WTH? Boarding the CARNIVAL CRUISE From Hell: Surviving Day One of the MARDI GRAS Nightmare!

[@StacyWaldrep]

Just so everybody knows, with Carnival, it's not a "boarding time" that you select but rather an arrival appointment time. The time you select isn't going to be the time you get on the ship necessarily. It's simply the time you're supposed to arrive at the port to check-in. You then have to wait for your boarding zone to be called.

[@lesleynyborg2093]

I think many people are confused by this!

[@onsetandrimeteacher8679]

90 minutes seemed just about right!

[@tiberiajames5997]

People always want to find something wrong with Carnival and complain. All cruise lines can have issues. Thank goodness there are many choices so just pick the one that works for you.

[@Dubyea]

Thats not true… ive never even been on another cruise. Just finished my honey moon. And a couple fought all day all night up till 4-5 am. The last night she locked him on the belcony and he threw glass or somthing and started banging on the door beside our belcony & glass. I brought it up to a manger and security soo they went up and pulled them out and were loud till 6am and we had to leave at 8. They didnt offer us another cruise or even apologize. 80% of the food sucked. They would only pour me a single oz drink. They posted a note blameing me for smokeing or smokeing pot when it was cleary our neighbours. I played a slot machine hit the jackpot and the trigered bonus didn’t finish and paid me like 25$ or some bullshit when i had tones of spins left. I asked to see the cameras and you cany even see the machines. They only offer 3-2 blackjack on 25$ a hand. I got sat at a table woth 3 other couples on our honey moon. Only decent meal we paid extra for at steakhouse. We went to atlantis and they tried to charge us an extra 120$ for our waterpark passes. Lucky we just bought directly from Atlantis Thats not finding something wrong thats haveing thing wrong constantly happen. I imagine the only people who are happy and satisfied with then are people who dont jo any better. Have never had a decent meal or decnt service… there just happy to be there

[@kays_games]

don’t blame carnival over your mistakes. you should know as an experienced cruiser that you should ALWAYS print your boarding pass ahead of the cruise

[@serenabrown4218]

I'm so confused. Are y'all not on vacation? Why is everything such a bother or complaint? If you only want to travel with Royal, then do so. This is not a normal video about a true mistake carnival may have made. Instead, these vlogs just showcase how little our society/generation shows gratitude. Most people would be happy to be on vacation with their loved ones and just enjoy the moment

[@comecorrect8365]

The whole shower door rant is hilarious

[@CM-nd7mx]

Isn’t their channel focused on reviewing cruises though? Seems like this is inline with their content. I’m confused.

[@mommyqueen3317]

For real, this people make videos to complain about it..

[@brookem4062]

Did you not watch the entire video?? They had a few issues at first, but then they talk about how much they are enjoying it.

[@MHameister1]

Respectfully, when you are spending your hard earned money on vacation, you SHOULD be critical. How else can cruise lines and resorts improve without honest customer feedback? With that being said, they talked about how much they were enjoying everything else. Seems like they still had a great time.

[@cherylcopeland3654]

Since system issues can happen on any cruiseline, I always print my clients boarding pass along with their luggage tags. I also provide luggage tag holders as well. Always good to have a hard copy as backup.

[@islandgirl9166]

Why wouldn’t you print your own boarding pass?

[@jeffcanto]

Entitled.

[@ScottLara]

I always advise my audience to print their boarding passes just in case

[@shannonsgreatadventures]

Yes me too! You never know if there's a system issue, your phone battery dies, etc.

[@GriffandAlyssa]

Rookie mistake on our end lol 😂

[@pierrunnertravel2426]

Carnival has not updated their system at port to scan the bar codes on your phones. Royal has done it already and works great. I work at a port doing check in, embark and debark. So for Carnival we have to print on little machines your boarding pass which has the bar code which their Embarq system scans to board you. And yes stuff happens and systems do go down unfortunately.

[@dianej1714]

I always print my boarding pass instead of only relying on my phone or cruise line app. If you lose your phone, you're screwed.

[@143DinoKing]

Why do you constantly complain?! We travel with Carnival frequently and never complain like you guys do. Have you tried Carnival Glory Seafood on the aft of the ship? It's amazing!!! Chill out and try to enjoy the journey!

