Carnival Breeze.....thumbs down

[halos]

The only complaint you have so far is the towel folding during lunch........ Don't sweat the small stuff :)

I believe that was just an example...a full review is to follow.

 

' What I think it is after you have some cruises under your belt and have built up a frame of reference if something doesn't meet past expectations this can put you off.

 

Absolutely...and if your previous CCL cruises were better and then suddenly you take one...two...three that don't meet the expectations that Carnival set, of course you are going to be disappointed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bottom Line... it isn't about towel folding - that indeed is the "small stuff."

 

 

 

The major concerns of the OP were food and entertainment and his comments are spot on.

 

 

 

We just got off the Paradise and I have already posted a food review. Bottom line... a major, major disappointment with a drastic decline in quality.

 

 

 

The same for the entertainment. The Production Shows remain good but the rest of the stuff was simply cost cutting. I have no desire to listen to fellow cruisers sing, nor do I think a dance class replaces a major show.

 

 

 

The OP raises legitimate concerns which many who have cruised other lines will immediately see.

 

 

 

I agree.

 

I don't let small stuff bother me. I have never had a horrible cruise. HOWEVER, the small stuff adds up and when you cruise another line and possibly experience the small things that were lacking on CCL, then you appreciate them because your cruise then becomes markedly better and make further booking decisions based on that.

[halos]

If, indeed, "a cruise is what you make it" why should cruiselines provide any entertainment at all?

 

Many cliches have been born here on CruiseCritic. Few of which have basis in fact.

I agree, which is why this statement appears in my signature:

"A cruise is what you make it."

????????????

A good cruise is effortless and I don't have to make it good, because it's good all on it's own

[#1TravelMom]

I agree with HALOS. We just returned from the Breeze b2b with NCL Epic. So many times we found ourselves saying "why did/didn't they do this or that on a brand new ship". Lots of "little, mostly petty" complaints. However, they add up and make this ship less desirable to us that several others. Out of 25 ships we've been on, the Breeze is probably around #6+/- on our list. Eveyone in our group preferred the Epic.

[sancarn]

We were on the TA crossing of the Breeze and we loved it all the way. My only complaint is that we didn't have enough time to really see everything on the ship, go figure. I guess it went downhill after it left Miami the first time. We had great service and no complaints by us or anyone else that I noticed while on board. I do get tired of hearing people post, "you get what you paid for". I think we got a great deal for what we paid for.

 

We were also on the TA cruise. With the new feature, the "lanai", which is a deck/walkway around the ship on the promenade level, we had little privacy on the balcony one deck above. The lanai provides more room for lounge chairs and has occasional hot tubs which extend partway out over the ocean. It is lighted at night, thus providing less visibility at night to observe passing ships or stars. For the early walkers, the squeak from shoes on the wet deck was audible, and we would have people wave at us when we sat outside. My former Navy spouse, who likes to watch the water "straight down" from the railing, considered this an obstructed view.

 

I agree with the comments about the waiters needing to cover a larger area. It sometimes made for slower service at night, and even worse service in the MDR at breakfast. I know they can only move as fast as they can, given the fewer servers. The Punchliner Brunch in the MDR seemed to be just a promo for their shows at night. I'm not sure, too, if I liked the singing maitre'd. who appeared to be a Frank Sinatra "wanna be" every night.

 

I was expecting more Broadway style shows, but they were few and far between. I did get to participate on stage with a new trial, the Carnival "Glee Club". With only 5 rehearsals (and 3 days with the choreography staff), we were able to perform a "disco medley" with harmony and dancing. I also appreciated not having to sit through bingo, in order to get a decent seat for the shows.

 

Then, of course, there was the first arrival into Miami, where it took longer to clear the ship with it being its first US port visit. I can't believe there was some idiot who booked a flight at 9:30 AM. No way would he make his flight.

[Manatee Mom]

I just got back of the Breeze from the New Years Eve Sailing. This sailing had over 4,000 people and 1,200 kids onboard.

