Long Detailed 8/15/09 Triumph Review

[CruisinPandora]

Carnival Triumph Cruise - August 15, 2009

Embarkation:

We took NJ Transit over from New Jersey into Manhattan's Penn Station.
Jumped in a cab and were whisked up to 12th and 48th street where we
could see the Triumph. Walked over to the porters who took our only piece
of large luggage. We were directed where to check in.

Got inside the terminal where there was a small group of about 50 or 60
passengers were seated and being given instructions by an terminal employee.
She showed us where to sit and she would instruct when to get on line
to go through security, check-in, receive our Sail and Sign cards and take pictures.
Everything moved in a timely fashion and we were on the ship by almost 12pm.

Carnival Triumph Boarding:

Entering the promenade was awesome. The ship (though built in 1999) was gorgeous
and spotless. Everything was shining brightly. Crew cheerfully greeted us. Other crew
directed us to the decks we wanted to go to and answered questions. Having been
on other cruises we knew we wanted to first check out our dining room table. So we
headed to the lower level of the London dining room, spoke with the Matre'd and he
fulfilled our request.

We then headed up to the Lido deck to check out the buffet, The Grill, Pizzeria and just
generally check outside deck areas. We were surprised to see MUTS (Movies Under The
Stars) had been added as well as a very nice sound symstem for the band. The deck
itself and lounge chairs were in excellent shape. The kids were very anxious to get on
the huge yellow slide (it opened at 2pm) and the kids and adults loved it. We checked
out the minature golf green on the upper deck. The entire ship was in tip top shape.

Food:

Our dining experience on the Triumph was mostly excellent. We never went hungry that's
for sure. The buffet was not one of our favorites and it was mostly pick and choose. It really
was like cafeteria food. And forget about breakfast. Not a high point at all. We tried it once
and that was no big deal because we are not breakfast people anyway.

Lunch is usually our first meal of the day because we are on vacation and we like to sleep in
unless it's a port day (and sometimes even then if we'll be in port late). So we go up to the
Lido deck, decide if it's going to be The Deli where they make made to order sandwiches,
The grill for great hamburgers, hot dogs and fries, The Pizzeria for some of the best pizza
I have had on any cruise ship (I had it every night before turning in). All of these food
places we enjoyed very much so the buffet for us other than salad and fruit (and they day they
served fried chicken) we really didn't miss. Also the Hong Kong Noodle Co. wasn't a favorite
for us either. That does not mean the food wasn't good. It was freshly prepared daily right
in front of you. It just didn't suit our taste buds. Others loved it, even the kids.

Dinner. Ahh...dinner. First off our waiters IMADE, head waiter and IMADE 2 assistant waiter.
Without a doubt they are the best waiters we have had in our 20 cruises. I know we will
remember them always. They remembered our names, our likes, no request was to much.
Very friendly, always smiled and greeted us (even around the ship). Thank you IMADE
1 and 2. Hope to dine with you again. God Bless.

The food. We did not have a bad meal at dinner. My husband had the flat iron steak a
couple of times and loved it. He also had the Chocolate Melting Cake every night. He loves
it. I had lobster, prime rib, veal parmesan, baby back ribs, shrimp (not all at one time, lol)
and everything was so delicious and freshly prepared. We also on most evenings instead
of salad had the pasta dish for the night as an appetizer and it was no problem.

IMADE 1 encouraged us to stay and wait for the waiters singing and dancing which he was
a part of and it was well worth it. This dinner dining experience for us was the best of all of
our cruises. Very memorable.

Ports:

St. John:
We've been to St. John four times before so we knew what to expect and knew our way around
the downtown area. We walked over to where the RCL Grandeur was docked, looked in the
market tents (not much different from the tents where we were docked but less) walked over
to the City Market, walked clear through the City Hall came out and dicovered a beautiful park
with a very nice gazebo and colorful flowers. We sat there for a while enjoying the parks and the
huge dogs the residents of St. John have. Walked back to enjoy the solitude of the ship.
Gorgeous day in St. John about seventy degrees. Last three times there it was very cloudy,
windy and cold. So we were pleasantly surprised.

