Extended Family Vacation by
Steven M from Plano, TX
Sailing date: Aug 2010 Pros:
Food got better and better each evening!
Cons:
The attention given to the teens in our group
This was not our first cruise but it was the first time on a Carnival ship. We sailed the Ecstacy out of Galveston after a five hour drive from Plano in the morning. We chose the 5 day cruise to Progresso and Cozumel and were not at the least dissapointed.
There was family drama that did happn but the staff at Carnival did a fantastic job going beyond the call.
I know this is a review about the ship but I would like to celebrate and recognize the outstanding staff on the Ecstacy.
My wife and two kids were joined on the cruise by my mother and father and my brother Jeff. My parents have cruised several times with different liners but it was the first for my Jeff.The evening of the "formal" night, we had such a great time dressing up and eating all the fancy food. It was a once in a lifetime memorable event for my brother but that is when it ended. The next morning we were all to meet on the Lido deck for breakfast but Jeff was no where to be found. We checked his stateroom and all the venues that he had talked about but to no avail so we continued our plans of shopping in Progresso and found Jeff under a tree in the market shopping area outside of the duty free shops. He was a bit disoriented and dizzy but still in good spirits. My parents took him back to the ship as he couldn't walk without falling. Upon arriving back to the ship and a quick lunch, my mother arranged for the ship doctor to give Jeff a lookover. Jeff has a history of brain tumors but nothing with these symptoms. The doctor expedited the removal of my brother and parents off the ship because what was ailing him was beyond the doctors or ship's resources or means.
The accolades of the service given by the staff of the Ecstasy come as a result of a few employees at the quest service counter. Barbara and her staff did well to recognize myself and my family every time we approached the counter in order to contact the hospital or hotel where my brother and parnets were. They would pull me out oof a long line to move me to a phone where I could call my fmaily and check the status of Jeff's health. I felt the care and concern that they showed and it wasn't just lip service of fake sympathy, I feel they genuinely cared about my family.
My brother is doing well now back in the states. He is not sure if he wants to cruise again but we will try to get him back on board after her fully recovers.
I appreciate the opportunity to share this with you.
Sincerely
Steven J McKimmey
Ship Quality The ship really looks good for her age as well as all the amenities we up to date.
Dining/Food Food was plentiful,full of flavor and good variety.
Stateroom Quality Stateroom comfortable enough but who wants to stay in the room when there's so much to do and eat on the rest of the ship.
Ship Staff Quality Good job Crew.
Entertainment & Activities Need to have more direction and variety for the teens.
Children's Programs see above.
Collapse List of Ports
Cozumel, Mexico the shopping and eating in Cozumel weemed very comericalized. not very rustic or authentic. Go outside the mall and you'll see a different Mexico.
Don't Miss: Fury Catamaran. Not only was this this best and most organized activity on the entire cruise, malin the photography gave us the best photos for the money as well.
Progreso (Merida), Mexico Better shopping/ hagglin prieces in Progresso than Cozumel.
Don't Miss: Everyone need to take the double decker tour bus ride. Only a coupleor three bucks and it will show you what else there is to see/do in Progesso. Where to shop and eat.
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A great family cruise by
Alicia P from Waco, tx
Sailing date: Jul 2010 Pros:
The ship was very clean, staff was very friendly, and very family oriented.
Cons:
Long, long lines to embark and disembark the ship!!!
My family and I had a great time on the Ecstasy. This was our first time.
The kids had a great time on the waterslides. They were amazing! Ping
pong, and miniature golf were also some favorite activities. The shows
were great. The food was good. We really enjoyed every aspect of
our trip.
Dining/Food The food was good. Plenty of food available at all times of day
and night.
Stateroom Quality The rooms are tiny, but in good condition and very clean.
Ship Staff Quality Amazing staff!
Entertainment & Activities
Children's Programs The camps for kids were great. The only problem was that the
youngest group was 2-5 year olds. My 5 year old was not thrilled
to do the same activities as a 2 year old.
