Surprised how intimate this large ship really can feel.
Embarkation
3 out of 5
The terminal is a great size for smaller ships, but if too many come early or delay in boarding, too small for the Mardi Gras. Check in and Security was smooth. Waiting was a pain. Staff was rude, yelling at individuals to sit down and with the over crowding it was not efficient. Once we could start the boarding process, all things were smooth again.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
By far the best food I have had on Carnival in a long time. Lots of options and was really surprised that outside of first night in MDR it wasn't overcrowded or long wait to eat. It is amazing how they spread out places to eat to keep lines short.
Onboard Activities
4 out of 5
The usual Carnival activities plus extras in the Center Stage.
Entertainment
5 out of 5
Some of the best solo acts I have seen. The rest were standard to what you can find on any Carnival ship.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
The only issue is understaffed, but when there fantastic service.
Ship Quality
5 out of 5
The ship was near max capacity during our Thanksgiving cruise. Over 6000 passengers. I was really impressed with the ship design and layout. The designers utilized the free space well. Gone are the days of photographers blocking seats so they can setup their booths. Plenty of places to sit and listen to music or just be alone. After the first hectic day, you couldn't tell there were more than 2500 passengers. Actually felt like there was more space than smaller ships. The design allows enjoying performers from multiple decks.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Highly recommend a cove balcony from 5318 to 5392. Quiet, great access to rest of ship, no rocking and no life boats above. Same cabins on otherside of ship are probably as good but the center stage is above them. Yes small but functional and plenty of USB and additional outlets.
Ship tip
First, check out Guys Pig and Anchor for breakfast. Nowhere near the crowds of the buffet. Second, if you enjoy music from the solo artists, find a seat between the Fortune Teller and Brass Magnolia. Can be a bit distracting if both sets playing at the same time but great location to hear both when they aren't. If looking for a little quieter location but still close to the music, check out the Alchemy bar.
They changed up the process from when I went through the terminal in Feb so you may not have the same as I did. The only issue was with collecting bags and having to que to get out of the building. Facial recognition worked great this time.
Glad you enjoyed it. Interesting that you found the design to be good and give a more intimate feel and others described it as chopped up and cramped. I guess it depends on your perspective.
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