[@Dominini]

Always print boarding pass. Also, pick the earliest arrival time. We were through in 10 min. There was literally no line and workers were just waiting in empty queues. You guys must have picked a busy time. Also, faster to the fun was worth it in every way. Highly recommend, not just for boarding but all of the perks received throughout the cruise.

[@LongTimeCruisers]

We have always been required to have a paper boarding pass when boarding Carnival in Galveston. 🛳

[@TravelYesOuiSi]

One would think experts would have done research. They just need to stick with eating frozen burgers and premade burritos on Royal. On Royal Caribbean you can get bread sandwiches at Cafe Promenade...where's the beef indeed Dude is whipped by the faux bougie drama queen

[@nancymurphy3127]

If you don't have your boarding, the staff will print you a new boarding pass.

[@carolnorris4928]

And every other port! Experts? haaa

[@JeffsSlots-fq1ff]

Ya'll are ALWAYS complaining. Maybe stop cruising!!!

[@andreahoyt7530]

She complains so much 💀🤌 sarcasticly too not watching this

[@62play4]

entitled......

[@jdrew5367]

Morning Griff & Alyssa.❤ You parent your child however you want to parent YOUR child. Everyone else has opinions, but YOUR opinion is the only one that’s counts! This is great. Thank you.

[@drewoke5046]

Some people don’t know how to be parents and their opinions means nothing because they weren’t raised right themselves

[@kays_games]

carnival is amazing these people are just complainers. Carnival is for the party people obviously lots of people are there. If you wanna have a boring cruise go on like Royal or v!rain voyages but dont go after carnival bc there cruises are for party people I’m going on my 5th carnival cruise in April and I have no complaints

[@2blacknines]

I had to stop watching the video 3 minutes in. Nothing but complaining. Awful

[@jeffcanto]

Sounds like a lot of user error you’re trying to blame CCL for, you didn’t bring a boarding pass, you don’t,look at the ship layout by the elevators that literally tell you where everything is.

[@GriffandAlyssa]

Have you been on the Mardi Gras? The ship 'layout' is not by the elevators. There are lists of venues, but there is no map.

[@lisaadams1249]

I cruised the Mardi Gras this past July and loved it. I had priority boarding as a platinum member, so I didn't experience the crowds getting on board. I enjoyed the ship immensely and will going again next August with Family and Friends. I visited numerous restaurants, but I found the buffet underwhelming. Shaq's, Guys, Chi-bang, Steakhouse, Emerils, Pig n Anchor and Dining room very very good.

[@GriffandAlyssa]

I totally wanted to try Faster to the Fun. Next time for sure!

[@TankBmore]

That cabin price seems high. I paid 2200 for a balcony room on deck 10. Same cruise and ship

[@GriffandAlyssa]

Great deal! We weren’t so lucky

[@noellebatista3896]

Pay full price for a toddler 🥲

[@Wuddywood]

@tank Depends on when you book, # of passengers, more importantly DEALS you have make a big difference in price Im sure other ppl on deck 10 who payed for the cruise and got it all back in OBC

[@TheROSELOVELY]

Carnival for me usually takes 10 to 20 min boarding process. The line moves pretty fast. Now what I will say is that customer service in the dinning hall went down. Hopefully when I try a new ship, customer service is better in the dinning hall.

[@charleneadams5534]

I always print my boarding pass as backup. When we cruised carnival last year we were on the ship in less than 15 minutes, I don't believe what you experienced is typical of their boarding process.

[@MHameister1]

As a new, young cruiser I really appreciate your critiques! When you have to be on a vacation budget every year, getting the most out your vacation is crucial. Keep up the good work and happy cruising! ❤

[@kays_games]

these are not good critiques they complained the whole video

[@MHameister1]

@ Better to give an honest review than kiss ass for the internet or company. How else can cruise lines and other vacation companies improve and get feedback if everyone claims to have a perfect experience every time?

[@2luvjazz]

I loved the Mardi Gras, one of my favorite Carnival ships!

[@BartonKashmer]

We were on the Mardi Gras 2 times 2 different itineraries...both times the boarding process was awful and long. Our trips were during their inaugural sailing. The main dinning room was awful. ChaBang and Emerils were great! Our room was great on both trips. The first sailing the ship was at about 80% capacity...the second trip there was no way to get into any pool or hot tub...it felt like it was 140% capacity. But San Juan and Mahogany Bay were so great, we don't remember all the difficult things, like late night pizza having 1 hour lines because of just one employee making and baking right after the main theater shows let out.

