I won't cruise every again on Carnival. Despite all the issues, my wife and I still managed to enjoy or vacation, but Carnival didn't make it easy. Their private island is a joke, even getting there in the boats was horrible experience. It took forever to even get a shuttle to the island, then once there you had to hike a mile down the beach to get a chair and the whole time you have fight off people trying to sell you things.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
As soon as we boarded the ship they started handing us drinks in these cheap plastic "souvenir" cups. Even though we had pre-purchased a $800 drink package for my wife and I, noone bothered to tell us that the cups were not included in that price. I can't over emphasize that there these are throw away cups, no way I'd keep these things and not one person handing them out said a work about cost. You find out about the cost on the morning you are debarking... I have $60 changed to my credit card for these things, and the kicker is that the description didn't even tell me, it just looked like drink charges. So I had to wait in a line for guest service forever to finally have someone tell me the charge wasn't really for the drink, it was for the cup. What a scam job!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
Same comment as above, oh, and drinks on Carnival's private island were not included in the drink package either, go figure.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
Pools was shoulder to shoulder packed, would get in that pee puddle if you paid me. We tried the trivia sessions, but the Fun Crew hosting them did speak clear English, so understanding the questions was very difficult and ruined the experience. Many people attending these events just got up and left.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Musical shows were very nice and entertaining, we enjoyed these the most.
Children's Programs
We don't have kids, but there sure was enough of them on board.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Loved the staff, especially our cabin steward.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Ship is starting to show its age. Many rust spots on the exterior from our balcony.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
The size was fine, but the shower flooded the bathroom every time we used it, and we could never get the AC cool in the cabin. after two calls to maintenance, they finally came and unclogged the bathroom shower drain, but never addresses the AC issue, we just had to live it being warm in the cabin.
Ship tip
Don't do it. There are are curise lines with much nicer ships that you don't constantly feel like they are constating bombarding you with up sells. I can't even tell you how often someone was trying to take and sell you pictures. It was nearly every time we came out of our cabin.
Did you sign for the cups? I'm sure you did, did you see the price or just sign the reciept? Do the research. NEVER does a private island include alcohol. I tell the photographers I'm in witness protection! They laugh, and leave me alone.
Never had anyone try to sell us things on the private island. The part about the drink package sounds like you didn't pay attention and are blaming them for your lack of comprehension. Hate this wasn't good for you but there are always ways to make the best of things instead of finding negativity. Better luck next time
I avoid the pools as well and save my time in water for on the beaches. It’s important to read what’s included with anything you purchase for your cruise. Research your ships before booking because carnival has many ships varying in age… try booking vista class and up if you’re looking for a newer ship experience. I’m on the Magic in November and I’m well aware of the ships age so I know what to expect. Hope this helps.
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