Triumph review 2/2/08 to 2/9/08

[enjoyinglife]

Just returned from the Triumph yesterday and still have a lot of things to do before heading back to work, but thought I would take a few minutes to begin my review.

 

This was my 8th cruise, 7th with Carnival. DH and 15 year old son's also on cruise # 7. We had 9 other family members join us, we were on deck 7, forward, in 5 cabins.

 

Several of us stayed in Miami the night before, with BIL / SIL flying in early that morning. We stayed at the Laquinta Airport East and one family left their car there all week long so that they would not have to pay to park at POM. Since we didn't get in Miami till 7:30 / 8:00 the Friday night, it was fine.

 

Embarkation: We left the hotel around 10:10 am. The hotel offers free transportation to the cruise terminal, but you cannot reserve the spot until you check in. This means that we would have not been able to leave the hotel till 2:30 with the free transfers, because the earlier ones were filled up already. We decided to get two van taxies and go to the port. We left the hotel around 10:10, checked in, had the VIP status due to Carnival Vacation Club and were one of the first groups on the ship by 11:00 am. I wanted to rent a cabana at Half Moon Cay and so I waited at the shore excursion desk till it opened at 12:00, and had first choice of the cabanas. I choose the sky-blue one, I believe # 5. It was $220.00 and worth it. No one else in my party knew what it was, and thought I was crazy, but surely appreciated using it. Now that they know what it is, I would ask them to chip in with the cost of it since they also used it. We were 11 people in there at different times, (one stayed on the ship), and this did not cause a problem, but we only needed the snacks for 4, as everyone else went get their own drinks / food provided at the pavilion.

[Pisgah]

 

I wanted to rent a cabana at Half Moon Cay and so I waited at the shore excursion desk till it opened at 12:00, and had first choice of the cabanas. I choose the sky-blue one, I believe # 5. It was $220.00 and worth it.

 

I have a few questions if you have time to help me.

 

I am sailing on March 15. I too have VIP boarding. What time should I arrive at the port? Where is the excursion desk? Was the line long to rent Cabanas?

Is #5 a good cabana and what should be my second choice if # 5 is not available?

 

What deck were you on?

[chitown cruisers]

The Triumph was our 1st...LOVED IT!!

 

Been some mixed reviews lately, can't wait to hear your take on her. I hope she isn't disappointing people these days.

[enjoyinglife]

All right, I am back from letting the dog outside...so...will continue for a while.

 

I tried to meet up with uneasyrider and alohobaby right after the muster drill on deck 7 forward balcony, but never found them. If you two read this, I knew that some of you would be dressed in harley t-shirts, and it was funny to me because I thought you were up on the deck after the drill and eagerly walked up to two couples, 2 who had on harley shirts and confidently asked if they were cruise critic members. They denied it, and I could tell they thought something was wrong with me and my excited state! That made me more cautious about asking people dressed in harley clothes if they were CC members.

 

I did meet up with cantwait2cruise at HMC while snorkeling and then later in the cruise. I wish I could have meet up with more CC people, but never did.

 

Well, on to the review again. People have talked about the sewer smell. We never had a problem, but one couple that was traveling with us, was about 10 rooms down in an inside room and they said the first time each morning they would flush their toilet, they had a brownish mystery substance, they would come up a little, then go down right away. They said it happened most mornings but only the first flush.

 

We did not go to many on the shows in the lounge, but in the middle to end of the cruise, I went in the karaoke lounge with my family. Most nights it was fun, and we had a lot of talented singers on the cruise, and others who were not so talented, but still tried and had a good time.

 

We did want to go to the piano bar, but two nights we went in and left right away due to the smoke smell. One day we went in and did the name this tune game, and were talking with the piano player, and he asked why we didn't go in there at night time. One girl replied due to the smell and he said he was going to put out the smokeless ash trays at night and we went two nights to see if they were put out and made a difference, but they weren't at least there was no difference, so we never really got to hear

much of how he played except for the name that tune game in the afternoon time.

 

DH spent quite a bit of time in the casino and was up most of the trip, but on the last day, when he began giving it all back, he decided to stop while still ahead. My BIL joined the blackjack tournament and made it to the finals, but was eliminated. My SIL joined the slot tournament and she also made it to the finals. I think she lost the finals by 34 points, and thought it would be easier to have lost by more than just 34 points, :p!

 

Well, I have to get back to work for now, and will continue later. If anyone has questions, please ask!

[enjoyinglife]

I have a few questions if you have time to help me.

