Amazing, new, very large ship - great experience for a first time cruiser

Item: Mardi Gras
Rating: 4.4
Author: webrobby

Mardi Gras Cruise Review to Caribbean - Eastern

webrobby

Contributor Level: Deck Hand

Cruises: 1 cruise (first)

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 18

Overall rating:

4.4 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night Eastern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: December 16, 2023

Ship: Mardi Gras

Cabin type: Suite

Cabin number: 15495

Traveled as: Family (young children)

Reviewed: 5 months ago

Review summary

First time cruiser - the ship is very large and could be crowded at times. However the staff does a great job helping keep everyone busy with activities and spread out across the ship to assist with the possible crowding. There were plenty of activities I just bailed on due to the long lines but - alas that is life on a large ship. I really enjoyed having an Excel Suite and plan to do that again if ever on this line.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Had a suite so was amongst the first to board- right behind the cruise lines diamond members

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

4 out of 5

Specialty dining was on point - especially the ones where you only paid a reasonable $8 to return to the specialty dining place. I like this model. Main dining room was consistently crowded and slow for dining service - like there was no evening where the main dining room could keep up with any reasonable service expectations and we had to depart early to keep any after dinner plans. Bars were plentiful and each had a unique theme.

Onboard Activities

5 out of 5

Kid absolutely loved activities on the top deck - they could live up there if we let them. Plenty of spaces to hide and hang out and especially liked the serenity area and Loft 19 area for privacy.

Entertainment

Did not stay up late

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

I dont think we ever encountered a team member with a bad attitude. Loved every staff interaction.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

While we sleep people are cleaning every nook and cranny of the new ship. It is very new and very nice - will not disappoint.

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Its the perfect size and has a massive shower and bath suite. The balcony was the perfect space to relax and hang out and I regret not learning sooner that room service was part of the suite as we could have enjoyed more meals outside on the private balcony. Being on 15 was awesome as the Lido buffet is steps away on 16.