We fully intended to tip our crew extra, but we NEVER saw how we were supposed to do that. We'd STILL send the tips if we knew how. There were so many little things that I felt like we just didn't see or know and were expected to understand.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
This is where the majority of the misunderstandings took place. I received no email saying to bring vaccination cards, so we didn't have all of them with us. By some miracle, we were able to get copies sent to us, but we watched them send other families back home for the same problem. Online I was told that some passengers may be asked to take a rapid test when they are embarking, but I NEVER got information that a negative test within the last 48 hours was required, NOR was I told that anyone who has to get the rapid test would be charged an additional $150. Honestly, I never even saw that every guest HAD to be vaccinated at all, probably because for FOUR DAYS before the cruise departure I wasn't able to finish our registration online because the website was having problems. FOUR DAYS? Maybe I wouldn't have been so unprepared if I'd been given all of the information. Even the title of the cruise was misleading. I don't know why it's called roundtrip from Los Angeles when it leaves from Long Beach. Those are completely different areas and even have their own AIRPORTS.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
AWESOME meals, but the desserts weren't as good as they looked. They were a disappointment every night.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
We loved all the activities that were provided, but we had 5 kids on board and really could have used more options for them. It was nice to have something going on at least every hour, but if it wasn't a good activity to take kids to, there were few options for us during those times. It was chilly, which no one can fix, but that took swimming out of the mix for us, which we were planning to spend a lot of time doing. Actually, heating the pools would have been a game-changer. The kids would swim if the water had been bearable.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We enjoyed them, especially the violin trio called Ebano. We watched them more than once. The variety stage shows were kind of cheesy and our kids asked to leave.
Children's Programs
5 out of 5
My oldest son couldn't say enough nice things about Dustin. He went above and beyond and even wrote ME a letter to take home about what a great son I am raising. It takes a village and we're thankful he was part of ours.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The staff was PERFECTION. It was like living in a world where everyone is happy, helpful, kind, hardworking, and we are royalty. They were amazing.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
We really loved Suli and how attentive to every detail he was. Our room was always immaculate and he was always happy to help.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Ship tip
The pools are freezing cold, so don't plan to swim, and bring some of your own board games or activities because there's a lot of downtime to fill with kids during the day.
I felt pressured to get out of my room by 8:30 even though they were nowhere close to calling muster G yet, which wouldn't have been a problem, but I had 5 wiggly, whiny kids that I was trying not to lose in the crowd. It would have been easier to let us keep them in our room until our muster was called or allow families to be one of the first groups called, kind of like when boarding an airplane.
Where have you been they have said you need your vaccine card to board, Covid test two days before your departure and be fully vaccinated. They have this on there web site.🤪
I am surprised that you didn’t have to agree to all the Covid protocols prior to getting your boarding pass. We had an additional (above the regular contract) that we had to agree with before sailing on a Carnival ship in October. For future reference: if you don’t want to tip additionally with cash, you can go to Customer Service with the names of those you wish to receive additional tips.
I hate to say it, but how could anyone in this day & age, with all the news coverage, constant emails from Carnival, along with tons of notices on their website, not know they had to bring their vaccination cards with them? I'm sorry, but this one isn't on Carnival so please take some personal responsibility. Beyond that, I do hope you had a wonderful vacation!
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