2 weeks before the cruise we got a call for an upgrade offer. We went from an interior cabin on the lido deck to a premium aft balcony on deck 7. This also put us in the Terrazza class of cabins, which is a huge factor in this review. Particularly because of two perks that are included in being in a terrazza cabin. Firstly, there is an included private continental breakfast each morning. Also, you have access to a private deck for a majority of the day. As a result, you don't have to worry about the craziness of the lido deck during breakfast, or the hassle of trying to find a lounger. There are other perks included as well, so I suggest doing a little research before selecting a cabin, as well as researching the deckplan.
Most complaints I've seen about this ship are about the congestion and overcrowding on the lido deck. We were able to avoid this with the Terrazza room. So, our experience would have been drastically different had we not had the upgrade. However, my worst cruise was also a great cruise, so it's all about how you look at it and approach it.
I am usually very frugal when sailing and take advantage of everything that is included. But, my suggestion would be to greatly consider spending some more for a Terrazza cabin on this ship. Again, I can't imagine a bad cruise, buy it might be worth it to consider.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Embarkation can always be better, regardless of port or cruiseline. About a 90 minute wait between check in and embarking. Pretty smooth once you get moving.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Easily the best main dining experience we have had post pandemic....in both quality/taste of food and service. Portion size isn't the most consistent, but if you go hungry on a cruise, that's your fault.
I did not find the late night snack buffet very good, and I've never had a good cruise pizza. But, the deli is open pretty late, and I have never had a bad meal from there.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
Always plenty to do on a carnival ship. Trivia, dance classes, crafts, ropes course, slides, etc.
My one issue(and the reason it's not a full star review) is with the gym/fitness center. It is just to small with very little variety in equipment. There are two elliptical machines! Unless you get up at 5:30 am, there are just too many people to get to use anything. I had to get up at 5am to get up there. I was usually the first one. By 6:15 it was too crowded to share the equipment. Hope you are all early risers!
Now maybe there are other slow parts in the day to go. But I like to go in the morning, and found that going first thing in the morning was necessary to get my workout in without waiting around for weights/equipment.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Typical carnival shows. Broadway Beats, Epic Rock, Vintage Pop, etc. In our 10 carnival cruises, this sailing had best two lead vocalists of any playlist cast we have experienced.
Carnival also has the best cruise directors of any cruisrline....by far. MarQ was no different. He is great!
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Never had any complaints from any carnival waitstaff or housekeeping. Very kind and accommodating.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
No issues with cleanliness. However, just like all the Vista class ships, the layout is a mess. I suggest using deck 5 as your navigating base, from aft to the front of the ship. Because deck 3 runs into dead ends. Use deck five to travel horizontally and then the stairs or elevator to go down.
Traveling between decks 10 and 12 is confusing as well. I had to use the stairs at the very aft of the ship to go between these decks. If there was another way, I was unaware.
Like the other Vista class ships, the main theater has many obstructed views, with many poles and beams in the way. Gotta get there a little early to avoid those views.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Upgraded from an interior on the lido to a terrazza premium aft balcony. The room was nicely sized with a comfy bed and the view was amazing.
Ship tip
Don't expect to be near the pool very often. The pool areas are just too small and congested. The ship really is more suitable for cold weather, especially with a retractable roof. There are plenty of loungers everywhere, just not so much near the pool areas. The deck parties are also super crowded in these areas.
If these issues are important to you, I might consider choosing a different ship.
Never did an excursion here. Basing this off of 2 things. The beach right by the ship, and the pool at Margaritaville(which is also right by the pier.) The beach is rocky with a good amount of seaweed. The pool is not very clean.
Wow, thank you for the detailed review! I wish others gave as much info as you did. It really helps in planning. We will be onboard Monday heading to Canada. Should be a nice change from Florida heat!
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