Carnival Breeze - Southern Carribean - Grand Turk, La Romana, Curacao, Aruba - Review

[santacap]

Thank you for a great review. My family and I will be on the Breeze in 2 weeks to Southern Caribbean.

 

Quick question - when you got off at each port, did you have to show any other form of ID besides S&S card?

 

Thanks again for the report.

 

Not to security on the ship. They say to bring a piece of ID off with you like a license, to get back through port security and back on the ship.

 

We always, did, but were never asked to see anything more than a S&S card by port security.

 

Enjoy your cruise:)

[santacap]

Camp Carnival

 

Over the Years Camp Carnival has been hit or miss for us. They've been disinterested on a few cruises but this time they were great with our son and his friend. If it wasn't for the water park they would have wanted to be there regularly. THe staff, especially Kassy were all great with their group. Our son is near the top end of the younger group so I think he was kind of bored with some choices, but what kid doesn't enjoy a good face painting day, or tshirt making? We based our drop offs along what he would enjoy with his friend, and went accordingly. I think in its entirety he was there for 3-4 'sessions' at an hour or so each

 

The best part about CC for us is the use of the phone. Not neccesarily for them to get us if he needed to be picked up, but for us to get ahold of each other from various points on the ship when not in our rooms.

 

If I could change one thing about CC, it would be it's location and the entrance doors to the outside area being smack dab in the middle of the smoking deck and area. Now I'm not one to complain, this was somewhat of a nuisance, it was a fairly covered area and the smell was pretty thick a few times. Kind of a weird location for kids to walk through daily IMO.

 

[zoof26]

FYI we did the Seavis tour. No problem with the taxis at all. Just walk off the ship, turn left and tHere were the taxis. If you go again, don't worry about the se is tour. You'll be fine. We had a blast!

[zoof26]

We are doing this itinerary on the Freedom later this year so am very interested in the ports. I was also planning on the Seavis tour to Saona island, but the taxi situation has me worried.

 

Don't worry at all! We did the Seavis tour. Taxi situation was not an issue at all. Just get off the ship, walk to the end of the pier and turn left. the taxis are at the end of the small parking lot on the left. People will direct you. We had zero problems and it was a great tour!

[zoof26]

Thank you Beachbum, appreciate the info....

 

Grand Turk is a very dirty island covered in trash. We rented a golf cart and we drove around. We didn't feel very safe. We actually had two islanders yelling at us in their native tongue... It was very threatening. As two women alone, I wouldn't recommend it. We bumped into another couple from the ship. The lady said we were brave to drive around alone. She had her hubby with her, who was a big guy, which is why she said she felt sort of safe. I would do a carnival excursion for this stop. We did the Gibbs cay reef and rays tour in the past and liked it a lot.

[zoof26]

In and Around The Ship

 

Not much to say that hasn't already been said, but the layout on the ship is great for us. We tried many of the things to do... especially catered to kids.

 

We did purchase the unlimited passes to the Thrill Theater, but to be honest with you, I don't think we would again. It's not that it wasn't enjoyable, it was, but it almost felt like we were forcing ourselves to go because we bought the passes. I didn't like scheduling my day around a show we hadn't seen, to avoid a repeat. My favorite was "Just the Rides" as was our sons. Plus, I'd much rather be outside, than inside.

 

There was a time or two that we went that a few seats were broken, and mine stopped half way through one show. Not sure if that's a regular occurence, but was a nuisance at the most.

 

The arcade was on the opposite side of the ship on deck 4, and was very easy to spend lots of money real quick without realizing it with the swipe of a card. It was set up pretty well, with typical games for kids and adults. Of course was enjoyed by the kids in our group.

 

The shopping area was larger and IMO better laid out than others we had been on. While we didn't partake in the sales, others in our group did and were happy with the prices and options. I just wish they had a better plan for the larger sales, as the crowds grow and is kind of a free for all feel... Oh well, not for me, so no big deal.