With that said my family of 3 generations loved this ship. In my opinion they fixed many of the problems we found on the Dream. (We still liked the dream alot) As another poster said every sailing on the same ship can be different and 2 different families on the same ship can experience it differently. My family is laid back (except my mother-in-law). We never had a problem finding a deck chair on the lido (actually loved the new cabana style areas just above the lido)

Just to prove my point (i'm not saying your wrong but here is my opinion compared to yours, please don't take offense)

 

Would concur with your comments! Had an enjoyable time on the cruise and am not complaining, but as with everything there is tremendous opportunity for improvements! Will first start with things I really enjoyed:

1.) loved the late night comedy shows - did not enjoy the comedians on this ship (imagination comedians so much funnier)

2.) loved our room - well laid out and comfortable, especially the whirlpool tub and shower - Loved our cove balacony

3.). Enjoyed Falmouth - a stark contrast to the port at Ocho Rios- new port and well laid out. - we went to Ochio Rios and because 5 ships were in the tours to Dunns River and Mystic Mountain we crazy and we waited more then we did (still had a great time just could have done the same thing without all the waiting)

4.) loved the steakhouse and the Italian restaurant - best meals of the cruise Loved the steakhouse, we thought the food was bland in the italian restaurant

 

The things we didn't like:

1.) service in the main dining room - never had anyone come to the table to ask about drinks -wanted a soda or wine with dinner, but never anyone who provided this service at our table - Had great service in the MDR our waitress was lively with so much personality, she knew all our names by the 2nd night. The bar server for us was there as soon as we sat down (we only ordered $$ drinks 1 night the rest was for kids soda cards) She brought them refills before they had to ask.

2.) long lines - pizza 20-25 minutes at midnight, jimmy BBQ- 30 minutes (food was good but cold), lido Buffett - 20-30 minutes for omelette, never tied the wok lines always too long, Guys - 20 minutes . We tried different times but always found the lines long. Did room service too avoid the lines -usually about 45 minutes to 1 hour for delivery.

I agree I don't like that they make every pizza to order now so takes a long time. BBQ was ok nothing great. omelette never more then 2 people in front of me (except day in Jamica so didn't get one) Guys never 2 people in front of me at 12pm. But i did see at peak times 12:30-1:30 a long line.

3.) Comedy brunch - asked to sit by window - set in the back by kitchen poorest service of the cruise. Didn't go

4.) biggest concern was embarkation, disembarkation. We had booked three rooms for our family -suite and two interiors. The rooms were all tied to one account. We were not allowed o board or disembark as a family. Suite had priority boarding others had to wait. Had early disembarkation time for suite while interior rooms were over an hour and a half later. Had specifically asked about this when booking and was told as long as under one account we could board together! When we to to port a different message. Since we are platinum we didn't have any problems or waits

5.) definite cost cutting measures noticeable from previous cruises -particularly noted in food offerings and selections. Our kids would go to dinner and then order room service because they were still hungry.

I agree definite cost cutting noticeable, but very happy they put shrimp coctail back on everynight selection. My kids would order 2 meals or multiple appatizers and sometimes 2 desserts. But since they are growing boys still ordered room service also.

 

another example - no live entertainment on pool deck - during our cruise besides the DJ and the TV they had a guy playing the guitar and singing out by the pool deck at times

 

We have been on many cruises and many lines, we enjoyed ourselves on this cruise but for the amount of money spent,level of quality, value and service will look to other lines for future family cruises

 

Our entire family enjoys Carnival have tried other lines but for the money keep comming back to CCL. FYI my kids had a great time in Camp and Circle C

Again this was just to show there is no right or wrong there is something for everyone and you just have to find what is best for your family. Ours loved the Breeze! I will be posting my DH video review as soon as he gets it done.:D

[sharecruises]

Ditto with some of the things the OP stated.

 

For me Entertainment, music and dance will make or break a cruise. I want a ship that comes alive after dinner with great shows and different options for music and dance...Breeze I was bored in the evening.

 

I see on these boards a lot....don't sweat the "small stuff".... What is small stuff to one cruiser is big stuff to another and vice versa.

 

I do read reviews both good and bad of my upcoming cruises....When reading a bad review I decide if the bad points on the review would affect me and my cruise experience. One cruisers Bad is another cruisers Good.

 

Breeze has only a score of 59% liked it here on CC reviews not a good score.

 

Looking forward to reading the OP's review and what broke the cruise for him/her.

 

Oh I agree....the music and entertainment and dancing make or break the cruise for me

 

I don't care at all about the casino or the Camp Carnival....I live in subtropical beautiful area of Florida so I am not looking to escape snow...

food does matter to me, service matters...but bottom line I want to be entertained at night and I need air conditioning

 

From my very first cruises I loved sitting out on the deck in the day listening to the reggae band... I loved the nights, take in a production show or a "fly in headliner show" (remember them?) then going from club to club...piano bar to disco....club with a cover band and dancing....duo in the lobby....I don't like the "new' Carnival which is dj dj dj

[Crazy4Koko]

its really odd how popular this thread has been, given the OP hasn't been back to finish what he/she started. It would have been great to see what the OP was talking about!

 

 

Cruising is definitely a 'to each his own' type vacation..some, will be better than others.

