A wonderful trip with 54% passengers. We also visited Curaçao. For the first time watched the bridge open for a police boat.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
We were a little early and planned to wait until our time slot. However, there was no line and we were encouraged to go right in. We showed our Covid information and passports once. We were then directed to a sitting area to await for our boarding number. Once the ship was cleared boarding went smoothly. We on board by 11:00.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Using the HUB for reservations for your time dining was easy. When we arrived at the MDR the first night, we asked for a table by the window. We had a wonderful waitstaff (photo attached). Unless you ask for a different waitstaff then you can have the same ones. Sirloin steak first night a bit tough. American menu with a few changes throughout the cruise.
Ocean Plaza
5 out of 5
Ate breakfast here every morning. Never crowded and was like a mini buffet. John and his crew were wonderful. The Ocean Plaza/Havana bar had wonderful ladies working there. Jocelyn and Sushma remembered my husband’s order and teased him often as we walked by.
Lido Marketplace
5 out of 5
Nice variety every day for lunch. My favorite part however, was the new flavors of gelato every day, made fresh right in front of you. The other desserts were also delicious.
Meridian Restaurant
5 out of 5
Wonderful staff. Good food. Halloween had special desserts.
BlueIguana Cantina
5 out of 5
My boarding lunch was a burrito made to order. Delicious and quick.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
We played several games of mini golf. We never quite figured out the course. Hubby rode the Skyride. We tried our minds at trivia and I won a ship on a stick for the hole in one competition. Our first sea day trivia hosted by IlA. A delightful member of the fun squad. Port days all the trivia and games in the Ocean Plaza hosted by Colette. She was a kick in the pants. The fun squad went above and beyond.The Military Appreciation gathering was as touching as always. A slight disappointment because there was no group picture. I noticed that Carnival seems to be avoiding such things due to Covid. It’s understandable and doesn’t take away from the event.
Horizon Casino
5 out of 5
Carnival isn’t having the black jack or slot tournaments at this time. In the past Platinum and Diamond guests were given 2 for one entry. Now they offer $25 free play credit for either. You need to go to the cashier and ask for it and you must spend it in the casino. Any winnings are yours. We came home with more than $400 than we took.
The Fun Shops
5 out of 5
Lots of shops. Unfortunately they no long have Effy. Not enough to delete a star. The sales people were friendly even if we didn’t buy.
Pixels
5 out of 5
Everything is digital. There are several opportunities to capture your favorite moments. Sometimes you just have to turn the tables on the photographers.
The Clubhouse at SportsSquare
5 out of 5
Without the crowds we were able to play mini golf almost any time of day.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Music was everywhere! Our favorite was the Sunny Girls violin trio. We attended 2 of the shows, Soul Bound and Celestial Strings. Both were excellent. The last sea day the singer/dancers held a Q&A. It was enlightening. Highly recommend this if offered on your sailing. Mayank, a table magician, stopped by our table three times during the cruise. He was amazing and left us wondering “how did he do that?” each time. While we didn’t go to the comedy club, I met some of the comedians. All of them were on the ship the whole week. They said it was a treat to be able to sail together. They couldn’t get off like usual due to Covid. So this is one positive thing from Covid.
Limelight Lounge
5 out of 5
We don’t care for the sitting in the theater. For the first time it made a bit of sense because the floor was used for the show, Soul Bound.
Carnival Multiplex
5 out of 5
We watched Dune. Amazing in IMAX. Unfortunately the Thrill Theatre is closed due to Covid.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Service was top notch. Staff always cleaning. As you entered the Market Place on Lido there was a crew member to remind you to wear your mask. If you didn’t have one with you, they provided you with one. It happens so easily. You are at an outside area and want a drink of tea/ lemonade and get up leaving your mask behind. Oops. The crew member was polite and it was a quick solution. We usually ate lunch near a door and watched this interaction. Passengers were kind and the crew member switched out frequently.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The smart elevators were frustrating at first but once you got use to them not too bad. (Took them more often because of a bum knee). They went “crazy with the towel animals on Halloween. Didn’t have to go through the casino to get aft to forward. Following the guidelines for masking was enforced only when in the Liquid Lounge, dining areas, shops and/or large gatherings.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Great location. Only one cleaning per day. We asked our cabin steward which was easiest for her. She seemed surprised at the question, but said she had an assistant in the morning but not in the evening. So it worked out well for us to do mornings. Cabin seemed a bit smaller than other balcony cabins. Definitely fewer spaces under desk and less closet space.
Ship tip
Be sure to check out the Ocean Plaza for breakfast.
Greatly improved since our last visit. There is now what I would call an upscale straw market. Some nice hand crafted items and some “real” shops. A small band was greeting passengers. Highly recommended a shore tour if you want more of the island.
We were an hour late coming into port and docked about 7:45. Ship cleared about 8:30. First off were Platinum and Diamond who did the self assist. Next same group who checked luggage. We couldn’t find one piece of luggage for over a half an hour. Then it showed up on the carousel. Once luggage was in hand, facial recognition and on our way.
Thanks for your personalized review, one could really feel that you enjoyed your cruise. Even the temporarily lost luggage didn't affect your post cruise after glow.
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