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Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Triumph Cruise Review
Western Caribbean

Craig
Age: 40
Occupation: Teacher
Number of Cruises: 2
Sailing Date: April 15th, 2006

Embarkation

Even though we were VIP’ed for some unknown reason and bypassed the major line up there was some delay in boarding the ship. It gave us an opportunity to meet a family from California who had a daughter the same age as ours and they shared their experiences re. Camp Carnival.

Lido Shuffle

Upon boarding we had to go to the Lido deck while cabins were being prepared below. We managed to get a decent meal on deck and spend some time soaking up the sun. The pools were out of the question, as we had not yet gotten access to our baggage.

Dining

We dined in the Paris dining room and found this to be mostly an enjoyable experience. The wait staff (Ricky and Victor) was quite good and amazed me in their ability to remember everyone’s name so quickly (including my daughter’s toy Monkey “Swing”).
Despite going on a Carnival Cruise in the past I was not prepared for Formal Dining nights (I left sub zero temperatures in Newfoundland packed only to enjoy the sun). As a result I was refused entry in the dining on two nights (I accepted this given the circumstances). However, I found the maitre d to be quite rude regarding this matter and at the end of the cruise I tipped him accordingly.

Tipping

Speaking of tipping take some advice. On the first day of your cruise remove the automatic tipping from your account (we did this the next to last day). I prefer to tip individuals based on their service. The cabin steward was fantastic, dining staff as well, the bartender in the Venezia Lounge (Karaoke!!!!!!!) was excellent as well. I meant to tip our server on the Lido deck as well (seemed he always found us no matter where we pitched) but unfortunately we did not see him on the last day. Honorable mention goes to the K.J. (Karaoke Jockey) given what he had to listen to during the week he should get a Captain’s wage. (I include myself in that group that punished him).

Deck side

The best part of the cruise for me was when my wife and I relaxed on the pool decks. The kids were safe and within sight for the most part and on other occasions they were having a blast at Camp Carnival. I am not sure who loved camp more them or us.

Shore Excursions

Cozumel

Sad what the hurricane did to this island. Our travel agent told us that we would only have to get on the pier, shop and have a beer to enjoy Mexico. (She had no idea of the devastation this area was hit with). No planned excursions here and we quickly went back aboard ship to enjoy the day.

Grand Cayman

A beautiful island! We did a glass bottom board tour with the kids. Like swimming in an aquarium. A Trolley Roger tour was okay but ventured into beautiful residential areas which I thought was a bit rude. Stopped at a pretty beach but only for a couple of minutes.

Ocho Rios

Dunn’s River Falls! Beautiful but a challenge with a 7 and 9 year old in tow not to mention the 60 year old dragging on your arm as you try to pull them up the falls. Hint: Use the shoes they rent on site and make sure you are in decent physical shape. Also, avoid the local market after you leave unless you like being harassed.

Karaoke

Best fun and most pain I enjoyed suffering. Only problem are the large groups of kids that can’t sing at all who just want to make everyone suffer. I also heard some terrific voices including an 8-year-old girl. (Watch out world!!)

Gambling

Lost $2. Feel like I won!!!!!!!

Cabin

We had a terrific balcony cabin on the port side. All the amenities you could ask for. I think we will redecorate our bedroom to match. Lots of quality time spent in the room.

Camp Carnival

Kids loved it. So did we. However, we only used the services up to 10:00 P.M. and took breaks to let the kids have fun on the pool deck.

Food

Great!!

Shows

Saw one Review (pretty good), Magic act was excellent! Comedian was so-so. One comment I have is the shows were very Pro-American themed (not a surprise given most of the clientele) however given the mix of passengers and crew a bit surprising.

Go again??????

You bet! Hope they have a new maitre d next time though!!!!!!!!!!!!