Our party of 10, ages 23-54, were very excited to cruise, celebrate (one honeymoon, two 31st wedding anniversaries) and experience all the great times you expect from a cruise vacation. Of the 1st time cruisers in our party, none desire a 2nd Carnival cruise and of the repeat cruisers, we agreed that if this had been our 1st time experience, we would agree. Next year we plan to fly to Cozumel and spend all 5 days in our happy place.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Easy enough; 1st time our sail and sign cards were delivered to stateroom
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Peach daiquiris and twilight zones were awesome. Buffet and specialty restaurants were either short staffed or inexperienced at best. The same guy worked the pizza pirate at least 20 hours each of the 5 days. Guy’s Burgers was good but they didn’t ask for your order, only threw a cheeseburger plate at you. I enjoyed the Cuban I ordered from the deli but others in our party of ten didn’t have the same experience/quality. Main dining didn’t disappoint but didn’t stand out other than staff dance. Buffets were below par for sure.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Serenity was much appreciated. Dive in movie was replaced with NCAA game (unannounced and better suited for sports club). LOTS OF UPSALES!
Entertainment
1 out of 5
Stage shows were very disappointing; we’ve enjoyed high school performances that surpassed these guys’ talent. DJ was good. One comedian more appreciated than the other. One female singer/guitarist (blonde, usually braided, long hair) was good. There was a band that wasn’t too bad but when I can tell you are off pitch or out of harmony, you need to exit stage left ASAP!
Children's Programs
Party ages from 23-54
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
This score is for 3 specific staff members ONLY. Our steward, Michael was phenomenal, the lady at FTTF guest services that refunded our excursion and expressed genuine concern (I experienced a mild anxiety attack due to unprofessionalism and disorganization), and the female casino bartender that memorized our order of 6 different drinks the first time!
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
There was always someone cleaning something. More priority placed on cleaning than customer service.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Size of bathroom vanity was much appreciated. Unfortunately we could hear Justin, cruise director, from deck 3 like he was standing in our hall.
Ship tip
Sadly, do not expect any efficiency but rather dysfunctional frustration and lack of organization. We were herded like cattle when we arrived in Cozumel and no solutions or empathy. It was so bad in fact that we planned for Progresso considering our CARNIVAL excursion was 7 hours and we only had 7 hours in port (apparently left Cozumel 3 hours late). We arrived early, were refreshed and excited only to be met with hostility and total disregard.
Cozumel is always our fave! Mr Sancho’s All-Inclusive Beach Club (not Carnival sponsored) is THE best! Unlimited food & drinks (you’ll LOVE the Green Monster & Gaby kept them coming!), we snorkeled, I received a wonderful massage in one of the beach cabanas (Thank you, Lupita!) and we enjoyed some great shopping. Back at port, we stopped in at Fat Tuesday’s for their AMAZING banana daiquiris!
We had paid for a Carnival excursion (Mayapan ruins, lazy river, cenote & lunch) but cancelled due to stress/concern/anxiety that we’d be rushed & unable to enjoy/receive what we paid due to ship’s late arrival and crew’s inhospitable actions). Instead we went to Luna Lunera and enjoyed excellent hospitality at a secluded beach with pool, bar, and meal (all inclusive PLUS free transportation!). It was so relaxing. Thank you, Jose & Santos!
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