Good cruise, good weather, will do balcony in future.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We changed and did later arrival at 1 pm and we walked right on and got into our room, super easy! They've now changed that you don't have to see a desk agent if you've done online check in and this was GREAT!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Specialty steakhouse restaurant was outstanding. Lobster and filet mignon were excellent. We made reservations for the first night and we got a free bottle of house wine. The dining room was also very good. We had any time dining . The first formal night we waited for about 30 minutes, very long lines but we did always get a table for 2. We especially liked waiter Ariel and Francisco who went above and beyond to make sure we were always satisfied with our meal and dining experience. The Lido buffet was a bit of a let down though. It seemed to have very bland food and very little variety. Liked the deli, Pizza Pirate , Guys Burgers and Blue Iguana Cantina. The sea day brunch was good but slower service since everyone is on board. Wished the Blue Iguana was open longer hours. Giving 4 stars due to Lido buffet quality and variety low.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
We almost always go to the adults only pool in back of ship to relax with no kids. Almost always could get a chair, maybe not in the sun but was ok for us. We also went up to the Serenity deck to lay out as the chairs and couches are extremely comfortable. No pool but there is a hottub on deck 12 in front of ship which almost nobody goes to. Couldn't get into the little cabanas though as they were always taken. It's a nice place to relax, lay in the sun, there's a bar, no pool but there is a shower to cool off when needed.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We're not much into the main theatre shows, liked the Rock show but preferred to go to the piano bar, Dave did a great job with getting everyone singing. We like the comedians and especially loved Diane Ford, she was EXCELLENT and every show was different.
Children's Programs
Do not cruise with children.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Staff goes above and beyond. Our room steward "Pong Pong" was sooo nice and extremely helpful. We said we liked ice and he made sure we had it morning and night, twice a day! We had a drawer that broke and was stuck, he was there immediately and when he couldn't fix it, he had his supervisor there in less than 5 minutes and was repaired quickly. What service! The dining room staff did an outstanding job with singing, dancing and serving. I think they were the most fun we've had in our multiple cruises!
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Layout was standard for prior Carnival ships we've sailed on. No issues with the layout except when going down to dinner for Our Time Dining, we couldn't get to the right side of the dining room as it cuts off and you can't walk through. Once we figured that out, we were good. We did not like the design which was supposed to be artistic/French in design but it seemed tacky with large flower lights, paintings everywhere. prefer more modern design. The cleanliness was outstanding, crew was constantly cleaning.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
We typically go with balcony cabins but we tried an interior cabin to save some money. We've decided we want the balcony going forward basically for the view and freedom to go in and out to balcony and enjoy the sea, and see more in port. The interior cabin was about the same size as balcony otherwise. We did miss having an actual couch in the cabin or a chair with a back as the desk only has a backless stool. The bed was extremely comfortable and because it was interior, very dark. We slept great! We were in the middle of the ship and didn't have any issues with motion
Ship tip
For adults, check out the Serenity deck to escape crowds at pools. No pool but shower to cool off on.
We usually love this stop as the beach is RIGHT off the pier when you dock and you can walk off and get right on the beach (pay for chairs & umbrellas) and Margaritaville is right there as well which has the largest pool in Caribbean which we've hung out at for the day.
However, when we were there, 4 ships were in at the same time when we were there and there was no room at beach OR at Margaritaville. We didn't want to travel far so we ended up going back on ship and had the adult pool almost to ourselves.
We did a tour of old and new San Juan (not through Carnival). Honestly, not alot to do here. Didn't find it very interesting. There is a Walgreens right at the pier if you are in need of any items which is nice.
This is the most picturesque stop, love seeing all the sailboats. Beautiful stop, beautiful island. We did an excursion (not through Carnival) that allowed shopping, tour all the way to top of island which had a great gift shop, banana daquiris and good prices, then dropped you off at 1 of 3 beaches. Great tour.
We had an early flight (11 am) out of Ft. Lauderdale and for the first time ever, we decided to keep our luggage and carry it off ourselves instead of putting it out the night before. We were a bit worried as we had 3 suitcases and both have walking issues. It was a breeze! We didn't have a long wait, the elevators were all working and it was a great disembarkation. Made it there by Uber for $40 for both of us with plenty of time to spare.
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