Triumph Mini-Review October 24th

[TheHowards]

I will start by saying his was a terrific cruise. We had read the reviews, and even heard from friends who were on the ship a few sailings before us, and it was obvious that there were problems that needed to be resolved. However, it looked to us that most of them were taken care of.

 

We were a group of 10, all family including 4 grandchildren ages 1-10. My wife is a VIP with 11 cruises to my meager 9 on Carnival. We put everyone's sail-n-sign cards on our credit card (by the rules) and we all checked in and debarked using VIP perks. That was nice, especially with kids in tow.

 

Our cabins were all ocean view at the rear of the Riviera Deck. These are the largest cabins we have ever had on a cruise. Sorry, all of our pictures were family intensive, and those seemed to be frowned on here, plus I am tech challenged.

 

Embarkation was a breeze. We arrived at 10:30 a.m. I wanted to get there early because 8 of our party of 10 were using birth certificates, and I wanted to be sure if there were problems that we would have time to fix them. All was well, and check-in was a breeze. A lengthy wait in the VIP area due to crew checks, but we were on board in plenty of time for lunch on the Lido Deck.

 

The Lido buffet area was a little manic to me. Outside in the pool area was one serving area. Inside was a sandwich counter, the two buffet lines, salad bar, etc. Then through another set of doors was the pizza and burger area. It just seemed to be not designed very well, but believe me, we managed to get what we wanted. I have always wondered who designed the Carnival tea/drink station. You get your glass, then step to the right past the tea/drink dispenser to get the ice, then back a step to the left to fill the glass with tea, only to have others now occupying that spot. It's a minor thing, but would prefer glass, ice, tea, in that order. I know...I need to get a grip.

 

We checked in our rooms, with some of our luggage already there, which was nice. Then it was off to explore the ship. We love this ship. The outdoor theater was awesome. Our previous 5 cruises were on the Ecstasy, so we were concerned about the larger ship, but this was great. My only mini-complaint about the public areas was for anyone wanting to play card games or dominos. The tables were small oval shaped, not big enough for that. There was a library, and we saw others playing games in the Lido dining area, so everyone made it work.

 

Muster drill was smooth and quick. Then we finished unpacking, and got ready for dinner.

[TheHowards]

Dining was much better than we thought it would be with our party of 10. We had a table for all 10 of us. The kids did very well with the longer dinner times. We ate in the dining room 3 times for dinner, twice for lunch, and once for breakfast. Enjoyed them all. The rest of our meals were Lido intensive, and we always found something good to eat, so no food complaints here.

 

All of the staff were superb, from the dining room to the cabin steward to the Camp Carnival staff, to all of the others we interacted with. Plenty of smiles and hellos.

 

One of the major upgrades from the Ecstasy was the entertainment. The bands and musicians were really good. We went to only 2 shows, but they were great. And we enjoyed the bands and other groups throughout the ship.

 

This cruise was headed for hurricane territory, and we all (in our party) questioned the captain's decision. I thought we would have just an absolutely terrible day weather-wise in Cozumel. Turns out the captain was right. We shopped in Cozumel and did a beach excursion in Progreso. We purchased the beach excursion at the bus area where they drop you off in town. Word of warning, they make you wait until they fill up the bus, so you spend a lot of time waiting. We enjoyed the excursion except for the obnoxious drunk guy on the bus ride back. It was an excellent 2 days in the ports.

[TheHowards]

Finally, I have learned over the years, not to worry too much about negative reviews, and not to get overly hyped about positive reviews. We took with us 8 first-time cruisers, and everyone of them had an outstanding vacation, and are hooked on cruising, thanks to their wonderful experience onboard the Triumph.

 

For debarkation, we met in the VIP area, and when we were called, we debarked the ship, found our luggage, got a porter, waited in a short line through customs, and were out in record time.

 

For all of you about to cruise on the Triumph, I believe you will have a great time. As for us, we'll be back onboard soon. Do you think they will have that drink station complaint fixed by then? Probably not. I know...get a grip.