[@ericsantana8610]

I have watched many of your videos in the past and i was very disappointed hearing Alyssa complaining like a cruising rookie over things rookies do wrong when cruising their first time. The XL class is overcrowded and navigating it on embarkation days is a nightmare but common you simply give a bad vibe with your instant complaining. Oh if Shaqs chicken was best food you did not eat.

[@lawrencetaylorsr]

I paid for my trip last September on the Mardi Gras and I give it 5 stars!!! I’ve been on at least 8 Carnival Cruises and I’ve always had to print out my boarding pass. It took all but 20 minutes to go through the boarding process. I got there for my scheduled time which was 12 and I was on the ship before 12:30. Too be honest this whole video was crying, complaining and lying.

[@firstsgt279]

Feel for you, last 35yrs on Royal doing longer 10-16niters, have boarded between 1020-1045. Only twice was 1130, once in 1988 and other was when they were doing separate groups, masking, CV testing at start up. I like get on early, Emergency Drill and Lunch by 1130, Luggage received and stored before 2pm. Though I rarely do anything but 10-16niters on Repo's, Panama Canal and Trans Atlantic Cruises where at most 1600-2000 passengers on Royal Caribbeans 2500 Capacity Radiance Class. BUT "Stuff" happens, never had system shut down though had Emergency's and Hurricanes delay our return. Been on few Carnival Ships, not for me. Thanks for taking us along on your Sailing!

[@GinnieMik]

I came across this video while looking up different Cruise Line Reviews, I have never been and plan to go sometime in the not to distant future. I have already liked and subscribed. I enjoyed that the whole video you were giving a review of all the aspects of your experience. The video wasn't too long and there was just the right amount of B roll so we can see what you are seeing. I look forward to watching more.

[@aliciakathreine7003]

Shaq's chicken was SO SO GOOD and we didn't find it until the last day! LOL

[@lauradavis2565]

Really loved Mardi Grad. TJ is one of the best Cruise Directors Carnival has. Been on 3 cruises with him and planning more.

[@NamTshuasNplooj]

Out of a few carnival ship we sailed on, Mardi Gras is our favorite, it’s nothing compare to their older ship. We love Royal but I will say carnival does have the best foods availability.

[@stevengolden9009]

My wife and I did a Carnival cruise out of NOLA this past May, our 1st cruise in 15 years. Our embarkation was HORRIBLE. We had a 10:30am boarding time and we got there at 10:25. There was a MASS of people already there and many of the people had 12:30pm, 1pm, 1:30pm boarding times and they were still letting them go through. We had passports, printed out boarding passes, etc., and it took us until almost 1pm to get on the ship (5 young ladies in front of us did not have their boarding passes stamped before trying to get on the gangaway and were not allowed to get on and all of them threw a hissy fit about it) and 4:30pm for our checked luggage to be sent to our cabin! We are going again late in the year and this time we are getting a later boarding time and we will also have priority embarkation and debarkation, so I am hoping this will make the waiting shorter.

[@parkersspace]

Interesting. I've cruises 5 different cruise lines fairly often and sometimes we get on quick and sometimes, especially busy times like school holidays, it takes hours. 10 minutes to get through the outside line looked not bad to me. The check in time is a check in time, not a boarding time and to be on the ship that carries 6500 passengers at double occupancy and will be carrying more like 8000 during school holidays with 3 to 5 in the rooms, sound pretty good. I have taken Mardis gras twice. I'm not a fan of massive ships but my boarding was smooth. I am platinum on Carnival which Faster to the Fun would have given them the benefits of so that maybe helped. All in all I have had worse boardings, mostly on NCL when a system went down waited in Florida temps and sun for about 2 to 3 hours outside. I just try to chill, entertain my grand kids and realize it will all be fine once we are on and we will eventually get there. I also always print my boarding pass in case my phone is down, breaks, gets lost, etc. Paper is recyclable. That phone she preaches using makes far more waste and battery hazardous along with plastic waste than paper. I bet she upgrades every year too.

[@wildawelch4732]

Hey you guys. I was just on that ship. I saw you and almost said something but then I was thinking that everyone probably bothers them. It was my first time on this ship. There were some interesting things that took place on the ship. I heard that there were 2800 first time cruiser on this ship. I was sorry to learn that that person died. My only real complaint was that the elevators seemed very small. I did smell weed on it. it was all very interesting. Oh, and I always board early. We had no problems at all. From the time we pulled up till the time we were on ship took maybe 1/2 hour. And we didn't have faster to the fun or a suite. I would do this ship again, and i do mostly Royal. It was good to see you.