 

I am sailing on March 15. I too have VIP boarding. What time should I arrive at the port?

 

Where is the excursion desk? Was the line long to rent Cabanas?

Is #5 a good cabana and what should be my second choice if # 5 is not available?

 

What deck were you on?

 

I would try to arrive by 10:30. The new terminal is nice and then you could be processed and wait till they start to take passengers in, which for us must have been around 10:55. They gave us our cards when we were processed and just had a straight walk from the VIP lounge area to the ship. We were on the ship by 11:00 and I went immediately to the shore tour desk.

What deck were you on?

Where is the excursion desk? Was the line long to rent Cabanas?

Is #5 a good cabana and what should be my second choice if # 5 is not available?

 

You are let on the ship on deck 3, which is right next to the pursers desk and the shore tours desk is right across. Number 5 was my choice because it was at the end of the area roped - off for swimming. Some people on CC reported having trouble if they were one of the first cabanas, so I went with that one. If I were to go back, I think I would try for #3, mainly because it would be a little closer to the inflatable rock climbing area and the better area for snorkeling which is around the rock wall, but not one of the first ones in case there are too many people in the area. Because that is where most people tend to stay. I waited at the shore excursion desk for 1 hour, (from 11:00 to 12;00) and if I didn't want to choose the cabana I wanted, would not have had to wait right as I came on the ship. I did pull a chair and wait there, and figured it wasn't too bad as there was someone playing the piano and people all ready at the bar getting drinks. For my experience, I would still wait there in line ASAP when I get on the ship, but others did not come in line till around 11:40, (there was 2 couples that wanted a cabana that waited around this time). When the desk opened, I was sitting in my chair in line, and made sure no one came ahead of me because I was the first one there. By 12:00, when the desk opened, there were people flocking around waiting to book tours, I just do not know what they wanted to book except that one other group was there for a cabana.

 

What deck were you on?

We were on the empress deck, cabins # 7208, 7212, 7214, 7218, and 7236.

[enjoyinglife]

The Triumph was our 1st...LOVED IT!!

 

Been some mixed reviews lately, can't wait to hear your take on her. I hope she isn't disappointing people these days.

 

She didn't disappoint me! I would go on it again in a heart beat.

[marty30907]

Thanks for your review. DW and I sail on her in 3 weeks!

[jwlnroe]

Great review so far.. can't wait to hear the rest.

[marraclc]

We also were on this sailing and experienced terrible sewer stench in the hallway outside our cabin for 2 days. Luckily it did not enter the cabin. The odor smelled like something was dead and was worse than regular sewer gas. We were on deck 6 midship.

 

For the shows, there were only 3-4 nights where they had an 8:30 show. The other nights, they had a game show, bingo, etc. and then a 10:30 show.

 

The disembarkation seemed long to us. Unless you do self-assist, they only allow you to leave the ship when your luggage color has been off-loaded into the terminal. The luggage is put on revolving carousels like an airport. They do not line up all the luggage on a terminal floor, as we've experienced before.

 

We also got a cabana. We had booked on previously when cruising on Holland America. We embarked at 12 noon and had about a 15 min wait before one of our party was able to get the turquoise one. Carnval does not bring lunch to you in the cabana as Holland America does.

[realtrip]

Hi thanks for the review. I can't wait !!!! We are also staying at la quinta. I was wondering how much the taxi fare is to the port ? Also, was the hotel ok ? We aren't looking for fancy, just clean. What time did you check in at the hotel that they would give you a 2:30 shuttle ? This worries me as we are only checking it at around 5 pm. The shuttle was our number 1 reason for booking. Should I get something else ?

Thank you

[niiaka]

We were in cabin 8211.. had some sewer trouble here and there, but maintance came and quickly resolved issue.

The entertainment was lacking a bit. They should hire 'Jerry" the 90 yr old. He was the best entertainment they had..lol God bless him at 90 yrs young. He did more activities than I did and I'm a 1/3 his age..lol

Dinner- our wait staff was fantastic. However, the food was lacking. We're convinced that late seating has left over food from the early seating. Steaks were tough, Prime Rib was tough.. we decided to go with non beef dishes the rest of the week.

Did anyone notice a man getting hauled off in handcuffs by US immigration officers? We saw them take him off the ship, but never found out what happened.

[dst]

Enjoyinglife: We were on the sailing just before you (1/26) and got a cabana as well, we also had cabana #5 - we chose that cabana because it was still close to everything but a bit farther away from the kids area. This was my second time renting a cabana and will do it again. On our sailing not all of the cabanas were rented; I guess it just depends on the people.

