First of all, the Mardi Gras ship is massive! As a four-time cruiser, I was blown away by its size and all it had to offer. It exceeded all expectations. Here are some tips to make the most of your trip:
Stay in the Spa Room: For the first time ever, I stayed in a spa room, and it was absolutely magical. You get priority for massages and any spa services. There’s even a hidden elevator that goes directly to your level for all the spa cloud attendees. You get to enjoy those amenities for free, including a jacuzzi that always had a spot available for my husband and me. The towels are gargantuan, and the robes are so luxurious that I need to invest in one. With the crowdedness when getting off the ship for docking, this was a great place to skip the line and head down to the floor. This is an upgrade you must try, especially on Carnival’s newest ship, the Mardi Gras. Join a Facebook Group: Don’t miss out on anything. Get to know people, learn about excursions, hidden gems on the ship, upcoming theater shows, and how to navigate the mobile app. Pay Attention to the Packing List: With a seven-day itinerary, you don’t want to run out of clothes. The Mardi Gras ship is different from the shorter cruises, so be prepared to look fabulous the entire trip. Don’t Miss the Mardi Gras Parade: It’s a magnificent experience. You’ll love cheering on the king and queen, laughing, and enjoying the spectacle. Enjoy the Delicious Food: The menus in the restaurants are amazing. I discovered a late-night snack spot on the Mardi Gras—at 11 PM, they serve macaroni and cheese and BBQ sandwiches at the Pig & Anchor Smokehouse. It’s a hidden gem right by the ice cream shop, past where you buy alcohol. Delicious, 10 out of 10. Get a Balcony Room: Seriously, get a balcony. It’s worth every penny. You get to see beautiful views without running up and down the ship. It’s an amazing experience and provides the perfect backdrop for photos. Be Prepared for Crowds: The ship is huge, but with over 5,000 passengers and crew, it can get crowded. Be kind and patient with the staff—they are doing their best and are some of the nicest people. Enjoy the Shows and Activities: Don’t miss the shows, the fun dance events, and hanging out on the deck. Go for the free massage testers, smile, connect with others, and truly experience everything the cruise has to offer. Explore Amber Cove: Our itinerary included Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic. It was beyond our wildest dreams. Because of our amazing experience on the cruise, we decided to visit the island directly, and it was magnificent. Have Fun and Be Adventurous: Experience the fun, thrill, and joy of the cruise. Don’t be like me and skip the roller coaster ride—give it a try!
A Carnival cruise ship is unlike any other, and you’re paying for an experience. So, make the most of it, and have a fantastic time!
Lovely Is YOUR Story acknowledges your exceptional service. Keep...
   Read moreMy experience at the Norwegian Cruise Lines terminal in Port Canaveral, Florida, was nothing short of exceptional, setting a high standard for the start of a cruise vacation. This state-of-the-art facility managed to exceed my expectations from the moment I arrived, providing a seamless and enjoyable embarkation process that highlighted the efficiency and customer-focused approach of Norwegian Cruise Line.
Firstly, the terminal's design and layout were impressive, offering a spacious and well-organized environment that facilitated a smooth flow of passengers. The modern architecture not only provided a visually appealing setting but also featured comfortable waiting areas equipped with ample seating and amenities to ensure passengers could relax before boarding their ship.
The staff at the terminal were a standout aspect of my experience. Each member of the team was professional, friendly, and incredibly helpful, demonstrating a genuine commitment to ensuring a positive experience for every guest. Their efficiency and organized approach to handling the check-in process made for a stress-free start to the cruise, allowing passengers to quickly and easily complete necessary procedures and start enjoying their vacation sooner.
Moreover, the terminal's location in Port Canaveral is notably convenient. Its proximity to nearby airports, along with easy access to parking and ground transportation options, makes it an ideal point of departure for cruising. The picturesque setting by the water, with views of the ships and the surrounding area, added an extra layer of excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead.
The amenities and services provided within the terminal were also commendable. From clean and well-maintained restrooms to a variety of food and beverage options, the facilities ensured that passengers' needs were met with a high level of care and quality. The presence of helpful signage and information desks further enhanced the experience, offering guidance and support to those navigating the terminal.
In conclusion, the Norwegian Cruise Lines terminal in Port Canaveral, Florida, delivers an outstanding start to a cruise vacation. The combination of a well-designed facility, exceptional staff, convenient location, and thoughtful amenities creates a welcoming and efficient environment that reflects the quality and enjoyment of the cruise experience to come. My visit to the terminal was a highlight in itself, and I would highly recommend Norwegian Cruise Line and their Port Canaveral terminal to anyone looking for a smooth and enjoyable...
   Read moreAwful port with awful service. Been at this port twice and had issues both times. Security people here are NASTY BE WARNED. Even airport customs officers don't compare at how rude and awful the security here is.
First time we had liquor stolen from our bags. The attendants took our luggage to bring up to the room. We didn't want to but they pressured us. When I told them we only had a few bucks to tip them the two attendants looked disgusted and didn't say anything to us. But we could tell. Anyways our bad for not having enough for tipping but we did with what we had at the time. We were compensated by the cruise line within 24 hrs which alleviated the situation but left a sour taste. This was in Dec 2023.
Literally just checked in to another cruise today (May 4 2024) and had another bout of terrible check in. One security officer let some of our group into priority but not the rest of us. So we were splitting up, with children, some people had some documents, and instead of letting us all together they just kept yelling at us. When I tried to explain to the officer that we were a party, he yelled at us to keep moving and that they had priority boarding and we didn't. I know for a fact none of us had priority boarding. They didn't care. Some people that were sharing staterooms were split up and it was a mess.
Don't even get me started with the rude lady that was doing the screening.
Anyways awful awful workers here. It would do good for the cruise lines operating from this port to switch whatever 3rd party security services they use here, Allied Security or something.
Pro tip #1 Don't leave important belongings in checked in bags, if you do make sure to tip the attendants well or who knows who could be filtering through your bag
#2 Don't talk to security at all, and attach all your members together with rope so they understand that you are together.
#3 Avoid doing cruises out of this port.
Awful...
   Read more