[@GriffandAlyssa]

Hey wildWelch! 😊 We love talking to people who watch the show, so next time, definitely come say hey like everyone else! It would be awesome to meet you. We didn’t know someone had passed-that’s really sad. We’re keeping their family in our thoughts and prayers. 🙏 Glad to hear you had a good experience on the ship overall!

[@ivogard]

You will always smell weed on Carnival unfortunately. I did Carnival a few times I enjoyed it but the weed smell on the Beach and my kids around was desapointing so we moved from the smell bur the smell followed us 😂

[@juanmanuelfahey9434]

Bored with all this complaining. Ship looks great, period. If it's chock full, it means they offer great value for what they charge. Did they REALLY expect a home sized bathroom? In A SHIP? What will they complain about if travelling by plane?

[@GriffandAlyssa]

No one said we expected a home sized bathroom... But this was the smallest bathroom we have experienced on all of the 60+ ships we have been on. Not complaining. Stating facts....

[@tod2992]

Poor brats​@@GriffandAlyssa

[@paular601]

Thanks for the video. We’ve never cruised on carnival but I’m thinking about doing it as far as MSC is concerned they don’t have enough money to get me back on that ship. I was on the same one and it was awful.

[@JaeClutch55]

What camera / tripod set up do you use? Love your videos !

[@melodiel8135]

AGREED.. I've been looking forward to these vlogs to see if my experience on the MardiGras was an extreme isolated case or normal for the overcrowded excel class. This is the only Carnival ship I've ever went to Guest services to voice a complaint.. Can't wait to see the rest!!

[@robertb7864]

John Heals should have been on your cruise. We sailed Mardi Gras and enjoyed the food. With the size, people were spread out, so it didn't feel crowded.

[@jamesjoy8866]

Six years in the Navy provided regular training to hurry up and wait. Civilians seem challenged.

[@GriffandAlyssa]

Thank you for your sacrifice and service!

[@OmahaTonyG]

Probably because they have cruised several other cruise lines and none are as slow and inefficient as Carnival at boarding.

[@mrsincere4640]

Yup… Hurry up and wait was probably the second most reason to leave the military.

[@tranikawi-afedzi2042]

Great video, can you guys talk more about how you all manage to have fun with a toddler on board ? Do you use the nursery for Noah ? Does she sleep in the pack n play? What excursions in the Caribbean are good for toddlers?

[@amymiller8653]

Can't stand all the negativity, your videos didn't used to be this way. If You're going to compare everything to Royal Caribbean then just sail with them

[@user-zv9ze2jz2j]

Annoying complaining about everything

[@ANathan123]

Don’t watch their videos then if they don’t make the videos you like anymore. You’re complaining that they are complaining. Get over it.

[@theuncraftycurly6731]

Appreciate your video. We had a great time on the Mardi Gras. On the ship quickly, Shaq’s Big Chicken was good and never a line, the first day in the buffet area was CRAZY PACKED. I felt like our room was very warm and was an issue throughout our cruise for me even though the AC was on. Overall a great cruise and we’d go again. Love your reviews & videos!

[@angelinaa2385]

I had a few of these complaints on our last trip on symphony of the seas. I was a little shocked… I expected too much! Still enjoyed my vacation

[@fballirano8440]

Hey Guys. My wife and I have been enjoying your videos from the start. Just like you two with Noah, we took our son on every cruise that we took when he was a baby. We see your issues on each cruise with the inflatable bathtub. All we ever did was whoever showered first just picked him up and held him in the shower. You can easily keep it off their face. Get the baby all washed and clean and when she’s finished just hand her to the other person. That person gets her dried while you finish showering. Then you switch places. It’s really quick and easy and you won’t need to pack a bathtub. Give it a try at home sometime. Sing and dance while you wash her in the shower and make it fun. She will love it and your life just got easier.

[@janettemanderson7304]

We did this with our babies, too. It worked perfectly! ♥️

[@nancymurphy3127]

Hey guys sorry you had such a bad experience boarding. It's not like that at every port. Communication between the ship and terminal were not working. I work for Carnival in Galveston doing check in. We rarely gave a boarding issue. It could be the communication issue, or that the ship hasn't finished off loading passengers. I worked yesterday and boarding went very smoothly. I hope you enjoy the rest of your cruise.

