This was our first cruise, and we did much research on how to do it well and what to expect. It was absolutely a wonderful vacation for our whole family!
I would absolutely do this again. As a full-time homemaker, we knew the only way a family vacation would also let me rest would be to do a cruise. The kids ate whatever whenever, I didn't have to lift a single finger from start to finish. Hoping to make cruising a bi-annual thing!
In the future, I will bring more petty cash to tip the staff because they really do work hard and ensure a wonderful time for everyone. They deserve more.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
So organized! Well done!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
The food was good, but I am a home chef and my family are accustomed to excellence. So it was just good. The staff, however, are spectacular. 10 STARS on the service!!!
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Well, we aren't the party-people most cruisers seem to be. And the two small pools were constantly inundated with children and the water murky at best. There seemed to be a constant stream of options for all types: we enjoyed the music venues and the comedy shows, but we were seriously disappointed with the ruined presentation of Dune 2. So maybe great for others, but not so much for us.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The things we saw, Comedy shows, music venues were enjoyable.
Children's Programs
Our under age kids preferred to hang with us, so although we had to register them, they did not join in at any point.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
LOVED THEM. They work so hard and always seek to serve to the nth degree! Whatever you pay them it's not enough!
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Layout seemed fine, though as first-time cruisers we cannot do any proper comparisons. But again with the staff: THEY WERE SPECTACULAR. Could not believe how hard they worked, kept everything so very clean, and always smiling and welcoming. I really cannot praise your staff sufficiently enough.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
It was better than expected, honestly. We were quite comfortable, even with 4 to each room. Housekeeping was EN POINTE with service, cleanliness, questions and towel animals!
Ship tip
Do not bring your swimsuits expecting to hang out in and by the pool unless you are comfortable with kid crowding, splashing, murky water and loud noise.
Be mindful of these Tender Ports, folks. Only because our eldest son was paying attention did he/we know about needing to get passes for the tender, because we booked excursions outside of Carnival's purview.
Simple, easy port. Not difficult to navigate. We went for shopping and food, no specific excursions. Son was very disappointed that he was not old enough for the ATV excursion. Not Carnival's fault tho.
WOW with teh level of organization. So well done. My hat is off to Carnival for how they ran 4000+ folks off the ship in no time at all, and organized the bags and passport checkpoints. Seriously efficient.
Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising. It's what you make of it and a positive attitude always works. Thanks for your review and I'm glad you enjoyed your cruise. We book an annual family cruise every June
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