thomasale

Terrific review and this cruise is one we are considering for this Fall. Lots of cruises but never on MSC. Price point looks pretty darn fine compared with Royal. I haven't looked at Carnival yet. We love going out of Canaveral. Our last cruise was was on Mardi Gras and we loved it so. We have a short family cruise coming up in June on Allure. Decisions decisions

Great job with the comparison. I was finally tempted and went on Carnival Mardi Gras. If you look at my review it is clear that I enjoyed myself thoroughly and will be continuing with that line until (unless) Royal addresses this discrepancy. Mind you, with that said we have a royal coming up in June on Allure as the shorter duration worked for many we are traveling with. I would love to try ICON but right now pricing is crazzzy for me.

Simply NO

Hoping you have the same kind of time that we did. For the record, There were a LOT of Palmetto Staters onboard. Saw plenty of Clemson swag and after living in Columbia for 7 years, Gamecocks were everywhere as well! We had a great time with them and you know they are always up for fun. We are past our crazy days but still appreciate seeing others do the stupid things we used to do...Lotsa Shagging on the dance floors. Great beach vibes! Enjoy!

I just got off (Saturday) Western Caribbean Sailing of the Mardi Gras. I have submitted my full review and of course it needs clearance before it is posted but I couldn't wait to say what a GREAT time we had on board. Fully loaded with PAX (about 5800) but staff was above and beyond equal to the task. Ship is outstanding, Food (subjective) we loved it. We only ate in the main dining room the one lobster night but did Rudi's, 555, barbecue place, Italian twice and Chibang and never were let down in the least. Entertainment varied and plentiful, Comedy was Great and everywhere, Getting on and off were a breeze. It has been 10 years since my last Carnival trip and honestly, had some reservations but they were all unfounded. Surprisingly we smelled weed in our hallway twice but after the second time, security was on the floor with dog assistance so I'm sure someone is rethinking their partaking. We didn't smell it a third time. One of the comedians really did a bit about it and it got roars of course. Fantastic FUN time throughout and we are already looking for next spring. I have an MSC and a celebrity cruise booked already and might rethink the January Celebrity. Can't say enough good things about it all! A convert I am!

Just watched the Mardi Gras pull into Canaveral (5:45 am) We head out later today. Glad to see it made it, can't wait to board. https://www.portcanaveralwebcam.com/

Great job on this whole thing. Your sad day is tomorrow but it's our Happy day. We'll be doing Western but honestly, it's all about the ship for us. Your pics have been great and I know you mentioned your husband and his medication "restrictions" by any chance is he on Ozempic??? (Hope the question isn't seen as too personal) Thanks for sharing.

It's been over 10 years since we cruised Carnival. We have Mardi Gras coming NEXT SATURDAY! I'm glad to have read this as it's our only vivid memory from The Carnival Triumph. This way we won't have too much built up in advance. I remember our first cruise on HAL many years ago and we were psyched for the Bread Pudding. That was quite the letdown but the candied ginger was a delight cause we knew nothing of it on the way out of the dining room. Sometimes it really is the "little things"

Looking forward to this review as we sail on her Apr 29...Did you stop at Buc-ee's on the way down?

Exactly what we did. Already have received 200 of it back.

I booked both rooms and had separate booking numbers on each. I am listed as as the booker of both but I am only guest in one of the bookings. Shareholder credit was asked for in one note but I listed both booking numbers. It surprised me for sure.

I also just got the email advising the credit was there. I booked 2 balcony rooms one for the wife and myself and the other booking was for my sisters. To my surprise each booking got the $100 on board credit. Now if the stock moves higher (bought at 8.50/shs) I'll be a winner. Right now, that looks like a pretty good bet. We'll just have to see...better odds than in the casino!

https://www.carnivalcorp.com/static-files/50351a91-4dc0-4f6b-bfec-684647e6129f

We are on this same ship and itinerary April 29th. It will be our first Carnival cruise in about 10 years. We've done plenty of Celebrity and Royal but this ship and sailing out of Canaveral really hit the spot for us. Been eating up all the Mardi Gras I can find and yours has been stellar. TYVM!

Just curious how much the Uber costs?

uh oh, booked for April 29th, sounds ominous

NCL chooses to limit by NOT providing enough bartenders based on the cruise load...

Thanks for all your replies and I'm looking forward to the experience!

A long time since I've been on Carnival (10 years). 4 of us are going on the Mardi Gras 4/29 Western Carib sailing. We're looking forward to it. Most of our recent sailing has been aboard RCCL and Celebrity but we're looking for a little more fun and you couldn't beat the Fun Ships for that in the past. We like to eat earlier than 8:30 so only option was to go with Your Time dining. The early seating didn't even offer a wait list. We haven't had good experiences with that Any Time on Royal but think it's their fault more than anything else. Any tips you frequent Carnival Cruisers can give for "Your Time" on the Mardi Gras?

Thanks for the enlightening post. Sorry about your fall and hoping things work out. You are a trooper for going and making the best of it! I read with great interest all of your posts. We have just booked 2 balcony rooms for the 4/29 sailing. It has been a long time since I have cruised Carnival (10 plus years) I was booking the NCL Getaway but stopped that thought with the recent changes on the line and the GROUP muster was a no go for us. We've been on RCCL several times out of Canaveral and I have wanted to try the Mardi Gras after seeing it at dock there. We also have sailed Celebrity and have another Cruise with them booked for their new ship (Ascent) coming this Fall out of FLL. I am excited to get back on Carnival and with my wife and sisters, a good time is ALWAYS had with them. The food sounds varied and enjoyable and I guess with the Casino chairs looking like they do it won't be a problem if I spill on them! Again, thanks!

We were just getting ready to pull the trigger on the May 20th sailing out of Canaveral on the Getaway but have decided to use another line due to this very review (lack of bartenders, room attention and the in person muster drill) Too many other choices available.

my thoughts as well