Carnival Adventure Reviews summary

Positive Aspects

• Dining Variety: Retains 21 dining options from its P&O era, including Shell & Bones (seafood) and Dragon Lady (Asian cuisine), though menus remain largely unchanged.
• Family-Friendly: Carnival’s Turtle Program childcare (ages 2+) and activities like Build-a-Bear and Zumbini are popular with families.
• Entertainment: The 80s Rock-n-Glow Party and Blanc de Blanc (adults-only show) receive praise.
• Value Proposition: Some first-time cruisers report satisfaction with service speed, staff attitude, and family-oriented amenities.

Criticisms & Challenges

• Service Delays: Frequent complaints about long waits for drinks, dining (up to 3 hours), and guest services, attributed to understaffing.
• Technical Issues: App outages, billing errors (e.g., duplicate charges), and access problems to amenities like the Byron Beach Club.
• Cabin Concerns: Outdated cabin designs inherited from its Golden Princess era.
• Mixed Entertainment: While themed parties and production shows (e.g., 100% Kylie) impress, the Fun Squad’s visibility and Cruise Director engagement are inconsistent.

Transitional Challenges

• Teething Problems: Early 2025 cruisers report operational hiccups, including overwhelmed staff and unstocked Carnival-branded stores.
• Split Opinions: New cruisers often enjoy the experience, while P&O loyalists feel the transition sacrificed previous perks without adding enough Carnival-specific enhancements.

Key Takeaways

• For Families: A strong choice due to kid-friendly activities and value pricing.
• For Veterans: Lowered expectations advised, especially regarding service speed and cabin modernity.
• Future Outlook: Carnival appears responsive to feedback, with staff actively collecting passenger input to address issues.

Reviews