Will stick with Royal Caribbean

Mardi Gras Cruise Review to Caribbean - Western

Cruises: 2-3 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 29

Overall rating:

4.1 out of 5
Verified Review
Mardi Gras

7 Night Western Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: August 19, 2023

Ship: Mardi Gras

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 10285

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 1 year ago

Review summary

I was not happy with a lot of things when it came to Carnival. The ship's elevators were always packed, the pool was way too small for the amount of people, we had issues with obtaining reservations in other restaurants until 8pm, gym was supposed to open at 6am but didn't open until 6:15-6:20am, food was not consistent, buffett did not have enough variety was poorly put together for the amount of people on the boat. The only thing that was above average, was the wait staff in the main dining area and housekeeping. If I wanted good food I had to go to Big Chicken, Guy's Burgers or the Palm. I will never sail with Carnival again, we will stick to Royal Caribbean.

Embarkation

5 out of 5
Very organized and quick

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

3 out of 5
Food was not consistent especially in the main dining area. The buffett was horrible and not enough variety.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5
The pool was always overcrowded, but my grandson enjoyed their waterpark.

Entertainment

4 out of 5
We enjoyed a few shows and the piano bar.

Children's Programs

5 out of 5
EXCELLENT! My grandson stayed in family harbour and had an amazing time. Who ever thought of the details of that side of the ship is brilliant. My grandson also attended the camp as well and loved it.

Service and Staff

3 out of 5
The only issue we had was trying to make reservation at the other resturants where the app always had the bar as grey and you couldn't make a reservation until 7:45! Then you weren't even guaranteed to get a reservation. Two of the days was my birthday and my husbands birthday and could not make a reservation. We talked to the head hostess and guest services and they did nothing to accommodate us. They showed no concern whatso ever. The best service came from the servers in the Palm and the man who cleaned our room.

Ship Quality

3 out of 5
People that had no home training would leave empty bottles, ice cream bowls and coffee cups in the elevators. The service with the elevators was HORRIBLE! Many times we were subjected to taking the stairs. I am confused with a ship that big and the amount of people on it there would be an issue with the elevators. The design of the ship when it came to that small pool in the middle was poorly designed.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5
Rooms seemed a little small and tight and not enough storage or area for clothes. For some reason our toilet or bathroom always smelled like piss.

Ship tip

Plain on getting plenty exercise with taking the stairs.

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida

5 out of 5

Cozumel, Mexico

5 out of 5

Costa Maya (Mahahual), Mexico

5 out of 5

Mahogany Bay, Roatan, Bay Islands, Honduras

5 out of 5

Disembarkation

5 out of 5
Your disembarkation was the most organized I ever experienced. I was floored how quick and organized everything was.
Was this review helpful? 29

5 Comments

javawoody    1 year ago

Thanks for sharing

AuntPinkie    1 year ago

Appreciate your detailed and informative review. Sorry this cruise didn’t meet your expectations. Glad you tried something different and know what you prefer. Enjoy your RCCL sailings.

jeffsfan24    1 year ago

You may want to stick with a smaller ship.

lrwellnitz    1 year ago

I know your not going again but if you choose your time dining instead of set dining you have the option to book the MDR, Cuccina or ChiBang in app each night and then after 8pm it opens up to set time dining.

cruising2004    1 year ago

Thank you for sharing your cruising experience.

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