Great Caribbean Cruise

Mardi Gras Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

Cruises: 7+ cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 8

Overall rating:

3.3 out of 5
Mardi Gras

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: February 11, 2023

Ship: Mardi Gras

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 10483

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

Sailed dozens of times on Carnival but this was the 1st since Covid. I’d say it was an average cruise.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Painless and fast - tables for VIFP made it easy.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
We had My Time Dining. Waiting for a table wasn’t too bad but reading menu on my phone was annoying, we had to order bread (yes, you have to order it), appetizer, entree, coffee and dessert all at the same time. Service was rushed so they could get everyone in to a table and food was barely warm. We went from bread to dessert in one hour.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5
We didn’t take part in many activities but the Backyard Party was a blast and the pool was always a big hit. Serenity was a very peaceful escape.

Entertainment

3 out of 5
3 stars for the stage shows. Didn’t like the area for Center Stage. It was open to the rest of the ship so all the noise, outside conversations, etc. interfered with hearing the show. The comedians on the other hand were FIVE STAR! Never laughed so hard. Saw at least 6 shows and all were fabulous! The band Backyard Band were beyond amazing and our day wasn’t complete without at least an hour or two of their music.

Service and Staff

5 out of 5
Our room steward Michael was extremely personable and helpful. The wait staff were friendly and attentive. Guest services staff weren’t very informed.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5
Outside design was great and ship was very clean overall.

Cabin / Stateroom

3 out of 5
The design of the balcony cabin wasn’t ideal. It felt very cramped and the bathroom was so tiny we were wondering how anyone other than average sized adults could fit comfortably. Thanks to our steward it was always clean. Also, bring heavy duty magnets to hang bags, jackets, etc. on the wall and hang a couple on the ceiling of the shower. Let bathing suits drip dry!

Ship tip

Be sure you get to the shows extra early if you want to ensure you get a seat.

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida

1 out of 5
Didn’t leave the ship.

Nassau, Bahamas

3 out of 5
Only stopped in a couple of stores near the port so can’t say much other than it was extremely crowded.

Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic

1 out of 5
Didn’t disembark.

Grand Turk Island

3 out of 5
Beautiful beach and it’s right at the dock but the chairs were very expensive - $45 for 2 - and not on the sand. Selection of stores wasn’t great and Margaritaville was so packed you couldn’t get inside.

Disembarkation

4 out of 5
Didn’t take too long but the line leaving the ship was very long down many decks of stairs. The elevators weren’t useful and many were carrying their own luggage through it all.

Traveler Photos

View from Grand Turk beach Sofa that converts to bed View from our balcony Our balcony view from inside cabin Desk Atlantis from ship My organization thanks to magnets
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