This was our second trip on this ship this summer and our experiences were very different this trip. Overall, we had a good time, staff did everything to make us feel welcome adn took care of our basic needs. We just sailed on this Carnival ship in June of this year, but this trip left us feeling that Carnival must have reduced their level of staffing by half. The staff that served us did a great job. As one example, the dining experiences on the Lido deck (buffet) was disappointing. Most days both serving lines would be ready with hot food and servers in place but neither line opened until 0730 or later. Early risers had no where to get breakfast except for cereal and fruit. When the serving lines were opened, only one side was opened at first which resulted in LONG lines. At some point later both serving lines would be opened to help with the diners.

Other areas apparently affected by reduced staffing were the pool and hot tub areas with some hot tubs not opened until around 1000.

Cost cutting efforts undertaken by Carnival make actually backfire on them. I prefer crisp bacon and have never had a problem getting it on past cruises; however, on this cruise most bacon was very, very limp and not to my liking at all. Bacon was also served by the staff and only two strips of bacon were served unless you asked for more. I tried to have crisp bacon, but ended up leaving my bacon on the plate to be thrown away. What a waste! Read more