Carnival Breeze 8 night Exotic Southern Caribbean Cruise Review - 07JUN2014

airlinerob · June 23, 2014

This is my first in-depth review I've ever done on my many cruises.

My good friend "Gambee" from here has encouraged me to write one. So, I hope I do not disappoint! Please go easy on me! :-)

Welcome to the Carnival Breeze 8-night Exotic Southern Caribbean Cruise!

We booked this cruise on an amazing deal with some friends of ours. There were no connecting cabins remaining, but we did find two cove balcony cabins next to each other. More on the cabins later, but we really did enjoy them!

First, I know many of you (like me) enjoy seeing the "Fun Times".

Here they are for you!

Carnival Breeze Fun Times - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheC...%20Fun%20Times

More to come!

airlinerob · June 23, 2014

We rented a car from National, and drove from Orlando to Miami on Friday evening. We booked a stay at the Springhill Suites Miami Airport East / Medical Center.

The hotel was very nice, clean, and I'd recommended it to anyone. They also have a nice breakfast buffet in the morning to curb your hunger before getting on the ship.

Breakfast was done... CHECK!

Got dressed & ready... CHECK!

Time to get in the car, drive to MIA airport to return the rental and take the complimentary shuttle to the cruise port!

http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheC...7f0cc.jpg.html

http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheC...60cee.jpg.html

Returned the car to National at MIA airport... CHECK!

Took the complimentary shuttle to the Port of Miami... CHECK!

airlinerob · June 23, 2014

We got to the cruise port around 11am. I am a platinum with Carnival, but my friends are not. The terminal was actually quite quiet (surprisingly), and we walked right in. They allowed my friends to go through the Platinum line with us to go through security (although the lines were very short in all of them). We each carried on 1 bottle of wine - and had no issues getting through security. We also brought a 12 pack of Coke Zero and a 12 pack of Sprite.

Once through security, I had to split from my friends and check in at the Platinum lounge. The platinum lounge was busy! They took our names, asked us to sit down and they would call us when an agent was available. We waited about 10 minutes and were called up. No problems at check-in, we were told we can board.

Funny thing is - our friends who were not platinum were done before us. LOL!

No worries - we all boarded around the same time and were really excited to board the ship. She is a BEAUTY!

A couple photos from boarding!

My friend was thrilled with a real sushi restaurant on board!

Bonsai Sushi - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheC...4ddde.jpg.html

Red Frog Pub - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheC...6b367.jpg.html

Liquid - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheC...67a7c.jpg.html

Piano Bar 88 - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheC...651ed.jpg.html

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheC...b2fb2.jpg.html

More photos to come!

airlinerob · June 23, 2014

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse (inside) - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheC...70b3b.jpg.html

Blush Restaurant (our restaurant) - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheC...f5be8.jpg.html

TODAY'S MENU

Starters:

- Cream of sun ripened tomatoes served with herb croutons

- Tropical Fruits marinated with lime juice & a touch of tequila

- Fried chicken tenders, marinated cucumber and lettuce served with a zesty honey mustard sauce

- Heart of iceberg lettuce with blue cheese, thousand island, ranch, balsamic vinaigrette or french dressing

- Beef barley soup with diced root vegetables

- Gazpacho andalouse - chilled tomato broth with diced plum tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and mediterranean herbs

Didja (as in did you ever...):

- Cured salmon and candied tomato - dill cream, stewed apples and grapes in lemon dressing

Main:

- Pan seared fillet of tilapia - green pea sauce, braised carrots

- Sweet & sour shrimp - large tiger shrimps in a tangy sweet & sour sauce served with scallion, garlic and shrimp fried rice noodles

- Chicken a la grecque - broiled boneless chicken breast with herbs and tomato sauce, virgin olive & basil oil

- Linguini with italian sausage, bell peppers and mushrooms served with freshly grated parmesan cheese (also available as a starter)

- Grilled tofu steak - vegetarian entree; served with scallion and cured tomato stir fry

From our comfort kitchen:

- Tender braised beef brisket in gravy

EVERYDAY MENU

Starter:

- Fresh fruit cocktail

- Chilled shrimp cocktail - served with american cocktail sauce

- Fried vegetable spring rolls - tomato, oregano and olive oil sauce

- Caesar salad - hearts of romaine lettuce tossed with our caesar dressing, freshly grated parmesan cheese, anchovies & herb croutons

Main:

- Broiled fillet of atlantic salmon - served with steamed vegetables of the day

- Grilled flat iron steak from USDA choice beef - served with steamed vegetables of the day

