This was our first time on Venezia. There were a lot of negative reviews when she first sailed and I'm guessing they were mostly because the overall vibe of the ship is a bit lower key than other Carnival ships. The biggest difference would be in the lido area. It seems like most of the day long sun bathing, partying in the sun took place at the aft pool.
Most of the rest of the ship would be very familiar to Dream class and Vista class cruisers.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
No real issues. Someone screwed up when announcing boarding. After letting Diamond guests on they announced anyone with Platinum or Gold could board next. And Faster to the Fun was never mentioned at all. Should have been Platinum, then Faster to the Fun, then Gold. Created a mess that they then couldn't really reverse as 75 % of the people in the terminal were already heading to the ship. If I had paid extra for FTTF I probably would have been upset.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We enjoyed virtually everything we ate and drank. Taste is subjective so everyone will have their own opinions
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Loved the stage shows in general but outside of Vintage Pop they are not my favorite Playlist Productions.
Venezia rock band was great, especially when the horn section participated.
I like the strings on Carnival ships but I like them less when they are playing along with recorded tracks. Let the musicians play music.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Everyone was great. A very few bartenders could be more smiley
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Common areas were spotless. Layout is great, similar to Vista, Horizon so if you know those ships you'll have no issues. The roof over Lido came in handy leaving from NY in March
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Balcony room on Lido deck, starbord. Room was basically the same as similar locations we've had on Magic and Horizon. Difference is a solid shower door instead of a curtain. A little annoying in that it didn't really shut so floor gets a little wet. Also, we had a couple days of rough seas and it would bang open and closed until I strapped it closed with a bungee.
Room itself was absolutely fine. Surprised it wasn't more ornately decorated for such a fancy ship, not that I personally care about that
Ship tip
For a reason I really can't figure out, cigarette smoke permeated public, non smoking areas of the ship WAY more than I've experienced on other Carnival ships I've sailed (Magic, Conquest, Horizon, Sunshine). The atrium was beautiful and I would have loved to hang out there but the smoke, presumably wafting down the hall from the casino on deck 4, was intolerable. Seemed odd as the Horizon, basically the same build as the Venezia (without a roof over Lido) doesn't have this problem. I'm not anti smoker, smokers should be allowed to smoke. And non smokers should be allowed to not smoke. Seemed to me that the ship has some overall ventilation issues
First time here as well. Took a tour of the forts. If you like that stuff (my daughter and I do) then you'll love it. A lot of walking, climbing stairs etc in the heat.
Walked around Old San Juan. We had extra time here as our next day in Grand Turk had been cancelled. Loved the old city and the fact that it is a simple short walk from the ship. Again, can't wait to go back and see more.
Beautiful. 13th cruise but first time there. Cant wait to go back in January. Just walked around and went up the sky ride. Had drinks and food with the unbelieveable view.
It's New York. Love it, hate it, whatever. I can drive there from MA. It's not as comfortable as Miami or Canaveral but the scenery leaving the port is very cool
We where on the same cruise, we had our 15 year old granddaughter with us and she enjoyed the cruise all all the new friends she made, service for us was outstanding, Jackie is a great CD. Not sure if I enjoy cruising from New York in March as it’s very cold on the first 2 sea days until you hit Florida, on the way back to New York it was the same, cold & wet
Great review, very helpful. Thank you for sharing. Everyone complains about shower curtains so it’s interesting that a shower door can be a problem too.
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