This was our first Carnival Cruise and there was too many disappointing events. I give Carnival some credit in admitting to their down falls because they give back $$ to everyone. With that said we didn't let these issues completely spoil our family vacation for the entire trip after all Bahamas was 80 degrees and home was 20 degrees so we made the best of what we had.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Embarkation was delayed 2 hours, ship did not leave dock till 6 hours past departure time. Checking in was easy, the port crew tried to keep it organized in the port as the ship was late letting folks on the ship. Muster station was poorly done. it was outside on cold deck and seeing and hearing the crew member giving safety directions was difficult.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
4 stars for Normandie- the food was tasty and fresher
2 stars for buffet- food was not always hot that should be choices were not that great
5 Pizza was great, cooked well every time (per my children)
Guys Burger Joint was great
Taco station was great
Ice cream was good (when it worked properly)
Alcoholic beverages were ok
Tea and coffee---Horrible -very limited choices (Lipton black tea and Biglow green tea) coffee was not consistently good (some day was too strong others decaf tasted better (per my cruise buddies)
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
pool was closed, slides open late. crafts, bingo and trivia were fine
Spa Carnival
5 out of 5
I tried the bamboo Massage for an hour. It was professionally done, I was relaxed my muscles needed this attention.
Entertainment
3 out of 5
the 2 shows I attended were good. the comedy shows were funny and entertaining.
Children's Programs
3 out of 5
Our children did not participate much but the times that they did go they had fun.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
Our Stewards took good care of us (Ayu and Kaung 5stars for them). Our assigned waiters (Valdermere) was very attentive (sat at assigned table 3x), the others were not, they took a long
time to serve and we felt rushed. All staff greeted us with smiles and I did not meet one that showed discontent (even if they felt it). They are Hard workers. Dr. E was entertaining with his announcements he tried to provide a fun atmosphere.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
The carpet in Lido was full of lint balls, staff tried to clean them but there were way too many, ship glass windows need a full detailed to be cleaned on the outside, looking out is not a pretty sight.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
from my limited cruise experience, the size appeared to be the same as the Celebrity inner cabin, the bathroom had more than enough space. we did king bed and 2 bunks, they were comfortable. A small chair would have been nice (there was enough room for one) to sit on instead of having to sit on bed all the time.
this is a nice port for seafood restaurants and lite shopping. I like that we can drive and not fly (gets expensive) to the port and lots of parking is available.
This is a beautiful beach however, the rocks makes for a bad experience getting into the water. Water shoes are needed (and someone to hold). Lunch was provided and it was good(CouCous salad, bbq chicken, hot dog, burgers, cole slaw, fresh fruits, drink station did not work :-( Drink plan does not work on Island (more spending$$) Be warned the flies might win your battle with them for your food!!. Clam shells are $30 chairs are free. We laid out in the sun kids had blast in water.
Lots to do!!! Atlantis, bus tours, sea animals activities, go on your own excursions, markets, food. I wish it was a 2 day stop, take out Freeport. Be prepared to Spend $$$$$$. we did island tour of 4 places, Atlantis, chocolate, armory and last stop with food and beach!!!
We took off our own luggage which made it easy to go through customs and straight to the parking lot. Not 5 starts because the Carnival staff was not as organized trying to get folks out of holding areas.
we have cruised many times on the pride. we always find some small details which aren't quite right but all in all it's a great ship. always return to the pride and carnival and we always have a wonderful time
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