Mom's 80th birthday cruise

Breakfast in the Palm first morning was very bad for most at our table (party of 9). Steaks were mooing, English muffins w eggs benedict were uncuttable. I did not return, although others did and said food was better. Blue Iguana had a terrific breakfast! Thoroughly enjoyed the Salad bar on the Serentiy deck - should do it every day. Again, something I heard others say too. Fresh and good variety of healthy options to build your own salad. Realizing the enormous challenge to run 14 gallies and feed the masses, I considered dinner in the Palm good. Dinner at Cucina del Capitano was a bit of a disappointment. Veal marsala was ok, but my mother's farfalle pasta dish was incredibly dry. I asked for more sauce for her & it helped but should not have had to. My dessert, tiramisu, was the best course of that meal. I consider myself a foodie, but the Chef's Table dinner was over the top with techniques (rosemary bubble maker machine - WOW super cool and impressive), and presentation was superb for each course. Chocolate melting cake demonstration - was enjoyable. Also like when going through the kitchen area, staff took the time to wave, smile, say hi, acknowledge our presence despite how busy/hectic their dinner shift was. Executive chef was very patient with all the questions asked. Found him very interesting and informative. Would have liked to have the French fry station in Street Eats t open before 2pm.

Disregard rating

Shows were very good - music was generally a little too loud at center stage, but the aerial acts were very impressive. Performing off stage during Center Stage shows brought a level "intimacy" to the performance. A LOT of choreographing effort and talent for sure. Family Feud fast money for one group of ladies was "questionable" in lots of people's opinions/eyes. First lady answered dishes as a chore second lady said a number of other chores such as dusting, laundry (I think) (don't remember others) and the judge(s) considered them all cleaning in other words a repeat of dishes and rejected her answers eating into her time and consequently not allowing her to finish answering all the questions and not winning the game. Afternoon poolside games/entertainment were quite enjoyable/entraining. Granted a lot of it depends on the passengers who participate, but it is also very dependent on the "MC". Robbie and Kyndall were great. Sail away party was great. Comedy was good too. Robbie definitively right guy to MC those shows. Travis (from Canada) & David Oates - very talented musicians & good "bar" entertainers. Havana bar was a happening place. Veronica (I believe) was so cute/awesome w my father (78 years old) - she came out from behind the bar to teach him how to dance w a Latin "flair." He loved it.

Didn't travel with children.

Palm dining room for dinner - Nikko Serentiy deck towel attendant - Jessa Serenity bar - Vera Brass Magnolia - Malissa & Milan & Evan Della Rosa - Nevena Nikko had our cabin numbers, names, and drink preferences down pat after our first night in the dining room. Didn't expect that for a party of 9. We had a vegan traveling with us and at the end of the meal the first night he worked to ensure her dietary preference was accommodated/coordinated with the chef. She waved about her dinners and also commented her first time sailing on the Mardi Gras she lost 5 pound in one week. Vera worked very hard, extremely but still found time to chat w "returning" customers. Jessa was the SWEETEST! The 3 of us on our cabin did not always go to the Serenity deck at the same time. She would ask about each one of us daily. She made my mother a towel birthday cake that was adorable. Again, another employee who remembered us very only on during the cruise. Such a pleasure to see/chat w her each day. Cannot say enough about the bar staff (bartenders & bar waiters) in the Brass Magnolia. Best drinks, great personalities, again with greeting us by name (generally 5 of our 9) frequented the bar. I myself would end my day there if I had not made it there prior to- Perfect night cap. The other 2 in our Brass Magnolis party, had sailed Mardi Gras before and searched the ship until they discovered the bar she was working. A true testament to her. Lastly, Nevena, truly saved me one evening when I had gotten separated from my party without my room key or my phone. Feeling very lost and unsure of what to do about it, she said she could help me locate my party and she did. May seem small but it was HUGE to me. I was and still am truly very grateful for her assistance that evening. She didn't have to do it/referred me to customer service, but she didn't.

See comments about room size. Did like that you could go from one end of the ship to other. Ship is quite beautiful. The Madri Gras 1 & 2 comparison was a nice touch, especially since my parents sailed on the first Madri Gras in 1987. Liked the touchless door opening feature. Loved the fact that the Serenity deck was sufficiently large and not a "battle"/race of the early riser to be able to lay out/sit etc.

Room was small for three people. Basically sleeping quarters for 3 people with no real to "relax" or walk around. Basically walking room to get to the beds and balcony. Bathroom was very small & no one staying in the cabin is a "large" person all less than 150-160 pounds. This "opinion" was shared by MANY others throughout the entire cruise - "strangers" overhearing others' conversations and chiming in, in agreement. Understand the idea is to enjoy the ship more so than stay in the cabin, but size of cabin was a challenge and disappointment.

Due to the large number of people waiting for elevators to disembark with their own luggage, 4 out of 5 of us decided to schlep our bags down the steps 9 decks. After that it was a piece of cake getting off the ship. Love the facial recogniation