We are glad we went on this cruise, but as a family have agreed that we won't be cruising ever again. Too many people, too many lines, too much waiting.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
The Carnival Cruise line did an efficient processing job, and it went fairly quickly once we got to the actual ship. The issue we had was that there were 9 cruises leaving port Everglades on the Same day!! This created such chaos and traffic in getting to the actual ship. So Many people converging on the same location was insane. We were afraid that we wouldn't make it there! My advice is to leave for your ship as early as you can, even though you have an arrival time.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Food was about par with a Cafeteria. We went to the steak house one night (you have to pay an extra $35 per person) and that food was SO good. Very good dining experience. The evening dining room food was ok, not special or extraordinary. Just good. We did enjoy the hamburgers from the Guy Fieretti joint, but who doesn't like a greasy cheeseburger after a long day on the beach when you are famished. We were surprised about the dress for dinner. We saw people dressed in nice suits and dresses, but then we saw people in flip flops, ball caps, and even a towel. It seemed to be a free for all, anything goes. The drinks were good, and the waiters on the pool deck were very considerate and efficient. All of the bartenders were very attentive.
One issue that was really bad about this ship is the availability of water. Most of the water stations were broken, and there was only ONE water station per side of the ship. When you did find one that worked, the water ran very slowly, and I always seemed to be behind somebody filling a giant water bottle. This was very disappointing, and more water stations need to be added and maintained.
Steakhouse
5 out of 5
Steak and seafood was delicious. Service was impeccable, dessert was amazing. Cost was extra, but it was a special occasion and it felt that way...Special.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
We enjoyed the shows every night. The talent wasn't the best, but that was the entertaining part for us. There were some good singers, and One very excellent dancer, and it was a nightly entertainment that kept our interest. The Hasbro game night was a bit boring, but we still stayed. It was better than being in the room. We really enjoyed the final night where they had a lip sync battle. It was very entertaining, and they involved some of the kids from the kids club. It was fun to watch how much fun they were having.
The pool area was fun people watching, but every where I felt assaulted by loud music. It was pumping everywhere! I was anxious to get off of the ship, just so I could have quiet. I tried to read a book, but after reading the same sentence 12 times, I gave up.
We don't gamble so we didn't go to the casino. As we walked thru, I did smell cigarette smoke and that turned me off. We left as soon as we arrived.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We had so much fun at the shows. The theatre is very open, nicely lit, and theres a good seat from everywhere. The talent wasn't the best, but not the worst. There was one particular male dancer who was so much better than the rest, so I enjoyed watching him. The vocalists were good. We were entertained every night.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Our steward Novi was very kind, always had a smile. Our waiter wasn't the greatest, we always seemed like the last table to be served. Guest services was very good, and answered all of our questions.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
It could have been cleaner, but it was a very crowded cruise, and I would imagine that it is a never ending chore to keep up with that many people. The decor was ok, could use a little updating. Our room was good, we were on the sixth deck with a balcony. It was nice to have the balcony to escape the noise of the ship.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
It was what I expected. The nice thing is that the water pressure was good, and the temperature was perfect. I thought that might be an issue, but it never was. The room was just fine.
Ship tip
Since we are first time cruisers, I do have some advice. Be prepared to wait in lines. I never thought that my vacation would be spent with so much time standing in line. I just didn't anticipate this factor. This was very frustrating, because you never knew how much time to give yourself at a location, because you knew you would have to wait in line, to do anything.
Bring a coffee mug, the kind that has a lid. You will be able to walk around with your coffee, or water, or juice whatever you choose.
Bring a power strip. The room very few outlets. With todays chargers, computers etc, it will allow you to charge your phone, and curl your hair at the same time.
Be prepared for crowds. This boat seemed just loaded with people. Now we took this cruise just before christmas, so maybe thats a busy time, but it was packed.
Leaving port on the same day as 9 other ships is absolutely nuts. There were thousands of people converting on the same location! Traffic was insane, people were driving nuts, police weren't directing traffic. There has to be a better way. We could see our ship from our hotel room, and yet it took 3 hours to get to the boat. I am sure that many people missed the ship, just because they couldn't get there. It was ridiculous. My advise to you would be leave your hotel room, or get to the ship as early as you can, just so you can relax that you made it to the ship. It was terrible, and caused us so much stress.
