Everyone had fun, but the cruise went over too quickly. We didn't pony up for a WiFi connection for our kids which was a blessing as instead they read books, visited newly made friends, were nice to parents.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We booked an EZ Cruise parking reservation which is conveniently located close by the ship terminal. They offer a free shuttle bus to the terminal and help you off with your baggage. Dropping off baggage at the terminal requires you have your luggage tags pre-attached to your luggage. Everyone is friendly; they're there to ensure you start off your vacation with a smile. Security check was quick and before you know it, you're headed to the boat
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Giving a 4 out of 5. We dined at the Crimson restaurant on the first night which is a bit formal; there is some choice on the menu but nothing startling. It also took some time to get our food once ordered. So if you are planning to see a show then go when the restaurant opens or skip this and head to the buffet on deck 10.
The buffet is pretty good; lots of choices but be prepared to wait in line. Was surprised how much food is wasted by quests piling on their plate and leaving more than half at the end. Sad. Seating area is nice and open and the staff do a great job cleaning up behind you.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
There are a couple of salt water pools and a water slide park which went down well with our youngest. The kid's clubs seem to be popular; our teenage daughter made some friends but our 8 year old wasn't too interested in going to them.
There is an outdoor jogging track (21 times around it = 5km) but forget trying to jog on it as you try to dodge groups of folk walking side by side instead of jogging. Fortunately, there is a well stocked gym for us folks who want to keep the weight down from 5 nights on a cruise boat.
The boat also has a casino, plenty of bars, spa, several exercise classes and hairdresser/barber which we never used.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Gary Blair the cruise director is a warrior going from hosting one entertainment slot right to hosting another somewhere else on the ship. He organized and hosted some fun events; hairy chest competition, men v women quiz, synchronized swimming contest, Scottish dancing, 80's music event. Lots of fun
The music shows are good but if you're looking for some rock music then expect a broadway-esk twist to it which wasn't to our liking.
Comedy club was a lot of fun for my wife and I however be careful if you're taking kids to the so called PG event; a couple of profanities slipped out from one comedian which fortunately went over the head of our 8 year old but not our 13 year old.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
Speaking for my oldest here as my youngest only went once. She seemed to enjoy the 12-14 year old club. Made lots of friends and they are still chatting now via text, facetime etc.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
A great crew led by the Cruise Director. Everyone is very friendly and happy to answer questions or just general chit chat.
Note: "please" and "thank you" costs nothing and it's amazing the response you get from the crew when you smile at them.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Nothing much to add here. Everyone was running around making sure the ship was clean and tidy.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Only giving 4 stars due to the fact that the room wasn't that clean when we arrived on the boat. There was a days old, maybe weeks old opened milk in the fridge that was stinking and the balcony hadn't been cleaned before we got there as we found someone's medicine tablet dissolving on the floor. Halfway through the trip they came to clean everyone's balcony; better if they were to do that once you got off in preparation for the next guests.
Ship tip
Book deck 10 stateroom. Deck 10 is where everything happens; buffet, outdoor bars, pools, some entertainment, main deck.
We booked an excursion through United; jeep tour around the island. Since we booked via United as opposed to Carnival, we were the only family on this tour so we had the guide to ourselves. Maybe the Carnival equivalent would have resulted in a better conditioned vehicle but we enjoyed the trip nonetheless
Same thing as we told Carnival; unless you are going on an excursion don't even bother getting off the boat. We decided to visit the town, relax, walk around and maybe get some lunch. This town is 15 years behind every where we've been in Mexico; construction everywhere, beggars, hassled by vendors. There is only so many times I can say "No tenemos hambre"
Probably the best thing you could have done.We just use Hub app and whats necessary to keep in touch onboard.Most say internet not good anyway.Some need it for work or keep in touch at home but it was a great break from it all for us.
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