[beach410]

I agree with you about the self serve drink area, everytime I went to get water, coffee, whatever, I thought what the heck?! I also didnt like the flow of the buffet area ,with the desserts being in the center of the line where you get your food, rather on its own, like on the Fantasy class, people would look at you funny if you just wanted to get dessert and wasnt already standing in the long buffet line.

 

I didnt care for the big screen on sea days, very loud to me in that section and the pool seemed really crowded. We hung out in the back pool, my son was able to enjoy the pool there, but the hot tubs were off limits.

 

I hated Progresso, we just went to the beach and the locals hounded us every minute someone was offering to sell you something, I have never experienced anything so awful, even in Nasaus their arent that many locals pestering you, so different then Cozumel. I hope you didnt experience this on your private beach excursion!

 

A good cruise all and all.

[Ladysilver]

I enjoyed reading your review, and like you, I would prefer being able to get my glass, then ice, then my tea. :D Maybe they'll fix that before I go in January! ;)

[TheHowards]

I agree with you about the self serve drink area, everytime I went to get water, coffee, whatever, I thought what the heck?! I also didnt like the flow of the buffet area ,with the desserts being in the center of the line where you get your food, rather on its own, like on the Fantasy class, people would look at you funny if you just wanted to get dessert and wasnt already standing in the long buffet line.

 

I didnt care for the big screen on sea days, very loud to me in that section and the pool seemed really crowded. We hung out in the back pool, my son was able to enjoy the pool there, but the hot tubs were off limits.

 

I hated Progresso, we just went to the beach and the locals hounded us every minute someone was offering to sell you something, I have never experienced anything so awful, even in Nasaus their arent that many locals pestering you, so different then Cozumel. I hope you didnt experience this on your private beach excursion!

 

A good cruise all and all.

 

We usually do the beach day in Cozumel and the shopping in Progreso, so this was a change for us. I had heard about the vendors being agressive, so I am so glad we paid the extra for a beach excursion. Don't even know where they took us, but we enjoyed it. Would have loved for the family to have enjoyed Paradise Beach in Coz, but it just didn't work out this year.

[cchampagne]

My daughter and I shared cabin 8428 on the Triumph. It was awesome. It is an aft wrap around balcony. Neighbors on either side of us were very jealous. I had read there were noise and vibrations issues. Only once did I hear deck chairs above us being moved. I didn't notice any vibrations or excess motion. I would highly recommend this cabin. We had 2 lounge chairs, 4 chairs and 2 tables on the balcony. We could have had a party of 20+ out there!

 

We booked the Nachi Cocum beach club in Cozumel. Definitely great value for the money. Beautiful beach and pool. We got a 3 course lunch and open bar. The taxi ride from the boat was $15 each way

 

The very best part of the cruise was dining at the Chef's table. I saw it adverstised in the Carnival Caper on boarding day. I called to make a reservation. They told me that my request would be taken but could not be confirmed until closer to the event. Apparently the Chef receives all the requests and then determines who he wants to invite. He will take 12 people. The night began at 6 and we were escorted into the kitchen to watch what happens behind the scenes. We were served some appetizers and champagne. My daughter got to assist the chef in making the chocolate molten cake that would be served at dinner. We were escorted to a private dining room and served a total of 12 courses. There was plenty of wine, tea, sodas. The meal lasted for 3.5 hours. They charged us $75 but it was well worth it. My mom and daughter have not stopped talking about it.

 

 

I am attaching some pictures of the room. Have fun!

[beach410]

I would like to try the chefs table myself, but do not find the new menu appealing. Did your's have the Sea bass and Filet or the Salmon and short ribs?

[okwriter]

The very best part of the cruise was dining at the Chef's table. I saw it adverstised in the Carnival Caper on boarding day. I called to make a reservation. They told me that my request would be taken but could not be confirmed until closer to the event. Apparently the Chef receives all the requests and then determines who he wants to invite.

 

Where did you get this information---that he takes requests and then decides who he wants to invite? That simply isn't true. ;)

[cchampagne]

We had the sea bass and filet. The Chef told us he reviewed the list of requests and provided the invitations. He said there were 48 requests for the table. He did not say how the decisions were made.

