All the ships activities were great. The cruise director was outstanding. Buffets were nothing to brag about. We were not prepared for a ship full of unattended children with bad manners and parents who thought the ship was there babysitter. We were on the Freedom last year the exact same dates with no where near the problems we encountered on this cruise. It was sad to see unattended children in the movie theater where one was scared due to the violence of the movie and the younger one sound asleep. Stricter rules need to be enforced about parents who are dumping their children off unattended at places who are so young.
Embarkation
1 out of 5
It was terrible. My wife's uses a walker. We told this to the Carnival cruise representative when we booked our cruise. She said no problem, we will reserve a wheelchair for you. When we got there, no Porter, or wheelchair was there for us. No one would help us. We even looked for someone who could help me carry the luggage to the baggage check. No one was available. So I had to drag and carry each bag just a little distance at a time due to my health, I worked myself to death dragging the baggage that was stacked on top of each other just a few yards at a time. My wife kept telling me how sorry she was and even started to cry. It was heart breaking. What's worse is we saw Porter's helping young and very capable people with their luggage. This was so wrong in our eyes. On our Carnival cruise last year we got all the help that was promised to us. My wife has congestive heart failure. I cherish every second she has left in life so I save money all year for our vacation. We were not prepared for this to happen.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
2 out of 5
We only ate at the places that were free to eat. We learned not to expect 5 star food at the free buffet. It is like any other buffet you can go to. Basically a meal that is simple and something to put in your stomach. It was good that each night had something different. The deserts have very little sugar which is good for kids. Don't need them pumped up
more than they already are lol. Guys burger and Guys BBQ was my choice and was never disappointed š. So basically If you want the great meals and don't mind paying the price, go to the Speciality dinning rooms. My wife just had the gatric bypass surgery done and couldn't eat very much so we avoided them. Why pay for food you can not. I did love the way you can order a pizza after hours and it's delivered to your room for $5.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
The skyride was awesome. To be suspended cycling over the sea was truly an experience. I was pleased at how fast the lines moved and how you pedal at your own pace. I loved that you can purchase a great photo of you on it also. We loved all the shows and deck parties, Kyndle Fire was the cruise director and always had had us laughing. I went to all the shows she hosted. She did an outstanding job keeping us entertained and laughing. I loved the comedy shows, and the late night poolside movies were great to watch. The Imax theater was great. It has outstanding sound effects.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Loved the stage shows, they are so entertaining. I realy loved the 70's, 80's Rock, and Mowtown shows. They all had me standing on my feet, singing, dancing and remembering the good ol' days. All of us older generation loved them. All the comedy shows were great also. The trivia shows that Kindle Fire hosted were hillarious. She had me laughing so hard my sides hurt.
Children's Programs
We are both 58 years old with no children with us.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our room cleaning was outstanding. It was wonderful coming back to a room so clean and felt so refreshing. It gave me the incentive to go out and do more on the ship. Her saying "Hi Glen" Hi Peggy" made us smile and gave us a since of comfort.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Yes. Always cleaned and maintained.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Ship tip
If you are an elderly couple, make for sure you DO NOT book your cruise when the kids are out of school. We planned on this being our birthday cruise in OCTOBER and we were not told when we booked our cruise that it was same the week of "FALL BREAK" for kids. We never got a fall break when I was in school. We were over whelmed by so many children it was unreal. It became so bad at times that we became a nervous wreck and just locked ourself in our room. While we were trying to sleep some kids was running up and down the hall knocking on all the doors. The next day I saw a kid opening up the room's mail boxes and taking out the mail. We learned that parents believe they get a vacation from their kids while on cruises. Then we saw unattended kids in the elevators pushing all the buttons just for the fun of it. We were pushed and shoved around by kids without their parents that had no manners. Their needs to be stricter rules about staying with your kids you bring on board the ship.
Iāve never heard of a āFall breakā.
Thatās a new one. So sorry you had to endure unruly children. I totally agree that parents need to take more of a responsibility with their kids since they are the ones that brought them.
We went in August on the Vista and the kids ran down the halls and slammed doors. A couple of boys were punching all the numbers on the elevators as well. But for the most part all was well. We still had a blast
I agree with parents not watching their kids on cruises. It's crazy to me that the parents think it's a free for all. I cruise in early May. It's hot but no kids at that time of the year! It does pay to do your homework that way!
Unsupervised children is a problem everywhere, not just on cruise ships. Itās always a good idea to research the time of year you were going to see what holidays or school vacations may affect the type of crowd on the ship. If you want to ensure there are less (or no) children on the ship, try a more upscale cruise line such as Viking, Crystal, Symphony, Oceania or Regency.
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