Just off the Triumph-- Not really a review, more a collection of thoughts

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

OP, I couldn't figure out how to message you independently, so I'm sure I'll get flamed for suggesting this, but I was kinda bored and Carnivaled out after 3 yrs in a row and finally the CCL Dream this year. We ended up booking a quick family anniversary 3 day cruise (only about 5 weeks after our CCL) on one of the new Disney ships and had our minds blown. It was a wonderful cruise. You should look into that line. It's not only families (we don't have any kids), and while there are opportunities to go to mixology classes etc., it is a different atmosphere then most trying to be as drunk as possible before the muster.

 

The entertainment was as good as any broadway ticket I have ever bought, and hilarious too! (not black and neon lights and generic singing and dancing.) We thought the food was more interesting than the banquet style Carnival. We also had the best stateroom we have ever had. It's not that CCL is necessarily bad (although their service was making me really uncomfortable this time! like they didn't even want to look at you, and getting you water was just inconvenient to them.) but I just no longer am excited by smokey casino vegas style hotel ships. The DCL was pure magic for me. I am dying to book our next one. It's just a suggestion for you since you probably invested quite a bit for your CCL (let's face it, they may be less, but they AIN'T free!) and with Disney, you don't have to buy a soda card (the machines are included) and you can also bring any beverage of choice in any quantity on board with you, so certain upcharges for CCL are already included in the DCL fare. Sorry if I am upsetting anyone with my observations. I'm a gold CCL fun VIP or whatever they call it. I just had the same feeling after we spent $1200 on the Dream this year. The ports were amazing but the cruise was not. That 1200 was just strictly get-on-the-boat fare, not incidentals or tips or anything, and no fancy room, just interior. For a similar cruise fare on the Disney ship (admittedly not 7 days long, but not 4 wasted sea days either), we got a veranda, a separated shower and bath (SO nice if you have a friend staying with ya and don't like to SHARE EVERYTHING), had movies on demand that you could stop and start, had private sleeping capacity to 4, included the private island with all of its amenities (lots!), and 3 different dining rooms to eat in each night, a fireworks and pirate stunt show, all the soda you could drink, and a new broadway style show each night (think award winning Lion King broadway segments) that my honey even thought were worth a $50 ticket!

 

There is a reason Cruise Critic puts the Disney lines at the top of Service, Entertainment and Overall (for large) and JD Powers just released that they have the highest overall satisfaction for a cruise line (and based on the survey, CCL rated lowest at 7).

 

You could try Celebrity too. I have met people who only cruise Celebrity or Disney based on quality of goods. I wonder if Celebrity has an older following?

 

You mentioned kids running around everywhere. I actually noticed that our CCLs have as many kids as the disney ones do, but their activities are so interesting that you don't see them running around trying to cause problems. They also have security on them like a hawk. It was kinda like going to the park. You see them dressed so cute in these big puffy princess dresses, and then you zoom on by to get to the next ride or attraction. If you get late seating especially, then you have even less lil ones. But they were always like wide eyed amazement and the family karaoke was a talent showcase along with some funny moments. I think Disney does a much better job of entertaining the kids so getting into trouble isn't all there is to do...

 

I hope that helps? I do think Carnival as a brand will likely get back to how enjoyable they were in the years prior. They still aren't cheap enough that I would consider spending a dime with them right now. I'd rather they improve their offerings and product and then I might try them again in a few years.

 

Hope you figure out what works for you for a great vacation!

Edited July 2, 2013 by TwinPrincessMermaids

[BallFour4]

I really liked reading your review and opinions about the ship and onboard experience. I also chuckled at the comments about those that questioned you and your partner.

 

I've taken my family on the Triumph twice and have one booked for later in the year. We loved the Ecstasy and the 4 night "Cozumel run" it offers from Galveston, so when she left it was a sad time. Since then I've changed my mind about the Triumph.

 

The dining room is a favorite, but we enjoy fixed time dining, and our time from order to walkout has never exceeded an hour. Perhaps setting the expectations the first night about wanting to get on with it worked.

 

The shows have never been a "wow, that was incredible" feeling. I can sing (sic) all the songs from the first night review and the blow up FUN letters, so that covers one night.

