Never again Carnival…

Item: Mardi Gras
Rating: 2.8
Author: tapout87

Mardi Gras Cruise Review

tapout87

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 7+ cruises

Reviews: 4

Helpful Votes: 62

Overall rating:

2.8 out of 5

7 Night Western Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 07, 2021

Ship: Mardi Gras

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 15285

Traveled as: Singles/Friends

Reviewed: 3 years ago

Review summary

I am #LoyalToRoyal. I wanted to try something different and this cruise just confirmed that Royal is the only way to sail. They have basically copied things from other cruise lines and threw it together. Horrible experience.

Embarkation

2 out of 5

They have a bunch of iPads to check in but they barely work. The employees looked miserable. Was not even greeted upon entering. The employees just pointed where to go next. Security was a joke.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

2 out of 5

The buffet was a joke. You think your on a cruise ship and can grab a quick burger or hot dog and some fries at the buffet? Think again. They have the Guys burger place that’s only open from 12pm - 6pm. The MDR staff are running around like chickens with their head cut off. Make sure you plan about 2 1/2 hours for dinner. Then they beg for a good review after not working for 15 months? Give me a break…

Onboard Activities

3 out of 5

Lots of things to do. Mostly everything has a fee. Wanna ride the coaster? It’s $15 a ride.

Entertainment

3 out of 5

Not a fan of the cruise director running around in a kilt. Bars are everywhere.

Service and Staff

2 out of 5

My room was dirty upon arrival. Not acceptable especially during COVID. You have to pick if you want service in the morning or night.

Ship Quality

1 out of 5

This ship has the smallest elevators. So much dead space as well that could of been used for other things. Casino layout was weird. Only 3 ATM’S for this huge ship. Once you learn to navigate the ship, your cruise is over.

Ship tip

Go with Royal Caribbean.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida

3 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5

Quick thank goodness. I’ve never wanted to get off a cruise ship so bad.

20 Comments

RoLoHa 3 years ago

I too have been Loyal to Royal and this was our first ever Carnival cruise. We totally loved it. There are differences both good and not but overall a fantastic experience snd we will be back. Some of the best crew we’ve ever encountered on any cruise, and we liked the guy in the kilt!

Thumbs Up 10

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CliffordCruiser 3 years ago

I think you came into this experience with an image already put together how Carnival is. You focused on the bad parts and not the good ones.

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Johnandlanae19 3 years ago

Can’t please everyone I don’t think this guy could be pleased

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cooper71 3 years ago

Was you really on the ship? Don't see any pictures, just asking 🙄

Thumbs Up 7

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AuntPinkie 3 years ago

Sorry this cruise didn’t meet your expectations.

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okhappy493 3 years ago

See you never, Carnival is the bomb for cruising, we did a Royal Caribbean and it was nothing like Carnival.

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kmainous123 3 years ago

If you had to use ATMs, you are not much of a cruiser. Use Credir Card on land, your Carnival card onboard. Why waste $ on ATM?

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Babsie1963 3 years ago

You obviously didn’t go in with an open mind. You stay loyal to royal. Carry on!

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Patch3003 3 years ago

I understand, carnival is my least like line so far. Need to try others to compare

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bez2smile 3 years ago

You seem like a blast to cruise with.... 🙃

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Dumfy75 3 years ago

What’s wrong with kilts! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Never met a man yet who doesn’t suit a kilt. Or who doesn’t love wearing one for that matter - maybe you should try it!

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profile 3 years ago

Thanks for sharing.

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javawoody 3 years ago

Thanks for the review

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cbyron3 3 years ago

They could have been like royal and canceled most of their sailing at the last minute. We're glad to see you go.

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Curt34 3 years ago

Thanks for the review.

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Kmlb 3 years ago

I’ve been on a maiden voyage in the past and it’s never smooth sailing as they are still new. Mardi Gras got better with food service by the second sailing according to Vloggers. All ships have extra fees for different things. Carnival has the only roller coaster so far. Even if I was faithful to one CruiseLine, I would still enjoy being on a ship.

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Mickeycrazed 3 years ago

Loyal to Royal? You only had 7 cruises with Royal, 1 with Celebrity, so I'll give you 8. Then you have 3 with Csrnival and 11 with NCL. Sounds like you are Loyal to NCL

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dkantouth 3 years ago

You have other Carnival cruises in your profile so not sure why you waited until this cruise to determine you don't like Carnival.

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BahSun 3 years ago

Did you feel comfortable with the amount of people/lines/parties with no social distancing or masks at that time? I've seen videos and it had me concerned that Carnival placed more focus on FUN than on a balance of fun and safety protocols like Royal. (I know Carnival requires masks indoors now).

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izrgreen 3 years ago

Sorry Carnival did not meet your expectations.

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