[@OmahaTonyG]

Funny you say that because I cruised on the Carnival Breeze out of Galveston in early August and had to stand in a long line in 100+ degree Texas weather for over an hour before boarding. It was the slowest and worst cruise ship boarding I've experienced. It was enough to convince me to only sail Royal out of Galveston in the future.

[@rosalynnecole23]

Your videos are so well put together.

[@jannicemccormick4877]

Hi Griff and Alyssa! I met you on this sailing and have been following since about 2020. It was lovely meeting Noa! She is as beautiful in person as on the vlogs! I enjoyed the cruise, but I agree that it was overcrowded and the kids could be out of hand with no supervision at times. The elevators are very small, I think Carnival improved on that with the Celebration. The food was good but there could be better selections in the MDR. Overall it was a good cruise, but my family decided they are ready to find a more adult cruise and some bucket list itineraries in the future.

[@johnmys5am]

Content and quality... 10 out of 10! Great editing. Fun Chanel.

[@grannylove1995]

You guys are a beautiful family! Baby Noah running everything which is wonderful to see. We were on the Jubilee 2 months ago and enjoy the free movies while relaxing in the room. The food was good , enjoy yourselves. My only complaint was the elevator were small and some were just a little hot. Keep the video coming.

[@jeandalton7108]

I’m sailing in October and I have mobility problems…I hope they have wheelchair assistance!

[@janetwilliams1]

They do have wheelchair accessible, just make you let them know in advance, that you need it. So that will have it available

[@jennyslavis375]

The hallways look wider than NCL Joy . We asked for assistance when booking and when we got there had to wait for help. Long line of people needed help . Our room was way in the back ♿️ a lot of obstacles with suitcases and cleaning carts , hope it will be easier for you and hope you got assistance.

[@valeriejenkins9637]

It’s August and that’s what cruise lines are are like during the summer months and when school is closed!!!

[@bigshott9117]

Please don’t cruise NCL, so I can be in peace.😂

[@davidyoung3237]

16:38 Alyssa I had the same thoughts as you that that piece of cake wasn’t exactly small. That shacks chicken looked good!

[@mariareyes-ku6194]

I always print all documents!! You never know how the WiFi works at the port.

[@queenvee7139]

I've been on 14 cruises and never knew I could show my boarding pass on my phone! I'll continue to print mine

[@betterthanthedaybefore8090]

I REALLY liked the Mardi Gras (went on it 2 years ago). Embarkation did seem to take for-ever...standing in a never ending line. That's why I was so shocked about how easy it was to get on the Celebration. I wonder if it is because of the port.

[@livingblackirish8809]

We found getting on Marti Gras right after the start up to be the longest process of all or cruises. We felt the ship was beautiful but the venues were far too small to accommodate the ship size. Big Chicken was the go to place for sure! Love Big Chicken❤

[@nwproductions5763]

Well mistake 1 is that cruising 101 is always print a boarding pass. Mistake #2 never do afternoon boarding time. The system failure is an unfortunate issue, however picking that time to board was going to be long regardless.

[@GriffandAlyssa]

Unfortunately an afternoon boarding time was all that’s was available. We have also never had an issue with not printing boarding passes in the past.

[@ronbliss7368]

Cruising 101: print your boarding pass before hand. ITS NOT RICKET SCIENCE

[@ronbliss7368]

We were on the Mardi Gras last year. What a wonderful ship. Had a great cruise.

[@seanhenry4601]

My wife and I went on the Mardi Gras in December 2022 and also thought the cabin bathrooms were small.

[@mellyg7741]

We just got off Celebration and they’re the exact same bathrooms… small.

[@bfein6061]

Was on Mario gras in January. We had a smooth embarkation because of rain. Everyone was able to get on asap. Definitely not as many people as yours. We loved this ship. Your family is so beautiful!

[@GriffandAlyssa]

Thank you!

[@queenvee7139]

Whatever is bothering you, it is showing up in your content. If you need therapy to fix it, do so because it will affect your business. This video is hard to watch.

[@mightyyak]

Man, does she ever have anything nice to say?

[@tod2992]

Never, just a whining little brat

[@sportsMike87]

Never tried Carnival but hopefully someday. Their XL Class ships look really fun.