 

I just want to add that this was also our second time on the Triumph and we enjoyed her again. Never had any smells and we were aft cabin.

[uneasyrider03]

we were on the Triumph for the first time, our first cruise, we had a good time, great food, exceptional staff....alot of good activities to keep everyone busy. I was a little wary, after booking, with some of the mixed reviews on here.She is truly a beautiful ship, a few minor flaws from age, but nothing that takes away from her performance. We didn't book any of our excursions from Carnival, we used independent tours that we picked up from here. We had a wonderful time, not sure if I would cruise every vacation, but would definitly do it again. Thanks to all the CC advice and tips...I sailed like a pro. lol

 

PS enjoying life....sorry we missed you guys, was so looking forward to meeting...we were on the ship by 11:15....we must have been in the same group....hope you had a great time...we all did

[uneasyrider03]

We were in cabin 8211.. had some sewer trouble here and there, but maintance came and quickly resolved issue.

The entertainment was lacking a bit. They should hire 'Jerry" the 90 yr old. He was the best entertainment they had..lol God bless him at 90 yrs young. He did more activities than I did and I'm a 1/3 his age..lol

Dinner- our wait staff was fantastic. However, the food was lacking. We're convinced that late seating has left over food from the early seating. Steaks were tough, Prime Rib was tough.. we decided to go with non beef dishes the rest of the week.

Did anyone notice a man getting hauled off in handcuffs by US immigration officers? We saw them take him off the ship, but never found out what happened.

 

 

Missed the guy in handcuffs...but did have the pleasure of meeting Jerry and Sylvia on the Lido deck and then saw him participate in the hairy chest contest and the newly wed game...he was so funnny.

We had main seating in the Paris dining room and had really good food.

[stampinrobin]

Thanks for the review, and I have the same question as earlier poster about the La Quinta.

 

How much was one of your taxi vans to the port and how many people/luggage did one hold?

 

Does everyone in your party need to be checked in or can the first person there reserve seats for everyone.

 

We don't land until 6:20 p.m. so we probably wouldn't get on the shuttle early enough either.............I wish they would have mentioned this on their website!

 

Thanks for the info - we all appreciate it!

 

rls

[enjoyinglife]

realtrip and stampinrobin,

 

I dont remember excatly how much the van taxi was as my husband paid it. Maybe around 28.00 and it was a van.

 

The rooms were clean and I would stay again under similar circumstances. Mainly wanted a quick, no extra charge breakfast and would have prefered a free ride to the pier, but not at the expense of waiting til 2:30. We chose to pay for the ride and have no regrets.

 

When you check in, whatever time it is, be sure to ask about the ride to the pier. We got there maybe 8:30 and were to late. I knew this from CC that I could not reserve the time slots until we checked in. I did call two days before at the hotel to double check that the info was correct and sure enough, it was and we had a late arrival. The first person there who pays for the room can reserve the slots I belive, but to tell you the truth, I told them how many I needed and they didnt say I couldnt if they weren't there, but when they said the time we would have to wait for, I said to forget it. They did try to say at one point that we had to have the later time because that is what the cruise line wanted and when we continued to question this explaination, they said the reason was that they did not have any open slots on the bus thats why we couldnt go earlier.

[enjoyinglife]

Missed the guy in handcuffs...but did have the pleasure of meeting Jerry and Sylvia on the Lido deck and then saw him participate in the hairy chest contest and the newly wed game...he was so funnny.

We had main seating in the Paris dining room and had really good food.

 

 

Jerry and Sylvia were great! Did you watch the Legens show? He sang the final song and can sing quite well!

[enjoyinglife]

We were in cabin 8211.. had some sewer trouble here and there, but maintance came and quickly resolved issue.

The entertainment was lacking a bit. They should hire 'Jerry" the 90 yr old. He was the best entertainment they had..lol God bless him at 90 yrs young. He did more activities than I did and I'm a 1/3 his age..lol

Dinner- our wait staff was fantastic. However, the food was lacking. We're convinced that late seating has left over food from the early seating. Steaks were tough, Prime Rib was tough.. we decided to go with non beef dishes the rest of the week.

Did anyone notice a man getting hauled off in handcuffs by US immigration officers? We saw them take him off the ship, but never found out what happened.

