My wife and I just got off of this ship on the 30th. I've been on 5 Carnival ships, from the Fascination to the Mardi Gras and going on the Jubilee on the 10th. This cruise line is definitely on its way to compete with the major cruise lines.The buffet area is not small at all for the size of this ship, and the food at the buffet is really, really good. Way more choices than chicken and fish. I respect people's opinions but you have to experience it for yourself. I'll definitely go on this ship again but to each his own.
We appreciate your feedback. We will let the footage speak for itself. It is possible they have expanded the buffer offerings since we sailed last month. We would be interested in hearing your Jubilee review.
We disagree with your assessment. We never had to wait to get seated for dinner and found the food surprisingly good. Overall service was fantastic. We did feel that the entertainment especially poor. We’ve cruised quite a bit and found this to be a very fun and relaxing cruise.
You keep comparing MAS Islander to the many new massive cruise ships that are out there but that's not a fair comparison. If you compare the ship to other ships available from Port Tampa, all of which are older and smaller, it compares very favorably. Especially price-wise. I believe Islander is the largest ship sailing from Tampa. Let's compare apples to apples. Appreciate the video; the ship looks very impressive. Can't wait to try her out later this year!
@@bobk7428 just so you know, this ship is the same size and layout as Carnival Pride. In case you like the deck plans, now you know. 😎 And I agree-With that bridge, ships out of Tampa can’t get very big.
@@sinfullyunethicalAgreed. At the end of the day, you should do your research from multiple places before booking a cruise. Eventually, you make that decision or not.
I’ve been one the Celebrity Eclipse, and have the Ascent booked for January. I’ve watched a ton of videos and this ship looks great for the price. Booking it for March 2025.
The Margaritaville brand is getting closer and closer to the industry acceptable standard. Their next ship, the third in the fleet should be up to and equal any Carnival ship now sailing.
@@Eatsleepcruise1 I’m sailing in October. I’m a travel agent so of course it’s market research. 🧐😂 I have to decide if I’m booking clients on this line. Same with MSC which I’m sailing two weeks prior. At least, that’s what I’m telling my husband. 😉
great ship. going august 4-9, i compare it to a slightly smaller royal caribbean freedom class, i think it is a great ship. the problem is people compare ships nowadays to mega ships, like icon.
I am waiting for the Cayman islands and Jamaica ports of call next year. We are not big drinkers. Maybe two a day, so we may opt out of the drink package. This was th most informative of the video I have seen. My biggest questions were about what is included and not and how much are the upcharges. Last question, I heard that the gratuities are mandatory. How much was your gratuity bill?
Gratuities are $16/day. If you purchase the drink package ahead of time, it’s $59.99 plus 18% gratuity. Drinks are a bit more expensive than Carnival and Royal, averaging about $15 plus they add 18%. I’m a travel agent and have had clients sail this ship as well as some who are booked. The ones who have sailed really enjoyed the dining and were actually impressed. I was surprised to hear the negative opinions on the food in this video. Several other agents I know also liked the food.
@@jworth7203 $16 /day per cabin or per person? I have watched several videos for this ship and one did mention that the gratuities are mandatory, but didn't say how much they were. NEXT fall I'm looking forward to booking a trip to Epic Universe and this ship to Jamaica and Cayman Islands. Yeah! Thank you very much for that info.
I think your issue with having to wait for a table is ridiculous! seriously! you'd rather pay money than wait a few minutes to eat diner? I just got off the Breakaway and had to wait often at the MDRs. I just figure that it's pretty normal. I've waited at Applebee's and Lone Star, it was my very first cruise ever so I didn't think anything of it. But, you didn't even try the buffet because it was small? I don't understand you at all. the only thing I might agree with is the gym, but other than that, you were extremely critical of things that were, quite frankly, petty. Was the ship clean? Was the staff friendly? Courteous? Were the ports interesting? did you arrive on time? did you get your luggage? were you overcharged? did the WiFi work? did you have problems with the plumbing or electrical? did a fist fight break out? did anyone get sick? Did you come home with roaches or bedbugs?- Those are some real questions. The more I think about it, the more I think I'm gonna give this line a shot.
