Fun, reasonably priced vacation with good ports of call.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Since we purchased a suite, we flew through the check in and embarkation process. However, getting to the port was a nightmare. No traffic control and confusing road signs doubled our driving time due to immense gridlock.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Food quality was excellent but seemed a bit repetitive on a day to day basis.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Good facilities, but a bit crowded and overrun by teens.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
The main stage performers were "ok" and appeared to lack singing experience except for a girl singer named Marisol. She was great. Of the four comedians, only one, Lenny Schmidt was truly funny. DJ Coolio was quite good.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
The staff was excellent. However, maybe due to budget cuts our cabin steward only came in our room once a day (versus previous cruises where they seemingly were constantly tending the cabin). Our suite originally had sofas in the daytime that converted to two beds at night. Our expectations were that they would be converted back to sofas in the daytime to give us a place to lounge. This never happened and my teens had to sit on beds at floor level. Not a major complaint, but a change from the past.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Suites were great. Balcony was nice and roomy. The family harbor lounge was excellent and well stocked with goodies.
Ship tip
If possible, carry on all your luggage. You get priority disembarkation.
Got taxi to Malecon, walked around town, took in the sights and then boarded local transit bus (about three blocks inland from Malecon) that has "Walmart" on bus destination listing (Ten pesos per person.. what a bargain). Get ready for a wild but safe air conditioned ride and got off at Walmart, bought liquor and souvenirs and walked a block or so back to the ship. My teen daughters rated the wild bus ride as the highlight of their visit here. Just as the locals for the "parada de camiones" (bus stop).
We hired an open-air taxi for $10 to take five of us to the Malecon site nearest the "Cavern Club." From there, it is a long block north to see the divers and about 5 easy blocks inland to the main church and flea market. Place was safe and folks were friendly and readily gave directions. This basically is the "City tour" equivalent without the hotel zone.
We skipped the excursions and arranged for our own water taxi for the coastal "Arches tour." Cost is $15 per person which is way less expensive. Make them show you their boat before you finalize the deal and select the biggest one as the smallest boats get tossed around more.
Appreciate your feedback. Carnival has cut back to cabin service to once per day since the restart. It causes problems with bed conversions. Sorry you had this problem. Appreciate your feedback. Glad you enjoyed your cruise in spite of it.
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