The cruise was entertaining and a great value. An OUTSTANDING event was the "Meet Your Captain" event held the night before arriving back in New Orleans. He and Cruise Director Kevin sat on stage and answered questions while thoroughly entertaining those who attended with their quick comebacks to each other. It is obvious they have an fantastic working relationship. MEET YOUR CAPTAIN "should" be implemented throughout the Carnival company!
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Boarded quickly and shore personnel were very courteous.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The main dining room experience was great. Our servers, Martin (India) and Albiero (Colombia) were extremely customer oriented, courteous, and personable. The food was amazing both the taste and presentation.
However, the Buffet area was way below expectations from sailing a sister line. The food was NOT good for the most part. The selection also was lacking. The table wait staff was very quick and courteous; just could not get past the lack of quality in food. ONLY time I picked up a half-pint of milk … it was SOUR.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
All of the trivia competitions, bingo, and the shows were all outstanding. Could not enjoy the pool/hot tub because too many people (cruisers) were acting below expected standards. When only 3 or 4 people can fill a hot tub made for 6 to 8 … I just can't enjoy being in it. I worry about their sanitary conditions. This is not a Carnival problem … I should expect it when sailing out of New Orleans.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
All performances were excellent. The crew members are very talented people and were very entertaining.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
From our Cabin Steward (Ed Mark), to our "Fun Squad" (Alejandro "Alex", Georgia, and Cruise Director Kevin, there was not a disappointment in the bunch. Personality abounded, friendliness was apparent, and interactions were amazing. Alejandro making fun of his "terrible English", Kevin's total personality, and Georgia's interactions with the audience were all great. Alejandro was the reason the wife and I kept participating in the trivia competitions (especially since he declared us Geniuses to everyone because we did well).
Staff in the Main Dining Room (Martin and Albiero) were great and mentioned in a previous comment.
The GIRLS OF EFFY (as I called them) had personality to burn. Friendly, courteous, and funny is a great way to describe them. Kayla (South Africa), Shanien (India), and Jalena (Croatia) made the experience of spending lots of money a lot less painful! My wife and I looked forward to stopping in to see these girls each day.
We also each purchased a watch while on board. Karam was very knowledgeable and customer focused during our interactions in his area. He ensured our total satisfaction with the products purchased. Highly recommend him to others.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
Overall, it was quite good. VERY DISAPPOINTED that SMOKING REGULATIONS were NOT enforced as they should be. Those breaking the regulations were reported on more than one occasion (my wife could not enjoy our suite balcony because of the next balcony having smokers all the time. A drunk individual was smoking in the 7th floor elevator lobby and I reported him to a staff member on the floor. He acted like, "What do you want me to do" or either "I don't know what I should do".
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Our Cabin Steward, Ed Mark, was professional, courteous, and at times funny! Loved it when he would recognize the wife and I from 50 feet down the hallway and speak out to wish us a good day! His service as far as cleaning our room was outstanding and quick each morning.
Cabin size was acceptable. Only other cruise was a mini-suite on Princess. Big difference.
Ship tip
If you sail out of New Orleans, don't expect everyone to have manners or act dignified. Grossly obese women in swimsuits twerking around the pool is hard to forget.
I live only 75 miles from New Orleans in Mississippi. New Orleans has become a sewer of beggars and crime. Those coming to the port SHOULD be warned to be wary of going out at night either before or after the cruise. Daytime is slightly better and safer.
Enjoyed Cozumel. Wife and I did our own exploring by taking a guided trip around town and the beach. Our tour guide (I wish I could remember her name {she was a buxom woman) was great and also had personality. She found out it was my wife and my 41st Anniversary so she bought us a drink at a beachside restaurant/bar. That was very appreciated. We had a thoroughly good time. The chocolate making and tequila tasting were also great. (I spent too much on tequila before departing that area. The good stuff is now hidden UNDER my home bar.
Nothing but a beach and a shopping area unless your wanted to go to "all inclusive" resort areas or take a two-hour (each way) bus trip to the ruins. (I had looked forward to photographing there; but, too much travel on a bus for a bad back and too much walking after getting there.
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