This was an all-beach cruise and it turned out to be one of the best ever. It was the most relaxing, unhurried week in quite some time.
Embarkation
5 out of 5
Embarkation was fast and easy. We were on board in less than 1/2 hour. The bane of the safety briefing is over - you can do it in your room. They still won't sail until all have completed the briefing but standing up on a deck for up to an hour is hopefully gone for good. It saves Carnival both time and money and me too!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Meals were generally good with dining room staff superb. Fahrenheit 555 was disappointing as my steak was exceedingly undercooked.
My favorite meals came from Cuchina del Capitano. LUNCH IS INCLUDED AT NO EXTRA COST! For us, it was fast, not busy, and delicious. Staff was, again, excellent. Guy's Burger Joint has always been great and we found it to be uncrowded as well.
We did brunch or a quick breakfast and all was well at both places.
For drinks, we were at Alchemy nightly at 5 for a drink before dinner and another prior to the Punchliner. Nicole, the head bartender was superb. She was training 2 staff members who tried in ernest but still required some work. OJT wasn't a plus in this situation because I feel people have the expectation of perfection at the premier watering hole on board.
The Red Frog Pub is another great spot - lots of good fruity, sweet drinks and good beer to watch the game. Upon boarding, head here 1st as drinks are 1/2 price for the first 2 hours.
None of the 6 of us on this trip ate at the buffets with the exception of port day breakfast. And that was always good and, again, no long lines.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
Choices are plentiful. 1st timers and relative newcomers will find lots to do. This was our 10th cruise and we spent time in the hot tub, the occasional show, and, for me, smoking cigars and playing scrabble with my wife on deck 5. I was amazed at how easily we could go to the smoking area with only a few other smokers.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
We only went to 3 shows - Onboard, Christmas, and 1 other. All were good. We listened to the music at the Atrium and a couple of other places and thoroughly enjoyed them as well.
As is often the case, the Punchliner Comedy Club was the highlight of on board entertainment. June, a senior doing adult comedy, was priceless! She's a fellow Texan from Houston who is adept at working the crowd. You won't hear too many one liners but she may put you in the mix of the show. We shared an hour on deck 5 talking about kids, grandkids, and odds and ends. A beautiful soul that was a pure pleasure to share the cruise with.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Our cabin steward, Ponde, and Nicole at Alchemy bar were exceptional. Likewise for early dining with Team Leader Kittisak and servers Thiparat and Ankit. ASK FOR THEM! They are the kindest, sweetest, and most thoughtful and considerate dining staff on any of our 10 cruises. I pray we cross paths again in the future!
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
Everything was squeaky clean and greatly appreciated.
Cabin / Stateroom
4 out of 5
Overall, we had the same inner cabin that we usually have. We don't spend much time there other than to nap or sleep at night. On previous cruises we had 2 cabinets and robes. This trip, only 1 cabinet and you could request robes from your cabin steward - and the robes came while we had lunch after boarding. Fine for my tastes but we look forward to a suite next year with our family
Ship tip
TRY TO PACK LIGHT! Even if you haven't reached platinum - where laundry is free - it's only $15 to send a large bag for laundry service. I can easily put 5 days of dirty items into the bag.
Also, invest in a pair of rechargeable nightlights. That bright bathroom light used to wake me every night and I find it hard to fall back asleep.
We love Cozumel and happily return with every cruise. Usually the last stop, we have shopped and eaten just about everywhere it seems. A taxi ride to the other side of the island provides excellent food and lots of marine iguana watching.
Most trips, I include a trip "downtown" to the corner of Raphael Melgar and Benito Juarez for cigars at La Casa del Habano - the only place where they only sell genuine Cubans. You can verify authenticity at the LCDH website. NEVER DISAPPOINTED!
We went on a non-cruise related excursion to Nachico.com resort - a $20 taxi ride of about 15 minutes. All you can eat and drink on a beautiful beach. They limit the number of people so it is not overcrowded. Food and drinks were wonderful for $59 per person. Book this before you cruise as I suspect if you wait until you're on the cruise, it may be too late.
I love to go to the Strand before a cruise. We usually buy a couple of bottles of wine and go to La King's Confectionery for premium sweet treats at less than Cherry on Top prices.
Great tips about Red Frog drink discounts the first 2 hours and laundry bag for $15. Last cruise we did laundry ourselves which took time. Well worth it! Glad you enjoyed your cruise!!
Great review. Havana Bobs Green House Cigar Bar next to Wet Wendy’s is another GREAT place to buy the real deal Cuban cigars that are kept in a huge walk-in humidor. Check it out on YouTube
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