[susie8862]

Doesn't ANYONE realize the OP never came back to give us his review?

[YankeeFan4Ever]

Yes...4 times as much...but I was really referring to land vacations. (Other cruise line I'd say twice as much)

 

1. I take the city bus to the port at NYC...anywhere else, I'd have to fly (and I'm not a fan of flying)...so, let's say $500 each

 

2. I'm thinking Costa Rica...the hotel alone is about the cost of a cruise. (not an all inclusive....I prefer to limit my intake)....about $1500 for 2

 

There's $2500 already.

 

3. Add day trips.... (day trips are about $250 for 2 people...each day....so..let's say 4 trips...another $1000).

 

Now we have $3500

 

4. Add in food, entertainment, local transportation, souvenirs, tips...etc....

which I'm sure would add up to "a lot".....

 

My last Carnival trip was about $1500 including tips....that was for a 240 sq ft cabin with the extended balcony. I could have done it for $1200 but I got an upsell a few days before we sailed.

 

I'm really more interested in a trip where I could learn something...I've had enough of the highlight of the day being "food" and looking at overpriced diamonds.

 

In addition...I live in the heart of NYC. I eat out daily and go to B'way shows about once a month. So....whatever I get on a ship isn't going to be "better than what I could get at home". But, the jungles of Costa Rica isn't something I could walk out my door and have. :)

 

Sadly...when it comes time to plan...DH will probably "freak out" because we're so used to paying so little....and getting so much...even if it leaves a lot to be desired. (OH well, I'm the CEO here...he may never know!)

 

 

You should consider the Norwegian Gem out of NYC.

 

She sails a 9 night Caribbean itinerary with calls at San Juan, St-Maarten, St-Thomas and Samana. Inside cabins for the April 9th cruise are priced at $699. Balcony cabins start around $1200.

 

We've sailed the Gem twice and she's a great ship (about the same size as the Miracle) with a great crew. The entertainment and variety of live music all over the ship is outstanding.

[Dave85]

Doesn't ANYONE realize the OP never came back to give us his review?

 

Yes, and the extent to which this thread survived (and THRIVED!) without it is hilarious. ;)

[Crazy4Koko]

Doesn't ANYONE realize the OP never came back to give us his review?

 

 

yup..about a half hour before you! :p

[pe4all]

We were getting on Breeze as OP was getting off. Enjoyed Breeze so much booked her again for March. We really had no major issues with the food, wait staff, cabin, etc. We know what to expect on CCL, and the 4 of us each agreed that we had a great cruise- in fact, one of our best! To each their own!!:)

[LuckyZ]

I don't think there would be anything that would ruin my cruise vacation.

Maybe it's because I am more of a "roll with the punches" or a "glass half full" type of person. I don't spend my hard earned money to have a bad time. Life is too shirt.

 

But if you are one to sweat the small stuff, and are more of a glass half empty kind of person, I could see why you would come on these boards and scream and complain.

[luvdisney2010]

I will post a review later of our December 8th cruise aboard the Breeze. I saw some things that looked like Carnival cheapening the experience, but overall....still a great value for the money. We enjoyed our aft extended balcony cabin...where I fell asleep several times listening to the wake.

 

The lines in the buffet were NOT bad, and plenty of places to sit. I will join in the chorus of complaining about the elevator traffic. We were on the 8th deck, and most of the time we would walk down to the 5th deck, or the 4th deck for dinner in the Blush dining room upper. Not too bad, but we did ride the elevators UP to get back to 8 most of the time.

 

Overall, we saw every show we wanted to see, and got there early. We skipped the 2nd elegant night since the menu sucked in the MDR. We had excellent table mates. We really enjoyed Kris and Allen's company. They had been on over 40 cruises and we learned a few things from them. One was just to go with the flow and enjoy the cruise. Only do what your comfortable doing.

 

The food overall was tolerable but not great. I liked Guys Burger Joint, but I always ordered mine plain with no cheese and then went to the topping bar. Unlike many complainers about the topping bar being so crowded, I never had any problem getting my toppings. I do recommend hi-jacking a bottle of ketchup from the lido buffet and bring it with you. They only have one pump for the ketchup and it was pitifully slow coming out, if at all.

 

That's all I've got for now, but it was a very enjoyable cruise! We'd do it again!

 

How was the movement/shaking in the extended aft balconies? We have one in Nov. on the Breeze, and I am a little concerned about DS. We were on RCI's Adventure of the Seas over Christmas, and he has problems twice with the seas and the vibrations in the back of the ship. He is a seasoned cruiser and has never had problems, even with rougher seas. I was curious what you noticed.