- Grilled chicken breast - served with steamed vegetables of the day

- Indian vegetarian - two fresh vegetables, lentils and basmati rice

- Southern fried chicken - served with mashed potatoes and gravy, steamed vegetables of the day

All main dishes are served with appropriate sides - these listed below are optional

Side:

- Baked idaho potatoes with sour cream and chives

- Steamed white rice

- French fries

- Assorted steamed vegetables

AFTER DINNER

Desserts:

- Vanilla creme brûlée - baked vanilla cream, garnished with assorted berries

- Black forest gateau - chocolate cake filled with bing cherries, heavy cream & kirschwasser

- Orange cake (DIET) - sponge cake filled with low calorie orange cream

- Warm chocolate melting cake - served with vanilla ice cream

- Fresh tropical fruit plate

- Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, butter pecan ice cream

- Sugar free ice cream available upon request

- Orange, pineapple, lime sherbert

- Cheese plate - port salut, brie, gouda, imported swiss, danish bleu cheese

Beverages:

- Freshly brewed coffee, regular or decaffeinated

- Milk, skimmed milk, hot chocolate, iced, hot and herbal teas

- Specialty coffee

Cappuccino - $2.95

Latte - $2.95

Espresso - $1.95

- Liqueurs

Sambuca

Kahlua

Grand Marnier

Amaretto di saronno

- Cognacs and brandies

Hardy v.s.o.p.

Remy martin v.s.o.p.

Courvoisier v.s.

- Dessert wines and ports

Croft distinction

Graham's six grapes

Washington hills, late harvest sweet riesling

We had pre-planned to go to the steakhouse on the first night (to take advantage of the free bottle of wine). I am not a huge fan of the first nights menu, although I do really enjoy creme brûlée.

Beautiful day! http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheC...6a4e2.jpg.html

Lido deck - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheC...421ff.jpg.html

Cucina del Capitano - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheC...9b345.jpg.html (more on this later - we did eat here for dinner one night!)

airlinerob · June 23, 2014

Gym - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00043_zps5d64387b.jpg.html

Waterpark - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00045_zps72b28314.jpg.html

Lobby - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00049_zps1e6bd769.jpg.html

We had chosen cove balcony cabins 2357 & 2353. Although they didn't have a connecting door between them, we noticed that the balcony door could be opened. We made a quick call to Guest Services, and while we were out touring the ship, our room steward opened the door for us. One big balcony! :-)

http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00052_zps7063a73b.jpg.html

Lobby - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00057_zps8ce93c70.jpg.html

airlinerob · June 23, 2014

Time for sail away! http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00061_zps1a07c44b.jpg.html

We had never done a sail away party before (we usually watched from our room), but one of the people in our party had never been on a cruise before and wanted the "full" experience. So, we sat down at the Red Frog Rum Bar and watched the sail away party.

http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00065_zpsd1b18fb0.jpg.html

The actual sail away was a bit delayed as they were a bit behind loading bags. Here is the actual sail away from our cabin. http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00069_zpscbdb1502.jpg.html

Passing the Norwegian Getaway (looks like a beautiful ship) - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00075_zps1072a5b5.jpg.html

Beautiful condos I assume? http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00078_zps27de6a56.jpg.html

Time to get ready for dinner @ the steakhouse!

PathfinderEss · June 23, 2014

Enjoying your review, looking forward to more.

Samara318 · June 23, 2014

Great review so far! But I can't see any of your pictures! Boo!

airlinerob · June 23, 2014

We've made it a tradition to always go to the steakhouse on the first night of the cruise. This was an AMAZING experience and AMAZING evening. I highly recommend going if you are on the Breeze!

Menu -

http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/Carnival%20Breeze%20Menus/CarnivalBreeze-SteakhouseMenu-page-001_zpse794ba42.jpg.html

http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/Carnival%20Breeze%20Menus/CarnivalBreeze-SteakhouseMenu-page-002_zps1a1a5325.jpg.html

http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/Carnival%20Breeze%20Menus/CarnivalBreeze-SteakhouseMenu-page-003_zpseb656836.jpg.html

http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/Carnival%20Breeze%20Menus/CarnivalBreeze-SteakhouseMenu-page-004_zps0b686d02.jpg.html

http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/Carnival%20Breeze%20Menus/CarnivalBreeze-SteakhouseMenu-page-005_zps9e6a2d07.jpg.html

airlinerob · June 23, 2014

Great review so far! But I can't see any of your pictures! Boo!

