1
Author: jimswindelles

Carnival Celebration Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

jimswindelles

Contributor Level: Purser

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 27

Overall rating:

3.1 out of 5

Verified Review

8 Night Southern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 17, 2023

Ship: Carnival Celebration

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 10501

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

This is my last cruise with Carnival and we will not use again. Extremely poor communication with our agent throughout the entire experience and even afterwards. The ship was a “money grab” at every possible situation. So many things to do, but expect to pay for most of them. Limited drinks on the drink package. Plus, alcohol pours were probably only about an ounce or so. This is the only cruise line to have a 15 maximum drink limit. That means that you can’t even buy more drinks if you want to. The food at the buffet was poor quality. The better options available require an extra charge. The Cruise Director was constantly communicating through the Lido Deck Monitor or through the speaker system trying to sell something. Overall, it was a poor experience starting with our agent and extending throughout the entire cruise. We travelled with a group of 14 people and this was the sentiment with most of us.

Embarkation

4 out of 5

We were able to board the ship quicker than expected

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

1 out of 5

We had a poor experience in the Main Dining Room the first two days. Drinks were wrong and took a long time. Food came out at different times and orders missing even after everyone was finished. The staff was apologetic, but after two days of the same experience the damage was irrepairable.

Onboard Activities

2 out of 5

I was excited to go on the Bolt Roller Coaster. There was a $15 charge for it and a reservation is necessary for it. After making several reservation, each one was cancelled due to windy conditions the first two days. After making more reservations later in the cruise, those were cancelled due to mechanical failures. So, we were not able to ride the coaster at all.

Entertainment

2 out of 5

The shows were not good at all.

Service and Staff

2 out of 5

Dining Room issues at the very beginning of the cruise kept us from going back there and dining at other restaurants.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

They did a very good job cleaning the Lido deck throughout the day.

Cabin / Stateroom

2 out of 5

The twin beds were comfortable, but incredibly close to each other. They were about 6 inches apart. The balcony and room was exceptionally tiny. Considering the price for this room, you may want to consider a different option. The rooms without a balcony seemed larger.

Ship tip

Don’t do it…too many up charges for everything fun

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Miami, Florida

5 out of 5

Oranjestad, Aruba

5 out of 5

Bonaire, Netherlands Special Municipality

5 out of 5

Willemstad, Curacao

5 out of 5

Disembarkation

1 out of 5

There was a boating accident in the harbor and we were not able to get off the ship until 4pm. Friends missed travel arrangements due to this.

13 Comments

ILovecruisng 1 year ago

cruising can cause stress and definitely with such a large group but it sounds like you need a vacation from your vacation. having been on both Carnival and Royal for a lot of cruises i can honestly say they are all the same in so many ways. have to make the best of it. carnival is our favorite lately as royal has lost the royal feeling and talk about nickle and dime you ! carnival has the fun atmosphere and their newest ships are decorated nicer in common areas. have not tried ncl just once so not enough to comment on that one and nothing to brag about. cruising for us is the best vacation, just have to make the best of it. cruise on !

Thumbs Up 3

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readysail 1 year ago

Sorry to hear that your experience was not a good one. I’ve gone in large groups and individually with my husband, and I have never experienced any of the things that you experienced. I hope that one day you give it another chance.

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Gwbigdog 1 year ago

Thanks for sharing your cruise

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Rachel123 1 year ago

We went on this ship in April with a different itinerary and had a fantastic time. We really had no complaints at all. We mostly sail with Carnival and plan to continue.

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teach1718 1 year ago

We did the same itinerary in May, had the drink package and had an exceptional time as we always do. Clearly you and your large group are entitled to you opinions but how can you hold Carnival responible for a boating accident in the channel leading back to the port of Miami that caused a death. The cruise line had nothing to do wth that incident except needing access to the water way which needed to be closed due to the incident. Sorry some of your group missed travel arrangements. Hopefully they were able to rebook.

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AuntPinkie 1 year ago

Appreciate your detailed feedback. Carnival limits passengers to 15 alcoholic drinks with OR without the drink package. It’s mentioned in the cruise contract you agreed to. Sorry you were disappointed. Hope you find what you are looking for elsewhere.

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jeffsfan24 1 year ago

Went on this same ship and other than the coaster we didn’t pay for anything extra except drinks. Had a great time.

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javawoody 1 year ago

Cruising is what you make of it, it’s all about attitude

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cruisegirl16 1 year ago

We did the same cruise in May, had a great time! Sorry you didn't enjoy yourself.

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cbyron3 1 year ago

Try Royal next time. Find out if they try to nickel and dime you. Spoiler alert...hold on to your wallet.

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BeeKimball 1 year ago

So sorry you had a bad experience. Thank you for your thoughts on your trip.

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cruising2004 1 year ago

Thank you for sharing your cruising experience.

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tavo6 1 year ago

Thanks

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