triumph review 8/26-9/2/06

[thelemalove93]

I really don't know where to begin, other than saying that I was HIGHLY dissapointed in the Triumph, and Carnival. Let me start with booking. I booked my cruise through Carnival, and had nothing but problems. My vacation specialist changed 3 times, and they were unable to answer simple questions such as where does the boat leave from, what time do I need to be at the boat at, when will I get my room assignment (I booked guarantee). I asked for a supervisor and got put in a 2 hour phone que. They gave me an upgrade for a cheaper price and a bottle of champagne, but that was about it. Really a bad way to start off.

 

Getting on the ship was fine, but I was really disspointed with the food on the buffet. It was greasy, the lines were long, and the milk was spoiled. I also had been told that there would be fruit punch....they were out and this remained for most of the cruise. The Lemonade was watered down as well most of the time. The deli was good, and I stuck with that on most days. The deserts that weren't supposed to be cold were good, but things like cheesecake were WARM.

 

As far as dining overall, lunch in the dining room was a disaster. It took over an hour to get our food, and the servers were rude. Also, for breakfast my husband asked for eggs over hard and he was told that isz not a way to order eggs and was brough runny eggs. We also would ask for a table for two and they were like we don't have any, but behind us were two tables that were dirty, that they were too lazy to clean up. We also were lied too about the chocolate buffet....I am still waiting for it...it doesn't exist on this cruise. The only two late night buffets are the gala buffet and the mexican buffet which were both pretty good. Our dinner waiter was awesome, and the food for sit down dinner was overall pretty good though they repeated some items more than once, and for a 7 day cruise it just seems like they should be able to come up with a diffrerent menu. Formal nights in my opinion, were not enforced in the dining room. There were people with jeans and halter tops. I felt really overdressed in my long silk black dress.

 

The nightly entertainment was only good when they had outside people come in. The comedians were awesome, and the magicians were quite good as well. We also enjoyed the towel animal class.

 

As far as the pools, they are small, and crowded with kids. There are two adult whirlpools, but they often had kids, and broke down every day at around 3 or 4 in the afternoon. We were told they were on a timer and would come back on, but we often waited an hour with no changes.

 

We did get a couples massage at the spa. Don't do this...it is a rip off, and since the club carnival kids club is next door, all you will here is screaming kids and banging doors. They also try to sell you a bunch of stuff at the end too, something that never happens at a reputable spa. Save your money and do this at home. I talked to the manager, and she offered me 25 minutes the next time we were in port. I explained that we had shore excursions planned and she said this was all she could do. Again, unacceptable. They were 30 minutes late for my hair appointment on formal night, and the woman who did my nails wouldn't talk to me at all, and when she did she seemed really pissed off to be working. I am not sure if they are on the ship for too long or what, but they just seemed unhappy.

 

WE two shore excursions. One was St. Thomas snorkel and beach adventure. It was run through Dive World....and let me tell you that place is a DIVE. The equipment was dirty, they offered no instruction (it was my husbands first time), they took our sign and sail card to get the equipment which made me very uncomfortable, did not us what time to get back on the bus, and overall were just rude. Also the snorkeling was not very good. Not many fish at all and like NO CORAL.

 

We did the St. Maarten beach break. I was lied to and told that there was snorkeling, and there was NOT. This still overall was a great time. We had free rum punch and unlimited ribs. The beach was not crowded at all, and the waves were killer :) We asked when it was time to go back if we could stay a bit longer, the tour guide said there was another bus an hour and a half later, and we were able to take that one. Overall a GREAT value.

 

Our room was very large (ocean view room), and ship was very nice overall. However, I would not reccomend it to a friend. For the same money princess or royal carribean would be a better deal. This may be a good ship for people who want walmart value and have kids. You pay for what you get, and what I got was bottom of the line service.

 

I did call Carnival to complain, and they really were of no help. They are sending me a $50 onboard credit, which does me NO good at all since I am not planing on going back any time soon.

[Cruising89143]

Just curious, how many other cruises have you taken and what cruise lines?

[LHP]

Sorry things did not go well. The "Walmart" comment was uncalled for. Every cruise line offers something different for different people. None better or worse...just different and just because this wasn't for you ... does not demean anyone else who is pleased with their sailing.

 

Thankfully, all cruiselines are not the same ... as it would be a boring world.

 

I hope you will find a cruise ship that you are pleased with.

[GoinCruisin]

Sorry things weren't so great for you... I'm curious on a couple of things...

 

Let me start with booking. I booked my cruise through Carnival, and had nothing but problems. My vacation specialist changed 3 times, and they were unable to answer simple questions such as where does the boat leave from, what time do I need to be at the boat at, when will I get my room assignment (I booked guarantee). Okay, so when you booked your cruise, they didn't know where it was leaving from? Why didn't you ask for someone else, or look online?? Also, as to when you get your room assignment.. the standard answer is "when you get to the pier"

 

 

We also would ask for a table for two and they were like we don't have any, but behind us were two tables that were dirty, that they were too lazy to clean up. During lunch they have limited staff, so they weren't lying about the tables for 2... they probably clean the tables in shifts. Not something to really get upset about.

