Last thing, cruise director MarQ Anthony was without a doubt the best we have ever had. His energy and enthusiasm were just a joy to watch. He was funny, engaging and great with kids and adults alike. Carnival should clone him.
Carnival gets a bad rap sometimes but this cruise was everything we expected to get out if your vacation. Just don't sweat the small stuff and have fun. Their is plenty to be had.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was fast and easy. Highly recommend Faster to the Fun excursion through Carnival. On the ship before Noon.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
We were in the Black Pearl dining room, Early Dining which works well if you like to see all the shows at night. Dinner was great every night and the staff was incredible. Lido had some lines which you have to expect when you're on a cruise ship but nothing out if the ordinary. Highly recommend the Tandori buffet and the Barbeque buffet upstairs. Tip on the Barbeque buffet is it was never crowded because I guess people were too lazy to walk up the steps to get to it .
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Pools were crowded on sea days but nothing unusual. As long as you get out there by 9 or so never had a problem getting a spot. Fitness center was adequate. Mini golf was fun but a little windy. Several trivia contests every day. Always fun.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Went to just about every show in the showroom. The performers on this cruise were the best we have seen on a cruise. Every show was great. Different genres of music so a little something for everyone. They had an AGT contestant that did a very good act mid week ( juggling with a little comedy). They had 4 comedians, the 1st 2 were better then the last 2 but none were bad. Good laughs at the Punchlines. Jeff the Fun dude is the emcee and he is great.
Children's Programs
No small children
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Service throughout the ship was great and always with a smile. Our room did a nice job cleaning the room but was probably the least attentive we have had on a cruise. We needed him a couple times over the course if the week and he was never around.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
People complained about the Pink Decor but that's just ridiculous. Ship looked great and was always clean
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Out cabin was really perfect for us. Two floors up from the casino and bars and showrooms And two floors down from the buffet. Close enough to the elevator but not too close. We actually just used the stairs most if the time.
Ship tip
Don't sleep in....get out and get breakfast around 730 or 8, lunch around 1 and early dinner gives you ample time to get to the shows. Also don't get to the comedy club right at Showtime and expect to get a seat.
Did the top ten bus tour at St. Maarten. Very good your that lets you see the whole island. Nice stops....be aware that they do a flyby(with warning) of a nude beach. Everybody had a little chuckle and moves on.
Did not book an excursion because we were told by friends you could do your own walking tour right off the boat and they were exactly right. Pretty fun and interesting day roaming through the old Fort of San juan.
No excursion needed! The beach is right off the ship and all chairs and umbrellas are free to use! Margaritabille is also there but very expensive. I recommend the tiki hut guy selling the Rum Punch 2 for 5 right on the beach. Just an awesome day there.
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