Carnival Celebration Review
Great food options but a horrible Terminal F departure
Rating by category
Additional details
My wife and I went through Terminal F via a Carnival cruise Apr 30 to May 6. Our entry progress was fast because we went through about 45 min before ship departure. The baggage screener clerk discarded my empty plastic water bottle with the explanation "no incoming plastic at all allowed on the boat". On an island stop, I saw a sign that said "no empty water bottles allow onboard Unless They Are Carnival Branded". Never mind that Carnival is selling plenty of water onboard in generic plastic bottles.
This boat is Carnivals newest and is certainly one of the largest. There were many places to eat for free and we didn’t get to all of them.
1. Big Chicken – the chicken was good, think “MCDs chicken fingers” but the chips were extremely thin cut and coated. "Where is the potato?”.
Cabin Review
Interior
Our Deck 4 (small) inside room was about as small as it could possible be. It didn’t bother us because we only slept there but you will not like it if you are big or want to actually spend time there.
The cabin stewart was efficient and the cabin was cleaned whenever we removed the "Snoozing" sign.
Port Reviews
Amber Cove (Puerto Plata)
There is nothing to do on this cove unless you want to swim or lay next to a pool and there is no beach access or free food available. The taxis to town are $70 round trip, maybe 7 miles away. There are two beaches on either side of the Carnival Amber Cove however you have to pay for an "excursion" to get there. Carnival could have easily provided access to a beach but clearly saw more value in selling excursions.
St. Maarten
The Scenic Coastal Hike excursion on St. Maarten cost us $49.99 each and was a much better deal if you want to stretch your legs, breathe some fresh air, and feel a little of the heat. The excursion picture is an accurate depiction. The guide was great, very knowledgeable, and provided water at the beginning and end of the hike. Yes, it was hot and the fall potential was obvious but everyone made it. Wear good shoes, take an extra bottle of water, sunscreen, and a good hat. The only bathrooms on the hike are behind some not very big rocks.
We always go to Grand Jewelers at 49-A Front Street, St. Maartin (since 1992). They provide far better quality at far better prices than other places (including all of the firms recommended by the cruise lines). They can repair, clean, or make custom jewelry and they will be very accommodating to you, always providing an official appraisal which we then use to verify our purchases when back home (proving the excellent prices).