 

We did Karaoke one night, well we went to watch my wife sing. Pretty funny story, there was an elvis impersonator on board, and what's funny is that I found out when I returned, he is a good friend of mine's uncle... Elvis' son is also a Michael Jackson impersonator, and was a huge hit on the Lido Deck when the DJ played MJ. Back to karaoke, I don't know the usual selections bu I do know my wife has a few go to songs that have been on every ship, that weren't on the Carnival Breeze, so perhaps that could have been better?

 

]

 

We were wondering what the deal was with the Elvis guy. He wore that wig 24/7... I thought, wow, how uncomfortable!

[zoof26]

We were on the same cruise and are frequent carnival cruisers. I've done FTTF in the past and didn't see the need for it. We got to the port at 10am, were in group 1 and were on the ship around 11:30-11:45. Rooms were ready at 12:30. We boarded about five minutes after the FTTF folks. I think it may be good to get if you have an itinerary with tenders, but honestly, it's not really necessary. I'm not knocking it, it's nice to know that you'll be on board first, but you can save yourself the $50.

 

The steakhouse is worth the $35. Give it a try once. Fantastic food and service! Not a place for kids though, it's for grown ups....

 

We did the land and sea tour for Aruba. They take you in a modified land rover. It was great fun. Well worth the money.

 

La Cucina- go for lunch, it's free. If you really like it, you can go for dinner. Good food.

 

It was a great itinerary! Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Edited May 26, 2014 by zoof26

[sjcruiser]

Thanks for writing the review and posting the photos. I really enjoyed it!!!

[santacap]

Zoof - if memory serves me as he was at my buddy's wedding as a guest, not performer, that is his real hair.

 

Appreciate the info on Seavis, I guess my anxiety of the unknown took over, but will definitely take that into consideration.

 

I haven't ventured outside of Jacks shack in a few years, so I cant speak to the cleanliness of the island as a whole, just the walk to Jacks and back :D

 

I kept meaning to get to the Cuccina for lunch, but there was always just so many choices and being up on the Lido it was more convenient to stay there.

 

SJ - my pleasure. glad you are enjoying, Thanks for the comments

[santacap]

Staff

 

Personally, I have never had any issues and have had nothing but good things to say about 98% of the Carnival staff and this cruise was no different. The wait staff always greeted us with a smile, and did their best to accomodate requests.

 

Our favorite in the dining room was Ari, and our Steward Owen was fantastic, he made the animals fun for our son, and had some fun with his toys in the room. Definitely made the cruise that much more enjoyable.

 

The bar staff was always fast to take an order, and return if one was ordered on deck very fast. The busiest I saw was at the casino, but that's to be expected I guess.

 

Red Frog was always fairly quiet when we went and I enjoyed having conversations with the staff here regularly. Their memory was fantastic.

 

We have had Ken Byrnes as a maitre d a few times now, and he still does a very good job, not only of singing, but being a maitre d.

 

Butch, which I learned later was on his second to last voyage as a CD I thought did a much better job than our last cruise with him on the Liberty. I felt he learned the balance of speaker time vs quiet time a whole lot more. Too bad we won't get to see him again in the same role.

 

Entertainment staff always did a fantastic job as we saw them. I didn't do the trivia or anything, but any deck activities was always well led, and lively with enthusiasm from the staff.

 

 

Superhero Battle

 

 

[santacap]

Debarkation

 

We were staying at the Savoy for a few nights after the cruise, so while we had tags in zone 4 we were in no hurry to get off the ship. We left with our friends around zone 24. The lobby was fairly empty while we were leaving, and we were off in maybe 10 minutes after we left the lido deck to head to the lobby.

 

Walked the ship a bit and took some pics, but other than that it was uneventful. The border guard decided to grill my son about our names and who we were... not that he couldnt tell from the passport, so that was a mild annoyance, but whatever, it's his job so I guess he felt he was doing it properly.

 

All tolled we were through and into a cab within 30 minutes of leaving the lido deck and on our way to the Savoy our usual stop after the cruise.