 

I definately agree about Jerry - he was great and all over the place! I had three steaks but none were tough. I learned on my last cruise in 2007 to order it cooked leass than what I usually order it and then that way, it is not tough. My husbands prime rib was great also, in fact, I ate several bites of it. The only problem with food that we had is one night they offered a "gumbo" and having lived in louisiana all my life, tried it. I thought they brought the wrong dish. It didn't resemble a gumbo in looks or taste!

 

I never saw the handcuff person, but did notice what I thought was an ambulance taking away a hurt passenger.

[enjoyinglife]

We also were on this sailing and experienced terrible sewer stench in the hallway outside our cabin for 2 days. Luckily it did not enter the cabin. The odor smelled like something was dead and was worse than regular sewer gas. We were on deck 6 midship.

 

For the shows, there were only 3-4 nights where they had an 8:30 show. The other nights, they had a game show, bingo, etc. and then a 10:30 show.

 

The disembarkation seemed long to us. Unless you do self-assist, they only allow you to leave the ship when your luggage color has been off-loaded into the terminal. The luggage is put on revolving carousels like an airport. They do not line up all the luggage on a terminal floor, as we've experienced before.

 

Sorry about the sewer smell. I never went on deck 6 except for the stairs, so couldnt talk about it. I never did smell it when I was walking somewhere.

 

I thought that the part of the disembarkation we were at went really smooth. We originally had number 10 tags, but since we had an early flight

out, asked for early tags. We recieved tags with the number 3 on it. VIP, self assist, and early flights get the numbers 1, 2, and 3 tags, and then are arranged in the lounge according to the numbers. As for as getting your luggage, the new moving belts with luggage on it similar to airports worked out great. They have three separate areas, I believe called a, b, and c carosels. Our luggage came out on C, and so I belive that tags with the numbers 3, 6, 9, 12, etc. are placed on C. The process was smooth except that we had 6 bags, and 5 were on the turn carosel by the time we were off but the last one took about 10 minutes longer. My BIL had one that was late, and my step son had one peice also come late.

 

I thought the process was smooth exept for the last peice, which still beats the suitcases lined up in rows and rows and rows of suitcase.

 

 

I believe that HAL charges more money for the cabanas, which may account for the food being brought to the cabana. I knew before I rented it that we would get sodas and snacks, but if we wanted a meal we needed to get it on our own. If this is correct, I am glad that Carnival has a lower price and us just walk to get our own meal.

[Payd]

Sounds like you had a great time...thanks for your review.

 

Payd:)

[uneasyrider03]

We also were on this sailing and experienced terrible sewer stench in the hallway outside our cabin for 2 days. Luckily it did not enter the cabin. The odor smelled like something was dead and was worse than regular sewer gas. We were on deck 6 midship.

 

For the shows, there were only 3-4 nights where they had an 8:30 show. The other nights, they had a game show, bingo, etc. and then a 10:30 show.

 

The disembarkation seemed long to us. Unless you do self-assist, they only allow you to leave the ship when your luggage color has been off-loaded into the terminal. The luggage is put on revolving carousels like an airport. They do not line up all the luggage on a terminal floor, as we've experienced before.

 

We also got a cabana. We had booked on previously when cruising on Holland America. We embarked at 12 noon and had about a 15 min wait before one of our party was able to get the turquoise one. Carnval does not bring lunch to you in the cabana as Holland America does.

 

We chose to self assist for disembarkation and were off the ship by 8:15, when we arrived on the 2nd (Sat am @9am) we took a van from airport to the port...18.00 for 6 of us, plus tip...got to the port and they allowed us to check in, we were on the ship @11-11:15...very smooth process

[peanutgirl]

Which cabana is closest to the kids area at HMC. Is there an iceberg/inflatable there? 3 weeks to go

[MICHSUNLOVER]

They let you choose which cabana? Previous posters were saying they had stopped doing that and you just had to take whichever one was next in line!

Maybe it depends on who you get at the desk?:cool:

[dst]

They let you choose which cabana? Previous posters were saying they had stopped doing that and you just had to take whichever one was next in line!

Maybe it depends on who you get at the desk?:cool:

 

 

I had no issue, I was first in line went to the gentleman at the desk and said I want to reserve cabana #5 - done.

[enjoyinglife]

They let you choose which cabana? Previous posters were saying they had stopped doing that and you just had to take whichever one was next in line!

Maybe it depends on who you get at the desk?:cool:

 

Yes, I got to chose which one I wanted. I wondered the same thing as you; does it depend on the person working behind the desk?