Halifax, Nova Scotia:
We were blessed again with a very warm, sunny, bright and clear day. We really didn't bring enough
warm weather wear because it was so cold and wet last time we were here. But it was gorgeous and
since last time we took an excursion to Peggy's Cove (talk about cold, but beautiful) we headed out
for an on foot tour of our own. I had overheard a passenger saying that if you walked to the end of
the boardwalk you would find a casino there. If figured we would at least get our walk in and check
it out. The walk was about an half an hour down going through town, stopping by different shops,
and other inside market places. Walking back using the boardwalk was much quicker. What a nice
harbor town. We enjoyed the sight seeing and would do it again. The casino was very nice. A little
quiet. If you go you can only use Canadian money (machines don't accept USA currency) so see what
exchange rate you can get on the ship.

Entertainment:

We went to two of main shows, Wonderful World and The Big Easy. Enjoyed both very much. Those dancers
work really hard. We stepped in to check out the Magic Show for a few, very nice. Meant to return to the later
show instead went to the casino. The casino was pretty busy and had live entertainment and bar. A lot was
going on there. It was pleasant to be in this casino because the cigarette smoking was not overwhelming
like on other cruise ships and I didn't come out smelling like smoke. Saw a man from a large Irish group
traveling together win $1000 on the Wheel Of Fortune slot machine. Heard stories of many other winners.

The Caribbean band on the Lido deck was phenomenal. They played Caribbean tunes I had never heard played
on other ships. The Rome Theatre house band was absolutely the best. I think there are about 10 or 12 band
members but they sound like so many more. They did a special Big Band show for us and it was just great.
The comedian Marvin Bell was so funny. I was in stitches. I look forward to seeing him again. There was
music all over the ship, the Promenade, Latin music, Jazz, the disco was so much fun. There was no way
you could be bored. Thank you Brad and Big D for the Michael Jackson Tribute Hour. It was a lot fun.

Cruise Director Brad and his Assistants:

Awesome job! Greg is soooo funny. I'm laughing as I type this. He was hilarious and energetic. I forgot
the Belgium teacher's name. Hilarious. I hope to see him onboard another CCL ship again. The entire
cruise entertainment staff were very upbeat, hard working and all over the ship to make the passengers
cruise a great one and they were very successful. Great job guys.

Our Cabin Stewart:

Gunthgur (hope I spelled it right) for cabin 6344. What a quiet person. But he was excellent and attentive.
He made towel animals for us every night except the first night (that was our fault) he even made a very
detailed frog for us. I took pictures of them all. Thank you for keeping our cabin spotless and making me
smile when I walked in after a long evening.

Disembarkation:

Easy, easy, easy. We do Self-Assist and since we only had one large bag it was not problem. We got down
to the Rome Theatre about 7am. The shipped cleared at about 7:15am. After everything was set up by
the crew were being bonnggged off the ship with our Sail and Sign cards about 8am. Passports and custom
card in hand, down the escalator, whisked the the customs line (very friendly agent with a smile), outside
we crossed the street to the Taxi Stand, into a cab and on to Penn Station to NJ. We were home by 9:45am.

Lastly:

This cruise was way more than we expected and I expressed this to one of the Matre'd's in the London dining
room. We were on the Triumph I believe it was 2004 and it was a different ship. Though we had a good time,
how could you not have a good time - "you're on a cruise!" The crew back then was not a very happy one.
The Triumph needed a lot of repair. The food was not very good. But this time on Triumph was like stepping
on to a revived and refreshed ship. CCL did a lot of work on this ship and it showed. We do this cruise every
August and I most definitely look forward to next August 2010.

[TnMama]

Thank you for your review. I have shared it with DH! We're getting really excited about our March sailing on her!

[CruisinPandora]

You're welcome.

Have a great time.

Happy Cruising!

[jackdis]

Soon we will be on the Triumph!!!

Is the buffet the only option for lunch on the day you board or is the dining room also available?

[Harrier1961]

We were on the Truimph in '05 and thought she was a great ship. We are sailing on her again on Labor day. Really looking forward to this. I noticed that she has been updated and look forward to seeing how she is now.

