If you are looking for a cruise full of adventure and wonder, i would recommend going on the Western Caribbean itinerary on the Mardi Gras. You will enjoy every second of it.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
Embarkation was relatively slow. Our check in time was 12 to 12:30 and we arrived at 12. Took us about 2 hours to get from the outside to the ship. Keep in mind that we did have an unvaccinated child and needed to get an additional covid test. Even for the all vaccinated, it took 2 hours to get through. Could be better organized. Not a good way to start the cruise.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
This was among the best food I've had on a cruise ship. However, I will not rate a 5 star because the lido marketplace served almost the same items every day. However, you have a selection of Guys Burger, Big Chicken, Street Eats, Blue Iguana, etc. I think everyone will find something they will enjoy on the Mardi Gras. Pizza is open 24 hours on deck 8! The ice cream is delicious. The only free drinks is water and lemonade (orange juice for breakfast). But i think that's enough to get you going through the day. My only complaint is during the night time, they only have one ice cream machine open.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
We did not get a chance to ride the Bolt but that was completely my fault, we couldn't agree on a time to go together as a group. We had a great time playing mini golf and the three water slides you can choose from. The ropes course was very exciting. Especially when it was windy and the whole platform would shake!! The pool and whirlpools would be busy at peek times during the day, but during the night. You can have one all to yourself!
Entertainment
5 out of 5
This is entertainment I have never seen on Carnival. The center stage band was outstanding and Coco is an amazing singer. The Mardi Gras had Family Feud on Day 3, and the after hours Family Feud was hilarious. Later in the cruise, the cast started Broadway shows and they did a very good job. I was very pleased with the entertainment to choose from. It's a hard decision to see which one you want to go to.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The staff on the Mardi Gras was fantastic and were always happy to serve you. Even though they were wearing a mask, I could see the smile through their mask. The waiters at the restaurants were very pleasing and were very friendly. My room steward, Rossan, was very nice and we would always come back to a clean room. I have no complaints for the staff.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
I love the modern design that Carnival chose to implement on Mardi Gras. It was very sleek and modern and no more of those bright color eye sores!! The colors are light and pleasing to the eye. Cleanliness wise, there was always someone cleaning the ship and keeping the ship nice and sanitary.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
The cabins on the Mardi Gras do seem to be smaller than other carnival ships. I was on Carnival Sunrise last year before the pandemic and we had a bit more room to play with. We had a family of 4 staying in an interior room. Storage space was amazing, there was a lot of place to put our stuff and the bathroom was about the average size you would see on a cruise ship.
Ship tip
If you have 4+ people staying with you. I recommend getting 2 cabins or upgrading to a bigger stateroom. It can get crowded in there.
We went snorkeling in Cozumel and I loved every moment of it. It was raining off and on in Cozumel that day but we still had a great time snorkeling. I love how most things in Cozumel are cheaper. I bought an Arizona tea, 2 ice cream, a bag of chips, and water all for just $6. Cozumel is a very beautiful port.
We went on the Zip Line Express in Roatan and I give them a 10/10. I think 1 hour of zip lining is more than enough to get your adrenaline kicking. After zip lining, we went to go to the shops and to Mahogany Beach. Mahogany Bay is a nice little port, away from the main Roatan. I would recommend doing the zip line!!
We did not do an excursion in Costa Maya but we did stay around the shopping district. After you go shopping, you can hang out in the pool they have or swim with dolphins. Overall, I think it was great.
Disembarkation went by way smoother than embarkation. After you exit the ship, it'll take you at most 40 minutes to get from the center stage to the outside parking garage. Customs were very friendly and was quick and easy.
Thanks for the detail. Glad to know about the entertainment. Everyone comments on the comedians (which is good), gotta LOVE a great vocalist and Broadway though.
Enjoyed reading your detailed review. Yes, 4 to a cabin is tight, but doable if you're only planning to be in it to change clothes and sleep. Glad you enjoyed your time onboard.
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