I must say I was extremely apprehensive to try "Today's
Carnival". Other than a few inaugural sailings, I
had not been on a Carnival ship in almost ten years.
I am not a personal fan of "mass market ships", however
in this business we have to know them all. We had
been told Carnival has increased their food budget, paid
more attention to personal service and overall increased
the value on board their ships, while maintaining
competitive pricing. I have to say that was
impressed with my experience on the ship.
My stateroom was large,
modern and well appointed. The actual décor was a little
boring in my opinion, however that is a matter of personal
taste and not comfort. On the ship 80% of the outside
cabins on this class of vessel have balconies. The
bathroom was small but adequate and they have even added
amenities and shampoo. The balcony had two comfortable
lounge chairs and a cocktail table. Beds can be arranged
in either twin or queen configuration…just ask your cabin
attendant to set up your preference.
Each Carnival ship has a
theme to the décor. The Legend is as advertised…..Legends
- From the Unicorn Café to the Truffles Restaurant, the
theme echoed throughout the ship. Once again, décor is a
matter of personal choice and my choice would have been
less is more, but you cannot knock the success of Carnival
and the imagination of Joe Farcus, their designer and
interior architect. Legends appear everywhere. The
Knights of Malta guard the twin swimming pools on the Lido
deck and the Dream Team Sports Bar has Michael Jordan,
Johnny U, Ester Williams and of course, Dan Marino
overseeing the bartenders. The Firebird Lounge on Deck 1
rounds out the Legends theme and is a perfect meeting room
or private party venue.
Ok...now is the critical
test! Food, Glorious Food! "Today's Carnival" has made
a difference in their food…from selection, to preparation,
to presentation. In Truffles the main dining room, not
only was I asked how I would enjoy my rack of lamb
prepared…it came out perfect. This is a first on a
mass-market ship. The breakfast buffet had a very good
variety of items plus a very quick omelet station, sliced
ham grilled to order, freshly made french toast and a
variety of fruits, juices, baked goods and yogurts. Lunch
was equally as impressive with a fresh deli selection,
oriental & sushi station as well as an Italian Station and
a carving station and cooked to order burgers and pizza.
The Supper Club, a new
offering on the new generation Carnival ships was superb!
An evening alternative restaurant available only be
reservation, The Supper Club was well worth the $25.00
additional fee. Not only is the setting elegant, the menu
selections and the staff is the "crème de la crème". You
may have heard Carnival has entered into an agreement with
Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant of Miami Beach fame. The
Supper Club is the place to experience these one of a kind
delicacies on selected Carnival ships. The wine list was
excellent, the other menu choices included real Dover
Sole, a 24 ounce Porterhouse steak, a 9 ounce filet mignon
and a 12 ounce select veal chop. Yummy! My Dover sole
was prepared to perfection and my guests languished over
the stone crabs and the veal chop. A very memorable
evening. In addition to the wonderful ambiance, the
outstanding food and service, there was a perfect jazz
trio that provided soft dinner music and outstanding
background vocals. This was a night to remember and
should not be missed on your next Carnival incentive.
Entertainment on board
was varied and entertaining. Satchmo's Jazz Bar provided
legendary jazz, while Billie's Piano Bar kept you
wondering if " Billie" was in the room. Late night comedy
in the main show lounge provided upscale adult wit for the
late night revelers. I must admit, I did not experience
the Vegas type show gala on the last night of the voyage,
but it did hear good reports. The lobby lounge always had
a trio or combo playing everything from soul, to
classical. Yes, the entertainment was good.
"Today's Carnival" has
changed. Carnival has taken the mass-market cruise
experience a notch higher. In my opinion, they
stand-alone in the big ship market. What was once
considered the "bottom feeder" has risen to the top and
should be in your proposals for the budget minded
incentive who wants it all…new ships...balconies…good
food...alternative dining and pleasant, responsive
service. If you are considering a big ship cruise program
throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico or Bermuda
you owe it to yourself to allow Worldwide to send you a
Carnival proposal. You will be glad you did and your
clients will thank you after the success of the program is
calculated.
Your Worldwide Sales
Expert will be glad to assist you in your next challenge.
Call today to get the whole story. You will be glad you
did.
Itinerary: Two Night Cruise to
Nowhere / Round Trip Fort Lauderdale
Sailing: November
8-10, 2002
