As first time cruisers we would definitely sail with carnival again. We would choose a different itinerary and possibly a different embarkation port due to the cheers package not being able to be used on the first day.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
The process would have been quick and smooth but the embarkation agents were slow checking us in due to us being on a visa and wanting copies of our I-94’s
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
The main dining room food was fantastic, as was guys burgers and the fresh pizza, but we did find the buffet selection very limited
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
Not much entertainment on the pool deck
Entertainment
3 out of 5
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Fantastic service throughout the ship. Special mention to our cabin steward (Larsen) and our favourite bar tender in the alchemy bar, Diana.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
It was very clean, but the design was not the best we have sailed.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Good size for an interior, and our steward was great. It could have done with more mirrors in the room to enhance the feeling of space and we did not like the shower curtain
Ship tip
Take drinks on the first day even if you have the cheers package! We spent a fortune!
Unless booking an excursion I would never visit here again. We got the tender boat to the port, walked outside and was harassed by locals and made to feel very uncomfortable.
We’ve been using self assist for debarkation for a while and have never had any issues. Always been off the ship early and on the road. 👍 Will not go back to letting our luggage go the night before and picking it up in the terminal. Don’t understand why NONE of the elevators were available during debarkation? Forward elevators are usually running.
You totally should have visited Cozumel. It really is the best port of the 3. I too didn't like belize. Not much to do around the port. I wouldn't say I was harassed by the locals, just pitched their wares a lot but they're just trying to make a living and for the most part if you tell them no they don't bother you anymore.
I'm curious why you rated mahogany bay 1 star, especially since you said it was the best?
You didn’t get off at Cozumel? That’s the best port on that itinerary. Also Belize has so many fun excursions to do that involve many experiences likes beaches, zip-lining, cave tubing, ect, I personally love Belize.
Thanks for the review. Agree with you on a couple points about the ship, ports, and cruising out of Galveston. Cruise out of NOLA and you can “Cheers it up” the minute you step onto the ship. Also, buffet is hit and miss on food quality, IMO. But hey, focus on the good things and don’t sweat the little ones…you’re on a cruise after all. 😄
To make a long post longer…JT1962 has a point on debarkation and whether to self assist or not. “Carnie Cruise” cracked me up though.
Thanks for the review. On Carny ships, it’s almost always better to let the ship take your luggage the night before. So many now take their own luggage that most people are gone by the time they call your group to depart. You can just leisurely walk off, get your luggage at the pier and go through customs without a long line.
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