Between the rough seas not being able to be cancelled out by the ship and the issues with features not working on the ship, it is not likely we will cruise with Carnival again. The shore excursions saved the trip.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Embarkation delayed by 2 hours the week before we were scheduled to leave. The day before we were to leave Carnival delayed another 3 hours. Travelers had to find ways to spend the day with all their luggage and add an extra meal that was planned to be on the ship. No compensation from Carnival for the issues.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
The buffets were good. the specialty dining was not that good, other than Guys Burger Joint. Main dining was excellent.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
The dive in movies would cut off in the middle of the movie and not restart. The ship was not ready to come out of dry dock. Workers were still putting trim around the fun shops. Carpets were changed over night in the main dining areas because they couldn't be finished in dry dock. The water slide did not work the first 6 days of the 8 day cruise. Trivia games were scheduled in rooms that were too small. standing room only 30 minutes before they were to begin. Almost 3000 cruisers and events scheduled in rooms that may hold 50 to 75 people.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
The stage shows were just OK. the artists did not perform the songs well enough to rave over. The lighting and visual effects saved the show. The comedians brought on were good. The blues/soul band was very good. The string trio were OK but used a lot of canned instruments as background.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Ferdinand was the best head waiter on the ship. Went out of his way to make sure everything was perfect for our dinners. Wyan always spoke when he saw us and made sure the room was cleaned for us when we came back each evening. 90% of the staff working the food service areas were friendly and smiling. It just made the few who didn't smile stand out more.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
We did not like having to change levels to get from the front to the back on the 3 main levels. The main atrium wasn't open enough to watch the entertainment from more than 2 levels above. Gave the feeling of a small ship. Our cruise had rough seas and the ship could not cancel it out. My wife was sea sick most of the trip even wearing a Dramamine patch. The shimmy from the props made me think the propeller shaft was bent. Decor was outdated.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
For having 3 adults and a preteen, it was a good sized cabin. Decor outdated and windows not cleaned from the outside but a pleasant surprise.
Ship tip
Make sure what is important to you. Ship has flaws. Guy's Burger joint was by far the best food other than main dining.
RIU all inclusive resort was excellent. Not crowded, good food. Seas were a little rough for snorkeling. Would consider a week as an all inclusive verses a cruise.
Backed out of snorkeling due to seas being rough. Took the tour around the island. Not the best guide but beautiful features on the island. Actually felt like you could travel the island without a guide and be safe.
We carried off our own bags to better control leaving.Had to be out of the room by 9AM. Up one level and right out. No waiting in cruise port for customs. Very smooth disembarkation.
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