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Greatest family vacation! by
Maria C from Houston, TX
Sailing date: Jun 2010 Pros:
The friendly staff
Cons:
scheduled times for youth activities
We had booked a Norwegian Alaskan cruise ten years ago for our honeymoon, and we wanted to celebrate our ten year wedding anniversary by going on another cruise. We didn't want to leave our 7 yr old son behind due to our sail date being his first day of summer break. We booked a family vacation on Carnival and headed to Cozumel to celebrate our ten year wedding anniversary as a family. We were hesitant not knowing if a cruise was the best choice for a 7 yr old, but once we embarked our worries were over. The Carnival staff/housekeeping, already knew our family by name from DAY ONE! Our son said he felt very popular on the ship because everyone knew his name. He also enjoyed receiving a new towel animal each evening before bedtime. My husband and I emjoyed our special evening alone as husband and wife with thanks to Camp Carnival! My son made new friends and enjoyed all the activities. We enjoyed the friendly staff and the safety environment knowing we could still enjoy some alone time during our special day. If you asked my son what his favorite part of the cruise would be, he would say The Twister hands down!! The Twister is the large water slide that was very popular for ALL! We also enjoyed all the meal options and varieties at any time of the day. The free room service option was also a life saver for days we just wanted to relax and have lunch in our cabin. We couldn't have asked for a better family vacation.
Thanks Carnival and THANK YOU Cruises.com for the simplicity in booking through you!!
Ship Quality A smaller ship but the upkeep was outstanding! Very clean.
Dining/Food
Stateroom Quality Loved our cabin housekeeper!
Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & Activities
Children's Programs Wished laser tag was earlier than 10:30pm, but we did attend on the last evening and let our 7 yr old stay up until midnight.
Collapse List of Ports
Cozumel, Mexico I highly recommend the Isla Twister!!! It's a speed boat that literally does a 360 turn and you get soaked!! We worried it would scare our 7 yr old, but he enjoyed it! I recommend for children to wear goggles to keep the salt water out of their eyes. The island was beautiful with so much to do! Relax in a hammock, jump on a huge water trampolene, go kayaking, free mexican buffet and open bar. THere are 4 souvenir shops, but I would have liked to have had time to shop in Cozumel. The family time was more important to me though, and this island had it all!
Don't Miss: Isla Twister
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Fantastic Cruise! by
Lucia M. from Los Fresnos, TX
Sailing date: May 2010 Pros:
Embarkation was very efficient; everyone we came in contact with on the ship were extremely helpful and friendly. Always treated us with respect and a smile. The food and the service was excellent and the activities were great.; lots to do and lots to shop. Great food.
Cons:
Not enough slow dancing music and easy listening. Everywhere we went there was loud music which is fine for a while, but not for dancing.
This was my first cruise and I have nothing to compare with but my experience on your ship was absolutely wonderful. I thought the stateroom would be very small, but there was plenty of room for two people and getting the oceanview stateroom was the best decision. The difference in the price is worth it and minimal. The Blue Saphire Room, the dining rooms, the Lido Deck, the Starlite, Chinatown, Neon Bar and Stripes were all great. We enjoyed several nights at the Neon Bar and it was wonderful listening to some of the old songs. It is such a large ship that it's difficult to imagine everything that goes on during the day and night. I would gladly go on this ship on another cruise.
Ship Quality
Dining/Food Service, food, waiters and restaurant was perfect. The variety of food was very nice.
Stateroom Quality The stateroom was always clean and I was very comfortable. Slept like a baby every night. I found it to be extremely quiet considering the walls have to be very thin.
Ship Staff Quality The staff was always very friendly, courteous and never said "no". Mr. Molina the gentleman that took care of our stateroom was extremely nice and kept our room clean all the time. Marco, the young man that took our drink orders always had a smile and would greet us anywhere he saw us. Made us feel especial. Edwin, our waiter at the 6 p.m. seating was so nice and friendly and took excellent care of us anytime we dined with him.
Entertainment & Activities This was excellent. Every show i saw was as good or better than Vegas entertainment. These young people work very hard and are very talented.
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Cozumel, Mexico I enjoyed this port. Did some shopping at Puerta Maya stores and had lunch there. We were unable to go to downtown because we ran out of time. Wish we could've spent another day there.
Progreso (Merida), Mexico I found this stop a bit boring. There is not much to see unless you go to the ruins or the beach and I don't do either of those, but that is not the ship's fault; that is my problem. I took the opportunity to return to the ship and go lose money at the Casino, but had lots of fun doing it.