The links aren't working?

airlinerob · June 23, 2014

Love the plates - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00080_zps620c53e2.jpg.html

Being that the steakhouse has a walkway on the side, the views aren't the best - but the food and ambiance in the room definitely make up for that. http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00081_zps87cd5d8d.jpg.html

For the bread - butter, a tomato spread and another one (I can't recall what it was, but they were all good). http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00084_zps49232f7c.jpg.html

Beef Carpaccio - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00085_zps6f8eaadf.jpg.html

This was absolutely delicious. YUM!

Ahi Tuna Tartare - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00086_zps7af21094.jpg.html

This was also very good. So fresh and tasty!

cruisemama1 · June 23, 2014

Love it so far. More. More! :-)

Samara318 · June 23, 2014

Now I can see them for some reason.

Edited June 23, 2014 by Samara318

airlinerob · June 23, 2014

New England Crab Cake - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00087_zps3a62cc79.jpg.html

Good, but probably my least favorite appetizer. Not a ton of breading, but I'm very picky with my crab cakes.

Baby Leaf Spinach & Fresh Mushrooms - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00088_zps2bbf97d4.jpg.html

This is supposed to be served with bleu cheese dressing and warm bacon bits, but I am not a fan of bleu cheese, so I had it with balsamic vinaigrette instead. It was quite tasty!

The entree I ALWAYS get at the steakhouse - Chilean Sea Bass (which was the grilled fish from the market). As usual, it was ABSOLUTELY amazing. I'm not a fish person, but I do enjoy Chilean Sea Bass because it's so light!http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00089_zps9e569210.jpg.html

Filet Mignon - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00090_zps68d7798d.jpg.html

Delicious. So tender and cooked perfectly.

Broiled Lobster Tail - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00091_zps994528a4.jpg.html

Again, like butter & delicious!

airlinerob · June 23, 2014

Caramelized Washington Apples baked in a puff pastry dome - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00094_zps2f88a669.jpg.html

DELICIOUS!

Homemade Ice Cream - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00095_zps8bd2f703.jpg.html

I believe the flavor of the night was mango. I remember it was delicious!

Selection of international cheeses - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00096_zps8d13021e.jpg.html

I am not a fan of bleu cheese, so that excluded 2 of the cheeses they had. They cut this by hand. I was so full, they allowed me to take this back to my room. I had it for a snack before bed. It was great!

Dinner in the steakhouse is long but relaxing. I think we were at the table for over 2 1/2 hours, but it was well worth it. http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00097_zps0ea38210.jpg.html

The steakhouse manager was amazing - her name was Mirjana Djekic. LOVED HER! http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00101_zpsf6dad29d.jpg.html

airlinerob · June 23, 2014

Got back to the room to our first towel animal. :-)

http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00106_zpsc630e948.jpg.html

I love the decor of the Breeze! It's a great ship with lovely colors. I wish all Carnival ships were as mellow as this (my hope is that the future deliveries will be like this)!

http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00108_zpsdbbec5a1.jpg.html

Cove balconies are SUPER cool - I love being that close to the water. I will definitely book another cove balcony in the future.

http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00112_zps875a1f3e.jpg.html

That's it for Day 1. Time for bed!

airlinerob · June 23, 2014

The seas were very very calm (they picked up later in the week).

http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00117_zps19cd8e11.jpg.html

http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00124_zps9a761c3c.jpg.html

Time for Seaday Brunch!

http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00128_zpsf9b8af05.jpg.html

The menu (courtesy of Zydecocruiser) - he has some great photos of some of the meals as well. But, I will post what we got. :-) http://www.zydecocruiser.net/menus/CarnivalCruiseLineSeaDayBrunch.htm

We got a great table - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00131_zps1e91cd2e.jpg.html

airlinerob · June 23, 2014

The first brunch was one of the few meals I failed to take photos of (sorry)! Zydecocruiser does a good job with the entrees. :-)

The first day, I got Eggs Benedict, which is my tradition when I go on a cruise.

Walked around the ship after brunch to see what was going on.

Buffet - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC01443_zpse8cfd732.jpg.html

Early birds at Guy's Burgers (it's never too early - YUM!) - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC01449_zps34bd8960.jpg.html

Guys seating area - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC01448_zps48ef5106.jpg.html

Toppings Bar - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC01451_zpsab2ba5fb.jpg.html

They had sautéed mushrooms, bacon, onions, pickles, hot peppers, sweet peppers, french fried potato sticks, lettuce, tomatoes, ketchup, ranch dressing, mayo, mustard, other sauces, and probably more items that I forgot!

