Sunday, January 21, 2024
Today was disembarkation for many guests but it was our turn-around day. Chilly day for Miami – 54 degrees and overcast. Our instructions said to meet in the Carnivale Restaurant at 8:30. The Cruise Director started calling groups to disembark at a little after 7:00.
The Carnivale Restaurant (one used for assigned dining) is across from the Latitudes Bar but it was not easy to get to as it was right next to one of the disembarkation exits. We had to make our way through a crowd of people who thought we were trying to cut the exit line.
Once we were able to enter the restaurant, there were many people already seated and others were standing in a line. Since there were no instructions or anyone at the door to tell you what to do once you entered the restaurant, we got in the line to the person who looked like he had a box of room key envelopes. I thought we would receive our new room keys and then have a seat to wait to be escorted to customs. Nope. We were just told to take a seat.
We happened to get a seat at a table where a couple from Canada were sitting. They had received their new keys when they entered the restaurant about 8:00. Even though we were frustrated with the disorganization, we did enjoy talking with the couple.
Everyone just kept sitting and getting more annoyed. Finally, another Carnival employee came and announced that there were over 300 (not 100) guests continuing their cruise so they would be calling names by decks. In the meantime, one employee was moving from table to table scanning our old cards so they could be voided, and another employee was moving from table to table taking new photos. Once it was all said and done, our name was not called. I had to go to the person calling names to see what happened. She reviewed the list again and saw our names. We finally got our new room cards.
We were finally led off the ship to “meet” Customs. We didn’t see anyone in person and didn’t need our passports. They used the facial recognition software and if your photo came up with a green box, you just kept walking right back onto the ship. I don’t know if anyone had any issue. We didn’t. All in all, the process took about 2 hours. They need a better process.
Since we had skipped breakfast, we decided to give Shaq’s Big Chicken a try for lunch before the line got too long. Chuck had the chicken sandwich and I had chicken tenders. Lunch was excellent. Glad we gave it a second chance. Still can’t recommend it for breakfast.
Once we left Shaq’s, we saw the Canadian couple in the Pig and Anchor. We teamed up for an indoor shuffleboard match and the women’s team won!
Once we returned to the room, we found our B2B gifts: bottle of sparkling wine and fresh fruit. We also received cards for a free drink.
Since it was not raining, the sail-away was held outside. It was still chilly, but we enjoyed the music and the dancing on the Lido deck.
We found a seat at the Alchemy Bar tonight. I was sure it wouldn’t take long before the new passengers would discover this popular bar too.
We ate in the main dining room. The service was slow again but not unexpected. It was a little chaotic on the ship all day today. A number of the crew left today and were replaced by others including the Cruise Director and our room steward. I’m sure they will get their rhythm soon.
I had the vegetarian wellington. Chuck had the steak.
We spent some time in the Casino before calling it a night.
