I have cruised Royal Caribbean in the past and was blown away. This was a huge disappointment other than the ports of call. I will never cruise Carnival again. You truly get what you pay for.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
Slow and chaotic. I doubt I will do a cruise from Miami again.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
The main dining room was just okay. We took advantage of Brunch one day and food was cold, service was slow and we felt rushed. At one point, the server disappeared and never came back. We assumed he thought we should have finished by then and just abandoned our table.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Fitness center was nice, pool was small and always overcrowded, my kids enjoyed the miniature golf a lot. The kids clubs were not helpful. My 10 year old niece was in tears because they would not allow her to accompany her 13 year old cousin (my daughter). I was told guest services could possibly help but after waiting in line at guest services, was told it was actually at the discretion of the person we originally spoke with.
Entertainment
1 out of 5
Just okay. I expected more shows. There was one really good comedian and the 70s show was pretty good.
Children's Programs
1 out of 5
See onboard activities comment.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Victor tended to our room needs and was AMAZING. The best part of the cruise. I honestly felt bad for him at times because the ship was so old and in such bad condition. Our whole floor smelled like mildew and the was grit and grime from wear and tear everywhere---not something some elbow grease could have fixed.
Ship Quality
1 out of 5
One word....awful.
Cabin / Stateroom
1 out of 5
Old, worn out. Imagine a motel 6 built in the 80s and then reduce the size by 2/3.
Ship tip
Cancel/change your reservation. If you can't, the ports of call are amazing and balance out the poor quality delivered by carnival. Don't buy alcoholic drinks on board, they are terrible and not worth even 1/2 what is harged. Bring bottled water---water on the ship tastes unsanitary. Lastly, be prepared to wait in line for everything.....all.the.time.
It was nice at first but around noon started to smell like a sewer. The smell never went away. The bar area was TERRIBLE! You had to wait at least 15 minutes to get a drink---I've never heard of such on a cruise.
The sensation is one of the oldest and smallesy ships in Carnivals fleet. The newer ships have the same amenities as RCL for half the price, but regardless everyone has their preference, at least you got to spend the days on the ocean as opposed to being stuck at work all day
To me it what you want from a cruise to say which is better or worse. RCL was more relaxed drinks were excellent and it not a party atmosphere. On the other hand Carnival is for partying and having a good time. I have been to both and it all depends on what kind of vacation you want. Also I found RCL is more boat driven meaning a lot of the activities are inside. Carnival enjoys the ocean and want their guests outside.
To me it what you want from a cruise to say which is better or worse. RCL was more relaxed drinks were excellent and it not a party atmosphere. On the other hand Carnival is for partying and having a good time. I have been to both and it all depends on what kind of vacation you want. Also I found RCL is more boat driven meaning a lot of the activities are inside. Carnival enjoys the ocean and want their guests outside.
I have always seen RCL as the Dillard and Carnival as the Mall. Both are good to shop at but sometimes you use one for a deal and than other time you want a certain quality standard to be meet.
I have found that many RCL people don't like cruising Carnival and vise versa. Even in my extended family we discuss with passion the differences of the two lines. I won't say one is better than the other but I do enjoy one more. But my aunt is totally opposite. Now you know you are a RCL cruiser and carnival won't meet your standards.
in this modern age of stripping away things to make the shareholders happy it is commonplace on all cruise lines. sorry you noticed it on carnival 1st but rcl is doing the same stuff unless you are in the big flagship boats.
Remember cruise lines are like people they each have their own personalities. Sorry to hear you have a below average cruise! To each their own. I hope you enjoy the next.
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