Man.....I miss the good food and chocolate buffet. This is just my opinion, I'm sure others may have had a different and more positive experience.

This was my 8th cruise and 4th with Carnival. Now, I have not sailed with Carnival since 2008 and I have noticed some drastic changes and not for the better. I will say that they embarkation and debarkation process was very smooth and everyone was very nice. However, the things in between those processes, much different story. Room was great, comfy, and actually MUCH bigger than I thought it would be. Overall, it seemed like the ship was overstaffed. Longer than normal wait times for drinks at the bar, public areas (especially lido deck and buffet dining area) always dirty with plates and glasses, slow service in the dining room. The ship’s personnel also seemed a lot less personable. I am so used to having bartenders and restaurant servers, getting to know people’s first names and preferences…..not on this cruise. In fact, not any time was I offered a wine list, cocktail selection, or after dinner coffee in the dining room. It was so impersonal as to just get people in and out. The food quality and selection has also gone way downhill. I understand getting rid of the late-night buffet and all that, but sure is nice to have more selection available outside of the normal dining times. One time, after a port day, I overslept a bit and my only option available was pizza and softserve ice-cream. There should be some other options outside of pay options. Doing away with courses on the dining room menu. It was nice to have that staggered offering, without just one menu with a “this is what you have to choose from” type of menu. Not to mention, that the scallop appetizer was like 3 scallops the size of dimes. The lido buffet, seemed like all the proteins were overcooked and not to temp. Lots of dry meat day after day. Let’s just say I had my fill of salads and fruit (on the ship) and street food in ports all week, because much of the food (on the ship) was border line inedible.

I also wanted to talk about the internet package. I signed up for the premium package, because it supported Skype. I knew I had an important client meeting, on Tuesday, so I needed this package. I know it stated in the terms, internet service may be slow and unpredictable at times, but long story short it was unpredictable the only day I REALLY needed it. I discussed with the person at the desk and they basically said sorry, nothing we can do about speeds. There were times it was having a hard time simply posting a picture to Facebook. Premium internet package seriously under-delivered and I lost a contract in the process. I guess the lesson learned is don’t try to do business on vacation. Read more