Style over substance. The Carnival Mardi Gras has all the bells and whistles, but ultimately fails to deliver. Food, service, and entertainment are all okay, but nothing to write home about.
Embarkation
2 out of 5
With so many people to process, we expected some waiting, but lack of signage or information as to what to expect added to the frustration levels.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
3 out of 5
Food in main dining room was OK, not great. Service was very good at dinner time (late seating), but breakfast service was slow, and since it is walk-in, they consistently tried to seat us (party of 2) in a busy aisle, behind the waiters' station. They accommodated us with a better table after we complained, but then we waited for quite a while to have our orders taken (they definitely seemed understaffed). We also missed having tablecloths (at least for dinner). Having chosen an assigned seating for dinner, we were unable to "check in" for a table in many of the other restaurants onboard until after 8 pm, and then there seemed to be long waits for tables. We only got a reservation in the steak house by asking our dining room waiter, who prevailed upon his supervisor. That meal was excellent.
The Lido buffet area did not have the variety of foods that we have seen on other cruise lines. No way to order an alcoholic drink in the buffet dining room - in fact, no servers circulating for coffee refills, drink orders, etc.
Onboard Activities
2 out of 5
We purchased the Spa Suite passes and were disappointed in the facilities and how they were managed compared to other cruise lines we have used. Aroma steam room never seemed to work properly - no scent of eucalyptus or anything else. Found empty soda cans in the sauna, and there were no employees (other than cleaning crew) to monitor the area. We choose the spa for relaxation, and there were often loud conversations that intruded. Can't relax while people in the pool are loudly discussing their friends' medical diagnoses and subsequent surgeries (UGH).
Entertainment
3 out of 5
About what you'd expect on a cruise ship. We enjoyed the comedy shows. Latin band was good. It was disappointing that on a ship this big, the only bar with a dance floor was the Havana bar. We are older and not really night owls, so having the nightclub open at midnight for dancing did not really work for us - although we did try it. Layout of the bars did not lend itself to socializing. Acoustic guitar performers were the best entertainment on the ship.
Service and Staff
3 out of 5
Dining room service was friendly and attentive at dinner - rushed and confused at breakfast. Rooms were only serviced once a day - a difference from other cruise lines we have used, but room steward was efficient and friendly. Bartenders were overwhelmed - hard to get a drink at many of the bars in the central areas of decks 6 and 7. Best bar, with most attentive service was at the steakhouse.
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
Cleanliness was excellent. Ship layout not so much. It seems that the large central stage area is kind of a waste of space. Cheesy stage shows and Bingo?? As mentioned, the bars were not conducive to hanging out and socializing. Everything was so open, that you always felt on display. We might have tried Emeril's restaurant, but it had no atmosphere, looking like a snack bar. We did think that the layout of the Lido Marketplace was good - the smaller dining areas kept it from seeming too cavernous.
Cabin / Stateroom
3 out of 5
Cabin, while small, was comfortable. Balcony was still in range of the deafening DJ music at the pool, but it was not overwhelmingly uncomfortable. Sofa in the room was so deep that it was not comfortable for seating - could have used some sort of bolster pillow to make it more comfortable. Storage was ample, with very nice hangers!! Bathroom was nice, and shower was roomy for a cruise ship.
Ship tip
Learn how to use the app. You will be lost without it
My husband had booked the sport fishing tour, which apparently was cancelled. We never received any notice of the cancellation. Luckily, we were able to book him on the tour I had booked, but we still don't know what happened to the fishing trip.
Museum that was advertised as part of the tour was closed. Tour left late. Driver/tour guide was personable and had some information to share about the island. Conch recipe was not a cooking class as advertised, but more of a talk. Overall, not much to recommend it.
Sorry this cruise didn’t meet your expectations. Sadly table cloths have been gone for years on Carnival. Once a day cleaning has been in effect since the restart. Appreciate your feedback.
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