Carnival Venezia 27 Jun - 5 July Cruise....

[chisox021]

 

I was on this cruise and I hope to offer some insight on what went down and how the cruise was overall...  First, this will not be a long, drawn out review - but a good cliff's notes summary.  I also work for USCBP, so I can elaborate on a few things...  First, the bad...

 

• Yes... There were multiple fights.  I was 20 feet away from the one in the Theater before the "Love and Marriage" game...  To summarize, one older gentleman took offense to someone sitting in a handicapped spot, which he as saving for his "sometimes" handicapped wife.   I say "sometimes" handicapped wife because I saw her during disembarking, and she uttered those words verbatim that she is "sometimes" handicapped... to continue...  words exchanged and the older man punched the daughter directly in the face of the other older gentleman, who was sitting in his scooter directly behind the man and then pushing and shoving ensued.  Security took what seemed forever to get there.  Once they did, the incident was over and the gameshow started....  The man who punched the woman was fined and charges pressed against him for assaulting the woman.  
• Yes…  There was full-fledged brawl with dozens of people in the limelight lounge on the last night in the early morning hours.  Just google and I'm sure you'll find the video.  My wife found it on Instagram.  As I have been told over and over, nothing good ever happens after midnight.  You can watch and form your own opinions on what and why that happened...
• There was also a fight on the 6th deck on the last night as well...  Not much more info on that
• Domestic assaults happened...  They happen everywhere and anywhere.
• Casino was gross..  And by gross, I mean the smoke was everywhere!!!!  It reminded me of the smoking lounges on the Ships I was on in the Navy..  Small area with tons of smokers.  You didn't even need to be actively playing to smoke.  I guess that's the rule, but man..  It was nasty.  I love to gamble but I couldn't stand to be in there for more than 5 mins.  But.....  They have a smoke-free area of the casino, which is quite small and better - but you can still smell the smoke there.  And on that note, you can pretty much smell the smoke everywhere around the casino on the 4th deck and close areas.  They really need a better filtration system and the casino wasn't very enjoyable...
• Deck chairs..   Good luck finding one in the pool and popular areas unless you go in the early hours and "Reserve" them.  Chair hogs are everywhere!!!!  When you have 100's of chairs for 1000’s of cruisers - do the math... it doesn't add up. 
• Long lines at every place to eat...  Especially Guys Burger Joint, the Pizza Joint and the Mexican eatery.   The buffet lines weren't as bad, but you will be in lines.  Food at all places was very good I may add!  There is also "La Strada" on the 5th deck that serves lunch from 12-2pm - on only sea days I believe, but never a line and a hidden gem on the ship!
• Grand Turk…  Ehh…  I’ve been there before and it’s ok.   Once again, not enough this or that for 1000’s of cruisers.  There were also incidents of people stealing at the duty free shops..  Again, what is wrong with people????

So, when you have too many people on a cruise, tempers will flair and bad things happen..  This stuff happens everywhere.  But this cruise was overbooked to begin with, so it was going to be much more crowded than usual and in my humble opinion, there was not enough room, not enough chairs, not enough of everything to be comfortable.  Two VERY SMALL pools and VERY limited chairs for lounging make it impossible to enjoy and relax.  If you didn’t get to popular events ahead of time, and some 30+ minutes early, you weren’t going to get a good seat – or a seat at all if you arrived just before the shows…  Again, people save multiple seats and that just adds to the frustration.

 

The good!!!!

• The Cruise Director, MarQ, was awesome.  The best CD I have ever had in my multiple cruises…  He does his best to keep the action going.  The 80’s party on the Lido deck was awesome and lots of fun!!
• Plenty of bars to get your favorite cocktail.
• MDR was very good and we ate there for bfast, brunch on seadays and dinner every night.  Always had good, prompt service.  You need to check-in on the app if you have anytime dining, but you never waited longer than 10-12 mins for a table.  
• San Juan was awesome!!!
• St. Thomas was pretty good too!
•  

So, I heard and read the discussions about the chaos on the disembarking.  Again, because of the multiple incidents that happened during the cruise, it took much longer to find and “escort” off the alleged individuals who were involved in the incidents.  Not much more to say on this, but the local and federal authorities need to do their jobs first and foremost to clear the ship before everyone can get off.  It is what it is and yes, that’s frustrating when you don’t know why it’s taking so long, but just know it’s not done to inconvenience anyone.  You’d be surprised just how many people have a “second vacation” after a cruise – if you catch my drift….  Even if you do what you’re instructed to do, it may not work in an orderly fashion and may take longer than usual. 