The pool was getting busy!

http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC01453_zpsec24e35c.jpg.html

airlinerob · June 23, 2014

Blue Iguana - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC01457_zps8db21b00.jpg.html

I only ate there once for lunch, never for breakfast and it was actually quite good. On my next cruise, I will try to give it more than just 1 shot! :-)

Although they have it broken up into tacos & burritos, you can get some of the tacos toppings on your burrito if you want.

They have a great fresh salsa and hot sauce bar (some really great salsas there!) - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC01455_zpsbb7c885e.jpg.html

airlinerob · June 23, 2014

Okay, time for dinner!

TODAY'S MENU

Starters:

- Baked stuffed white mushrooms - spinach, romano cheese and fine herbs

- Greek farmer salad - iceberg lettuce, cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, black olives and feta cheese, tossed with vinaigrette

- Sake stewed beetroot carpaccio - garnished with grapefruit segments, gorgonzola crumbles and baby arugula

- Minestrone milanese - italian vegetable soup with plum tomatoes, beans and pasta

- West indian roasted pumpkin soup - gently roasted in the oven, blended with chicken stock & a touch of cream

- Strawberry bisque - chilled creamy strawberry soup with fresh mint

Didja (as in did you ever...):

- Spicy alligator fritters - served on tropical tomato salsa

Main:

- Spaghetti carbonara - tossed with creamy bacon, cheese and garlic sauce; also available as a starter

- Seared fillet of redfish - roasted broccoli, yukon gold potato mash, lemon caper dressing

- Broiled maine lobster tail & jumbo black tiger shrimp - yukon gold potato mash, roasted broccoli

- Tender roasted prime rib of american beef au jus - cooked to perfection, baked potato with toppings

- Chili rellenos - tomato and broccoli stuffed pepper baked with aged cheddar and manchego cheese

From our comfort kitchen:

- Barbecued st. louis style pork spare ribs - grilled corn on the cob, spring onion, fries & creamy colesaw

EVERYDAY MENU

Starter:

- Fresh fruit cocktail

- Chilled shrimp cocktail - served with american cocktail sauce

- Fried vegetable spring rolls - tomato, oregano and olive oil sauce

- Caesar salad - hearts of romaine lettuce tossed with our caesar dressing, freshly grated parmesan cheese, anchovies & herb croutons

Main:

- Broiled fillet of atlantic salmon - served with steamed vegetables of the day

- Grilled flat iron steak from USDA choice beef - served with steamed vegetables of the day

- Grilled chicken breast - served with steamed vegetables of the day

- Indian vegetarian - two fresh vegetables, lentils and basmati rice

- Southern fried chicken - served with mashed potatoes and gravy, steamed vegetables of the day

All main dishes are served with appropriate sides - these listed below are optional

Side:

- Baked idaho potatoes with sour cream and chives

- Steamed white rice

- French fries

- Assorted steamed vegetables

AFTER DINNER

Desserts:

- Caramelized apples on puff pastry - served with vanilla cream and caramel sauce

- Cherries jubilee - dark cherries in our own sauce, flamed with cherry brandy served over vanilla ice cream

- Banana gateau (DIET) - banana sponge cake, filled with low calorie banana cream

- Warm chocolate melting cake - served with vanilla ice cream

- Fresh tropical fruit plate

- Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, butter pecan ice cream

- Sugar free ice cream available upon request

- Orange, pineapple, lime sherbert

- Cheese plate - port salut, brie, gouda, imported swiss, danish bleu cheese

Beverages:

- Freshly brewed coffee, regular or decaffeinated

- Milk, skimmed milk, hot chocolate, iced, hot and herbal teas

- Specialty coffee

Cappuccino - $2.95

Latte - $2.95

Espresso - $1.95

- Liqueurs

Sambuca

Kahlua

Grand Marnier

Amaretto di saronno

- Cognacs and brandies

Hardy v.s.o.p.

Remy martin v.s.o.p.

Courvoisier v.s.

- Dessert wines and ports

Croft distinction

Graham's six grapes

Washington hills, late harvest sweet riesling

airlinerob · June 23, 2014

Dining room - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00183_zpsd909be7a.jpg.html

We brought 2 of the bottles that we brought on board, and they chilled them for us, and kept them for us (we brought the second two bottles the next night).

http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00188_zps3805821a.jpg.html

Lobster & Shrimp - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00192_zps08ec67de.jpg.html

Prime Rib (I forgot to take some of the pictures) - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00193_zps1fb24e37.jpg.html

What a beautiful view from our table - http://s28.photobucket.com/user/TheCruiseBoys/media/2014-06-07%20Carnival%20Breeze/DSC00195_zps3ade146a.jpg.html