We chose this ship because it is newer and has the BOLT roller coaster! There were six of us traveling. We had three rooms on Deck 15: two balcony rooms and one interior across the hall. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary was a plus also, since my brothers had never been to any of those ports.
Overall, it was a good trip. We always enjoy the fun stuff Carnival offers, and the selection of included food options. Entertainment was great, staff was happy and helpful. Had a good time at all the ports.
It was much too crowded for our liking - just not enough space onboard this ship.
But we still love Carnival!! The service is always very good!! The rooms are spacious and comfy. The ports of call are fun.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Embarkation: went as smoothly as it can when there are thousands of people all checking in at the same time (Port Canaveral terminal is not quite as user-friendly as Miami, in my opinion)
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
5 out of 5
Food: One reason we keep sailing Carnival is because of all the wonderful food options. We headed straight to Shaq's Chicken when we got onboard. Try the "Shaq Attack" -- it's the BEST!!! So tasty! And over the 7 days, we enjoyed Guy's Burgers & fries (YUM!), pizza, breakfast tacos at Blue Iguana, chocolate muffins on the buffet for breakfast, Hot Cocoa from the machine next to the coffee machine (delicious!), and some loaded fries one day.
Dinners we did mostly at the Main Dining Room. Service there was terrific. We had friendly waiters. Food was what you'd expect at the Main Dining Room. Our favorites were the shrimp cocktail, Caesar salad, lobster, fried chicken, pork chops, and don't forget the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake!!! (my all-time favorite!!)
Emeril's (Louisiana Cooking) was great! Try the plate of beignets - they're not on the menu, but it's written on a chalkboard at the checkout counter. DELICIOUS! And the coffee there is much better than what you get out of the machine at the buffet area. There were sweet potato "fries"/chips [?] on my son's plate when he ordered a breakfast sandwich -- oooooh - the BEST!!
The loud music at Guy's Pig & Anchor made it annoying, in my opinion. We couldn't talk to each other the one night we tried dinner there. And my ears were ringing afterward.
We wanted to try ChiBang, but didn't ever get a chance. Since we had chosen the late seating at the MDR, the app would not allow us to make a reservation for ChiBang, or any other alternative eating venue, until after 8 or 8:30 pm, and there was always a 45 - 60 minute wait at that point. Not worth it. Oh well.
Guy's Burger Joint
5 out of 5
Can't go wrong with a Guy's cheeseburger and fries!! Try the chipotle mayo - it's very tasty!!
Big Chicken by Shaq
5 out of 5
LOVE the Shaq Attack sandwich!! Fries are yummy too.
Onboard Activities
5 out of 5
FUN stuff: the Ropes Course is a blast! There's a mini zipline (optional) on one side where it takes you out over the side of the ship! SO fun!! And walk out on the plank on the other side and look straight down into the water below!
* Mini golf is always fun for us, and it was easy to just walk on -- not too crowded.
- Water slides were good - my brothers all liked the orange one best. The floor drops out from underneath you (!)
*** BOLT roller coaster at sea *** Totally worth the $15 per person!!! SO much fun! Not scary, just exciting!! We were all smiles on it -- got on the app and booked it again for a second day! (make sure to wear closed-toe shoes)
Entertainment
4 out of 5
Entertainment: The cruise director, Donkey, was great - and his whole Entertainment Team too!
-- the Sunny Girls Trio was awesome!! (violins)
-- the Jazz Walkers band at Brass Magnolia was wonderful!!
-- Latin Fiesta w/Midnight Project was always entertaining, especially the drummer!
There were mini shows in the Atrium, with seating on three levels. It was kind of strange that you couldn't really find a great spot to see the stage and the floor area where the performers were. So you would have to look at a TV screen for the parts you were unable to see (due to poles or ceilings or just too many chairs and people). It is what it is.
Comedy Shows: these are usually our favorite nighttime activity, but the venues are so small. If you wanted to get a seat, you would have to go stand in a line about an hour before showtime. They were always packed full. We did enjoy Lowell Sanders. Got in to see his early show one evening.
BOLT Ultimate Sea Coaster
5 out of 5
We had a blast riding the roller coaster!! I think it's totally worth the price.
Children's Programs
We did not have any children with us.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
Service was wonderful as always on Carnival ships. We love the crew!!
Ship Quality
3 out of 5
* We found it to be clean, like all the Carnival ships we've been on.
-- But...the designers of this class of Carnival ship made too many venues that are too small to accommodate the huge numbers of people onboard, in my opinion.
-- Could not find even one single chair at any of the pools or Serenity Decks. Too many people. If you didn't get out there by 8am and clip your towel and leave a book on some chairs (which you're not supposed to do), then there was no chance of finding one. Oh well.
** We probably won't go on Mardi Gras again ( or even try Celebration). **
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Deck 15: We chose Deck 15 on the left side of the ship (even numbered rooms) because we wanted to avoid smelling the smoke from the Bar on the right side of the ship. (The bar is maybe around Deck 8, mid ship, I think.
All three of our rooms were spacious, with comfortable beds, nice cold mini fridges, and adequate bathroom space.
We asked our room attendant to fold over the partition between our two balconies, so we had one big balcony w/four chairs and two small tables.
Ship tip
If you want to see a specific Comedy Show, be prepared to go early and stand in a long line just to get in.
We got off the ship early to go have breakfast in Old San Juan. Walked to Mallorca Cafeteria, a couple blocks over and a couple blocks up from port. Delicious, warm, sugary, buttery bread!!! Great service.
Walked back to ship to pick up more of our party of 6. Caught an Uber to El Morro Fort. Walked around the grounds. Very interesting, and good views of the water and coast.
Caught another Uber to Escambron Beach. Did a little bit of snorkeling. It was just OK. A bit windy, so water was murky.
Ubered back to ship. Nice day all in all.
The guys took a local dune buggy excursion, and had a good time. We girls hung out around the cruise port, which is very pretty. It was WAY too crowded around the pools though.
Rented a golf cart made for 6 for the day. Drove out by the lighthouse. Did a little bit of sightseeing. Saw some donkeys along the roadside. Stopped at a couple beaches. Snorkeled at the one right next to their little downtown (Cockburn) area. Had a great little liquor/ drinks store right there. Nice sandy beach with clear blue water.
Pulled the golf cart in by the Jack's Shack sign, and made our last stop at the beach there by the cruise ship. Ate at the little yellow shack down the beach a little ways. Had two plates of wonderful Curry chicken, and two plates of tasty Jerk Chicken. They had icy cold Pepsi too, which was a bonus!
Appreciate your very detailed and informative review. Glad you and your group enjoyed your cruise. Your review has confirmed my opinion that this class of ship is not for us.
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