We're a mid 60s couple, long time married, avid cruisers since the late 80s (this was our 40th cruise). As you can see we have definite ideas about what we expect, prefer, etc, when cruising. This cruise was part of a 30 person group my wife had facilitated as a professional travel advisor, and while the group seemed to enjoy themselves, I personally didn't, at least as much as usual. I prefer less people, less "action", a more staid experience overall, and while one would ask "then why did you take this cruise" (with some validity) I was basically along for the ride as her husband more so than a cruise I would've chosen on my own. What's the saying? Happy wife, happy life? I'm sure most onboard had fun, and while I'm not saying I didn't have a good time, I've had much more rewarding cruises in the past.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
This was fairly smooth, given the fact that Gold status with Carnival doesn't included priority boarding
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
We dined in the Atlantic dining room, average at best. Staff was attentive to drinks (after they found out we liked iced tea) not so much to bread (some nights we got bread, some nights not) but it's not like we went hungry.
We dined one night in the Farenheit Steakhouse, and as expected, food and service both better. Table cloths were non-existent (apparently a Carnival norm now) and you actually had more than one utensil to eat with, not so in the main dining room. I should mention that I was glad we usually ate in the Atlantic dining room, the line outside the Pacific dining room was unbelievable, every night! Of course on a ship this size with this many people (over 6400 according to Ms Fire, the cruise director) lines were very commonplace. We ate brunch once in the Pacific dining room, it was okay. We usually ate breakfast in the Marketplace buffet, though going there for lunch once wasn't very good, not much in the way of selection. Chibang (combination Chinese and Mexican) was a great lunch, as was Shaq's Chicken, Blue Iguana, and Guy's Burgers, though other than Chibang, you had to stand in line (in the heat) for the other 3. Lots of lines on this ship.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Pools were invariably crowded (great weather on the trip, all week long) as, again, over 6400 guests onboard. We preferred the Serenity pool, crowded or not, as there weren't any kids allowed up there, though it was very hot on port days it offered a nice breeze on sea days.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Comedians were good for the most part, especially Just June, we loved her! Manny Oliviero was very good as well, but June stole our hearts, not only very entertaining, but with a well-received message during her act as well. She's a definite asset to the cruise line. The Latin show band put on a good show, though that's not usually my preference. I saw not one show in the Jubilee theater, heard mixed reviews from others about that. At least the entertainers I heard weren't overly loud, something I've come to expect from Carnival.
Children's Programs
We had no kids onboard, though there were some in our group.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Room steward was good, most wait staff was good. Linda in the Atlantic dining room took time to socialize with us a bit, we really took to her infectious upbeat attitude. Bartenders didn't always take guests' orders in the order they came in, but I know they get busy.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Ship was nearly new, very clean and modern as you'd expect, somewhat difficult to find one's way around though. We asked twice at Guest Services for a printed map, was told (like for a menu in the dining room) "it's on your app" to which we replied "we don't do apps". In my opinion, this is a failing of Carnival we haven't experienced on numerous other brands, the preponderance and the dependency on their app while onboard. At least they started printing the "Funtimes" daily activity paper again, our last Carnival cruise on Vista they didn't even do that. Seniors for the most part (we've noticed) DO carry their phones with them everywhere, but we prefer to disconnect when on a ship, and the constant reminders about checking the app were disconcerting at best.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Room was fairly big for an inside, more than adequate room and storage, plenty of hangers in the closets, etc. Only complaint was lack of anywhere to sit other than the seat behind the vanity, the bed, or the toilet. We've had small sofas in other inside rooms, but not this room. Maybe so in other inside cabins.....?
Ship tip
DON'T GO IN THE SUMMER! Lots of people, lots of kids (for the most part well behaved, but not always), the ship is in my opinion not able to adequately handle the number of passengers it can accomodate bed-wise. Lots of lines, lots of congestion, etc.
Very smooth, even though due to our traveling party, we didn't do the express walk-off. Very efficient at moving crowds on and off the ship, not so much while onboard.
Fair enough, but I always wonder why an "average" rating for food on a cruiseline that is considered mainstream (and not premium or luxury) would be unexpected.
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