I'm so glad that I tried Carnival. I am a gold member of Disney cruise and I was very hesitant to try something new - especially the "party ship!" But my kids left saying they liked Carnival MORE than Disney b/c they could actually swim in the pool and there weren't hundreds of kids everywhere.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Wow. I had a 12:30 check in time but due to the shuttle service we arrived at 11am. We were promptly ushered on and I couldn't believe how easy and quick it turned out to be.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
I'm not fussy - anyone who serves me dinner, cleans up after me and does so with a smile rates a 5 in my book. Guys Burger was a nice deviation from the buffet - I SO enjoyed the cakes offered for dessert EVERY DAY! I found the buffet to be perfectly fine and we did the Italian restaurant one day at lunch for something different. Who doesn't love pasta??
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
My kids enjoyed every facet - the ropes course seemed to be closed more often than not but they did finally partake the last sea day. I was layed up in bed sick a bit the week of our vacation so I wasn't able to enjoy the comedy and shows as much as I would have liked. Kids really liked the lip sync battle and Hasbro game show. Hubby went to almost all the comedy by himself and said they were great!
Entertainment
5 out of 5
LOVED The strings players each night What talent!
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
I felt the food servers needed a few less tables and a little more help. They did the best they could and I felt uncomfortable they had to stop each night to dance - some enjoyed it more than others. Room steward was on par. Rum bar was often crowded with long lines. They also could have used a few more heads to serve.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
I loved the cove balcony! Right near the elevators. No problem with noise at all.
We rented ATV's - that was quite an adventure. We did a private tour. Lots of homeless dogs...and puppies! Everywhere. Beach beautiful. Loved the countryside tour. Machines were a bit aged, but they worked for me ( a novice!)
The color of the water was spectacular. Loved the free pool but the beach was PACKED. Like elbow to elbow. I couldn't' even see the ocean. Probably should have walked further down.
Low light of the trip was the long process to disembark. And then wait for a car rental bus to show up. Then stand in line for TWO hours to get the car (Never rent Budget again!)
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