My family of 6 enjoyed our first cruise immensely. The staff was kind and very helpful in every way. I wish there had been more physical activities available on board but the trip was still a huge success. We are already looking forward to our next cruise.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We purchased FTTF for our trip. It was very beneficial in many ways including the individually dedicated number for reaching help services. I would recommend it for any first time cruiser.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Although we had originally asked for anytime dining, we were added to early dining instead. It still worked out okay. All of the food we tried on the ship was great.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
I spent most of my time on the ship relaxing, I did play bingo and enjoyed the nightly dive in movies. My two adult children (22 and 19) participated in many activities on-board. They attended dance parties every night, spent some money in the casino and game room, and participated in scavenger hunts. My oldest enjoyed the many seminars collecting coupons for free items and participating in giveaways. Another family member selected the cruise ship and dates, I would not have selected this particular ship. The reason for only 3 stars is the 3 pools on the ship are very small and were overly crowded and there was only one water slide.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Children's Programs
2 out of 5
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Overall the staf was amazing. Our room steward (Jose) knew our names within the first hour we were on-board. He did an amazing job and greeted us warmly every time he seen us anywhere on the ship. Every person I spoke with at help services except for one was extremely patient, kind and helpful. Our dinner service team was great as well, with exception to our personal waiter. He may have been new but he was very forgetful and high strung. He did his job and that was it, he was not as warm and friendly as others we had encountered. My granddaughter made quite an impression in the dining area. With exception to our waiter she was greeted with hugs, magic tricks and dancing every night. One waitress made a very big impression on her, If Martina was in the room my granddaughter would yell her name as soon as she seen her. It has been 2 weeks since our cruise and our almost 2 year old still asks about Martina and Jose.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
The majority of the ship was clean and maintained well enough. The Lido deck needed constant cleaning, due mostly to the number of activities that take place on this deck. The number of children running around mostly unsupervised add to the mess quite a bit. My biggest complaint about the ship is when trying to get to the help desk or dinner, both on deck 3. The galley takes up the center of the ship so you can not enter a elevator and just press 3. For diner you have to walk to the back elevator before going to 3 and for help services you have to walk to the front elevator before going to 3. If you forget and go to 3 first you then have to go up or down a level, then walk to the correct end before going back to 3. It can be very confusing for a first time cruiser.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Ship tip
This is a nice ship for adults and possibly first time cruisers looking to ease into sailing. The on-board activities are not as child centered as many of the other ships seem to be. There is no way to walk through the center of the ship on deck 3, so make sure to walk to the front of the ship before taking an elevator to deck 3 (unless you are going to dinner on deck 3) For dinner go to the back elevator before going to deck 3.
We did not do an excursion on Grand Turk, we rented a golf cart and toured the island on our own. This island still had very visible damage from hurricane activity. Even with the damage and the work taking place to rebuild, this island is gorgeous!
The seating area is crowded and limited but the beach is beautiful, and my granddaughter loved the splash pad and activity area. The food served by Carnival for the BBQ was great and although some people may not enjoy it, we found the free roaming chickens during lunch entertaining.
We booked an snorkeling excursion on Nassau upon arrival. However we were not able to do the excursion due to weather. We were surprised when the captain of the boat Derrick Cox refunded our full amount. His concern for my granddaughter when the storm began was heartwarming. The short trip we did take on Mr. Cox boat ensured we will ask for him by name if we make another trip to Nassau.
I am so happy to hear that you enjoyed your 1st cruise so much. I am glad to hear that you were able to concentrate more on the positives of your cruise rather than the few negatives. It sounds like you got hooked just like the rest of us!! I know you will enjoy your future cruises just as much if not more than your 1st. And what wonderful memories you have been able to make with your granddaughter and the rest of your family!! Happy Cruising
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