I have to confess, I was somewhat skeptical about the kind of experience I would encounter upon boarding the Carnival Ecstasy cruise ship. Nonetheless, the boarding process surpassed my anticipations regarding its quickness. The delay for a shuttle heading to the terminal lasted merely 30 minutes, and the boarding process itself was completed within an hour. All the essential documents I needed – including my boarding pass, vaccination documentation, and passport – were quickly reviewed and accepted, preparing me fully for the journey ahead.
Now, I had heard that this ship was one of the oldest operating from the US, so I wasn’t sure what kind of condition it would be in. But I was pleasantly surprised. Sure, the decks were a bit confusing, with letters and numbers everywhere, and there were only three staircases, which made getting around a bit tricky. But overall, the ship was in good shape, with wider hallways and clean staterooms.
And let’s not forget about the dining options. The Blue Iguana Cantina and Guys Burger Joint served up some seriously tasty food. Plus, there was plenty of entertainment, from a sailaway party to comedy shows.
All in all, my experience on the Carnival Ecstasy was a pleasant one.
Key Takeaways
- Embarkation process was smooth overall, with the boarding taking an hour and no COVID-19 testing required, saving money on tests.
- Carnival Ecstasy is one of the oldest cruise ships operating from the US and will be retiring in October.
- The ship is difficult to navigate with decks having letters and numbers, and it has three staircases that make crossing decks challenging.
- The stateroom M162 on Deck M was modestly sized but clean and well-maintained, with a closet, shelving, and hangers, and one plug for electronics. The bathroom showed signs of age.
Embarkation Process
I parked offsite and waited 30 minutes for a shuttle to the terminal. Once I arrived, it took about an hour to board the ship.
The staff checked our boarding passes, vaccine cards, and passports, ensuring everything was in order. Masks were required, although the staff mentioned it wasn’t necessary.
What surprised me was that no COVID-19 testing was required due to Carnival dropping the testing requirement. This decision saved me $60 on COVID-19 tests.
However, the check-in process itself took almost 2 hours, which was a bit longer than I anticipated. Overall, the boarding experience was smooth, with all the necessary documents checked, and the absence of testing requirements was a bonus.
Ship Information
The Carnival Ecstasy, built in 1991, is one of the oldest cruise ships operating from the US and is set to retire in October. Despite its age, the ship’s condition is surprisingly good. However, navigating the ship can be a bit challenging. The decks are labeled with both letters and numbers, making it difficult to find your way around. Additionally, there are only three staircases on the Ecstasy, which means you can’t easily cross decks.
On the positive side, the hallways are wider compared to other ships, making it easier to move around with luggage or in crowded areas. Overall, while the Carnival Ecstasy may present some challenges when it comes to navigation, the ship itself is well-maintained and provides a comfortable cruising experience.
Stateroom Information
Nestled on Deck M, my modestly sized stateroom provided a cozy sanctuary with clean interiors and a closet equipped with shelving and hangers for easy organization. Despite its size, the stateroom was well-maintained and offered all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. The beds were aligned perpendicular to each other, allowing for a restful night’s sleep. Although the bathroom showed its age with its bright blue and bumpy flooring, it was still clean and functional. With one plug for electronics, it was convenient to charge devices. The staterooms were ready close to 3:00 p.m., ensuring a smooth transition upon embarkation. Overall, the stateroom provided a comfortable and clean space to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the ship and enjoying the onboard activities.
| Stateroom Amenities | Cabin Cleanliness | Closet Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Clean interiors and cozy ambiance | Well-maintained and tidy | Equipped with shelving and hangers for easy organization |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the onboard entertainment like on Carnival Ecstasy?
Onboard entertainment options on Carnival Ecstasy include live performances, game shows, comedy shows, and dance clubs. The comedy shows in the Punchliner Comedy Club were family-friendly and the Welcome Aboard show in the theatre was fun and entertaining.
Are there any specialty dining options available on the ship?
There are several specialty dining options available on the Carnival Ecstasy, including the Blue Iguana Cantina, Guys Burger Joint, and the Carnival Deli. These choices provide a variety of delicious food options for guests to enjoy during their cruise.
What activities are available for families with children?
There are various children’s programs available on the Carnival Ecstasy, making it a family-friendly cruise ship. Kids can enjoy activities at the Camp Ocean kids club and participate in family-friendly excursions during port stops.
How is the customer service on Carnival Ecstasy?
The customer service on Carnival Ecstasy is exceptional. The staff is friendly, helpful, and always ready to assist. From dining to entertainment, they ensure a memorable experience. Specialty dining options, activities for families, and popular amenities add to the overall enjoyment.
What are some popular amenities or features on the ship?
Popular amenities and features on the ship include poolside bars where you can relax and enjoy a drink, as well as the WaterWorks water park for some fun in the sun.
Meet Asra, a talented and adventurous writer who infuses her passion for exploration into every word she writes. Asra’s love for storytelling and her insatiable curiosity about the world make her an invaluable asset to the Voyager Info team.
From a young age, Asra was drawn to the power of words and their ability to transport readers to far-off lands and magical realms. Her fascination with travel and cultures from around the globe fueled her desire to become a travel writer, and she set out on a journey to turn her dreams into reality.