 

Few more pics from in and around the ship during the cruise

 

 

Dive In night

 

 

The pool was emptied the day earlier due to an 'incident'

 

 

 

 

You dont have to go home... but you have to get the hell off the ship

 

[santacap]

Storms a brewing

 

 

Goodbye Butch

 

 

Blush

 

[santacap]

Cleaning said 'incident'

 

 

Aruba on our way to Curacao

 

 

Must have been a late night for most

 

 

Arrrr

 

 

 

[jandj1224]

Looks like you had a great trip. We will be on the Breeze in 2 weeks with our girls, 5 and 3. Glad to hear your son enjoyed the camp.

[santacap]

Looks like you had a great trip. We will be on the Breeze in 2 weeks with our girls, 5 and 3. Glad to hear your son enjoyed the camp.

 

we had a great time, and wouldnt have changed a thing... live and learn on the taxi's in La Romana but dreams was perfect for us.

 

Enjoy your cruise. They will love the staff and activities at Camp Carnival. :)

[FlyingCruiserNJ]

Grand Turk is a very dirty island covered in trash. We rented a golf cart and we drove around. We didn't feel very safe. We actually had two islanders yelling at us in their native tongue... It was very threatening. As two women alone, I wouldn't recommend it. We bumped into another couple from the ship. The lady said we were brave to drive around alone. She had her hubby with her, who was a big guy, which is why she said she felt sort of safe. I would do a carnival excursion for this stop. We did the Gibbs cay reef and rays tour in the past and liked it a lot.

 

Well I will say grand Turk is a very small island with little development and not heavily populated. I know when I went there a few years ago, that a hurricane had just devastated the place a few months prior and they were in the process of rebuilding. I went to the conch farm on a carnival excursion and it was mildly interesting but nothing special. I also did a tour of the island and while it is largely undeveloped, it does have some things we would consider modern everyday luxuries. I didn't find the island to be incredibly dirty or anything but there are definitely a few sketchy areas, as with anywhere you go. I never felt unsafe there either. I believe the US used to have an army or navy base there but it was destroyed by hurricanes and we never rebuilt it. We went past the outer fence to the place on our van ride. The best part of that place by far is the margaritaville that is right at the port and on the beach. Best margaritaville I have ever been to.

Edited May 27, 2014 by FlyingCruiserNJ

[FlyingCruiserNJ]

Thanks again for the in depth and informative review. It really was a pleasure to read and partly thanks to you, I am electing to take my fall cruise on the breeze. That ship and itinerary just sounds awesome. My trip on the ncl breakaway will just have to wait until next year.

 

It really seems like there is just too much to do on this ship. Do you really think 7 days is even enough? LOL. I really can't wait to experience this thing as it has features I have clearly never seen on carnival or any other line. It's just amazing what they are able to do with a cruise ship.

 

Again, thanks for taking the time to put this together for us. Seriously, carnival should ask you if it's ok to use some of your material in their promotions.

[botbienvn]

Not to security on the ship. They say to bring a piece of ID off with you like a license, to get back through port security and back on the ship.

 

We always, did, but were never asked to see anything more than a S&S card by port security.

 

Enjoy your cruise:)

 

Thank you very much for the info. :)

[zoof26]

Well I will say grand Turk is a very small island with little development and not heavily populated. I know when I went there a few years ago, that a hurricane had just devastated the place a few months prior and they were in the process of rebuilding. I went to the conch farm on a carnival excursion and it was mildly interesting but nothing special. I also did a tour of the island and while it is largely undeveloped, it does have some things we would consider modern everyday luxuries. I didn't find the island to be incredibly dirty or anything but there are definitely a few sketchy areas, as with anywhere you go. I never felt unsafe there either. I believe the US used to have an army or navy base there but it was destroyed by hurricanes and we never rebuilt it. We went past the outer fence to the place on our van ride. The best part of that place by far is the margaritaville that is right at the port and on the beach. Best margaritaville I have ever been to.

 

I agree margaritaville is good :)

[zoof26]

Zoof - if memory serves me as he was at my buddy's wedding as a guest, not performer, that is his real hair.

 

Appreciate the info on Seavis, I guess my anxiety of the unknown took over, but will definitely take that into consideration.