 

Bottom line.  Even taking all into consideration, this was one of my favorite cruises.  In the end, you’re on vacation – with 1000’s of your closest friends.  You have to keep an open mind and just understand that everything you want may not happen the way you intend it to. 

[Bound4Bermuda]

Thanks for the report! I’m 10 days out from our Venezia cruise, and I’m very nervous, namely because my 15-year-old is going to want to be off on their own making friends, and this just does not seem like a safe environment. I knew I was taking a risk trying Carnival but wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt that maybe the reputation isn’t warranted or is outdated. But this is exactly the kind of guest behavior that I was afraid of. Maybe there’s a chance that this was an especially rowdy group for the 4th of July. But if we experience a single incident like this on our sailing, I am one-and-done with Carnival and back to Royal Caribbean—and potentially any other cruiseline in the future.

[havanadaydreaming]

ive sailed a decent amount of days on Carnival and never witnessed a physical incident. That said i'm never awake after midnight (anymore).  

 

my wife and her sister witnessed one scuffle a few years ago.  they went for the "cheapest cruise they could find" and they said they got it.  

 

as a former bartender i'm never surprised when overindulging leads to drama. especially in a group setting.  

[serene56]

18 minutes ago, Bound4Bermuda said:

Thanks for the report! I’m 10 days out from our Venezia cruise, and I’m very nervous, namely because my 15-year-old is going to want to be off on their own making friends, and this just does not seem like a safe environment. I knew I was taking a risk trying Carnival but wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt that maybe the reputation isn’t warranted or is outdated. But this is exactly the kind of guest behavior that I was afraid of. Maybe there’s a chance that this was an especially rowdy group for the 4th of July. But if we experience a single incident like this on our sailing, I am one-and-done with Carnival and back to Royal Caribbean—and potentially any other cruiseline in the future.

  We have three teens and in the past I gave them free rein within a reason    I will play it by ear and see what happens.   They know if something is going down get out of there immediately.    They are not to go into cabin areas for any reason 

[chisox021]

58 minutes ago, Bound4Bermuda said:

Thanks for the report! I’m 10 days out from our Venezia cruise, and I’m very nervous, namely because my 15-year-old is going to want to be off on their own making friends, and this just does not seem like a safe environment. I knew I was taking a risk trying Carnival but wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt that maybe the reputation isn’t warranted or is outdated. But this is exactly the kind of guest behavior that I was afraid of. Maybe there’s a chance that this was an especially rowdy group for the 4th of July. But if we experience a single incident like this on our sailing, I am one-and-done with Carnival and back to Royal Caribbean—and potentially any other cruiseline in the future.

Hi..  I've also cruised on RC and NCL...  This was only my 7th cruise, but first I've seen and actually witnessed this type of behavior.  don't let the actions of a very few ruin your vacation.  This cruise was definitely not the norm, as I see post cruise reports for all NYC and Bayonne cruises, and except for the occassional issue, you'll have no issues...  But like some say, just don't put yourself into any situation that you can't control.  You'll know quickly on where those potential areas of concern are.

[Mira28]

1 hour ago, chisox021 said:

Hi..  I've also cruised on RC and NCL...  This was only my 7th cruise, but first I've seen and actually witnessed this type of behavior.  don't let the actions of a very few ruin your vacation.  This cruise was definitely not the norm, as I see post cruise reports for all NYC and Bayonne cruises, and except for the occassional issue, you'll have no issues...  But like some say, just don't put yourself into any situation that you can't control.  You'll know quickly on where those potential areas of concern are.

Yes, I agree. All but one of my cruises have been from NYC. I have never seen a fight or domestic incident. A few drunk people here or there, I suppose was the worst of it. 
Hearing all these reports is a concern.

I wonder why this ship, these cruises?

