Breeze Jan 12-18 2014 review

[psbfan01]

Just back from the Breeze Jan 12-18 six-day Western.

This was our fifth Carnival cruise, and second time on the Breeze (Jan 2013). We are a family of five, and also travelling with another family of three.

 

I'll keep this very short.

 

For no particular reason, I was prepared for this cruise to disappoint vs. last year. It may be from reading hundreds of posts on Cruise Critic, or just from my personal Carnival experiences - I don't know, but I was prepared for a decline. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised.

Now, we've enjoyed all of our Carnival cruises, but I can honestly say that this time on the Breeze, we (all) noticed an improvement in MDR food, and overall service.

 

Both families did FTTF. The quick boarding was awesome! I would pay $50 for that alone. We arrived at port around 10:45, checked in and cards in hand by 11, and on the ship around 11:15. Best experience ever - and stress-free. Both our rooms were not 100% ready (still needed to be vacuumed), but that didn't bother us too much. Our luggage arrived pretty quickly, but our friends' took a while. They were not happy, and ultimately received their $50 back. I would 100% do this again. Boarding and VIP guest services line is worth it alone.

 

Quick summary on the basics:

Our first time doing YTD, and it was an awesome experience. Arrived daily between 6 and 7 and never waited even a minute for a table for 8. Will never do assigned time again. Loved it.

 

MDR food was the same as usual, but was prepared quite well. Everyone in our party was more than happy. I won't go into the food topic too much. We all know that you cannot get 5-star quality at Carnival prices, but I do think they do a good job with what they're given. Everyone enjoyed every meal. I'm curious to experience the new dining next year, as I think it's a smart move in the right direction.

 

We had a great experience at Cucina Del Capitano. We went last year, and although the food was good, the staff ruined the experience. This time, we had great service - including the ever-elusive Eastern Bloc smiles! Food was very good, and everyone enjoyed. I wish we had done this more than one night. It was great.

 

Never (thankfully) did the buffet. In my opinion, the food is pretty gross, and standing in line with buffet people just makes it worse. I was so happy to avoid it this cruise.

 

Got to try Fat Jimmy's C-Side BBQ, and the food was great. Worth waiting in a bit of a line.

 

Wanted to do the steakhouse as we always do, but could not get a reservation - even with FTTF priority booking. That was a disappointment, but my own fault for not booking prior to the cruise.

 

Did MDR for every breakfast (and sea day brunch), and it was the usual experience. Food is ok; service is ok; but as expected, and we were not disappointed.

 

Had (only) one Guy's burgers, but loved it as always. Not exactly sure how I had only one.

 

Did Bonsai Sushi once, and as last year, really liked it. One downside is it really highlights the crap-quality sushi they serve in the MDR. Bonsai is worth the minimal fee.

 

Other members of our party had pizza, and were pleased with it. I still think they need to find a way to make pizza service quicker.

 

My biggest beef with Carnival is the cuts they've made to entertainment. It's been said a million times here, but it really has declined. We didn't even bother with the Playlist Production shows this time, because, well.....why bother. We did see the fly-on comedy juggler (the Evolution of Edge), and I think that was one of the best shows I've seen on a cruise ship. Awesome show. Carnival needs much more of that.

The Ocean plaza band (Rhythm Nation) was quite good, but the ship needs at least one or two more of these. I really, really miss the old shows, and especially the show band.....but, oh well.

 

Our biggest disappointment was that the Thrill Theater was out of order for the entire cruise. This was something that our kids were really looking forward to, so it was hard to see them disappointed every day, when we passed the theater so see if it had been fixed yet. I understand that these things happen, but it just sucked a bit. Kids got over it though.

 

So many good things about this ship, and so much to do. Our kids loved that WaterWorks as usual.

 

We stopped in Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

In Ocho Rios, we stopped a some shops before heading for the beach near the port, which also was the location of Margaritaville. I'd be happy never to return to this port again. The beach was ugly, and dealing with the pushy "beach walkers" and watching them get arrested, did not make for a relaxing time. The whole place seemed kind of gross. I do realize that we only saw a small part, and I'm sure there are great spots, and great things to do, but I'm just commenting on my personal experience.

 

No plans in Grand Cayman, so we walked for a bit. It started to rain, so we took shelter at Margaritaville. Had some fun, and headed back to the ship.

 

In Cozumel we did Nachi Cocom for the second time, and had a great day. Beautiful and relaxing place, with strong drinks and great food.

 

Getting on and off the ship was easy. I'm always amazed at how simple and organized this is. I think it's easier to get 4000 people on and off a cruise ship, than it is to get 200 people on and off an airplane.

 

Overall, this was an amazing trip, and very possibly our best Carnival experience yet. Already looking at booking the Breeze again in 2015!

 

Any specific questions just ask.

So much food on the Breeze, it's next to impossible to do it all.

 

My sister and I were on this cruise and mingled with you guys at Nachi Cocom! I remember a very vivacious woman named Felicia, maybe this is you?! Good review. We didnt care for Ocho Rios that much either. I'd recommend Roatan, Honduras and would like to visit Belize someday too.

 

I wrote up a review too but I think I will post it in the other area, not on the boards, it might be too provocative!

[hihosilvers]

My sister and I were on this cruise and mingled with you guys at Nachi Cocom! I remember a very vivacious woman named Felicia, maybe this is you?! Good review. We didnt care for Ocho Rios that much either. I'd recommend Roatan, Honduras and would like to visit Belize someday too.

 

I wrote up a review too but I think I will post it in the other area, not on the boards, it might be too provocative!

 

Yes, that was us. The vivacious Felicia is my wife. Great time at Nachi Cocum. Would do that again and again. Although the end of the day is a little foggy :)