Carnival Cruises
This is an ultra-casual fun-filled ship for first-time cruisers
The Ship. There are three decks full of public lounges, bars, and lots of rooms to play in, together with good facilities and programs for children.
A much-needed makeover in 2012 added two half-decks at the front of the ship, extended two other decks at the aft, and added 182 cabins (but no extra elevators), plus several new, and some much revamped, eateries, plus much more. These include an Alchemy Bar – for ‘mixologist’ (bartender) cocktails; a (music-free) Library Bar; a Sports Bar (interactive, sports ticker results); and an art gallery.
Amidships on the open deck is a water slide (200ft/60m long), plus tiered sunbathing decks between two swimming pools, several hot tubs, and large poolside movie screen (Seaside Theater). For adults to escape the outdoor activities and noise there is Serenity – an extra-cost adults-only relaxation area, located on two decks at the top, forwardmost part of the ship.
The interior decor is a fantasyland of colors, in every hue of the rainbow. Most public rooms are located off the Kaleidoscope Boulevard – the main interior promenade, which is great for strolling and people-watching. The larger of two atriums, Colors Lobby spans nine decks in the forward third of the ship. Check out the interpretative paintings of US flags at the Color Bar. The smaller aft atrium goes through three decks.
Carnival is all about cruising Splash Vegas style – it’s a fun, all-American experience. The cuisine is just so-so, but the excitement really begins at sundown when Carnival excels in sound, lights, razzle-dazzle shows, and late-night high-volume sounds. There are nightspots and watering holes for just about every musical taste (except classical music), such as the Ivory Club Bar, Ebony Aft Cabaret Lounge, Cinn-a-Bar (Piano Bar), White Heat Dance Club, and Bar Blue.
Niggles: the modifications and additions, while good, have also created a crowded, congested ship. Also, the open deck space is poor considering the large passenger numbers. The pool deck is cluttered, and there are no cushioned pads for the sunloungers. There is constant hustling for drinks. Since it’s a large resort ship, there are lines for the likes of shore excursions, security control when re-boarding, disembarkation, and sign-up sheets for fitness equipment. Also, note that ear-splitting rap and rock music is everywhere.
Accommodation. There are numerous cabin price categories, in seven different grades: suites with private balcony; deluxe outside-view cabins with private balcony; outside-view cabins with private balcony; outside-view cabins with window; cabins with a porthole instead of a window; interior cabins; and interior cabins with upper and lower berths. The price reflects the grade, location, and size.
Several decks of cabins have a private balcony, although many of these are not actually private, as they can be overlooked from various public locations.
During the makeover, a number of Spa-grade cabins were added adjacent to the Carnival Spa and Serenity area; these have all the usual fittings, plus special spa-related extras, and easy access to the spa.
Standard cabins are of an adequate size and are equipped with the basics, although the furniture is angular, and lacks rounded edges. Three decks of cabins (eight on each deck, all with private balcony – these are nice) overlook the stern. Most cabins with twin beds can be converted to a queen-size bed format.
Book one of the Category 11 or 12 suites, and you will get more space and a larger number of perks and privileges.
Dining. The two main dining rooms, Golden and Platinum, are two decks high, with seating on both levels. The decor includes wall coverings featuring a pattern of Japanese bonsai trees. Choose either fixed-time dining (6pm or 8.15pm) or flexible dining (during opening hours).
Overall, the food is quite starchy, with simple presentation, few garnishes, and many dishes disguised with gravies and sauces. The choice of fresh green vegetables, bread and bakery items (these are thawed and then baked from frozen ‘starter’ dough), cheeses, and fruits is limited, and there is heavy use of canned fruit and jellied desserts. The waiters sing and dance, so think ‘foodertainment’ rather than food quality. Also, there are no wine waiters, and the wine glasses are small. For something very simple, an ‘always available’ list of ‘Carnival Classics’ includes mahi-mahi (fish), baby back ribs (beef), and grilled chicken.
Other (complimentary) eateries include: Guy’s Burger Joint, a poolside venue developed with Food Network personality Guy Fieri (for handmade burgers and freshly cut fries) and BlueIguana Cantina Mexican eatery (for Mexican snack food such as tacos and burritos). Poolside watering holes include a BlueIguana Tequila Bar, and a RedFrog Rum Bar.
For something different, try the (extra-cost) Emerald Room Steakhouse, which features large premium-quality steaks and grilled seafood, and has lighting fixtures that look like giant emeralds.
The two-level Red Sail Restaurant is for caual self-serve eats; it includes a Mexican counter for burritos and tacos, a deli, and on the upper level, a fish ‘n’ chippery (there is seating on both levels).
Entertainment. The multi-deck Amber Palace Showlounge seats 1,400. It has a revolving stage, hydraulic orchestra pit, superb sound, and seating on three levels (the upper levels being tiered through two decks). A proscenium arch over the stage acts as a scenery loft.
Jazz lovers could head for the Bar Blue, while the Cinn-A-Bar is a piano bar, with curved aluminum walls – so ‘bending’ notes should be easy.
Spa/Fitness. SpaCarnival is a fairly large health, fitness, and spa complex. You’ll find it directly above the navigation bridge forward, and accessed from the forward stairway.
Facilities include a gymnasium (packed with muscle machines and exercise equipment), body treatment area, sauna and steam rooms for men and women, and a beauty salon.