Over-all good cruise. Hated to return to cold, snowy Ohio.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Very smooth and quick. Go through security, have your passport photo copied on a device (instead of having one taken at a check-in desk), and voila, on the way to the ship. Room key securly waiting by stateroom in a relatively short time.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Appreciated that there were several options: the buffet, Guy's Burgers, Mexican, Deli, Barbeque, Pizza, two main dining rooms, etc. The variety of the food selections on the buffet and on the menus in the main dining rooms was good and the quality of the food was too. We did a cruise with Royal Caribbean the week before, and the Carnival food was much better.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
We played miniature golf and shuffle board. Tried Rock Climbing wall, but not able to do it. Disappointed that there weren't more educational, cultural, or enrichment classes/seminars. Most of them were attempts to sell a service or a product. The fitness center is good. Had a massage at the spa; cost too much when tip is included.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
The worst entertainment we've ever had on a cruise. (We've done nine.) The ship's song and dance group should have had more variety; too much 70s and 80s music. Hasbro, The Game Show -- really, for evening entertainment in the theater??? The one caveat for us was the Liberty Sweets performing in the atrium. They were outstanding.
Children's Programs
No children with us.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
It was excellent, as it is on most cruises.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
We like it. Generally easy to find our way around and to get from place to place. The artist theme was interesting.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Liked it a lot, except that our balcony was directly below the buffet deck so there was occasionally scraping noises from moving chairs around, but it was not that bad. The room had plenty of storage. The bathroom was a good size. We liked being able to lock and unlock the safe using our sea pass.
We did resort-for-a-day to Atlantis to see the aquariums. Rode in taxi (van) to get there. The aquariums are awesome. Enjoyed a stroll down Bay St., and through the Straw Market.
Carnival has done a good job with this port, though it is not one for sightseers. Plenty of beach chairs and water-sport opportunities. I would liked to have had a flyer or brochure about it before we got there. I walked around and found a walking/running trail, and a farms and garden nursery. I wish I had know about them sooner. The buffet lunch was Okay, but not great.
Did not care much for this port. Did not do an excursion. It's just not a very pretty island and not too many attractions. If you like hanging around on
The port is beautiful with good amenities, especially the pool. Shopping is pretty good, too. We wanted to take a taxi to Puerto Plata, but the fare was too much. I believe it is only about five miles to town. $30 round trip is too much. No need for taxi to stay with us. Just drop us off and let us find a taxi back to the ship when we're ready.
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