If it wasn't for EMMA (Cruise Director) it would have been a far worse experience. She is TERRIFIC and without a doubt the BEST CRUISE DIRECTOR I have ever had on my 60 CRUISES. She definitely made up for SOME of the shortcomings we experienced. To be honest, we talked about getting off the Ship in Cabo or Puerto Vallarta but chose not to. We were extremely disappointed with the Cruise wand Carnival and will NEVER choose Carnival for our Vacation needs again. As a matter of fact, my Niece just asked my opinion for he Family or 5 and I suggested Royal Caribbean and told her to steer clear of Carnival due to my recent experience.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
Terrible! We got to the port for our 2:00 Check In SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT and there we NO PORTERS there to assist us with or luggage. My Wife is 67 and I am 61 and we needed assistance and NO ONE was there to HELP!!NO Porters to help with our luggage!!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
The Food was OK, none was exceptional except the Guy's Cheeseburgers! The dining room food was just average at best! We also had an issue with one Hostess at "Anytime Dining Seating". We got there and tried to share our "Carnival Reservation App. problem her and she literally WALKED AWAY from us. NEVER in my 60 CRUISES (16 with Carnival) have I ever been so DISRESPECTED by a Ship's Employee. When I spoke to her supervisor he apologized and bought us 2 glasses of wine which was nice but SOURED us on Her for the entire Week!
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
The Fitness Center was extremely small and cramped! The Shows were DREADFUL as every night was Singing and Dancing by the Ships Singers/Dancers and they were quite average. the Marriage Show was Funny because of EMMA. Plus there was NO Show VARIETY, there were no Comedians, Magic or other Singers other than the Ship's.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
The Shows were the WORST I have ever seen! Dull and Boring! See above!
Children's Programs
No Kids traveled with us
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
The Room Steward was excellent. She was there when we needed her and left us alone otherwise
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
The layout was average, being a NEW Ship we thought it would have some things that were different. In fairness we didn't utilize the 16th deck and the Sports Stuff up there. The Ship was Neat and Clean! The only problem we had with the layout was the Theater or lack thereof! There was NO decent from the back to the front (of the Stage) so if you were sitting in row 6-10 you couldn't see SQUAT let alone if you were in the back!!! Also, the Chairs were plain solid chairs with VERY LITTLE padding, they are not the typical comfortable chairs with plenty of cushioning and padded armrests! Oh yeah, NO DRINK HOLDERS!
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
It was pretty small for a Suite but neat and clean!
Ship tip
1) FIX the Embarkation issue with the Porters or lack thereof! 2) FIX the Entertainment. 3) FIX the Theater Seating issue Theatee Problem
I just booked a second cruise on the Panorama for 8/1/20. We went on her back in January and it was amazing. I’ve been on 13 or so cruises and the Panorama actually kept me cruising. The staff is excellent, everything is shiny and new, food was better than what CCL has been dishing out for the last 10 years, and the shows were actually well done. And if you didn’t enjoy the thermal suites, then I don’t think you know how to cruise. I just can’t see how your experience was that bad.
I just booked a second cruise on the Panorama for 8/1/20. We went on her back in January and it was amazing. I’ve been on 13 or so cruises and the Panorama actually kept me cruising. The staff is excellent, everything is shiny and new, food was better than what CCL has been dishing out for the last 10 years, and the shows were actually well done. And if you didn’t enjoy the thermal suites, then I don’t think you know how to cruise. I just can’t see how your experience was that bad.
He is CORRECT on the food. Porters were there earlier when we boarded. As for the show seating, certain seats are hard to see stage. There was comedian shows listed on fun times. I didn't go. The ship is designed to maximize the amount of guest. SO Everything else is scaled back to accommodate MORE people. The grand atrium is not grand at all. So everywhere you go, has long lines and a crowded feel. I enjoyed my cruise with Family. But TRUTHFULLY didn't really care for this ship.
Well it does state on the carnival information page that porters are not available after 2:00. Sorry you had such a bad experience perhaps a little research beforehand may have helped.
I totally agree!! We sailed on the first sailing and was totally disappointed with the experience with the exception of Emma. Emma definitely made the experience much, much better. If it wasn't for her, we probably would have given up on Carnival as well.
I found this review to be most helpful. Helpful in hoping I never find myself on a cruise with these two. They are the biggest snobs. Read all of their reviews - they are all the same. Nothing ever good enough. Please find another way to vacation. Perhaps you should go museum hopping.
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