Truly a mixed bag, more cons than pros

Item: Carnival Triumph
Rating: 2
Author: JenniferT5

Carnival Triumph Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

JenniferT5

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 22

Overall rating:

2 out of 5

Verified Review

5 Night Western Caribbean (New Orleans Roundtrip)

Sail date: April 02, 2011

Ship: Carnival Triumph

Cabin type: Oceanview

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 13 years ago

Review summary

Overall, I would not cruise on the Carnival Triumph again. The ports we visited, Progeso and Cozumel, were fantastic, and would be enjoyable to visit again. Perhaps a different Carnival ship that is not 10+ years old and showing it, with a better staff and smaller group of people sailing. There were over 2,000 passengers on our cruise, and this made it nearly impossible to utilize all of the facilities they offer or participate in daily activities unless you get there an hour early to be first in line. Also, Camp Carnival treated my son like he was just another number in their book and not important as an individual. He was refused participation in their Talent Show because they "had no more room", but only 4 other children were signed up. He was very hurt over this, and when I complained to Guest Services, all I got was a half-hearted apology and a "better luck next time". I may not take my children on another Carnival Cruise at all, based on this experience, but definitely not on this particular ship.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5

We were not given the correct dining time that we requested, and the maitre d would not correct it to accomodate us. We were forced to either dine late (at 8:15pm) in the formal dining area, or use the . buffet on the Lido deck which was far less impressive. I was NOT happy about this and adjusted the "automatic" gratuity of $50 per person that the ship charged accordingly. The food was what I considered to be mediocre at best, for the price, and there were not many selections to choose from. Our servers in the Paris dining room were, however, very personable and nice. They saved the evening on more than one occasion.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

We didn't get to experience much of anything because our late dining time overlapped with all of the evening activity. What we did do, during the day and late night, was decent but nothing to write home about.

Children's Programs

1 out of 5

I was very upset over the incident with my son being excluded from the Talent Show, and even more upset with Guest Service's unwillingness to do anything to remedy the situation. I would not trust the Camp Carnival associates on this particular ship with my children again.

Service and Staff

1 out of 5

Guest Services was not as helpful as they should have been, maitre d would not correct the error with our dining assignment. This basically ruined the entire trip, as we were forced to eat so late that we missed all of the evening activities. Also, an employee actually ARGUED with me at one point when I told her our ketchup bottle was empty and requested a new one. She shoved the bottle back into my hand and insisted it still had some left in it, and never brought me a new one. I was appalled at this! Our waiters at dinner were the only good experiences we had service-wise.

Ship Quality

1 out of 5

Too much walking around required to access everything, not a "user-friendly" layout.

Cabin / Stateroom

1 out of 5

Very VERY small staterooms (even the suites), dim lighting, beds were uncomfortable and the towels, robes and linens were scratchy. Could they not spring for the fabric softener? Decor was so faded and dingy it was almost depressing. This ship is OLD and it shows, badly.

Ports of call

Progreso (Merida), Mexico

3 out of 5

Great prices on souvenirs, food, drinks, and the beaches were lovely. Just don't waste your money on Carnival's "Excursions"; you can hop a FREE shuttle into town, take a trolley tour for $2, and get a great lunch and a beer for under $6 USD. Then you can go shopping in the main plaza, where I bought souvenirs for my entire family plus friends and co-workers for less than $25!

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: The Trolley tour, Flamingo's restaurant, shopping in the main plaza, $1 beers at the Corona shop

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

Gorgeous, I repeat GORGEOUS turquoise water and excellent beaches for snorkeling. If you go out in any of the kayaks, paddle boats, etc though, wear your life jackets. The waves can get rough.

Thumbs Up 0

Don't Miss: We went to Playa Mia, but also browsed Fury and Paradise Beach resorts which were great as well.

Pros: Daily planned activities such as karaoke, dance lessons, scavenger hunts etc.

Cons: Not given the dining time we signed up for, had problems with children's program, felt that there were too many additional charges for things that should have been included, felt a lot of the planned activities were exclusive to certain groups of people

Recommends Carnival Triumph? No.

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