[steveknj]

4 hours ago, Bound4Bermuda said:

Thanks for the report! I’m 10 days out from our Venezia cruise, and I’m very nervous, namely because my 15-year-old is going to want to be off on their own making friends, and this just does not seem like a safe environment. I knew I was taking a risk trying Carnival but wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt that maybe the reputation isn’t warranted or is outdated. But this is exactly the kind of guest behavior that I was afraid of. Maybe there’s a chance that this was an especially rowdy group for the 4th of July. But if we experience a single incident like this on our sailing, I am one-and-done with Carnival and back to Royal Caribbean—and potentially any other cruiseline in the future.

 

Fights can happen on any cruise.  We were on a half empty cruise last spring on the NCL Getaway and my son was in one of the lounges where they have a rock band and toward the end of the show some drunk started a fight with another drunk right in front of him.   He managed to avoid getting involved but the point is, people, and too much alcohol are going to lead to things like this.   One problem with cruises (to me) is these unlimited drink packages, which make it WAY too easy for people to drink too much.  If you have to pay for each drink, you might think twice about over indulging, but if you buy a package, and even the more conservative packages have something like a 15 drink limit per day, you are just going to keep drinking.  There's a reason why they cut off drink sales at ballparks, they don't want drunken brawls.   So, you want to get rid of fights?  Stop "feeding" drunk people more alcohol.

[NYMama]

Thank you for your report.  I have adjusted the expectations of my Venezia cruise.  I am very lucky that my kids prefer to hang out with me instead of being on their own and we retire to the cabin prior to midnight.  I hope that will keep us away from any potential unsafe situations.  We were on a completely full (beyond double occupancy) cruise in February and still had an amazing time.  I fully expect lines and waits for food, drinks, events.  I also know that we will most likely have to find seating away from the pool areas, which is our preference anyway.  My only concern about the cruise at this point is the safety of me and my children.

[TravelE]

Thanks for your honest report. Maybe this ship is not a good match for the New York market.

 

I also found the smoke to be pretty bad in the casino and also near the theater because the public smoking area was nearby on Deck 5 and the crew use Deck 4 to smoke. 

[kingston13]

18 minutes ago, NYMama said:

Thank you for your report.  I have adjusted the expectations of my Venezia cruise.  I am very lucky that my kids prefer to hang out with me instead of being on their own and we retire to the cabin prior to midnight.  I hope that will keep us away from any potential unsafe situations.  We were on a completely full (beyond double occupancy) cruise in February and still had an amazing time.  I fully expect lines and waits for food, drinks, events.  I also know that we will most likely have to find seating away from the pool areas, which is our preference anyway.  My only concern about the cruise at this point is the safety of me and my children.

I was on the ship and had zero problems. Like you, I am in my cabin before midnight. I had a great time and enjoyed the ship

[NYMama]

4 minutes ago, kingston13 said:

I was on the ship and had zero problems. Like you, I am in my cabin before midnight. I had a great time and enjoyed the ship

I am glad that you enjoyed your vacation.  I booked Venezia, because the layout and aesthetics of the ship are appealing to me, and I really liked the ports of call. 

[Crusin Karen]

Was on 6/19-6/27. Casino was terribly smoky. Only other gripe is YTD. I’d reserve on the app and gven 20-30 minute wait. After an hour it would change to 10-20 minutes for 45 minutes. It was horrible. 

[Haljo1935]

1 hour ago, Crusin Karen said:

Was on 6/19-6/27. Casino was terribly smoky. Only other gripe is YTD. I’d reserve on the app and gven 20-30 minute wait. After an hour it would change to 10-20 minutes for 45 minutes. It was horrible. 

Thanks and ugh. We changed to 815 late dining in hopes of avoiding this, but didn't really want that late. Knowing it might be at least then or later anyway w/YTD figured at least we'd (hopefully) be guaranteed to get in at "that" time.

[UsedtoBeKati]

On 7/7/2023 at 7:49 AM, chisox021 said:

 

I was on this cruise and I hope to offer some insight on what went down and how the cruise was overall...  First, this will not be a long, drawn out review - but a good cliff's notes summary.  I also work for USCBP, so I can elaborate on a few things...  First, the bad...