We loved it here. We did the Adrenaline adventure in the Falls. We are a healthy young family with teenagers and this excursion was perfect for us. If you choose this adventure, be aware that it is very strenuous. You must be in shape. You are required to climb up, thru the rainforest, on muddy rocky steps and trails, until you reach the falls deep in the forest. From there you have to climb over rocks, down and up wooden ladders, and then maneuver yourself over falls of water that plunge you deep into the pools. It was rough, and many people didn't enjoy this, because they were not in condition. We really thought it was fun, and the guides were very good. It doesn't seem very safe, but I tried not to think of that part of it. If somebody did get hurt, I really don't know how they would get out of there. There was a donkey tied to the trees up there, and one of the guides joked that he was the "dominican ambulance". Funny, but not if you really thought about it. This adventure was great, but please be aware that it was strenuous.
Gorgeous. We did the reef and rays adventure. The guides and the boats were wonderful. Snorkeling was terrific, and very well organized. There weren't any Rays to be found, but the guides did make a tremendous effort to rustle them up, they were just on Christmas vacation. It still was fun exploring the Rays island, and the amazing powdery sand and Aqua blue water.
Do yourself a favor here and splurge and get the Cabana rental. We did and it was the best decision of the whole cruise. We were the first ones off of the boat and for a short time, had the beach practically to ourselves. This allowed us to get some beautiful pictures, with out strangers in the background. The cabana had fans, and air conditioning. There were comfortable lounge chairs, snorkels and masks provided, and even wonderful Foam rafts to float in the amazing waters. There was a cooler full of cold water, chips, guacamole and salsa, and a veggie tray. These were in addition to the lunch buffet that the cruise provided. If you get a cabana, I would recommend you get one away from the center, where is it quiet and the music isn't pumping. We had cabana 4, and it was just off of the bar area, and it was a bit loud, but still amazing. If theres anything you are wondering what to spend money on, this is one you wont be sorry that you did. The snorkeling was good, not great, not much to see but how clear the water is, like snorkeling in a pool.
We could have ended this cruise at Half Moon Cay. This port could easily be skipped and we would have been fine with it. It was crazy debarking and finding the right bus. We went to Atlantis, (which was really expensive) and while our kids enjoyed the slides, I think they would have been fine not going. The aquarium was really beautiful, but the resort is SO huge, I was afraid that I wouldn't find my family if we ever got separated. If you love Vegas hotels, then you will love Atlantis for that is what it reminded me of. It was huge, crowded, but the Bahamas are beautiful. Long lines await you at Atlantis.
Thanks for posting your great review. I’m sorry that you didn’t enjoy cruising because of the lineups, but it is hard to get that many people into a venue, or through a buffet line etc, without lineups. We will be on the Conquest in March, and I enjoyed reading your review of the ports and excursions. Perhaps sometime you will try cruising again, but I understand it isn’t for everyone.
I can’t remember which cruise line it is, but one offers a cruise for the elderly, but any ages can go along. There is plenty of ‘soft’ food served, no loud music allowed, and everyone is in bed by 7:30 PM. Maybe this is for you, and I am sure that I am also pulling your leg. I agree that research is very important before and during the cruise itself. Hope you try it again, but use the knowledge gained by your first trip, to make the next better.
Most cruise lines have a specialty restaurant and you pay if you want to go its up to you ...
Just got off the Legend had a great time .. excellent food and great service .. 19 cruises never had a bad one yet ..
Guess cruising is not for you .....
I read all of your reviews and i feel maybe not enough research was done prior to booking from the cruiseline to what the ports had to offer. Do more research before booking that way you can ensure a fantastic vacation you won't regret
You shouldn't stop cruising because this one didn't fit your style but there are many other cruise lines that are quieter that you may enjoy more. As for us we love Carnival for the loud music and that's why they're called the fun ship. There may be small issues at times but they always seem to be doing the best they can and I'm good with that. To each their own and hope you guys give cruising another chance
First of all Carnival is known for being the party ships if you just want to get away go on Princess cruises you can have a peaceful cruise with great staff and the food there is great and you have to try the pizza
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