Like you said, you are on a cruise, so how can you not enjoy it!!

Andy.

[CruisinPandora]

Originally Posted by jackdis

Soon we will be on the Triumph!!!

Is the buffet the only option for lunch on the day you board or is the dining room also available?

Yes. The dining room was also available for lunch the day of
boarding the ship. Once you get onboard check your daily Caper for times.

[limoguy1]

Glad to see you liked the Triumph. We loved it and were sad when it was over.

[rkbeaux08]

Glad to hear the great review we will be on her Nov.14, 2009 and April 10, 2010. We board her in New Orleans where she is moving too.

[caribbeanboy]

Thanks for the TR. I will be on her in exactly 49 days for a week long cruise thru Canada and New England.

[Calker]

Thanks for your review. We leave on her the 29th for our first back-to-back and can't wait.

I do have a question - are the hot tubs open. Recent reviews stated that the tubs were closed for repairs - hoping all is fixed now.

[CruisinPandora]

Originally Posted by Calker

Thanks for your review. We leave on her the 29th for our first back-to-back and can't wait.

I do have a question - are the hot tubs open. Recent reviews stated that the tubs were closed for repairs - hoping all is fixed now.

I saw them running but no one was in them and they had on the day in St. John completely emptied and I guess repairing the main pool. But the pool was okay the next day. The hot tubs and pools I don't use so I don't pay a lot of attention to them. Maybe someone else from the cruise can help.

To everyone, it was really my pleasure to write this review. I also posted it on the Carnival site so that they would see it.

Happy Cruising All!

[endlesstraveller]

Originally Posted by jackdis

Soon we will be on the Triumph!!!

Is the buffet the only option for lunch on the day you board or is the dining room also available?

Jack,

I noticed you have been on both RCCL Grandeur of the Seas as well as Carnival Triumph. Can you tell me which ship you prefer? I have only been on RC cruises, but it seems like there are more activities on Carnival ships. My husband and I are taking an overdue honeymoon in Feb 2010 and can't decide which ship to sail on. We are in our late 20s.

Thanks,
Sheila

[jackdis]

I liked both. The cruise director was wonderful on the Grandeur when we were on it. We both really like the Triumph too. The staff was great. They were both in good condition too. What itineraries are you looking at? Must say, we were hesitant on our first Carnival cruise, but have been very pleased with them.

[texankhj]

We will be sailing on the Triumph out of New Orleans new years eve. Out of all the reviews and threads I have read, sounds like we are in for the time of our life. My favorite ship ( remember I said ship) is the Royal Carribean Splendor. I also love the Carnival Conquest, I believe the Triumph is close to that. I can't wait to bring in the New Year on the Triumph. Thank you for a great review.

[texankhj]

Originally Posted by endlesstraveller

Jack,

I noticed you have been on both RCCL Grandeur of the Seas as well as Carnival Triumph. Can you tell me which ship you prefer? I have only been on RC cruises, but it seems like there are more activities on Carnival ships. My husband and I are taking an overdue honeymoon in Feb 2010 and can't decide which ship to sail on. We are in our late 20s.

Thanks,
Sheila

Considering you are in your late 20's if you sail Carnival you will never go back to Royal Carribean. Carnival is truly the fun ship. I have sailed RC, Princess and Disney, all cater to different likes. Carnival is the most active and fun. I am in my early 50's and not ready for the rocking chair just yet. So for now I will sail Carnival!

[endlesstraveller]

Thank you all for your input!

Jack, our two options are:

RC Grandeur of of the Seas out of Tampa Feb 6th - 5 nights to Costa Maya & Cozumel

OR

Carnival Triumph out of New Orleans Feb 20th - 5 nights to Progesso & Cozumel.

I have heard Costa Maya is nicer than Progresso, however, a lot of people traveling on the grandeur in Jan 2010 said their itinerary changed from Costa Maya to Key West. I would hate to book the RC ship just to go to Costa Maya and then have our itinerary changed, however, I know itineraries can change at any time for any reason...

Thanks again for all of your input and advice!

Sheila