 

The shops? Pitiful. I do like the watch collection, but with a Macy's coupon or a visit to Costco I can beat their prices, even with sales tax.

 

Perhaps my favorite is the location of cabins we select. I love the Lido deck balcony cabins up front. The wave sounds, no engine vibration and watching the pier runners in Cozumel are fun memories.

 

Finally, aren't the people you meet on a cruise interesting? My wife is a teacher and I'm in healthcare, so everyone wants to ask me "does this look infected?" questions or tell her about their kid being mistreated in 2nd grade. We finally gave up on telling people the truth.

 

On a RCCL cruise we met a couple that dubbed us GLBT friendly and they signed up for the same excursions. We killed a couple of buckets in Roatan and nobody judged anyone.

 

See you at sea.

 

.

Edited July 2, 2013 by blusry

[BallFour4]

Dreaded double.

Edited July 2, 2013 by blusry

[misstopgun]

Since you scoped out the perfume did you happen to notice if they had any Chanel? I am almost out but if I can get it cheaper on the cruise I will wait. Thanks and I really enjoyed your concise and informative review. :D

I know you didn't ask me but I also use Chanel. The do carry it on Carnival ships but not all of them.

 

I use Chanel Coco Mademoiselle which is not one they carry on the Carnival ships. (They do on Royal). You can purchase it in Cozumel though at the Dufry shop for $81 for 1.7 oz.

[misstopgun]

Thanks so much for your review! We will be sailing Triumph in September in the very same suite.

 

Really looking forward to the burger and burritos again. We loved them.

 

Do you remember the name of the chef at the chef's table and have they changed the menu since the last one? (the desert on that one was "chef in a candy shop." and the entre was the asagio beef rib I think)

 

Would love to do it again but have had the former two menus twice already.

[Midnight Blue]

Where did they have the Chef's table at? How did everyone dress? I have decided to do this solo I am also wondering if I would be out of place by myself. Thanks

 

On Triumph, the Chef's Table is held in the Library. (You do start out with a few appetizers and champagne standing at a table in the galley, but the majority of the meal is served in the Library.)

 

Let's just say there was a wide variety of dress -- everything from one gentleman who wore cargo shorts and a polo shirt to a young woman in a cocktail dress. Most folks dressed up just a little, but definitely no tuxedos or evening gowns. They also recommend that you wear closed toed shoes and no heels because of the galley tour. I actually second that -- the galley floor was very slick. Personally, I made a lasting impression in a long net skirt with black blouse and a chiffon scarf, finished with my finest rose-and-zebra-print Converse high tops. (To know me is to learn to embrace some of my fashion fun. Or at least learn to endure it.)

 

You won't be at all out of place by yourself. They had assigned seating at the dinner, and my partner and I were seated across from each other, not next to each other, so a person by him/her self wouldn't look at all out of place. Come to think of it, they seated us each next to the two guys who weren't partnered with anyone. Well... guess that seating arrangement didn't turn out as planned for anyone! :rolleyes: Bottom line -- go by yourself and enjoy!

[Midnight Blue]

Since you scoped out the perfume did you happen to notice if they had any Chanel? I am almost out but if I can get it cheaper on the cruise I will wait. Thanks and I really enjoyed your concise and informative review. :D

 

I can't remember if they had Chanel on board (I believe they did) but the DuFre shop absolutely had several of the Chanel fragrances -- I remember No. 5, Mademoiselle and Coco for certain. For what it's worth, I was in the market for Prada Infusion d'Iris, which they had along with Prada Candy and third Prada fragrance I can't recall.

 

And the Cozumel DuFre shop has got to be one of the last places in the Western world you can still buy Opium.....;)

[Midnight Blue]

Thank you for taking the time to post such an informative review and congrats on your anniversary.

 

Nice review, thanks.

 

Anyway, I'm glad you had a nice time and that you'll have some other options available to you in the future.

 

 

Thank you both for the kind wishes!

[Midnight Blue]

kwbound -- I see you sailed Pride of America in 2010 -- we're going on that cruise in November! I'll definitely read your review!

[Midnight Blue]

Just returned from this same cruise....I noticed the flamingo on the door while walking to our room (7430 aft balcony)...LOL'd with the post it notes about "hope you enjoy it"....probably one of the teens on board that snagged it.

