Definitely would recommend and even go back to this itinerary. Seemed like a quarter of the folks we talked to were traveling on free trips provided by Carnival ... hoping to get one of those vouchers, but forgot to gamble - so maybe next time. Totally would like to spend more hours in the ports. Carnival's ship was beautiful, extremely clean, and comfortable.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
I was surprised as we walked passed all the passengers waiting to be picked up from the cruise they just finished ... made for a busy and long line into the structure.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Main dining rooms had beautiful and delicious dishes. They could be a little slow at times. I liked trying dishes that are not often available to me ... Escargo and crawfish.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
We played in the volleyball tournament, walked around the spa, listened to a presentation on getting rid of wrinkles, played shuffle board, and layed out. The adult's only area is too small and not enough hot tubs. There were only two pools on the ship with one out of commission the whole day while out to sea. The fittness center was great, but two of five cycling machines were broke ... but yes, the rest of the area was clean, nice, and comfortable.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The big shows got better and better and I recommend them. Comedians were funny. The other singers (from other countries) seemed off tune and I didn't enjoy listening to their renditions of the songs.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
All staff seemed to enjoy what they do.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Always felt comfortable. They need more hot tubs.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Exactly what was expected. I enjoyed getting out on the balcony, but next time looking to save money and get a lower cabin with a window or even a interior in the Havana Cabana area.
Ship tip
Having a room mid-ship was nice. Buffet was a nice alternative to waiting a long time to be served in the dining room. Utilize the free meals from the fancy restaurants on Sea Days at lunch.
Taxi - $25, Shuttle Van - $6, Bus - $1 to boardwalk (Melcon ?) Lots of shops and bars - great casual walk to the end! On the way back, went inland and found an awesome place with $19/hr massages on the third floor of a building (an oasis of water fountains, plants) near a church and was one of the best massages I've ever had.
My goal was to sit under a palm frown, with a Pacifico in my hand and stare at the water. Several others took tours into town where it was windy. We made a left right outside the gate and walked for about five minutes until we came to yellow building and paid a $1 to ride to the left, across the channel (4 minutes), and then there it was - paradise ... seven miles of beach, no wind, warm water, lots of restaurants and bars in the sand with great servers wanting to do whatever they could to please you.
Not enough time to do much 8:00 to 2:00 ... they say the boats start at 6:30, but those are only for the folks with excursions. We shopped and found the best deal on cheap earings with the vendors on the street rather than in a store. Did my some nice jewlery at Milano's.
What a boring 2-3 hours in the morning. We had to be out of room at 8:30 and then called to leave boat at around 10ish. We were packed and at buffet at 7ish thinking the buffet would be packed ... and it did get that way, but no major lines.
How was the white party and 80s party ? I know your a couple, but was there any kind of a singles sceen - night club/ dance club? Solo get togethers? Bar crawls?
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