Not a cruise for this kid-less adult couple

We booked this cruise at the last minute as we were going to be in NOLA for 5 days for a Conference.  First, I struggled with trying to book extras with Carnival directly because I used a third party agency to book.  So I missed out on the 'faster to the fun' option (first on, first off etc.)  Carnival ONLINE site had no problem taking my money for extras such as champagne/strawberries in the room and the Cheers program, it was only when I called, I learned they couldn't help me. 

    The boarding process seems intimidating at first because of the mass of people, but it actually went really smoothly and quickly.  We had requested a boarding time when we booked the trip, so from the time we arrived to the time on the ship was exactly 35 mins. All of the staff we encountered in the boarding area were very kind and helpful as this was my first cruise.

    Once on the ship it was a crazy mess of people everywhere.  We had no idea where to go and stumbled about for a bit, but managed to find a bar and quickly got our cheers stickers on the ship and sail cards we were to wear for the duration of the trip.  This card is an excellent example of technology as it tracks everything you do and keeps you safely accounted for. 

    We stayed on the top of the ship for a while until we left port and had the pleasure of being blasted with the horn whilst standing beside it (not recommended) LOL.  We stood up top quite frankly because it was the only place not over-run with kids and people in general.  This was my first understanding of just how many people are on a cruise ship.  I found this to be very overwhelming.  The only people to use both the pools and the hot-tubs were kids and based on the state of the water, I didn't enter either for the duration.  

    Next impression was just how many people smoke.  I am a 9 year smoke-free person and though I'm not a fanatic about it, the smell of smoke was everywhere I went for 5 days.  It permitted my stateroom, it was in the disco, it was in the casino, it was on my balcony, it was awful.   Truly, the overwhelming stench of active smoke kept me from entering the disco (Hollywood room)  which was the only place adults could go to get away from all of the kids.  I had to walk through the Casino to get to various parts of the ship and walked through covering my nose and mouth, it was that thick.  

    We were advised that we had to 'muster' for a drill on the deck and this went on far too long for most people's liking.  Though well organized, it was hot and cramped as we all stood on deck waiting for emergency instruction.  This could have been quicker to release us all.

    Guys burgers.... Nothing more to say.  DEVINE.  I had them 3 times in 5 days.  This was my first taste of ship food and OMG was it good!!!  On the matter of food, NO complaints.  Everything we ate was delicious and I definitely ate too much.  

    Totally recommend the on-board APP for the phone.  I chose to disconnect for 5 days though I could have paid for the connectivity.  The app was really useful in helping me know what was happening and where.  Turn your phone on airplane mode immediately as I learned that the data costs were crippling for those who didn't turn off.  

    The staterooms were fine.  Really small for a vacation but I understand from talking to friends that ship rooms are all on the small side.  My room had a tiny balcony but it was good to have it.  The twin beds were already set up as a King. Mattress was hard and I dealt with a stiff back for 5 days. Lots of pillows and blankets.  Need more, just ask.  My Steward, Larsen was very attentive.  He was available at all times and was helpful to us.  We don't dine in our rooms, nor do we ask for extras usually, but nonetheless, he was ready and willing to assist at any time. Bring your own toiletries!!!  And the hair dryer on the wall is useless for really long hair.  I thankfully had my own. Tiny shower, don't drop your soap.  LOL. As stated, the smell of smoke from those smoking around me in both their rooms and on the balconies kept me from enjoying either very much.  Also, my next door neighbors were the most inconsiderate with their loud voices, screaming kids and door slamming.  Did not enjoy this, but not the cruises' fault.

    Dinner in the Paris dining room was fantastic after sorting out a new plan.  First night was in a 4 seat booth with strangers.  The booth was so tiny and the table so high, that we insisted a 2 seat with table and chairs from then on.  All I could think of was sitting there on elegant night squeezed into a booth with my elbows up to my chin, eating.  LOL.  Very accommodating, we got a table with an amazing server, Antonius and his assistant's, Tri and Aji.  Rakin the most amazing magician I have ever encountered, entertained us 3 nights, with incredible table-side tricks.  I swear, he should have had his own show. The food was always incredible.  We enjoyed one night at the Chef's table and I totally recommend this. 

    The entertainment was decent, though repetitive for adults.  2 comedians, repeatedly.  They were funny - Happy ? and the Cowboy and kept us laughing.  The piano bar with Martin was also a great source of fun.  He kept us singing and had a great 3 nights there.  As I've said, the disco is a no-go if you are a non-smoker.  It was simply unbearable.  The music was also very one-styled and we did not enjoy this either.  The Casino was off-limits as well.

    There was a lot said prior to my cruise, about elegant night, the dressing up, and the photos.  My take?  Dress up as much as you like, you will not be over-dressed in a gown or tux.  Take the pictures!  The photography throughout the entire cruise was very professional and I couldn't resist, I bought 2!  They are over-priced though as they don't offer packages.  I would definitely have bought more if they packaged them.  $21.99 USD per 8x10. 

    We enjoyed many a late night pizza at Pirate Pizza while enjoying a night-cap.  As for the Cheers package?  Get it if you are a drinker.  I didn't realized how quickly the drinks add up and they aren't cheap.  8.95 for a festive drink, 9.95 for a glass of wine.  $50 a day (in advance online) for the Cheers package was well worth it.  You can keep track on your APP too!   This included milkshakes or alcoholic coffees at the coffee bar and bottles of water and soda. 

    The ports of call were fine.  But be prepared that you will be herded through Duty Free shops just to get to and from and it's quick aggressive.  Hold your breath and run!  We booked online separately for Nachi Cocum which was great as a beach day in Cozumel.  We took to our own in Progresso as my hubby is Hispanic and we had no issues with language.  It was a great day for us in a town, rich in culture and true Mexican heritage. ( okay except for all of the touristy spots near the ship). Getting back on seems intimidating but again, it goes really fast.  Just be on time!!!

    As for the last day, disembarkation, we were not impressed.  We had a very tight flight to catch and had told the Steward this.  He suggested we talk to the Customer service window and they suggested we show up at 7:30 with our luggage on the 3rd floor and tell them we had a tight flight time.  When we did this, we were told the mustering area was full and to go back to our room or the 5th or 9th floor and wait. We ignored her and continued into the area, as missing our flight was not an option. They finally let us start exiting at 8:00 a.m. and my only suggestion to people is to not rush if possible, to relax, eat breakfast, and just wait.  The stress would have been minimized. Our fault on this.

    In summary, this was our 1st cruise and likely our last.  It wasn't for me.  I like kids fine, but this ship was overrun! The smoking rules were unlike anything I currently deal with in my environment and simply ruined many of the things I should have enjoyed.  The confining element of a cruise was also just not for me.  There was no where to go to be alone except for my balcony and in this, I was even disturbed by spitters (yes lots of kids like to do this apparently), smokers, and noisy neighbors.  Give me a land resort any day of the week.  At least I can wander down a beach and find some solitude.  I am on my second day ashore and I have yet to get my land-legs back. I have some great memories too, but overall, not for me.