 

We also were lied too about the chocolate buffet....I am still waiting for it...it doesn't exist on this cruise. The only two late night buffets are the gala buffet and the mexican buffet which were both pretty good. Who promised you a chocolate buffet? And you realize the chocolate buffet on the ships that do have them, are during lunch, not the buffets at night right???

 

Our dinner waiter was awesome, and the food for sit down dinner was overall pretty good though they repeated some items more than once, and for a 7 day cruise it just seems like they should be able to come up with a diffrerent menu. The menus are pretty varied, as varied as you really can get... I don't know that I've seen exact dishes repeated however. The menus are fleetwide.

 

Formal nights in my opinion, were not enforced in the dining room. There were people with jeans and halter tops. I felt really overdressed in my long silk black dress. The dress code says nothing about jeans not being allowed. If you are saying that a long black dress was the most formal thing there, that is definitely NOT the norm. Most people typically look very nice on formal night.

As far as the pools, they are small, and crowded with kids. There are two adult whirlpools, but they often had kids, and broke down every day at around 3 or 4 in the afternoon. We were told they were on a timer and would come back on, but we often waited an hour with no changes. It's not really Carnival's fault that there were kids, especially during one of the last weeks before kids head back to school. Security has always been good about getting kids out of the adults only areas, did you notify security??

 

 

Our room was very large (ocean view room), and ship was very nice overall. However, I would not reccomend it to a friend. For the same money princess or royal carribean would be a better deal. This may be a good ship for people who want walmart value and have kids. You pay for what you get, and what I got was bottom of the line service. First of all, which RCL or Princess ships? I can tell you that my RCL experience was the cabins are MUCH smaller... and was a very similar experience. RCL is definitely not a step up in my opinion. Your "wal mart" comment is just rude.

[pacerzfan]

great someone else leaving my family more room on the ship.....LOL

[bmgaritty]

The OP posted "This may be a good ship for people who want walmart value and have kids. You pay for what you get, and what I got was bottom of the line service."

 

How is the comment rude? Carnival is not a luxury line, neither is Walmart a luxury store.

[GoinCruisin]

The OP posted "This may be a good ship for people who want walmart value and have kids. You pay for what you get, and what I got was bottom of the line service."

 

How is the comment rude? Carnival is not a luxury line, neither is Walmart a luxury store.

 

Did you read the rest of the line?? You pay for what you get, ... bottom of the line service??? I don't think Carnival or Wal Mart are "bottom of the line service"... Looking for wal mart value or have kids... neither of those made sense and I (that means me) thought it was rude. If you didn't, that's fine... that's why God gave us each our own opinions :D

[texas greeneyes]

Who wants to join me for the entertainment to come? I made nachos and margaritas...:p

[bmgaritty]

Did you read the rest of the line?? You pay for what you get, ... bottom of the line service??? I don't think Carnival or Wal Mart are "bottom of the line service"... Looking for wal mart value or have kids... neither of those made sense and I (that means me) thought it was rude. If you didn't, that's fine... that's why God gave us each our own opinions :D

 

 

Yes, I read everything I quoted from the OP. I don't expect a high level of service at Walmart - just low prices. Same as Carnival. It's not Seabourn nor Nordstrom's, just both are mass market.

[oakleys]

all those things arnt a big deal in life, are they really? do you have a butler at home?

[BND]

Anyone who's read the cc board a few times knows that the Walmart line will get reactions. Think maybe the OP posted that to get a rise?

 

I'm intrigued by how many times the OP was "LIED" to. Sounds like someone looking for a fight.

[big_duck]

Here is Carnival's description for the St. Maarten Beach Break.

 

Relax and enjoy a beautiful white sand beach, and we'll even throw in lunch.

On this excursion you will:

 

• Begin your journey with a fully narrated, scenic drive from the Dutch capitol of Phillipsburg to a typical Caribbean beach.
  
• Drive through the Simpson Bay area, home to many trendy local bars and restaurants, en route to the beautiful white sand beach where you can relax, soak up the sun and swim in the clear Caribbean waters.
  
• Have a beach chair, all you can eat ribs and unlimited rum or fruit punch that are included.
  
• On your way back to the ship, have the option to be dropped off downtown or return directly to the ship.

Note: Guests wishing to stay downtown will be responsible for their own return to the ship.

Umbrellas at the beach are an additional cost. Don't forget your sunscreen, sunglasses and beach towels.

 

 

Could the OP please point out where it says anything about snorkeling?

[Knights on the Beach]

This may be a good ship for people who want walmart value and have kids.

Well, you had my sympathy (somewhat) until this comment.

 

I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your cruise on the Triumph. We had a much better experience on that ship (and every other Carnival ship we've been on), so much so that we cruised on it twice. As far as the "lies" you were told, it sounds to me like you possibly may have misunderstood a few things.

[BrendaB1]

Sorry you had a bad cruise. Sounds like cruising is not for you. It's called a ship. Maybe it would help to do some research before your next cruise so you will know where the ship leaves from.