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Mexican Cruise by
A Traveler from Wisconson
Sailing date: Apr 2010 Pros:
The ports of call were wonderful
Cons:
The fog at this port seems to be a problem
The ship was very nice and clean. It had the basics that we have experienced on other Carnival cruise ships. I wish they had more outside activities for kids to do though (basketball hoop). Overall very nice.
Ship Quality
Dining/Food The food is always the same. Good to have the 24 hour pizza.
Stateroom Quality The beds are excellent. We sleep better on the ship than any other place we have ever stayed.
Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & Activities Some of the shows are a bit "risky" viewing especially with kids. I wish they put on a "more clothed" show for the early one for families.
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Great Fun For The Kids by
A Traveler from OKC,OK
Sailing date: Feb 2010 Pros:
We brought our children, 16,10, and 6. They loved the different clubs and meeting other kids.
Cons:
Our land tour was cancelled because of the weather and we were not able to book another tour because we found out about it too late.
This is our second cruise, but our first to take the kids. Carnival was an excellent choice,especially for the children. They had a blast. My son, 16, loved the o2 club and meeting other kids his age. My youngest girl, 6, loved all the activities and crafts in the kids camp. And most of all it was FREE!! The teachers at the camp were wonderful and handled the children very well. We enjoyed the food and the shows. I won a piece of art at one of the art auctions and my husband won some money at bingo. All the staff was courteous and friendly.
When we came back to the cabin at night our rooms were spotless and we always had a "surprise" waiting for us when we got back. The kids got a real "kick" out of it all.We all can't wait to take the next cruise!!!!
Ship Quality
Dining/Food
Stateroom Quality
Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & Activities
Children's Programs
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An OK Cruise by
A Traveler from Gainesville, TX
Sailing date: Feb 2010 Pros:
The Shows were fabulous
Cons:
The Food
The Cruise was just OK. The food was in the dining room for dinner was too seasoned. The beef was never appetizing in looks or taste. The Chateaubriand was a laugh. It was two pieces of pot roast (couldn't cut it) staning a bed of something. Did not like the tossed green salads. They consisted of the Eurpoean greens, not Ice Berg. The Players Card we had to use gamble with was a nuisance. Half the time the Pin # wouldn't work. The smoke in the Casino was terrible. We couldn't change the A/C without getting on a bench because the On/Off switch is located in the ceiling. If my husband hadn't been with me, it would have been necessary to call a Steward to change it.
Ship Quality
Dining/Food
Stateroom Quality
Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & Activities The shows were wonderful. Steve was great.
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Overall, okay. by
A Traveler from Houston, TX
Sailing date: Nov 2009 Pros:
Food, activities
Cons:
Standing in long lines to get on the ship(for hours). Standing in along line on the stairs to get off the ship at Cozumel. Standing in long lines to disembark in Galveston. I don't like being treated like cattle. I don't think I'll cruise with Carnival again. Life is too short.
Lines, lines, lines! MOO!
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GLAD TO BE HOME by
K Cullum from Galveston TX
Sailing date: Nov 2009 Pros:
ROOM WAS OK-service was not
Cons:
WEATHER
The weather was horrible. Could not get any info regarding the weather. Not enough to do on ship. Getting off the ship was very disorginized and delayed over 2 hours. Food was ok. Can get alot better a home.
I will never go on this ship again and I may not ever take a cruise again. At least not for along time!!!!!!
Ship Quality
Dining/Food
Stateroom Quality Had to pay for balcony room.
Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & Activities
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excellent cruise! by
A Traveler from Elsa, Texas
Sailing date: Aug 2009 Pros:
there were so many activities and we enjoyed all of them.
Cons:
The water had a funny taste to it, even the tea..... we had to buy our own bottled water, but I did not mind that!!!!
We were impressed with everything, it was so organized. My friends had never been on a cruise, and they were delighted with the way everything was done. Like I have mentioned before, the water(drinking) was terrible, we did not mind purchasing bottled water.
Thanks for everything and we will definitly book another cruise soon!!!
Ship Quality
Dining/Food
Stateroom Quality
Ship Staff Quality
Entertainment & Activities
Collapse List of Ports
Cozumel, Mexico everybody should go snorkling, it is a must!!
Don't Miss: I missed going to the Forum Shops, I will get more info on that next time.
Progreso (Merida), Mexico Not enough time to shop!!!!!! lol
Don't Miss: the mayan ruins
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