Disappointing

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 9

Review summary

Let me start by saying I am not a "frequent cruiser" and so some of my disappointment with Carnival may be an industry-wide fact of life. This was my sixth cruise, all in the last 8-9 years. My last cruise was 18 months ago on this exact same ship (although different ports), and so my disappoints revolved around the changes made in that time. It was obvious that Carnival had implemented a number of cost-cutting measures, and started charging for things that used to be free. Specifically, - They now charge for using the gym. - They automatically add 15% to EVERY drink, food, or service (like in the spa) for "service charges" -- a mandatory tip. In general, if I get good service, I tip at least 20%, but if I get bad service, I may tip 10% or less. (I think this affected the service I got on this cruise -- the people knew they were getting 15%, so I got a lot of "10% service.") - I own a business and have to check email daily. I had some challenges connecting last cruise (same ship), which their dedicated Internet guru fixed immediately. This cruise, I signed up for the high speed Internet access ($125 for the week!), and when it didn't work, the Conceirge desk said they would refund my money. I said I'd rather have the service, and asked for their IT guy. They said there was none -- a cost-cutting move. - I was informed by email that I didn't get my "preferred time" for dinner -- I got 8:15pm. Frankly, I didn't take this seriously, because I didn't get it last cruise either, but I could go eat any time. This cruise they wouldn't let me have a table at 6:30, even though the place was mostly empty. I informed them that if I ate at 8:15 every night, I wouldn't get to see the 8:30 shows, which meant none of the shows because I don't stay up as late as the later show. - I thought that the dining thing was to "encourage" people to go eat at the premium restaurants (you pay an extra $15-30 per meal for excellent food), but even there, I am pretty sure they had at least two more on the last cruise (cost cutting?)... On the plus side, the normal food was as good as last time, the room cleaning was still outstanding, the show talent was still good, and Cruise Director -- "Cookie" was hysterical. Maybe all cruise lines have made these cost cutting moves -- I don't know. But I will not be taking Carnival for my next Cruise.

Embarkation

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

Onboard Activities

Entertainment

Service and Staff

Ship Quality

Cabin / Stateroom

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

San Juan, Puerto Rico

Grand Turk Island

Disembarkation

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