 

I can't wait to sail on Truimph out of Nola.

[rvrgirl]

Yes, I read everything I quoted from the OP. I don't expect a high level of service at Walmart - just low prices. Same as Carnival. It's not Seabourn nor Nordstrom's, just both are mass market.

 

I agree. And that's one of the reasons I sail Carnival, is because of the low cost. I don't expect surperior service. I am no way offended by that comment.

Now, if I were to sail Seabourn or Celebrity I would expect surperior service;) However I have never had a problem with Carnival. Are they perfect? No. But hey, nether am I:p

 

Maybe the OP should try a high end cruiseline. Or then again, maybe they just are not cruise material:p

[Cruising = Heaven]

On my way to the Wal-Mart to shop for cruise clothes, I noticed that the OP has only four posts (all of them today) all geared toward bashing Carnival. Mmmm. Bet we never see this one again.

[kytten_kat]

My thought was send me the onboard credit ...

The remark about Walmart Value, well, yes I shop at Walmart ... I also shop at Kohls, Boston Store, Macy's, etc ... There are reasons for shopping at each one and there are reasons for cruising each cruise line ...

I cruise Carnival because they offer and give me what I want at the best price ... If RCCL, Princess or any other line gives me what I want at a better price then I will go with them ...

If I do not want to be with a lot of kids, I will cruise during a time that is less likely to have an over whelming quanity of kids ...

I think you need to do a lot more research before you take your next cruise ... do not be afraid to ask questions ... and ask lots of them ... search the archives ... then be sure not to set your expectations to high ... nothing and no cruise line will be perfect ...

[gymbrat33]

I sailed on the Triumph on July 1st and they had the chocolate buffet the last sea day during lunch. Check the capers.

[rebeccalouise]

I have only sailed Carnival once. I have to admit that I didn't have high expectations but the price was so reasonable. We had a lovely cabin at the very front of the ship. I liked the layout and it was spacious and clean. We paid something like $400 per person for a four night cruise. That's $100 per day for food, shelter, transportation and entertainment. My son was in the youth program all the time. What a deal!

As for the ship, I liked the pool and the waterslide- very cool. I liked the heated indoor pool and the pizza parlor- very good. We were treated very well on that ship. There were some rude people but most were pleasant, enthusiastic and fun-loving. I had a good time.

Was it as good as Celebrity? No but it was half the price and I can't say I didn't enjoy it.

The only complaint I had was the decor was not only garish- it was not even color- coordinated. Each room clashed with the next! But I expected that.

As for it being "walmart". I don't think that is fair. People raved about the food and I didn't have one bad meal on board.

I can't say that for some of the other lines.

[joan_al]

I noticed that the OP has only four posts (all of them today) all geared toward bashing Carnival. Mmmm. Bet we never see this one again.

Seems like the lady or gentleman didn't do his or her homework with only 4 posts.

From his review we'll probably have a good time. We're looking forward to the Triumph.

[dashadow]

I wonder why the fingernail lady didn't feel like talking with you, with such a positive outlook on everything Im sure you'd be a hoot to converse with

[TexasRed]

Can I have your OBC? :)

 

We have sailed on Celebrity, Princess and Carnival. The food on Celebrity was amazing, but they are known for that. By far, the worst service we have ever had was on Princess, as well as so-so food quality. We expected different things on each of our cruises, and Celebrity delivered what we expected. But, Carnival has gone way beyond what we ever expected...

 

If you don't like cruising with kids, don't go when they are out of school...that's pretty much a no-brainer. But then, that really isn't Carnival's fault, try a land vacation at a resort in the summer, and you will have kids there as well.

 

TexasGreenEyes, where can I get some margaritas? :D

[TexasRed]

Can I have your OBC? :)

 

We have sailed on Celebrity, Princess and Carnival. The food on Celebrity was amazing, but they are known for that. By far, the worst service we have ever had was on Princess, as well as so-so food quality. We expected different things on each of our cruises, and Celebrity delivered what we expected. But, Carnival has gone way beyond what we ever expected...

 

If you don't like cruising with kids, don't go when they are out of school...that's pretty much a no-brainer. But then, that really isn't Carnival's fault, try a land vacation at a resort in the summer, and you will have kids there as well.

 

TexasGreenEyes, where can I get some margaritas? :D

[CruisingAgain]

Pass the nachos please ..... but this is a joke - right?

 

1. They only gave her an upgrade and a bottle of champagne and that was a bad way to start??? HUH? .... a bottle of anything free alcohol is a GREAT way to start in my book.

 

2. The pools were small? First cruise I'm sure - was she expecting olympic size pools?

 

3. Menus not varied? Breakfast maybe .... can't do much more than eggs, pancakes and cereal. Or maybe she got the kids menu .... they have PB&J and Mac & Cheese and Chicken Fingers every night.

[mountainbeers]

I honestly don't understand how anyone could book a cruise and not know where it was leaving from ??? That would be one of the first things I would look at.