[@KCBAIRS]

Did he say MSC was pretty fast? Wow - not on our cruise with them. We're talking an hour plus to get our food after ordering. And, that went on for the first 5 days of our 7 day cruise. And, totally agree on the food - Carnival is way better than MSC when it comes to MDR.

[@sharoncruisingscene]

Great vlog!! Looks like a great time and the food looked awesome!

[@kelseystroud1030]

I just want to know where to get those hats?!?!! Does anyone know!?!

[@GriffandAlyssa]

Thank you, hats can be found here: hellosunshine.club/collections/cruise-caps

[@cruiserella2899]

We just got off the ship Aug 11th so I'm anxious to compare your experience to ours. And if you like Jimmy Buffet songs, you are gonna love the new Islander at Margaritaville at Sea out of Tampa.

[@sondraking902]

Love your family. You travel very well with Noa and she is delightful ❤

[@armyavi8tor]

We love the Mardi Gras it’s our go to carnival ship since we’re in Orlando. We book an excel suite with our family of 5 so we get priority boarding. We checked in right at 1030 on the first opening of check in and the only hiccup we had was my printer ink was running out and our boarding passes were not able to be scanned. Lady had to go print those little receipts for us. Minor delay we were on the ship at about 1145a. As soon as we left our last cruise in May we booked the Mardi Gras again for next year June already. We studied the ship layout before we got on so you learn which set of elevators are best for the situation. My only complaint is the elevators are slow and always full. They need a floor button system like icon to facilitate those issues. Especially if you’re using a stroller or scooter.

[@kays_games]

I’ve been on Mardi Gras 3 times all 3 times I got on the boat in 15-20 minutes

[@PulseHex793]

They have obviously been paid to make a bad review

[@GriffandAlyssa]

Please tell me how it makes sense to get paid to give a bad review? We always disclose when we get paid, as it’s illegal not to. Also, this is not a bad review. I think you need to watch this video in its entirety before saying it’s a negative review…

[@tod2992]

​@GriffandAlyssa. Bd

[@HereToCheers]

Looks like the Carnival Mardi Gras has its ups and downs, but you’re making the most of it!

[@christyfuller3004]

Where did you get that Margs. hat?

[@janicemotal1940]

While I appreciate the information about the cruise I have to say how much I enjoy watching little Noa. She is absolutely precious. She was such a trooper during the boarding process. We have only been on Carnival and Royal Carribean cruises but am looking into going on Princess in the near future. I love both lines as each have good points and some minor flaws but overall both are enjoyable. Keep posting your experiences as they are very helpful for planning future cruises.

[@buckeyehc]

Glad you guys loved it! Looking gorwyto more carnival blogs. Your title scared me! 😂😂😂 Have yall ever tried the pass the baby into the shower trick? One parent washes the baby then the other catches after? That's how we showered on vacay. But they're slippery little suckers.

[@breedlovewendy]

Printing boarding passes is a must,you never know what can gonwrong especially when it comes to technology

[@cindygriffiths5917]

Love Mardi Gras but we were on its second sailing right after reopening.

[@qwerty12350532]

Just discovered you guys & subscribed. After 103 days cruising with Carnival we took our last cruise with them, forever, in 2018. Many better cruise lines to choose from.

[@high-pov2670]

I go prepared and it only takes me about 20 minutes to go through security and the check in process. In 31 carnival cruises, it has never taken me more than 35 minutes. I always dress and pack my carry on to be "security friendly", have my passport ready and the downloaded my boarding pass on my phone, but I also print a hard copy. I don't trust m phone. At the end of the day, Carnival isn't for everybody.

[@niuhuskieguy]

On my last Carnival cruise in December from Miami, we spent more time getting around to the terminal than it took to get through the check in process. We literally spent about 45 minutes getting to the terminal once we got to the port and then less than 15 minutes in the terminal building. Not sure what was going on that day as we had not experienced that before in Miami.

[@IrvingtonArms]

I enjoy the heck out of Carnival..... I have only booked suites so I get priority embarkation... I think the lines are just a Carnival thing. We did a back to back on the Panorama inaugural and the line to get off and then back on was awful.

[@trinastovall1809]

I love your pink glasses. ?Do you remember where you brought them?

