It was a pleasant experience from start to finish. Lots of fun on board, varied, good quality food, well prepared drinks, interesting shows, very beautiful ports of call. This time we were accompanied by 5 friends (and my wife and three children) and that made the experience even better (this was our seventh cruise with Carnival).
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Although Carnival does not currently have check-in enabled at the Miami airport (meaning we did not have a special line to enter the terminal), the process was very quick and easy (we arrived at 1:50 pm). Boarding passes must already be printed through the web check-in, which is mandatory for all guests days before the boarding date.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
In general very satisfactory. The menu at the MDR has the Carnival classics (but the bread basket I think must return). Bonsai Teppanyakki is magnificent. Variety, abundance and the chef's show very funny. JiJi Asian Kitchen, maintains the level of its twin at Carnival Vista, Likewise the Seafood Shack, Bonsai Sushi, Guy's burgers, pizzas, seaday brunch, Lido and pork at Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse, very good prepared. Specialty coffees and smoothies very good. We all bought the Cheers drink package and the whole group (ten of us) agreed that the drinks were well made, at any of the bars (compared to similar drinks, on other non-cruise vacations).
We would like the Ocean Plaza to re-enable the continental breakfast service (which by mistake continues to show the Carnival App) and the reduced buffet for lunch. It was a courtesy much appreciated by the guests who stayed in the Havana sector.
That's why my rating is 4 stars and not 5.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
I enjoyed and we enjoyed with my family and friends the swimming pool and jacuzzis of the Havana area, the water slide, the Skyride, the Serenity deck, the dances in the Havana Bar, on the Lido deck, we won some money in the Casino, it is almost impossible to get bored on this boat. We didn't go to the IMAX this time.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
All the artists and shows are interesting, although the only one I was able to attend from Playlist Producciones in the Liquid Lounge (Celestial strings), seemed a little more modest to me, than the shows I witnessed in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Jacky Tang, the cruise director was brilliant, almost at the level of the legendary Matt Mitcham.
Children's Programs
Because my youngest son is 21 years old.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Our butler very polite and friendly. In all specialty restaurants, the treatment of the staff is very pleasant and cordial. At the MDR we sometimes thought that the staff should have been a little friendlier, I think that since our custom is to dine late (check in at 8:45 pm), they were already in a hurry to finish their day (which is always very demanding). .
I don't know if the number of crew members is the same as before the pandemic. But they no longer do the show during dinner, which was always a distinctive touch of Carnival's MDR.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
This Vista-class ship, to me, has no design claims. We really like staying in the Havana sector, on deck 5. The additional price seems justified.
The cleanliness of the ship is almost perfect. Everything is in excellent condition (she has been sailing for 5 years). In the Atrium they have to fix some led panels on the ceiling (dead pixels)
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The Havana Cabanas have their patio-type balcony, with two lounge chairs and a hammock chair. And exclusive access to the Havana pool. Nothing more to add.
The staff very efficient to clean and fix the room.
Ship tip
When boarding, don't waste your time: Take your carry on to the room, go to your meeting/muster point, and proceed without delay to the virtual security drill (it takes 5 minutes). Start your vacation freely!
We went to a resort, with all-inclusive service. The best beach of the entire trip, both for the sand and the water (crystal clear, calm and pleasantly warm).
We stayed in Amber Cove, very good facilities, it does not have its own beach, only a swimming pool, but there are beautiful beaches less than 5 minutes away.
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