Mardi Gras - A Kid's Paradise

Mardi Gras Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Reviews: 11
Helpful Votes: 276

Overall rating:

4.5 out of 5
Verified Review
Mardi Gras

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: November 19, 2022

Ship: Mardi Gras

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 15258

Traveled as: Large Group

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Great ship for kids and teens. Lots for them to do on sea days. The itinerary is good, and more good excursions are now available, if somewhat pricey. Be aware that the layout is unlike any other ship, and it is huge. Dining and entertainment venues are scattered throughout the 1100 foot long ship. That is almost 4 football fields long! The long walks can be hard if you have mobility issues and no assistance from a wheelchair or scooter. The cabins are smaller than other ships and can feel really crowded when kids are also in the cabin. The bathrooms are tiny. Food is good and a huge variety. Take the kids and have fun!

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5
The food in the Flamingo Restaurant was really good, and there was always something to appeal to the four grand kids we had along on our 50th Anniversary cruise. Everyone loved the easy access to burgers, tacos, hot dogs, pizza, ice cream, and even the MDR food. The adults enjoyed it all, too.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
Our kids and grandkids loved the ropes course, pools, roller coaster, water park, and plenty of space to run and look at the wide open sea. They never had a slow-down moment on board

Entertainment

3 out of 5
Shows were great that were seen, but access was impossible without very early arrival. The Center Stage was a joke - no sight lines except for a few seats. The kids hated the area, and the adults were not willing to stay when the show could not be seen.

Children's Programs

3 out of 5
Our 15 year old grandson loved Club O2 but the younger ones were happier taking advantage of the ship's offerings. No contest when there was a ropes course and pools!

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
The restaurant accommodated our party of 12 people with a table together and fabulous service. Joel, Harold, and Efrein were perhaps the best waiters these Platinum Grandparents have ever had. Our kids, in-laws, and grandkids were on their first cruise ever, and now are so spoiled! Our room Steward was also excellent. I. Made was always asking if we needed anything when we saw him in the hall, and took care of everything asked for immediately. He is the epitome of a caring, friendly professional. Our crew members made this a great vacation.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5
Everything was clean and maintained, but the layout makes it hard to find where you want to go, even after 7 days.The main theater was small for the number of people on board, and the one in the ship's center is a joke. The comedy club is way too small, and too many small bars takes up entertainment space on a consummate family ship. More kid-appropriate shows and the space to see them is sorely needed.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
Too small compared to the older ships and the bathroom is another joke. When traveling with kids, there is no privacy for dressing as it is impossible to do in the bathroom. We have sailed many times on Carnival and also other lines. This is by far our least favorite cabin.

Ship tip

Kids will love it! However, accept limitations of cabin and entertainmant space.

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida

5 out of 5
Nice motels for an overnight stay before boarding. No tourist activities, but good access to the port.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

5 out of 5
Visited Castillo de San Cristobal with grandkids. They loved the climb through the fort and the exhibits were very interesting. We also visited some restaurants and walked the historic streets.

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic

5 out of 5
We stayed in the port. The pool was great and we enjoyed the shops. The rest of our group took the Monkey excursion and loved it, as well as the rock slides. Great adventure.

Grand Turk Island

5 out of 5
Stayed by the pools and shopped. The kids liked the beach, and it was great to see hurricane damage being rebuilt.

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
Very easy even with 6300 on board and needing to leave. The only issue was with only one elevator in the parking deck operating. Many of us are disabled and stairs or an escalator with luggage is not possible.
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