Carnival Breeze: The Caribbean Vibe

Caribbean cruises are all about the outdoors—the sun, the sea, the beaches. The ports we visited had the best of the latter. The beaches on St. Thomas, Tortola, Antigua, and Nassau are hard to beat. As for the sun and sea, Carnival Breeze provides them whether in port or at sea.

No matter your age or interests, there’s certainly something you’ll find appealing on board. The promenade deck features four whirlpools that are cantilevered over the side of the ship and are some of the most popular spots on board all day and into the night. In addition, the aft-located Tides pool has two more whirlpools and is the quieter of the two swimming pool areas.

There are no whirlpools at the Beach pool, but the main lido area surrounding it has ample loungers in the sun and shade and the added advantage of the super-sized 270-square-foot LED Seaside Theatre screen overhead. Programming such as the Cruise Director’s morning show, concerts, and sporting events is shown during the day. After dark “Dive-In Movies” (think of a seagoing drive in) are scheduled and the popcorn is free!

Fun for kids and their elders is the WaterWorks high atop the ship with watery thrills such as a 312-foot-long Twister water slide, the DrainPipe slide, a tipping bucket, and a water play area with side-by side racing slides for the little ones. Nearby are pleasant seating areas for parents to keep on eye on the kids as they have fun amid the water jets and other water park-style attractions.

If all that isn’t enough to keep everyone busy, there’s SportSquare, the open deck recreation complex with a suspended ropes course overhead, miniature golf, ping-pong, pool, and foosball tables, a sports court, and even a hot dog cart nearby in case hunger strikes. A centrally located bar has non-alcoholic as well as alcoholic beverages. Surrounding the SportSquare is a jogging track and there are exercise machines nearby to get in a work out in the fresh air.

Maybe your idea of working out is working on your tan or enjoying a good beach read. In that case, there is Serenity—the tranquil oasis for adults only where there are plush chaise lounges, hammocks, two whirlpools, a bar, and a snack area serving light fare.

All the outside attractions are available at no charge, except for beverages. Take heed, though—to get the prime lounging spots on the popular Serenity deck, you’ll have to arrive early.

About the ropes course... I know someone will ask if I tried it. Not yet, but the cruise isn’t quite over and there is still time.

Images Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Lines