I swear everyone of the RUclips cruise vloggers never went on a cruise in the 1990’s or early 2,000s. We were happy just to go on a cruise. I’m 41 years old and my first couple cruises as a kid were on ships built in the 1930s to the 1960’s. We cruised for the destination not the ship. The Greek Isles on the SS Stella Soloris was awesome. Holland America, Cunard, and there was still a Norwegian Cruise Line. Those ships were great. I liked the Grand Celebration over the Grand Classica. Funny I like the ship as the Paradise better. I can’t wait to try the Islander, considering she’s the only traditional cruise ship we have over here besides the two Fantasy class ships.
@@Eatsleepcruise1 Cunard or Disney but not often on either anymore…too many drawbacks for me and everytime I watch a video, they get reinforced, unfortunately!
My wife and I just got off of this ship on the 30th. I've been on 5 Carnival ships, from the Fascination to the Mardi Gras and going on the Jubilee on the 10th. This cruise line is definitely on its way to compete with the major cruise lines.The buffet area is not small at all for the size of this ship, and the food at the buffet is really, really good. Way more choices than chicken and fish. I respect people's opinions but you have to experience it for yourself. I'll definitely go on this ship again but to each his own.
We appreciate your feedback. We will let the footage speak for itself. It is possible they have expanded the buffer offerings since we sailed last month. We would be interested in hearing your Jubilee review.
Wait… you didn’t try the buffet? 95% of guests use the buffet. Review invalid.
It's not invalid; we almost never eat at the buffet. So, we reviewed what we ate.
Not reviewing the buffet is odd since the vast majority of people will eat there at LEAST once on the cruise.
We disagree with your assessment. We never had to wait to get seated for dinner and found the food surprisingly good. Overall service was fantastic. We did feel that the entertainment especially poor. We’ve cruised quite a bit and found this to be a very fun and relaxing cruise.
You keep comparing MAS Islander to the many new massive cruise ships that are out there but that's not a fair comparison. If you compare the ship to other ships available from Port Tampa, all of which are older and smaller, it compares very favorably. Especially price-wise. I believe Islander is the largest ship sailing from Tampa. Let's compare apples to apples. Appreciate the video; the ship looks very impressive. Can't wait to try her out later this year!
Have a great cruise. What other ships out of Tampa have you sailed on?
Majesty of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Regal Empress (Port Manatee).
@@bobk7428 just so you know, this ship is the same size and layout as Carnival Pride. In case you like the deck plans, now you know. 😎 And I agree-With that bridge, ships out of Tampa can’t get very big.
Thanks,@@jworth7203. I've sailed on sister ships Carnival Legend and Costa Mediterranea and I do like the design.
I have been on the cruise ship it was so much fun 🎉
Its mind boggling ppl criticize a budget Cruise thats the cheapest cruise line
I think it's gonna be a hit, quick getaway cheap cruise
Not ideal for a family but it certainly fills a void. We don't need anymore similar cruises
And you can tell these people a WONDERFUL time (sarcasm) I really hope people don’t take their “opinions” as actual factors on what they should do
@@sinfullyunethicalAgreed. At the end of the day, you should do your research from multiple places before booking a cruise. Eventually, you make that decision or not.
I’ve been one the Celebrity Eclipse, and have the Ascent booked for January. I’ve watched a ton of videos and this ship looks great for the price. Booking it for March 2025.
Let us know your review. What other ships have you sailed on besides Celebrity?
its geared towards a certain class of people. its your choice. definitely not for everyone.
Very true. So, hopefully, people know what they are getting into when booking.
Yes! Stay home and let us enjoy it😀
What class is that
The Margaritaville brand is getting closer and closer to the industry acceptable standard. Their next ship, the third in the fleet should be up to and equal any Carnival ship now sailing.
That could very well be true. They are making progress with each ship.
Very thorough info. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful! Thinking of booking?
@@Eatsleepcruise1 I’m sailing in October. I’m a travel agent so of course it’s market research. 🧐😂 I have to decide if I’m booking clients on this line. Same with MSC which I’m sailing two weeks prior. At least, that’s what I’m telling my husband. 😉
We’re going February! Looking forward to it! Thanks!
How did you get selected for the QMN Jimmy Buffet experience?
We got lucky. The crew pick the people.
great ship. going august 4-9, i compare it to a slightly smaller royal caribbean freedom class, i think it is a great ship. the problem is people compare ships nowadays to mega ships, like icon.
We have sailed on Freedom of the Seas and Independence of the Seas multiple times. We look forward to hearing your review when you return.
