My wife and I were married on a Carnival Ship, and have sailed on several different cruise lines. For the price, Carnival usually provides good value and experience, but there was a marked decline in service, cleanliness and attitude on this one. I found it a little disappointing having staff roving through the crowds selling shots and drink tumblers, and charging extra for the items I am used to receiving as part of the cost of the cruise. Add on to that the mechanical failure of the boat that caused us to miss our port of call - and then discovering that the previous cruise had the same problem, added to the disappointment. All machine break - I get that. But it seems like the company put the profit ahead of the necessity to ensure that the boat was running and that they could actually complete the trip that we booked and paid for. Despite all of what I said above: If I had one thing to say to Carnival, I would tell them that it costs nothing to have staff greet the customers and smile, and that one simple thing can eclipse a lot of lapses and mistakes.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
I have had cruise lines provide drinks and snacks prior to boarding, not this time. Embarkation was well organized and we were able to get on board ahead of schedule.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Dining staff were apparently angry at management during our second night, it showed. Many other guests we spoke to agreed there was a problem. Our party of 4 ordered steaks that were overcooked - and we sent back plates 2x during our dining room experience. We only attended dinner 4 x. The buffet has dropped high cost items like smoked salmon, which are only available for a fee through room service or by attending formal breakfast - Brunch. We did have excellent steaks and lobster tails one night - but we paid an extra retail price in order to get a good meal. The Guy's hamburgers venue was a bright spot! Delicious and consistent.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
This was one of the smallest boats, so activities were somewhat limited - but we certainly had lots to choose from.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Entertainment was excellent.
Children's Programs
We left our grandchildren at home
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Dining room staff were overbooked and angry. The past experience of being greeted by ships staff is apparently no longer practiced. Our bags were left outside our room instead of being brought in by our steward. Our steward was friendly and left his number and was a bright star of the staff we encountered.
Ship Quality
2 out of 5
Lido does not have enough staff to keep tables cleaned off and ready for the next guests. Shuffled plates to other tables multiple times. Cups and debris littered throughout the ship - they were cleaned up but not enough staff to keep up with the mass of people.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
As the bottom tier of accommodation, our cabin was quite comfortable and everything worked well.
Ship tip
Ensure that the ship is in working order as the boat had mechanical problems for the 2nd cruise in a row and was unable to complete all of the promised ports of call.
We rented a golf cart and drove around the island, ended up at Jacks, just down the beach. Highly recommended. Not a lot to see but what is there is beautiful.
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