Our cruise was wonderful. Weather was warm, waters were calm and sky was sunny. The ports were all full of activities and the Cabana area on the ship is the way to go. Book a Cabana room which gives you access to the private pool and jacuzzis.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
No issues getting onboard at our designated time.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
We love the main dining room experience, food was delicious as always. We were in the lower level Horizon MDR area. Always enjoy the entertainment from the staff, but they have changed the timing when they perform. It is right in the middle of serving, which to me, made the servers very stressed. Half of the meals are out and they have to drop everything to perform. On one night it delayed our main meal an unreasonable amount of time. They used to perform after all the meals were served and you were eating your dessert. So I don't know if it is because of the dine anytime concept that made them change it up, but not a fan.
The breakfast buffet in the Ocean Plaza on deck 5 was perfect for us, we didn't need to go up to the Lido.
Guys Burgers was great as always.
Pleasantly surprised with Bonsai Sushi. Everything was fresh and delicious. The presentation was really nice. Miso soup very flavorful, the Tempura Roll was awesome, and loved the Shrimp Tempura.
Not impressed with the Seafood Shack. The clams in the clam chowder had a very strange texture, not like clams and didn't taste like it either. The sourdough bread bowl was very dry as if it was weeks old. I was going to get the crab cakes but the server kept recommending other items. The lobster roll was probably the best choice.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
We stayed in the Havana area on Deck 5 which has it's own pool and jacuzzi's. Absolutely loved it. The pool was never crowded and there was always a place to lounge on the deck.
Entertainment
Never went to the shows. Too busy with other family activities
Children's Programs
No children
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The room steward John was so attentive as well as all the staff
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The layout worked for me. I know it is a little different than other Carnival ships, but honestly within a few hours of walking around it was easy to navigate.
Our cabin was Deck 5 aft in the Havana Club area which made everything so convenient. Dining was just 2 floors down, so we just took the stairs and walked right in. The Ocean Plaza had a breakfast buffet, pigs and anchor right there on the deck, Red Frog pub on the same deck.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
The Havana suite was amazing. I think I am spoiled now with the large bathroom. Double sinks, a rainhead shower. Nice to have a separate bedroom and living space.
I think Carnival is missing the mark on not having electric outlets next to the bed.
Ship tip
Book a room in the Havana area. So worth the extra cost. It's like a ship within a ship. Loved it!
The port is clean and great shops. You don't even have to leave the area there are shops and restaurants to keep you busy.
We went to Nachi Cocum and booked our own excursion directly with them. It is an all inclusive beach day (no children) that included all your alcohol and lunch from a menu. So much food, fresh and delicious.
The only will allow I think 160 people so never overcrowded. Large pool and jacuzzi and plenty of shaded area to chill out.
My favorite port. Because we have been to GC so many time we booked our own excursion to Royal Palm Beach Club. It is a $5 taxi ride about 10 minutes from the port. We had 5 people in our party so we rented a beach cabana. Covered cabana and lounger directly on the beach. Comes with iced bottled water, fruit tray and your own cabana boy to bring any food or drink you want. Very fun and relaxing, then just a 10 minute taxi back to port.
The port shopping once you get out of the gate was ok. There is a Margaritaville with a beach area that appeared to be free right at port. Local restaurant at port with great jerk chicken and red strip beer so my husband was happy.
Because we had a suite we had priority disembarkation which was very nice. We drive to port and park in the port parking, so we get a porter to bring out luggage to the shuttle. Made it so easy to be dropped off right at your car and just head home.
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