This was one of our worst cruises, of our 26 cruises on Carnival. Embarkation was a Zoo! As Platinum, we were in group “A01” for boarding (first after Diamond and Suites). However, the staff called A01, followed by the next FIVE groups within a minute. This caused a mad rush for the entry stations. When we got onboard, we went directly to our Muster Station, as request by staff. However, no crew was at the Muster Station. We were redirected FIVE times by crew members, to different locations. When we finally had crew members for the Safety Briefing, they did not know how to log us as attending, nor how to conduct the brief. I am sure the Coast Guard would not approve. An officer arrived about 20 minutes later. When the Brief was given, there were more than 60 passengers in the Teen Club. Likely, only 10 or so could hear the Brief. Then, they could not figure out how to log us as attending. The whole process wasted more than an hour.

Our cabin “LOST” air conditioning multiple times during the cruise. As it was 98 the day we visited Belize, this was NOT trivial. During the first loss, we made multiple calls before someone came to our cabin. Then, they sent a steward to see if we were telling the truth. Really? Repairs took hours. We had to prop open the balcony door to keep the room cool. We lost A/C again several times.

We experienced long lines at a number of “stations” on the ship; including the Deli, Coffee Bar, Desert Bars, and beverage Bars. Mostly, there was only ONE staff attending each of these stations. For example, we waited 40 minutes for a coffee, as we had 25 people ahead of us in line. At the Deli, I waited 40 minutes for a sandwich, then found they were out of fries. I “cornered” an officer. I told him about the lines and delays. His response was he was focused on cleanliness. Good focus, but what about service?