We are just back from the Magic. This was our third cruise since the restart and by far the worst cruise as far as food and beverages. Many many items out of stock and there was a definite staff shortage. We had a really good time but things were different for sure.
My only point here, the first two cruises (Freedom and Horizon) passenger capacity was down, so staffing wasn’t an issue really. I found no shortages on anything food or drink wise, again, probably due to capacity.
People need to remember that some people book far out for many reasons and Carnival is very strict about cancellation now. Also, I make decisions on many things far ahead of time. I never would have bought the Cheers package if I had known I wouldn’t have had things available.
I will give you an example from Magic sailing May 1-7th… they were out of Amaretto, okay, I will try something new. So I order a fruity drink from Red Frog Pub…I’m sorry I can’t make that, we’re out of Midori. Alchemy bar, I will try this, sorry out of basil. I order Cheers for other than alcohol, I like coffee with Caramel …out of it…I like sweet tea…out of it. I could go on….I just wouldn’t have purchased this package if I had prior information. So reading things like this on this forum help people make informed decisions.
I agree with what many above have said, until everything shakes out… cut capacity, or adjust prices. Instead of me rethinking my 4 future booked cruises…
Just off Magic (May 1-7) all the ports were unaffected (Half Moon, Grand Turk and Amber Cove) great times at all. Mostly, redundant repetitive food ( dinner menu in MDR served the same day for lunch) rice rice and more rice. Missing drinks ( both alcohol and non). We only ate in the MDR one time, it was the same experience as usual. Guys Pig and Anchor only open on embarkation day and on last sea day for 2 hours ! So eat there early if interested. Our steward was a really lovely man, but when he asked us if we wanted morning or evening and we chose evening ( he took notes) he serviced our cabin in the morning. Not cruise ruining, but I hate wet beach towels on the floor all night. He forgot a towel animal one day, again our cruise was not ruined. These guys are just overworked !!! Shows still went on… food still plentiful…fun was still had… just be aware that it’s just a bit different.
