Carnival Celebration 07/15/2023 8 Day ABC Islands

Item: Carnival Celebration
Rating: 4.3
Author: dixiediva761

Carnival Celebration Cruise Review

dixiediva761

Contributor Level: Second Mate

36 Days Till Next Cruise

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 2

Helpful Votes: 36

Overall rating:

4.3 out of 5

8 Night Southern Caribbean (Miami Roundtrip)

Sail date: July 15, 2023

Ship: Carnival Celebration

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 14504

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 9 months ago

Review summary

Overall we had a great vacation. Nothing is ever perfect and we enjoyed ourselves and relaxed and planned next years adventure on Mardi Gras. (Niece’s choice cause again midsize fits me best lol) I started my niece cruising in 2017 when she was 10 and she loved it. The following year we brought my sister in law, her Mom who also loved it and now its an annual thing the 3 of us do. Sometimes my other niece joins and sometimes friends join. Covid did a number on the cruise industry and we are just glad we get to go again.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Embarkation was pretty smooth. Only took 15-20 mins once arrived.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Main dining room service is super slow but not the fault of the staff. They are severely understaffed. Those people were busting their a***s but the amount of tables they have now is too much. The quality of food was not great in the dining room either. Shaq’s Chicken-fabulous, Teppanyaki- fabulous, Emeril’s also fabulous. Chibang was good but too beef and broccoli was too spicy for me and it was not labelled spicy so wasn’t expecting it. Noodles were delish. Cuccina Del Capitano was good as well. Guy’s was good first day but second time meat/burger was kinda weird texture or something. It was just off. The Street Eats area Time Fries had this Philly Cheesesteak fries one day that was beyond, so good. Seafood shack shrimp did not disappoint but the fish was a tad greasy. Lido was Lido. The Soda machines are now set up to take your sign and sail card and charged 21 cents per ounce and gives you like 10 seconds to prevent sharing soda card. Problem is they were not working…often.

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Typical trivia, bingo etc. comedy club and piano bar were full often and we couldn’t get in. A few nights we went to cabin by 10/11 pm. The trouble with 6000 guests on board. Booked Bolt and it got cancelled due to wind I guess but then couldn’t rebook which was a tad frustrating. The kids really wanted to do that.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Watched 3 of the shows. The Big Top was slow to start but then when the acrobatics came in it was good. Celebration Central is neat. The stage and shows right out there in the open. The piano bar singer was great the one time we could get in.

Children's Programs

1 out of 5

Niece 16 and her friend 15 went to Club O2 once or twice and never went back, due to no real activities 15-17 yr olds are interested in. No music/dancing etc. heard that from other parents as well.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

They are understaffed and doing their absolute best. Our room steward was one of the best ever.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

Ship is beautiful and was well maintained. Not sure these giant ones are my favorite though. I think midsize suits my 62 year old bod better lol

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Booked junior balcony which is a tad smaller and no couch or table. Decor however is beautiful and the shower door beats the heck out of that curtain!