Covid rules were more just suggestions. Saw the same unmasked people over and over again in venues where masks were required. One time a Carnival employee tried to offer a mask but were just laughed at. I have little confidence that these same guests were truly vaccinated.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
This is so much better than years past. Got on the ship quickly with maybe a 20 minute Covid Protocol wait.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Main dining room was great - food and staff. Buffets seemed to be a step down from years past - we took a two year Carnival break and tried out RC. RC definitely has better buffets, particularly breakfast.
Guy's Burger Joint
5 out of 5
Don't know how they do it, but great burgers and fries. Every time we think of trying another cruise line we worry about not having Guy's.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Havana Pool area was simply the best, but could use some shade. Bingo was very fun. The skybike thing was really cool, but scary if you're afraid of heights like me. I thought I'd just take the inside track and feel a little safer but midway through the ride the two tracks flip flop - Ooops. Still a lot of fun and an amazing view.
Horizon Casino
1 out of 5
I know smoke and casinos go hand and hand, but as a non smoker it's just impossible to enjoy. People love their games so much I'd really be interested in seeing Carnival try one smoke free casino to see what kind of financial impact it really has. My guess is minimal.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
No concerns here, everything top notch. Violinists were awesome. Final night live band show was fantastic.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Always a high point on Carnival
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Cleanest I can ever remember
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
We knew going in the cabin was going to be a little on the smaller side with less storage due to it's location and huge balcony. The only issue was noise from the rear pool deck directly overhead - every night around 2am the staff apparently cleans and repositions everything on the pool deck.....LOUD.
My wife and I paid months ahead of time for bus transportation from the cruise terminal to the airport. We waited in the hot Miami sun for well over an hour before we were able to board a bus. Not sure where the disconnect was but it was obvious this was overbooked and/or underplanned. We were both sunburned and soaked in sweat by the time we were able to board a bus for the airport. Piled on top of this is the escalators breaking down in the terminal. Total time – left our cabin at 8:30am, bus departed cruise terminal at 11:13am. Not even close to unacceptable.
Anyway, good review overall and wonderful pictures 👍🏻 We've done Vista Havana Cabana (loved it!) and will be doing the same itinerary as you in a Horizon Havana in February (rear wraparound balcony like you).
Glad to know they're not actually enforcing it! We're vaccinated and plan to wear our masks as little as possible, that was, after all, the entire point of getting vaccinated. Don't judge or make assumptions about people just because they value their personal freedom to act like adults.
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