Overall, our family had a lot of fun, just what we hoped for, and more. We will sail with Carnival again and what draws us back is the mood of the entire crowd and staff, as well as the sense of a floating/moving hotel with lots to do and discoveries along the way. Thank you Carnival for making this affordable to so many people who never thought they would be able to go on a cruise!!!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Getting on the ship was easy and quick; a very good improvement at Charleston Port.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Quality of the food was 'hit or miss'. Breakfast in the Wind Star dining room was very good on some days and mediocre on others. The buffet was pretty good throughout the week. The Wind Star at dinner time was a very good experience, the food however was just okay. The deserts overall taste bland and some taste terrible. If I could have the choice between your current dessert layout or less choices with better quality, I would choose less with better quality.
Please don't ever discontinue the melting chocolate cake, we had it every night! It definitely redeems Carnival in desserts!
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
We enjoyed the water slides. The Hasbro gameshow was fun. Bingo was fun, but $2000 prize money amount seemed misleading. Either somebody wins that amount, or don't advertise it. I think Carnival can afford it.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
I thought the music was typical of what to expect on a Carnival cruise. Many good singers around college age, or a little bit older. The kettle drum music was nice. I like to hear Caribbean music when in the Caribbean. I liked the party/dance music DJ selections on the pool deck. I did not like to Bahamian drumming at Princess Cays, it was not festive sounding, I would have rather listened to popular Caribbean DJ music.
Children's Programs
2 out of 5
Our grand-daughter did not like the Camp Ocean experience and avoided it. She was too old for the age group, and too young for the Camp O2. She spent most time with family.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Our waiter Komang from Indonesia was excellent. He is a very well-trained and personable professional his team was also outstanding. We were grateful to have him and after the second night we began asking to have him back. Thanks to the chef for accommodating some requests for food not served on a particular night's menu. Our room steward, Michael and his team, room U-154, was very good, professional and hospitable.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
I love the size and layout of the Fantasy class ships, and understand that they can't last forever. It seems very well balanced (i.e., too crowded, long lines). I hope that Carnival will continue to design ships with a sense of balance and space. The size felt perfect for our family. The ship was very clean, but is showing signs of wear.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
We like the ocean view cabins because they are of adequate size, sunlight and view, and price. We would book balcony cabins, but budget is a decider.
Ship tip
I would say, "It's not about the ship, but about the people you're with."
One needs to be creative to enjoy Freeport. The dolphin encounter, Port Lucaya market place, some food, a beach and a boat ride are things to do. Planning for Freeport is important because there is not as much to do as a place like Nassau.
Disembarking was, like embarking, faster than in the past at Charleston. However, the van ride to the parking area was confusing. We were dropped off inside a warehouse about 200 yards after getting in the van, and left with no instruction of where to go or where we were, so we starting walking and eventually found the parking lot.
Disembarkation. .
You needed to hunt for your car while hauling your luggage? And kept a positive attitude about it leaving you with good memories.
AMESOME!!!!
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