[@dwalker6868]

Have a lovely time thank you for sharing your adventures

[@jplinjon]

We just did a carnival panorama out of long beach. Terrible . we were 2 miles from port, took hour and a half to drive to drop off point. then, hour or more in lines. 4 or 5 checks once you get thru. Main gate, then little tables to sign in, then drug sniffing dogs, then many people having to go back to cust service, terrible. You would think Carnival knows they have 3 or 4 k people coming

[@kecialiguori4668]

Thank you for the info. This is extremely helpful for someone like me who has never experienced a cruise yet. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@thomasmichels6885]

getting on the ship it takes 1/2 hr to 2hrs I have waited depend on the port and if those having problems like the system is down I personally print out hotel flight and my boarding pass just in case you just never know just my 2 cents

[@lucasfernando4097]

Former crew member here. Worked on Carnival Mardi Gras in 2022. I was so lucky I was allowed to eat at the Big Chicken, the Mexian food place and Guy's burgers. I really miss craving for a burger and just having to go upstairs and getting one!😋 As for MSC: I have never worked for them, but ALL the former crew members I've met have always said they would never ever work for MSC ever again. They treat crew like sh*t. Really. If there's one cruise company I hope goes out of business that has to be MSC. Just f*** them... Enjoy your cruise!

[@beachymamaadventures]

We went on Jubilee in April and was SUPER unimpressed. The layout of the ship was not cohesive, not a good flow, and I’ve NEVER experienced crew members acting as if they could care less. With the exception of our stateroom attendant and our waiter the last night on the cruise, they were both very pleasant. I was honestly shocked at how we were treated by crew members. We are not high maintenance people and it was mine and my husbands first Carnival cruise and we both had high hopes with the new ship and the new experience but no…. We were both shocked. Probably our last Carnival cruise.

[@yDoUevenTry4]

always straight up ghetto. never been on one carnival but my friend loves it. ofc because its cheap and they accept EBT and its crammed packed. who can enjoy that? and how many fights go down on these every hour?

[@deathbeforedishonor7768]

Yeah sambos and white people seem to think that

[@mommyqueen3317]

Y'all complain so much... go to a different cruise, I love carnival!! I have to cut watching this..

[@tanyadeering3749]

Hi the shirt that Griff is wearing for dinner I love it. Please provide the deets so that I can order one for the hubby.

[@katherinepacey4163]

Haven't cruised MSC in USA but love MSC in Europe. My first cruise was carnival breeze out of Galveston and wouldn't want to do that again. Have also cruised royal Caribbean and MSC is my favourite for overall ship/ cost/ experience. But like I said out of Europe

[@timbibbs9101]

Glad everyone had a nice cruise and a beautiful family.

[@ivycuttino515]

I was not impressed with the Mardi Gras. I sailed last November. I just got back from Jubilee, the sister ship, and the service and food are night and day.

[@southerngent716]

We are booked on a B2B on the Mardi Gras next year.

[@Pantherjonvideos]

Too bad you guys had such a struggle on embarkation..Last time we sailed on Mardi Gras we KIND OF had that same issue with the boarding passes..On our PREVIOUS Carnival cruise I had printed out the boarding passes, which they pointedly ignored and scanned the bar code on our phones..Soooo, rookie mistake on me I thought, "well we don't need printed boarding passes to get on the Mardi Gras"..HAH! Foolish me, BUT, even with that little hassle, we were allowed to 'cut the line'(which kind of shocked me that they didn't do that for you guys with Noa) cause we had my grandson toddler..But, so far, it looks like you guys are having fun, and that's all that matters! Looking forward to seeing more! Y'all be safe!

[@Theafterpodcast]

I haven’t been on a cruise but even I was gonna print my ticket in case, I flew before so I take it as it’s the same process.

[@dawnd0983]

We loved Mardi Gras. Yes, the Carnival XL ships are very crowded and yes, digital boarding passes would be great. Overall we loved the ship, sailed a b2b last year and booked again for next year. Once we learned the layout of the ship, we felt the XL class is actually easier to navigate than others. I really hope your title for this isn’t true??

[@Powerful_Female]

Love the honesty!!! Thank you ❤

[@inesjackson-williams6055]

Having cruised both RCL and Carnival, I still like RCL better. I will say that the Mardi Gras had much better food and drinks than the Wonder. But I agree with you that getting on the Mardi Gras was a trial even without any technical difficulties.

[@melvinjacobs2328]

If you think that was over crowded, wait till their new class of ships with 8000 passengers, which is more than the Icon of the Seas, which is larger.