 

 

Glad you got a laugh! Just a note to all... the cabin doors are very, very thin. Sitting in our suite, we could hear everyone who stopped, read the notes and commented. Just sayin'. :p

 

For those who weren't there, after the flamingo door decor was stolen, I posted two notes on the door:

 

"Missing Flamingo Door Decoration Goes Here."

 

and

 

"To the person who took it, hope you enjoy it."

[Midnight Blue]

Bf and I are just approaching our 6 mod! Hope to have the future you two have.:D

 

 

Congrats on 6 years together.

 

 

Thank you both so much!

[Midnight Blue]

OP, I couldn't figure out how to message you independently, so I'm sure I'll get flamed for suggesting this, but I was kinda bored and Carnivaled out after 3 yrs in a row and finally the CCL Dream this year. We ended up booking a quick family anniversary 3 day cruise (only about 5 weeks after our CCL) on one of the new Disney ships and had our minds blown. It was a wonderful cruise. You should look into that line. It's not only families (we don't have any kids), and while there are opportunities to go to mixology classes etc., it is a different atmosphere then most trying to be as drunk as possible before the muster.

 

Hope you figure out what works for you for a great vacation!

 

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, Disney is pulling out of Galveston, so it won't be a future option for a close to home cruise, which was what I needed this time. I'll put the line on the list for longer cruises where I'm willing to fly to the departure port, though.

[sr30sb]

Great insight...I cruise on her Aug 31st and I have a question for you. On another cruisers review, the Carnival Times showed that a Salsa Band played in the Venezia Lounge nightly. Did you have an opportunity to hear them and if so, what are your thoughts?

 

Thanks....Kevin

[Midnight Blue]

 

Finally, aren't the people you meet on a cruise interesting? My wife is a teacher and I'm in healthcare, so everyone wants to ask me "does this look infected?" questions or tell her about their kid being mistreated in 2nd grade. We finally gave up on telling people the truth.

 

On a RCCL cruise we met a couple that dubbed us GLBT friendly and they signed up for the same excursions. We killed a couple of buckets in Roatan and nobody judged anyone.

 

See you at sea.

 

.

 

I so get it. I'm a lawyer, so I always get folk's legal questions. (Or they quickly move away from me... "step away from the lawyer".....) My partner is a massage therapist and when she tells people, their eyes light up like they just might get a free massage RIGHT THEN AND THERE.

 

It's so true that when we're in situations like the cruise, we look for people who give us signals that they're okay with us. Thanks for being non-judgmental. It really means a lot.

 

Hope our paths cross at sea. First drink is on me and I promise not to show you any possibly infected body parts. :D

[Midnight Blue]

Do you remember the name of the chef at the chef's table and have they changed the menu since the last one? (the desert on that one was "chef in a candy shop." and the entre was the asagio beef rib I think)

 

The chef was Nirada Panda (yes, Chef Panda) -- but he will actually be leaving Carnival in 3 weeks. It sounds like the menu has changed -- we had 3 entrees -- cornish hen, salmon and Wagyu beef. I'll try to post the menu in the next couple of days.

[Midnight Blue]

Great insight...I cruise on her Aug 31st and I have a question for you. On another cruisers review, the Carnival Times showed that a Salsa Band played in the Venezia Lounge nightly. Did you have an opportunity to hear them and if so, what are your thoughts?

 

Thanks....Kevin

 

They do have a Salsa Band. We stopped in and listened briefly. I'm no salsa expert, but it sounded pretty good to me, and there were 5 or 6 couples dancing (or doing something akin to dancing). The Venezia Lounge was near the Big Easy Piano Bar where 3 rather inebriated, apparently single, ladies were gesturing wildly to my partner to come in and join them as they threw dollar bills at the pianist. We decided a tactical retreat was in order, so we didn't stay too long in the Venezia.

[sr30sb]

They do have a Salsa Band. We stopped in and listened briefly. I'm no salsa expert, but it sounded pretty good to me, and there were 5 or 6 couples dancing (or doing something akin to dancing). The Venezia Lounge was near the Big Easy Piano Bar where 3 rather inebriated, apparently single, ladies were gesturing wildly to my partner to come in and join them as they threw dollar bills at the pianist. We decided a tactical retreat was in order, so we didn't stay too long in the Venezia.

