Mardi Gras Cruise Review by L7R (2024)

Mardi Gras Cruise Review to Caribbean - Southern

L7R

Contributor Level: Second Mate

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Reviews: 7

Helpful Votes: 157

Overall rating:

4.7 out of 5

8 Night Southern Caribbean (Port Canaveral Roundtrip)

Sail date: June 10, 2023

Ship: Mardi Gras

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 4201

Traveled as: Family (older children)

Reviewed: 7 months ago

Review summary

I’ve always said from my previous cruises that you make the cruise yourself with having built up any expectations , but this cruise although the ship was very nice I could not enjoy it so much this time around because of the uncomfortable heat in certain areas of the ship. It made it unpleasant being hot outside on the decks as well. The line to guys burgers, lido market where everyone congregated.

Embarkation

5 out of 5

Went well. We opted late check in so last 2-230 slot was fairly quick to get through.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

5 out of 5

My family and I did one day in the dining room and dinner for that night was very good. We did the buffet a couple of nights which was hit and miss. Rudi’s sea grill was great. The crab bisque starter and scallop entree, both were amazing. Fahrenheit 555, the lamb chops I would definitely do again and the lobster bisque was just as good. My daughter and wife visited Tapenyaki and both were pleased with the food and entertainment.

Onboard Activities

4 out of 5

The pools were always crowded but with 6thou plus people, it was kind of hard to find a spot. Serenity on the other hand was very inviting and surprisingly not crowded at all the few times we found ourselves there. The hot tub I’m speaking of, had just a few people.

Entertainment

We never ventured to the venue. Although my daughter told me family fued and the love and marriage show was funny and she is 17.

Children's Programs

No children

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

I missed Wassana and her team on the actual Carnival review so I wanted to shout them out before I say anything else. They were always nice and cheerful. They called us by name which made my wife feel very welcomed. Dudi my room steward was great. Made sure we had everything we needed and the cabin was very clean.

Ship Quality

5 out of 5

The ship was always being looked after and the staff made sure of it. The ships layout was, to me not that functional. Bigger ship, more venues which made it difficult to maneuver in some spots and also made it a bit hot. I sweated a lot on this cruise and I was just standing in line waiting for food and this was inside.

Cabin / Stateroom

4 out of 5

Dudi made sure our cabin was spotless. Towels, bed made, the balcony was clean and so was the bathroom. The cabin was a tad on the small side compared to the older ships but with bigger and better Carnival had to downsize somewhere. The bathroom was smaller but I did enjoy the glass door instead of the tarp for the shower. Trying to get from the door to the balcony was careful but the balcony was extended and that was a nice plus. My wife and I spent some time out there.

Ship tip

This class of ship has some good points but I do miss some of the old class ship features that was taken away because of the newer ship and it’s layout.

Thumbs up 0

Ports of call

Port Canaveral, Florida

5 out of 5

Port was nice. Our family selected the 2-2:30 check-in so as soon as we were on board we went straight to our cabin, stowed out carry-on away and went to muster. I really like late check ins.

Thumbs Up 0

Oranjestad, Aruba

5 out of 5

Loved Aruba and would not hesitate to come back. Our excursion was an all inclusive to their beach and water park(water slide).

Thumbs Up 0

Willemstad, Curacao

5 out of 5

Even though getting to everything was a drive away my daughter and I still found a way to the mall. Walked around, found a pandora and got my wife and daughter a charm. I should say she found it for us, lol.

Thumbs Up 0

Grand Turk Island

5 out of 5

Excursion was horse back riding and it was a great time. The beach was nice but hot. Still lived our time there.

Thumbs Up 0

Disembarkation

3 out of 5

This was a hot mess. You had a herd of people going to the same parking garage made those lines at the elevator extremely long. So I took the stairs to get to my car. Best decision I could have made.