Disembarkation was nightmare. Long wait times in slow moving line to exit ship and again to zig-zag through customs line. We started "in line" at 8am. Were first directed to Lobby level and then told we needed to go up to "5" and use the elevators there. We did not get into parking lot until 10am. Did not make mistake of Carnival airport shuttle again and jumped right into a taxi that charged $18 and promptly delivered to the Southwest terminal.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
We elected the Carnival transport shuttle from FLL airport $15pp+tax. We were first ones in line for shuttle and were asked to stand in designated area for bus arrival (estimated time about 20mins). Over an hour later we were still waiting with a large group and then followed to load on large charter bus that took very long time for the bus driver to solely load the entire passenger luggage stowed in the underneath compartments. Finally when we thought we were underway we pulled up to another spot and loaded more passengers. As a result we missed the porter luggage assist when the bus finally arrived at the terminal and it was a mess with that many people trying to grab their luggage and make the way through security and then had to bring our own luggage to our staterooms. Regretted not taking taxi or uber. Not a good way to start out trip and missing all the boarding activities.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Nothing note worthy. I remember the days where the waiter team had personalities and were "fun" - this was first cruise I felt the mundane routine. Sit, get handed menu, water/bread, take order, deliver dishes, dessert menu, coffee …. done.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
Did enjoy the spa but the cruise director and others did not evoke excitement and seemed a bit awkward when doing shows/contests, ect. Serenity deck - no monitoring of people reserving loungers/hammocks for the entire day and leaving their belongings to "camp out" all day. In past, if these covenanted spots were left unattended for a period of time an authorized attendant would gather belongings and put in bag/safe place to make the space available.
Entertainment
2 out of 5
Apparently there were (2) entertainment teams on this cruise. I only saw the "B" team which looked like a high school production on the welcome aboard Motown show. Lacked any excitement
Children's Programs
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Nothing was above & beyond. The bar service was lacking. Not many servicers working the decks for drink orders. Primarily had to go to wait in lines at counter
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
The balcony was not cleaned - there was a hardened ice cream cone on the tinted glass and cigarette butts in the small gutter - decking was sticky. I miss that Carnival used to put guest robes in the staterooms.
Nothing to do here - Island was very disappointing. We rented a car and drove around a bit stumbled upon area and snorkeled with the sea turtles which was nice. Turned the car in after only a few hours and returned to ship.
We enjoyed Aruba. We did island tour and snorkeled, shopped, had a great lunch. Unfortunately our time in Aruba was the shortest (only 6hrs) had to be back onboard by 3pm
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