Solid Carnival cruise. We have been on several before so we know where things are on this class ship. Least favorite thing was the ports (Freeport in particular). Wish Carnival would switch for another port in the Bahamas.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
One of the better Galveston embarcation experiences - relatively smooth when everyone arrives on time. Some long lines but they were inside and constantly moving. Carnival had enough reps available to keep it moving.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Food was good in the main dining rooms, pizza was good, Mongolian wok was always busy when opened. Buffets were varied but I felt like they had omitted some things (likely due to supply chain issues or costs - e.g. bacon available every other day for breakfast).
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Pools always crowded. Spa was excellent, but is still overpriced compared to land-based services. Trivia activities were fun. Dodgeball was not offered but when I asked they were waiting to get new equipment to resume it. Did have issues with the fun staff skewing events that were supposed to be ship-wide towards the kids just because some kids were participating.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Comedians (all 4) were not as funny as others in the past. The one stage show we saw was great.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Very hardworking, even though it was obvious they were short-staffed.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
No issues here.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Same size as other cabins and same configuration. Balcony overlooks deck 5 immediately so they can see your balcony and you can see them. I prefer the cove balcony to this balcony but that's personal preference.
Sorry no getting around Freeport as a stop, unless you want a late afternoon (2pm or later) in Port Canaveral for your refueling. Just wait in a couple of years & things will change dramatically with Freeport once Carnival's private port is completed. Heard the layout will take the best reported features from Grand Turk, Mahogany Bay, and Amber Cove as the basic footprint for what's offered there.
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