 

• Yes... There were multiple fights.  I was 20 feet away from the one in the Theater before the "Love and Marriage" game...  To summarize, one older gentleman took offense to someone sitting in a handicapped spot, which he as saving for his "sometimes" handicapped wife.   I say "sometimes" handicapped wife because I saw her during disembarking, and she uttered those words verbatim that she is "sometimes" handicapped... to continue...  words exchanged and the older man punched the daughter directly in the face of the other older gentleman, who was sitting in his scooter directly behind the man and then pushing and shoving ensued.  Security took what seemed forever to get there.  Once they did, the incident was over and the gameshow started....  The man who punched the woman was fined and charges pressed against him for assaulting the woman.  
• Yes…  There was full-fledged brawl with dozens of people in the limelight lounge on the last night in the early morning hours.  Just google and I'm sure you'll find the video.  My wife found it on Instagram.  As I have been told over and over, nothing good ever happens after midnight.  You can watch and form your own opinions on what and why that happened...
• There was also a fight on the 6th deck on the last night as well...  Not much more info on that
• Domestic assaults happened...  They happen everywhere and anywhere.
• Casino was gross..  And by gross, I mean the smoke was everywhere!!!!  It reminded me of the smoking lounges on the Ships I was on in the Navy..  Small area with tons of smokers.  You didn't even need to be actively playing to smoke.  I guess that's the rule, but man..  It was nasty.  I love to gamble but I couldn't stand to be in there for more than 5 mins.  But.....  They have a smoke-free area of the casino, which is quite small and better - but you can still smell the smoke there.  And on that note, you can pretty much smell the smoke everywhere around the casino on the 4th deck and close areas.  They really need a better filtration system and the casino wasn't very enjoyable...
• Deck chairs..   Good luck finding one in the pool and popular areas unless you go in the early hours and "Reserve" them.  Chair hogs are everywhere!!!!  When you have 100's of chairs for 1000’s of cruisers - do the math... it doesn't add up. 
• Long lines at every place to eat...  Especially Guys Burger Joint, the Pizza Joint and the Mexican eatery.   The buffet lines weren't as bad, but you will be in lines.  Food at all places was very good I may add!  There is also "La Strada" on the 5th deck that serves lunch from 12-2pm - on only sea days I believe, but never a line and a hidden gem on the ship!
• Grand Turk…  Ehh…  I’ve been there before and it’s ok.   Once again, not enough this or that for 1000’s of cruisers.  There were also incidents of people stealing at the duty free shops..  Again, what is wrong with people????

So, when you have too many people on a cruise, tempers will flair and bad things happen..  This stuff happens everywhere.  But this cruise was overbooked to begin with, so it was going to be much more crowded than usual and in my humble opinion, there was not enough room, not enough chairs, not enough of everything to be comfortable.  Two VERY SMALL pools and VERY limited chairs for lounging make it impossible to enjoy and relax.  If you didn’t get to popular events ahead of time, and some 30+ minutes early, you weren’t going to get a good seat – or a seat at all if you arrived just before the shows…  Again, people save multiple seats and that just adds to the frustration.

 

The good!!!!

• The Cruise Director, MarQ, was awesome.  The best CD I have ever had in my multiple cruises…  He does his best to keep the action going.  The 80’s party on the Lido deck was awesome and lots of fun!!
• Plenty of bars to get your favorite cocktail.
• MDR was very good and we ate there for bfast, brunch on seadays and dinner every night.  Always had good, prompt service.  You need to check-in on the app if you have anytime dining, but you never waited longer than 10-12 mins for a table.  
• San Juan was awesome!!!
• St. Thomas was pretty good too!
•  

So, I heard and read the discussions about the chaos on the disembarking.  Again, because of the multiple incidents that happened during the cruise, it took much longer to find and “escort” off the alleged individuals who were involved in the incidents.  Not much more to say on this, but the local and federal authorities need to do their jobs first and foremost to clear the ship before everyone can get off.  It is what it is and yes, that’s frustrating when you don’t know why it’s taking so long, but just know it’s not done to inconvenience anyone.  You’d be surprised just how many people have a “second vacation” after a cruise – if you catch my drift….  Even if you do what you’re instructed to do, it may not work in an orderly fashion and may take longer than usual. 

 

Bottom line.  Even taking all into consideration, this was one of my favorite cruises.  In the end, you’re on vacation – with 1000’s of your closest friends.  You have to keep an open mind and just understand that everything you want may not happen the way you intend it to. 

