At a glance
This is quite a stunning ship, built to impress at every turn, with the most balanced profile of all the ships in the Carnival cruises fleet. Amidships on the open deck is a very long 200-ft/60-metre water slide, as well as tiered sunbathing decks positioned between two swimming pools, several hot tubs, and a giant poolside movie screen.
However, because of its size, the ship is unable to transit the Panama Canal, and is thus dedicated to itineraries in the Caribbean.
The decor is a fantasyland for the senses. The layout is logical, so finding your way around is easy. As for public areas, there are three decks full of lounges, and lots of rooms to play in. The Millionaire’s Club Casino is large and action-packed; there are also more than 320 slot machines.
The terraced pool deck is cluttered, and there are no cushioned pads for the deck chairs. There is no escape from repetitious announcements for activities that bring revenue, such as art auctions, bingo, and horse racing. There is also much hustling for drinks, although accompanied with a knowing smile.
Passengers can embark directly into the lifeboats from their secured position without having to wait for them to be lowered, thus saving time in the event of a real emergency.
Wheelchair accessibility: Good
Gratuities: These are added to your onboard account at $9.75 per person per day. You can have this amount adjusted if you visit the information desk. Additionally, 15 per cent is added to your account for all bar, wine and spa charges.
Onboard currency: US dollars
Accommodation
There are 19 price grades. Over half of all cabins have an ocean-view, and are the largest in the standard market. The cabins are spread over four decks and have private balconies (with glass rather than steel balustrades, for better, unobstructed ocean views), extending over the ship’s side.
The standard cabins are of good size and come equipped with all the basics, although the furniture is rather angular, with no rounded edges. Three decks of cabins (eight on each deck, each with private balcony) overlook the stern.
There are eight penthouse suites, each with a large private balcony. Although they are lavish in their appointments, they are really quite modest in size when compared to the best suites even in many smaller ships. There are also 40 other suites, each with a decent sized bathroom and a good amount of lounge space, although they are nothing special.
Interactive “Fun Vision” technology lets you choose movies on demand (for a fee). The bathrooms, which have good-sized showers, have good storage space in the toiletries cabinet. A gift basket is provided in all grades; it includes aloe soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, breath mints, candy, and pain relief tablets (albeit all in sample sizes).
Food and Drink
The ship has two dining rooms: the Galaxy, forward, with windows on two sides, has 706 seats; and the Universe, aft, with windows on three sides, has 1,090 seats. The Universe has tables for four, six and eight – and even a few tables for two that the line tries to keep for honeymooners. Although the menu choices look good, the cuisine delivered is adequate, but quite unmemorable.
Casual eaters will find a serve-yourself Lido Buffet – open for breakfast and lunch, while for dinner this turns into the Seaview Bistro for use by those who don’t want to dress for the less casual dining rooms. These include specialty stations where you can order omelettes, eggs, fajitas, Chicken Caesar salad, pasta and stir-fry items. If you are still hungry, there’s always the midnight buffet.
There are also many options for casual dining, particularly during the daytime. The Sun and Sea Restaurant is two decks high; included in this eating mall are a Trattoria (for Italian cuisine, with made-to-order pasta dishes), Happy Valley (Chinese cuisine, with wok preparation), a 24-hour pizzeria, and a patisserie (extra charge for pastries), as well as a grill (for hamburgers and hot dogs).
If you really want to eat 24 hours a day, you can do it aboard this ship, which has something for (almost) everyone.
Bars
The ship’s 10 bars include the Flagship Bar, located in the atrium, which faces forward to glass-walled lifts, and the All Star Bar, a sports bar with tables that include sporting memorabilia.
Entertainment
The three-level Palladium show lounge, the setting for all production shows and large-scale cabaret acts, is quite stunning, and has a revolving stage, hydraulic orchestra pit, and superb sound.
Spa/Fitness
Families
Youngsters are provided with good facilities, including their own two-level Children’s Club (including an outdoor pool), and are well cared for with “Camp Carnival”, the line’s extensive children’s programme.