Disappointing

Carnival Ecstasy Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

DonJ3

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 21

Overall rating:

2 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Western Caribbean (Galveston Roundtrip)

Sail date: May 31, 2008

Ship: Carnival Ecstasy

Cabin type: Inside

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 16 years ago

Review summary

We booked this cruise because the port is within driving distance of our home, the timing worked out and so as to fulfill a promise to our grandchildren. We have cruised on Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, NCL, and U.S. Line (now out of business). This was the worst. Embarkation was ok. The cabin was adequate in size and condition and was well kept by our friendly steward. The ship is older and not well laid out. The public spaces are to few and to small. The ship was very crowded and extremely noisy. Walking around was made more difficult by the excessive number of photography setups which tended to spill out into the walkways. The food was the worst we have experienced on any cruise, including the one that went out of business. The dinning room staff, however, was excellent, among the best that we have had. Debarkation was a mess. Carnival offered an early off option if you carried your own luggage off the ship. This sounds good until you encounter hundreds of people and, seemingly, thousands of bags jamming passage ways and stairwells. Not to mention the one to two hour line to clear customs. In fact this option is for the convenience of the ship, not the customer. With the passengers lugging their own baggage the ship does not have to pick up and delivery to the dock. Fortunately we opted to have our bags pickup and delivered to the baggage claim area. We hired a porter and all six of us were out in 20 minutes while the early off people were still standing in line. This cruise is suitable for first time cruising Texans with small children or teenagers who are looking to try out cruising at an affordable price point. It is not for adults without children or for those looking for a more satisfying experience.