[CasualGeek]

Two questions on the Chef's table....

1. Who is currently the head chef on the Triumph.

2. Sounds like they have the new Chef's table menu...is that correct? (did the chefs table in June, and had the old menu, going again in December, but would rather see the new menu, just for variety)

 

And a statement...take it for what your will. During our cruise in June, the head chef said that he gets to decide who gets to attend, and that if anyone at the table did the chefs table again where he was the chef, he would make sure they got a seat.

[cchampagne]

Chef Allen was on the Triumph but said this week would be his last cruise. He is going on 3 months vacation and then going to a ship out of Baltimore. I thought the menu was awesome and enjoyed it. The Chef did say that if you had done the table before, he would make sure you got on the table. He also mentioned that if you emailed John Heald on his blog, you could get on the table.

[bptex]

Thanks for the review, I love sailing on the Triumph. The indoor buffet does have some weird flow to it, especially with the split level seating. As long as you don't go at peak times (when it first opens) it's pretty smooth though.

 

The oddest thing I found on this class of ship though is that you can't reach the forward most open decks without going through the cabin hallways. There are two open ones at the very front, right under the bridge, but you have to walk through the halls on decks 7 or 8. On the Fantasy class you can get to them from the outer decks or the spa.

[okwriter]

Chef Allen was on the Triumph but said this week would be his last cruise. He is going on 3 months vacation and then going to a ship out of Baltimore. I thought the menu was awesome and enjoyed it. The Chef did say that if you had done the table before, he would make sure you got on the table. He also mentioned that if you emailed John Heald on his blog, you could get on the table.

 

Ah, that makes sense. I didn't know you could sign up for it any other way. I guess the people who wait until they get on the ship are a "maybe" in case the ones who sign up early change their minds. :D

[swilliams07]

I will start by saying his was a terrific cruise. We had read the reviews, and even heard from friends who were on the ship a few sailings before us, and it was obvious that there were problems that needed to be resolved. However, it looked to us that most of them were taken care of.

 

We were a group of 10, all family including 4 grandchildren ages 1-10. My wife is a VIP with 11 cruises to my meager 9 on Carnival. We put everyone's sail-n-sign cards on our credit card (by the rules) and we all checked in and debarked using VIP perks. That was nice, especially with kids in tow.

 

Our cabins were all ocean view at the rear of the Riviera Deck. These are the largest cabins we have ever had on a cruise. Sorry, all of our pictures were family intensive, and those seemed to be frowned on here, plus I am tech challenged.

 

Embarkation was a breeze. We arrived at 10:30 a.m. I wanted to get there early because 8 of our party of 10 were using birth certificates, and I wanted to be sure if there were problems that we would have time to fix them. All was well, and check-in was a breeze. A lengthy wait in the VIP area due to crew checks, but we were on board in plenty of time for lunch on the Lido Deck.

 

The Lido buffet area was a little manic to me. Outside in the pool area was one serving area. Inside was a sandwich counter, the two buffet lines, salad bar, etc. Then through another set of doors was the pizza and burger area. It just seemed to be not designed very well, but believe me, we managed to get what we wanted. I have always wondered who designed the Carnival tea/drink station. You get your glass, then step to the right past the tea/drink dispenser to get the ice, then back a step to the left to fill the glass with tea, only to have others now occupying that spot. It's a minor thing, but would prefer glass, ice, tea, in that order. I know...I need to get a grip.

 

We checked in our rooms, with some of our luggage already there, which was nice. Then it was off to explore the ship. We love this ship. The outdoor theater was awesome. Our previous 5 cruises were on the Ecstasy, so we were concerned about the larger ship, but this was great. My only mini-complaint about the public areas was for anyone wanting to play card games or dominos. The tables were small oval shaped, not big enough for that. There was a library, and we saw others playing games in the Lido dining area, so everyone made it work.

 

Muster drill was smooth and quick. Then we finished unpacking, and got ready for dinner.

 

 

Nice review thanks so much for the info.:)