@@Eatsleepcruise1 the cruise actually got delayed and shortened so we had to reschedule for december due to a tropical storm.
I am waiting for the Cayman islands and Jamaica ports of call next year. We are not big drinkers. Maybe two a day, so we may opt out of the drink package. This was th most informative of the video I have seen. My biggest questions were about what is included and not and how much are the upcharges. Last question, I heard that the gratuities are mandatory. How much was your gratuity bill?
Gratuities are $16/day. If you purchase the drink package ahead of time, it’s $59.99 plus 18% gratuity. Drinks are a bit more expensive than Carnival and Royal, averaging about $15 plus they add 18%. I’m a travel agent and have had clients sail this ship as well as some who are booked. The ones who have sailed really enjoyed the dining and were actually impressed. I was surprised to hear the negative opinions on the food in this video. Several other agents I know also liked the food.
@@jworth7203 $16 /day per cabin or per person? I have watched several videos for this ship and one did mention that the gratuities are mandatory, but didn't say how much they were. NEXT fall I'm looking forward to booking a trip to Epic Universe and this ship to Jamaica and Cayman Islands. Yeah! Thank you very much for that info.
@@blaster-zy7xx per person
The 18% is included in the cost of the drink pkg though, right?@@jworth7203
I think your issue with having to wait for a table is ridiculous! seriously! you'd rather pay money than wait a few minutes to eat diner? I just got off the Breakaway and had to wait often at the MDRs. I just figure that it's pretty normal. I've waited at Applebee's and Lone Star, it was my very first cruise ever so I didn't think anything of it. But, you didn't even try the buffet because it was small? I don't understand you at all. the only thing I might agree with is the gym, but other than that, you were extremely critical of things that were, quite frankly, petty. Was the ship clean? Was the staff friendly? Courteous? Were the ports interesting? did you arrive on time? did you get your luggage? were you overcharged? did the WiFi work? did you have problems with the plumbing or electrical? did a fist fight break out? did anyone get sick? Did you come home with roaches or bedbugs?- Those are some real questions. The more I think about it, the more I think I'm gonna give this line a shot.
It’s a great cruise
Glad to hear you enjoyed it. When did you cruise?
Do you have to pay for the food? And no lunch?
Fills like this brand needs some more moder ships like carnaval
You r not familiar with the older Carnival type ships
How much did you spend in total?
I swear everyone of the RUclips cruise vloggers never went on a cruise in the 1990’s or early 2,000s. We were happy just to go on a cruise. I’m 41 years old and my first couple cruises as a kid were on ships built in the 1930s to the 1960’s. We cruised for the destination not the ship. The Greek Isles on the SS Stella Soloris was awesome. Holland America, Cunard, and there was still a Norwegian Cruise Line. Those ships were great. I liked the Grand Celebration over the Grand Classica. Funny I like the ship as the Paradise better. I can’t wait to try the Islander, considering she’s the only traditional cruise ship we have over here besides the two Fantasy class ships.
Have you sailed on the Carnival Paradise? It’s actually very nice IMO.
There is a lot more choice now, so it is only fair to compare ships launching in 2024 to other ships sailing in 2024.
It's not the 90s or early 2000s anymore, my friend. It's 2024 and we can do better.
@@iandean1112 no cruising sucks today. 4,000 + passengers, no thank you.
It looks to me like the mermaid scales on the posts in the dining room are upside down. 🤔
Good catch. We didn't notice that. Planning a cruise on MVAS islander?
Thanks for sharing.
Our pleasure! Booking?
The whole thing looks like a tired mall with all its “amenities” !! No thank you!!
It's not for everyone. Who do you usually sail with?
@@Eatsleepcruise1 Cunard or Disney but not often on either anymore…too many drawbacks for me and everytime I watch a video, they get reinforced, unfortunately!
anyone else going august 4-9th?
Me!! 🤗
@@nioxa5421 Nice! I am so excited!
@@xlplayzz did you enjoy it? I felt the food could of been better. But… I did enjoy my time on the cruise. Even with the weather
@@nioxa5421 since it fell from a 5 to a 3 day cruise, we rescheduled and we are going december 27-31 instead
@@xlplayzz I had family flying in so we couldn’t. - It’s nice to have a vacay right after Christmas! I hope you have a great time!!