I would like to preface my review by stating I am no expert in cruising but I do have some experience sailing with Carnival Cruise Lines. I have sailed on Carnival Victory four (4) times and one (1) time each on Carnival Destiny, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Fantasy, and lastly Carnival Ecstasy. I was very excited to be cruising again with friends, so much so, that we all even went so far as to pre-book another cruise on Carnival Ecstasy for January 2017 before this past sailing. We have since been informed our January 2017 cruise has been cancelled so the ship can be dry docked over the Martin Luther King Holiday. Based on our groups most recent sailing aboard Carnival Ecstasy, this could be viewed as “Devine Intervention” as we look back.
My family of three (3) and two (2) of our friends were very excited to be sailing on Carnival Ecstasy to the Exotic Eastern Ports of Amber Cove, Grand Turks and Half Moon Cay despite Carnival having switched the ship to Ecstasy from the ship we originally booked out of Charleston. This cruise went from Saturday, February 6 to Saturday, February 13th. This cruise was to celebrate my birthday from last month in January, my friend’s birthday which was on February 7th, Valentine’s Day, and finally my son’s 15th birthday coming up in March.
As I stated above thankfully I did have seven (7) past cruise experiences with Carnival because had this eighth (8th) trip actually been my first (1st) trip, it would have been my ONLY trip with Carnival!
Pretty much as expected from past cruises. Do not like only having the option of 1 daily room cleaning - choice of morning or night... big issue with towels if you have a family!
Bathroom had black mold growing on top of door and ceiling... big health issue!
New port so no issues other than 1/2 the shop were still empty
Beach erosion and animal excrement on sidewalks!
Beach erosion and complete lack of maintenance!
Great old city to explore... just be ready for traffic