Can you tell me more about your experience at Grand Turk? Was it overcrowded? I've heard overall good things but want to be prepared for everything.

Edited July 9, 2023 by UsedtoBeKati

[Haljo1935]

11 minutes ago, UsedtoBeKati said:

Can you tell me more about your experience at Grand Turk? Was it overcrowded? I've heard overall good things but want to be prepared for everything.

Hey @UsedtoBeKati we have enjoyed Grand Turk - it's pretty, nice beaches, very laid-back; if  you're there very early AM you'll likely find most places still closed.

You will not be attacked by locals hawking souvenirs. 

We have toured the island to get a feel for what it's like then go enjoy the beach or whale watching. Golf cart rental is a good way to get around on your own.

The donkeys do have free run and there are a LOT of stray dogs.

Edited July 9, 2023 by Haljo1935
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[Saint Greg]

4 hours ago, Haljo1935 said:

 

You will not be attacked by locals hawking souvenirs. 

 

Just drugs.

 

[crazyank]

On 7/7/2023 at 6:54 PM, steveknj said:

One problem with cruises (to me) is these unlimited drink packages, which make it WAY too easy for people to drink too much.  If you have to pay for each drink, you might think twice about over indulging, but if you buy a package, and even the more conservative packages have something like a 15 drink limit per day, you are just going to keep drinking. 

So your idea is to cut off even those who drink responsibly if they have a drink package? 

Edited July 9, 2023 by crazyank

[Mr305]

The trick to Grand Turk is to head to Jack’s Shack or just passed it on the beach.  It will be sandy and free of rocks, plus you are away from the crowds.  If you hang a right, there’s a smaller beach but very rocky.  However, it’s peaceful and you’ll find a cruise center bar with food.  Whatever you do, stay away from Margaritaville, tourist trap and packed with people.  Outside of the cruise center, there’s not much to do or see.

Edited July 9, 2023 by Mr305

[peteandpris]

Thank you for your review.

 

[HappySails4U]

Thank you for posting about your experience  This is concerning since there have already been multiple reports of fights on other Venezia cruises.  We are booked on the Venezia in September sailing in Canada  and hoping that the crowd will be a bit more tame than the usual fun + sun cruises !!

 

Just looking forward to a relaxing vacation without all the drama !!  

 

 

 

 

[Haljo1935]

11 hours ago, Saint Greg said:

Just drugs.

 

In Turks?

[Saint Greg]

4 minutes ago, Haljo1935 said:

In Turks?

Yeah actually Grand Turk and St. Kitts in February. In grad Turk I was walking up to the outside bar by the beach at Margaritaville and a guy walked up to me and asked if I needed anything. I thought it was a server trying to steal my business before I got to the bar. I told him I’m gonna get a beer. He said you don’t want any party favors? I asked very loudly if he was trying to sell me drugs at Margaritaville. He left very fast.

 

In St. Kitts it’s this guy with the snake right in the port area. He offered me everything. That’s probably what he’s asking this guy about.

 

 

 

[ObstructedView2]

1 minute ago, Saint Greg said:

In St. Kitts it’s this guy with the snake right in the port area. He offered me everything. That’s probably what he’s asking this guy about.

 

 

 

@Saint Greg🙂

 

When we travel to St Kitts I'm more concerned about distractions & the monkeys that are trained to pick-pockets😉🐒

 

 

 

 

 

🍹

[Haljo1935]

10 minutes ago, ObstructedView2 said:

 

@Saint Greg🙂

 

When we travel to St Kitts I'm more concerned about distractions & the monkeys that are trained to pick-pockets😉🐒

 

 

 

 

 

🍹

Not been to St Kitts - and now striking it off the list. Thanks!

Are the lizards also trained to pick pocket? You know, like the ones they put on your head in Cabo/Mazatlan/PV (don't remember which of the 3 so listing them all) to get you to pay for taking a picture? If do, thanks again for me removing another port from my list.

[Saint Greg]

13 minutes ago, ObstructedView2 said:

 

@Saint Greg🙂

 

When we travel to St Kitts I'm more concerned about distractions & the monkeys that are trained to pick-pockets😉🐒

 

 

 

 

 

🍹

Now that you mention it, it’s a monkey that guy has..not a snake.