Diane,

Yes, there is 9-hole mini golf on the Triumph.  Don't expect a lot of bells and whistles, but it is still fun (even though my buddy, Erik, took me on the last hole for $1.00).  I didn't turn on the TV the entire week, so I am a bad person to ask about that.  From what I heard, there is news, sports, and movies.  Sorry to inform you there are only Coke products on any Carnival ship.  But, you can take a twelve pack of soda on board.  Your cabin steward will put some on ice each day if you ask.  The dining room is always open seating.  It gives you a chance to meet new people and experience different waiters.   Have a great time,

Jeff

Jeff

I read the new dress code for the two formal dinners. Am I correct that men no longer have to wear a jacket? That would be great, it gives me more room for my stuff. The people at the airlines making all these new rules about baggage is definitely not a women. 

Diane

Jeff, was this your first cruise?  I would like to know how this ship compares to some of the others.  What type of condition is it in?

Dianne and STCLUB:

We sailed on May 3rd, which was before the new dress codes were implemented.  From what I read, you are correct.  They suggest a jacket, but not required.  Truth is, there were guys wearing everything from tuxes to sports shirts and khakis on formal night.  Most men were wearing jackets and ties (probably 70%).  If you want to dress up, go for it.  If you are more comfortable without a jacket--no problem mon.

This was our eighth cruise.  We sailed the Celebration and Jubilee in the '80s, the Destiny, the Elation, and the Fascination in the '90s (as well as one RCL ship), the Inspiration in 2007, and the Triumph this year.  I love them all.  We have never taken our kids, so I am no authority on the youth programs.  This is our time away.

The Triumph was in just as good of shape as all the others (even though people worry since it is headed to dry dock).  They are constantly working on it.  Like I said in my review, if you want to find rust, you'll find it.  But overall, I thought it was great.  There are pros and cons to each ship.  The layout of the Triumph was easy to navigate once I got used to it, but it took me longer to get my bearings (maybe it was just me).  I like the overall layout of the Inspiration (and its sister ships) just because it is so easy to get around.  But it is quite a bit smaller than the Triumph.

We chose the Triumph because there was a fantastic past guest special during that week.  We will use the same criteria when booking the next ship, although will also factor in destinations.  We have done the Western Carribbean the last two years.  I hope this helps.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

Jeff

Jeff

Thanks for the info.  We sailed on the Valor last October and I noticed it got a facelift (after we sailed). I usually pick out a cruise based on the destinations and price not by the ship.  To me they are about the same, some just have more frills than others. I remember cruising on the Carnival Madi Gras and thought it was really something back then. We enjoyed the smaller ships, they weren't fancy but we always had a great time. You seemed to see the same people everyday, and everyone was so friendly (you formed a lot of friendships).  When the cruise was over, you could look around and see so many familar faces.  With the bigger ships, you can look around and wonder "did we cruise with these people". Of course the ships are a lot bigger and fancier now, they have come a long way but I miss the intimacy of the smaller ones. 

Diane      

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Your post was wonderful for me to hear. I was a little concerned about this ship but no more. You have made me feel so much better.

i geuss it depends on your attitude.  Sometimes when we are online we get to chat with other passengers, check out other passengers, decide what we want because there is so much to choose from and relax.

Thanks for the review, that was so nice of you.  I like the idea about the hotel in Miami.  I've been looking online for a month now and can't decide which one to use.

You are quite welcome.  I highly recommend that Embassy Suites by the Miami airport.  Service was fantastic and the hotel is beautiful.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Enjoy your trip.  I can't believe it has been two months since we cruised.  Cheers,

Jeff

Jeffreyj64,

 Thanks for sharing your great review (I'm really late reading it). It sounds as though you guys had a really great trip and that the ship was wonderful.

Hi

Really enjoyed your review of the Triumph.  We are considering the 11/9 cruise this year.  My husband and I plus our 3 boys under age 12.  I've read a bunch of mixed reviews about this ship and I'm trying to decide whether or not to do it.  The ship doesn't have to be perfect for me to enjoy the trip - although it is good to hear it is going in for refurbishing - but I am concerned about the food, the quality of people and whether or not my kids would have a good time.  Any further comments?

 Thanks!

Deb, NJ

And one other question - how many pools are there and are they a nice size?  I read one review by a woman who said the pool was so small she thought it was the child pool.

Thanks again,

 Deb, NJ

I was  wondering if  you might mind  sharing  your  capers  from  your  cruise ? ...if  you still have them ...

I cant  find  recent  ones  online  for  the  triumph  Western  ....

and  I am  trying to organize some  activities  in advance  for  my group . 

thanks 

carolina

Hi,Thanks for the information, truly helpful. I am sailing on the Triumph, Western Caribbean, where I will be having my wedding. Any advice, or hints I should know?

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Hi Deb,

 I think the ship is just fine.  Like I said in my review, if you want to find a rust spot, you will.  I believe the ship, the service, and the food was as good or better than the other ships on which I have sailed.

 All of the pools are small on any ship.  Mostly they are occupied by children, with a few adults dangling their feet.  Warning...the pools are salt water.  If you are not ready for it, the salt is a big shock.

I haven't sailed with our kids before, so I am certainly not an expert on cruising as a family vacation.  Others I have talked with say it is great. 

We pick cruised based on value.  The ports and ships, in my opinion, are about the same.  Sure, we have our favorites.  But, we have fun where ever we go.

 Good luck on your decision.

 Cheers,

Jeff