 

Thanks so much and sounds like the tactical retreat was the smart move :)

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately, Disney is pulling out of Galveston, so it won't be a future option for a close to home cruise, which was what I needed this time. I'll put the line on the list for longer cruises where I'm willing to fly to the departure port, though.

 

I hear ya! We drove to PC twice this year! 13-14 hrs each way.. :eek:

[misstopgun]

The chef was Nirada Panda (yes, Chef Panda) -- but he will actually be leaving Carnival in 3 weeks. It sounds like the menu has changed -- we had 3 entrees -- cornish hen, salmon and Wagyu beef. I'll try to post the menu in the next couple of days.

 

Oh no! Chef Panda is leaving Carnival? Is he going on vacation or leaving the company.

 

He is our favorite chef, but of course our opinion would probably change had we heard any sexist remarks as you did.

 

All we know is we have done two chefs tables with him and had him as chef on three different cruises. His standards seem to be higher than most. His kitchen seems immaculate even during the dinner rush and the food presentation in the dining room seemed more upscale than most ships.

[kwbound]

kwbound -- I see you sailed Pride of America in 2010 -- we're going on that cruise in November! I'll definitely read your review!

 

I go back and read that review sometimes just for the memories. We are going back next year for a land vacation to Oahu and Kauai. I'll be lurking over on the Hawaii boards just for new ideas. Make sure you post a review when you after your trip.

[ksh66]

On Triumph, the Chef's Table is held in the Library. (You do start out with a few appetizers and champagne standing at a table in the galley, but the majority of the meal is served in the Library.)

 

Let's just say there was a wide variety of dress -- everything from one gentleman who wore cargo shorts and a polo shirt to a young woman in a cocktail dress. Most folks dressed up just a little, but definitely no tuxedos or evening gowns. They also recommend that you wear closed toed shoes and no heels because of the galley tour. I actually second that -- the galley floor was very slick. Personally, I made a lasting impression in a long net skirt with black blouse and a chiffon scarf, finished with my finest rose-and-zebra-print Converse high tops. (To know me is to learn to embrace some of my fashion fun. Or at least learn to endure it.)

 

You won't be at all out of place by yourself. They had assigned seating at the dinner, and my partner and I were seated across from each other, not next to each other, so a person by him/her self wouldn't look at all out of place. Come to think of it, they seated us each next to the two guys who weren't partnered with anyone. Well... guess that seating arrangement didn't turn out as planned for anyone! :rolleyes: Bottom line -- go by yourself and enjoy!

 

Thanks for your response and thanks for your review. I am glad you had a great time.

 

I have decided I would miss a lot of wonderful things if I did only what my husband wanted to do. So I am going for it and I can't wait! :D

[dec0803]

I can't remember if they had Chanel on board (I believe they did) but the DuFre shop absolutely had several of the Chanel fragrances -- I remember No. 5, Mademoiselle and Coco for certain. For what it's worth, I was in the market for Prada Infusion d'Iris, which they had along with Prada Candy and third Prada fragrance I can't recall.

 

And the Cozumel DuFre shop has got to be one of the last places in the Western world you can still buy Opium.....;)

 

Thank you for the info. My first choice is Chanel Chance but always willing to test others as well. :D

[swscruiser]

The whole bacon thing is funny!

We're just off the Splendor a few days ago and they even have HAM police now!

Yes, the ham was right next to the bacon and the bacon police also served the ham. One little half slice. But you could ask for more and they didn't hesitate to hand out as much as you wanted.

I guess by next summer's cruise they will be handing out the sausage too! LOL

 

No need to police the sausage, to me it is inedible.

[tshepball]

Parking option.....

Valet at The hotel Galvez. Ride the free shuttle to the terminal, call hotel from the ship when debarking to send shuttle for return to hotel after cruise. Driver will collect valet ticket and have car ready when you arrive back at hotel. Do not need to stay at hotel to use this service.

Total cost $17 plus $3 tip. $20 for parking for the 4 days....waited about 10 minutes for the shuttle.

[Midnight Blue]

Oh no! Chef Panda is leaving Carnival? Is he going on vacation or leaving the company.

 

He said he was leaving the company in order to spend more time with his wife and daughter.