This was our 4th Carnival cruise (8th overall cruise). The last Carnival ship we were on was the Sunshine in 2015. Man, Carnival has really made cuts! Not many positives that I can really say.
The food has gotten worse. The value really isn't there as much. They really need to hire an American buffet manager to head up the Lido food service & prep. The only thing was edible on the Lido deck buffet were the sandwiches & pizza. They really needed more vegetables and food catered to their biggest clientele - Americans.
The service in the main dining room was horrendous. Taking 45 mins to get an entire (without ordering an appetizer) is unacceptable. This kind of service wouldn't fly in America, so why should it on my vacation?
The port was well organized & everything went smoothly both coming & going.
I love how Grand Turk isn't as commercialized as most ports. Just a great beach day at Margaritaville & Jack's Shack.
Old San Juan is excellent. Loved just walking the streets. Everything is within walking distance, including the Fort. Felt safe & secure there with the police presence.
WHAT A HIDDEN GEM. Shopping is excellent at the port. Spent the day at Shipwreck bar & grill on South Friar's beach. Good food, good drinks, and free beach chairs on an almost private beach.
This was our 6th time to St. Maarten. It was disappointing for the 1st time. The shop workers are becoming as annoying as those in Nassau. "No" means "no". I don't like being followed around like I'm a thief. I can assure you that it's the locals, not the tourists from the ships that are stealing from you.