We're sailing again this fall, (but with another line), and we'll most likely will sail with Carnival again, but when we do, it will be the Freedom or similar class.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
they've eliminated some steps after security checkin that really sped up the process, Also a note, show up at your appt window or get sent to a slower line.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
the food was very good through out the ship. No need for Carnival to take a back seat to other cruiselines. The Steakhouse, Cucina Capitano, & JiJi in particular were top flight! MDR food ok, Lido buffet was good all week, no issues with cold or dry food.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
really disappointed with Vista Lido deck aft pool and whirlpools, as opposed to Freedom, Magic where this area is Adults Only, not so on Vista. This area was overrun with kids. If you have the funds for Havana deck, those two whirlpools and pool were mostly empty and with few if any kids. (but the cabins are no different or bigger than other balcony cabins and suffer from some noise at night from the latin band.)
Entertainment
5 out of 5
All 4 shows we saw in the Liquid Lounge (forward theater) were excellent. The production, special effects, choreography, actors, singers, dancers all enjoyable.
The music groups were all very different and very talented. Particularly impressed with the Electric Violins and the Polaris pop singers.
Service and Staff
4 out of 5
The service in the three specialty restaurants and the Lido buffet staff were super top notch, friendly and efficient. Cocktail servers throughout very friendly, helpful, efficient, making good suggestions.
It's true that Matt is about the best CD we've ever had. Very polite, respectful, not "over the top' hollering all the time like we've come across before. Genuine, friendly, helpful!
The MDR service staff was a HUGE disappointment. Not offered a cocktail or wine, no cocktail or wine steward anywhere in sight. The food was served like we were in a Waffle House. App & salad came together, the entrée was served before we were even half finished w/the apps & salads, the prime rib (this was the first classic night, too!) came without au jus or horseradish sauce, the baked potato came without any toppings, then they gave us dessert menus and asked us to choose before we had even tasted our entrees....telling the matre'd at the door did no good, said 'everybody likes food served fast these days" unbelievable.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
the design is fine. The casino stunk and looked like LA on a bad day. we avoided at all costs. Loved the 3 story atrium and 2 story promenade 'Lava Lamps" and their changing displays.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
pretty much identical to Magic and Freedom. A bit more subdued colors. Surprised that the ice buckets have been discontinued. We asked and rec'd a wine bucket from our steward that served the purpose.
Ship tip
We'll most likely cruise w/Carnival again, just not the Vista: due to Lido aft pool/whirlpools not being adults only, the terrible casino smoke, and the huge disappointment with the MDR service staff.
Even with five ships in port, Cozumel can handle the crowds pretty well. Puerta Maya docks are nicely arranged. We also had a great day at the beach and the water was perfect for some good shore snorkeling.
I’m surprised you encountered a lot of kids - weren’t they back in school?? Glad to hear disembarkation was smooth. That’s been a big complaint lately. Maybe they’ve made some changes.
We agree with your assessment. However, I am looking forward to the Marci Gras. We may find it too much, but I want to watch a roller coaster on a ship.😮
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