I would definitely cruise Carnival again! Exceeded expectations. Can't wait to see the improvements to the ship! (I don't understand why the rating is so low, when most of my ratings were 4s. Anyway, I'd give it a 4 out of 5, not a 3.3!
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Faster to the Fun really paid off! We arrived and were treated like VIP's throughout the arrival, check-in and embarkation process. My only complaint is that I thought our cabin was supposed to ready early with FttF, but that's OK! After having disembarked, I have NO idea how the room stewards could possibly ha e the FttF cabins ready by 11:30AM!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Service was excellent! Choices were varied and enticing but the mainstays (pork, chicken, steak...) we're all good too! I ad lower expectations for this cruise food-wise than others based on reviews, but I have to say we were all pleasantly surprised by the food choices. Kids loved the pizza and ice cream.
However, the bottomless bubbles did not turn out to be a good value for us. The sodas were slow to get any of the bars (bartenders were always very busy) and regardless of where we got them, they were flat and didn't taste very good. (Only cans no fountain drinks.) I would pass on that option the next time. The lemonade was very good (and included in the free choices).
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Unfortunately, we we're stuck on board an extra day (already 3 days on board a 5 day cruise (last day doesn't really count)), because the weather didn't allow us to visit Half Moon Cay. However, the staff made an extra effort to amuse us! We had a lot of fun playing trivia, scattegories and other organized activities that we're added when we couldn't have our beach day. Pool was very small and usually busy, but the kids enjoyed it the last night when the novelty had worn off for the majority of the rest of the cruisers.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
Welcome Aboard show was very high energy and fun, but a bit loud for our taste. The comedians were both hilarious and I think we caught all but 2 of each of their shows. The DJs we're good, but the music seemed to repeat A LOT by day 3.
We were also able to find quieter areas to relax for plenty of downtime.
Children's Programs
3 out of 5
Although I think my kids would have enjoyed the kids activities if they could have gone together, neither of them chose to participate alone (ages 10 and 12, so they were in 2 different kids clubs). A little more flexibility in the grouping would have been appreciated and likely led to happier kids. Not really the staffers faults though. I understand they have to cap their groups to be manageable.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Everyone, aside from several of the bartenders was super friendly and helpful. I just think the bartenders were overworked and could have each used an extra person helping them out at peak times.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The ship was a bit dated (going to dry dock next week!), but very well kept up. It was clean and I didn't notice anything that made me wonder if it had been ignored.
We were lucky enough to have gotten one of the new cabins (one area had already been updated, the rest were going to updated at the end of the month). We were disappointed that the BlueIguana Grill and Guys Burger weren't yet part of this ship, but that'll be for next time!
Cabin / Stateroom
1 out of 5
We were lucky enough to get updated cabins. The rest of the ship's cabins were to be updated at the end of August 2017. Very spacious (unusually large for a cruise ship!)... 50sq.ft larger than any other cruise line's similarly priced cabins!
Quiet, for the most part (engine noises when docking and some hallway noise, but were pretty far toward the front,so not a lot of traffic. Couldn't hear ANY noise from neighbors though!
Very clean, comfortable bed, plenty of hooks to hang things and storage for clothes, etc. Ample shower stall size. Plenty of space for toiletry storage and towels to be hung.
Loved our view out the portholes! For the price, you can't beat the rooms we got!
Ship tip
Try it! Get involved! The more you participate, the more fun you'll have!
The chairs on the top deck had some shade and we're rarely all used. There was a nice breeze and aside from the occasional cuss word from someone who missed a shot at mini golf, it was very peaceful!
Entrance area seemed unfinished and temporary. Could use some finishing touches, but all the staff were very friendly and helpful.
Customs was a breeze and we'll organized.
Our snorkeling excursion was a high point of the cruise, even though we were cut short at the first reef because of jellyfish fish in the water. They brought us the beach at Rose Island (I think) and we got to see a sting ray and enjoy both a reef (again, lots of jellyfish though) and the beautiful white sand beach. I would avoid going to visit Nassau city though. Not our type of shops. Perhaps would be worthwhile to take tour to see what there is beyond the area walking distance from ship.
We had a very unpleasant experience with the hair braiders in the little market area. Very aggressive (targeting my daughter) and then w women loudly bickered with one another the entire time we were there. I would NEVER do that again... Didn't seem very clean and was very uncomfortable position to be in.
Carry your baggage off the ship yourself I'd you want off quickly! We sat for over an hour waiting to disembark and we had the Faster to the Fun pass! I can't imagine how slow it would be if hadn't had it.
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