Carnival Breeze Review
Overcrowded, not so classy, but tons of fun
Rating by category
Additional details
This was cruise #20 for me so I am well schooled. Carnival proves my point over and over. It doesn't have the service and elegance of RCCL or Disney, however, they excel in other areas.
Customer service is excellent, they go above and beyond as a corporation to please. Last year we were supposed to go to Canada and due to bad weather (not even a named storm) they took us to Bermuda instead. I don't think any other cruse line would've done that. On this cruise we encountered issues and corporate gave us a hefty discount, much much more than we ever anticipated, as well as a free dinner at the steakhouse to make up for it. They know how to make their customers happy and for that reason I will return again and again.
Honest pros and cons to this ship:
Cabin Review
Ocean View
WORST cabin ever. DO NOT EVER BOOK THIS ROOM. On the map it looks bigger than the other cabins. The deck plan map is incorrect! My brother in law was 2 doors down in 2464, which also look big on the map. His was accurate. He had a full closet, couch, walking room and a window seat. My cabin had a half sized closet (only one bar to hang both of our clothes), no couch, and a huge pole in your face as soon as you walk into the room. On the map it appears to be on the back of the ship, far aft. It is actually a corner cabin. There are two of them, both identical even though it doesn't appear that way.
Also, it is right over the engine room so the cabin shakes 24/7 My head felt like it was sleeping on a lawnmower with constant vibration. The towel animals were always shaking, even while we weren't moving. When you pull into port, holy moly! It is loud and violent.
Just spend more money and book a different room! Or less money and take an inside cabin on a higher deck!
Port Reviews
Grand Turk
First of all, I love this port
DO NOT fall into the gimmick of going to Jack's Shack. They must be expert social media people and the island people are in their pockets. I'll explain in a minute....
When you get off of the ship there is a huge pool party in front of Margaritaville. It is full of life and fun with a DJ making everybody dance in the pool. There is a swim up bar, and the pool is huge. There are quieter areas away from the craziness of the "spring break" feel if you don't like that sort of thing. Personally I loved it. The beach just around the bend is great. If you pass a certain area, it is no longer protected by Carnival, which is ok. Just vendors selling water sports and dining options with a BBQ on the beach and drinks. Much cheaper than Margaritaville and the chair ride behind the speed boat was a MUST DO for 20.00 each.
When I first got off the ship and had to walk through the gift shop (they are all like that ) I asked the locals which was the best beach. They all said it was Jack's Shack and it was a 20 minutes walk and advised getting a cab. Well that's a scam! So fast forward to us sitting on the beach next to Carnival's beach. We just finished the speed boat chair ride and decided to go check out Jack's Shack. We walked all the way back through the pool area, gift shop and by the taxi stand and paid 20.00 plus tip to get there. The ride was about a minute long. We got out and went to a shack that looked just like the one we were just sitting at. We went to the beach and OMG, it was less than 5 minute walk back to where we just were! You could se it from the chairs and it was nothing of a walk! It was a longer walk to the cab than it was to Jack's shack from the beach.
If you want to visit Jack's Shack for some reason, just walk down the beach. It takes minutes. We much preferred staying near the ship and having access to the pool, but to each his own. Just don't take a cab!
Aruba
No need for an excursion. Go to the high rise section on palm beach and enjoy. Best port in the Caribbean! Tons of life beach bars, shops, water sports, and OH SO BEAUTIFUL!