 

I was nervous about Seavis too, but my fears were unfounded.... And if that is that guys real hair, then wow! He puts more time into his than I do mine!

Great review. That was a fun week.

 

Not sure, but did you hear about the suicide attempt on our cruise? Guy got into a fight with his wife, had his kid in his arms and was going to jump off one of the higher decks with his kid. Bunch of people had to restrain him. Everyone ended up being ok. Not sure what happened with the guy.

 

Also, someone was arrested and brought off the ship, I think it was ATF? When we came back to Miami. In handcuffs. Older guy...

[santacap]

Thanks again for the in depth and informative review. It really was a pleasure to read and partly thanks to you, I am electing to take my fall cruise on the breeze. That ship and itinerary just sounds awesome. My trip on the ncl breakaway will just have to wait until next year.

 

It really seems like there is just too much to do on this ship. Do you really think 7 days is even enough? LOL. I really can't wait to experience this thing as it has features I have clearly never seen on carnival or any other line. It's just amazing what they are able to do with a cruise ship.

 

Again, thanks for taking the time to put this together for us. Seriously, carnival should ask you if it's ok to use some of your material in their promotions.

 

Wow, thanks for such kind words. Very much appreciated.

 

I looked at a 6 day on the Breeze for next year, and just couldn't do it, 8 days is the way for us. Enjoy your cruise.

 

was nervous about Seavis too, but my fears were unfounded.... And if that is that guys real hair, then wow! He puts more time into his than I do mine!

Great review. That was a fun week.

 

Not sure, but did you hear about the suicide attempt on our cruise? Guy got into a fight with his wife, had his kid in his arms and was going to jump off one of the higher decks with his kid. Bunch of people had to restrain him. Everyone ended up being ok. Not sure what happened with the guy.

 

Also, someone was arrested and brought off the ship, I think it was ATF? When we came back to Miami. In handcuffs. Older guy...

 

:eek:

 

no I didn't hear about either of those incidents, thats crazy.

 

I confirmed... definitely his real hair. Guess when you are an impersonator it takes over

[santacap]

just notice my pictures have exceeded their limits... I'll have to figure that out to fix it:mad:

[FlyingCruiserNJ]

Wow, thanks for such kind words. Very much appreciated.

 

I looked at a 6 day on the Breeze for next year, and just couldn't do it, 8 days is the way for us. Enjoy your cruise.

 

I really enjoyed your review and pictures and it has swayed me to book the Breeze for my long cruise for later this year. I was all ready to try out NCL, and Bermuda but I have changed my mind as some of the stuff on that ship and the places it goes to just seem incredible. I have done a bunch of short hops in the last year and it is time now to really do a longer, more port intensive cruise and experience some new stuff and amenities a ship like the Breeze has. Thank you for taking the time to post and share your vacation with us. Carnival could really use some of your material for promotions and ads as they show the real spirit of what a cruise vacation should be. It helped convince me to book the Breeze, it might be able to get some people who have never cruised to try it out also.

Edited June 2, 2014 by FlyingCruiserNJ

[quickrate]

Grand Turk is a very dirty island covered in trash. We rented a golf cart and we drove around. We didn't feel very safe. We actually had two islanders yelling at us in their native tongue... It was very threatening. As two women alone, I wouldn't recommend it. We bumped into another couple from the ship. The lady said we were brave to drive around alone. She had her hubby with her, who was a big guy, which is why she said she felt sort of safe. I would do a carnival excursion for this stop. We did the Gibbs cay reef and rays tour in the past and liked it a lot.

I must disagree about Grand Turk!! One of our fav stops and mainly because the people are so friendly and down to earth. We also drove around the island on a golf cart(twice), and never had an issue. Sorry you had such a bad experience as this is not typical.

Pat

[santacap]

I must disagree about Grand Turk!! One of our fav stops and mainly because the people are so friendly and down to earth. We also drove around the island on a golf cart(twice), and never had an issue. Sorry you had such a bad experience as this is not typical.

Pat

 

I'd have to agree with you from my experiences driving around, and also just walking the beach. NEver noticed any trash, above and beyond what can be seen anywhere.