Just a Party…

Late year stressors were getting to us when the web gal spotted a bargain, week long cruise on Carnival’s Firenze ship that went from LA’s Long Beach port to Baja, Mexico and back. We couldn’t get our cards out fast enough.

David & Jack McCaughetry

Carnival cruise line is known more for fun and hijinx than its food programs. But right from start, when we boarded early and were starving, Guy Fieri’s burger lounge at the common Lido deck hit the spot.
A night later, with the aid of the ship’s terrific, genial Guest Service Manager, Victor Flores, we booked for a dinner at Fahrenheit 555, the Firenze ship’s steakhouse. What a treat. Got treated like royalty throughout the dinner. Had a nice dining conversation with a lady diner who was actually an on-site inspector for Carnival, evaluating everything from the food to the service. Loved our Spice Rubbed USDA Prime Ribeye steak, some nice spice on the meat, without it being overpowering and paired nicely with Duckhorn Merlot. Cooked to rare perfection. And everything else was fine too. Lobster was incredible. Normally give lobster a pass, but the web gal insisted lobster was delicious, and she was right.  Wine, dessert, everything clicked.
After getting the ship’s Hotel Director, Jack McCaugherty, to do the NSI quiz, word must have gone upstairs that we were a fun couple, Captain Crescenzo Palomba invited us to an afternoon tea. Beautiful views from the bridge and our captain was a fine host. Had a blast that night when he came down and took pics at the Chef’s Table tasting menu dinner in the galley of the ship’s kitchen.
The Chef’s Table had 12 courses that kept coming while being surrounded by attentive waiters and sommeliers, we found our nirvana with the final two courses: hickory smoked lamb loin and wagyu steak. And of course the web gal loved her dessert of chocolate forest.
On our last night on the ship, dined at their premier Italian restaurant Il Viaggio. Made the mistake of not telling our waiter that I like my pork a little pink. Really impressed when a captain came by and asked how were things and I told him my preference for pink pork. He took my plate away no problem and within ten minutes had a delicious, juicy, thick pink pork chop in front of me. Web gal liked her lightly seared prawns. Felt like splurging on our last night and ordered a $100 bottle of Batasiolo Barolo that paired well with the pork and prawns.
So there you have it, Carnival Cruise Line is not just a party ship. Some excellent food to be had there if you’re willing to splash out in their specialty dining rooms. And a lot of fun as well, seeing the live entertainment, walking the decks and interacting with the staff which comes from the top down of their hotel director Jack McCaugherty who was happy to do the NSI quiz. Cheers and enjoy…
What was last night’s dinner?  Steak and spinach in the crew’s dining room.
What’s your favorite drink? An Aperol Spritz.
What’s your favorite music? I studied music in college and was set to do my master’s in music, so it’s kind of impossible for me to pick a favorite genre, but if I have to, I say alternative rock, my age group’s music.
What’s your favorite restaurant? Back in my hometown of Birmingham in England, there’s a restaurant called Folium that has a  tasting menu experience that is amazing and showcases their style of food perfectly.
Any brush with celebrity? I had to look after Gwen Stefani who was appointed Godmother of our Jubilee ship last year and that was quite the experience. Great gal who performed brilliantly.
Any wine, restaurant or trip on your bucket list? There’s a three star Michelin restaurant in England called L’Enclume, supposed to be an amazing farm to table, tasting menu experience. Hard to get a seat, as it’s not about turning over seats, but delivering an out of this world tasting experience.
Favorite thing about being the hotel director on a cruise ship? No two days are the same. It can be very intense and stressful at times, but always keep in mind it’s supposed to be fun as well.
What makes a great cruise ship experience? In two words: the crew. We’ve got over 1,400 crew members on this ship and they’re all trained to keep the passengers happy and feeling good. Ask for anything within reason, and our staff will try to make it happen.
Final thoughts? Just encourage people to check out Carnival if you want to personalize your trip. You got kids, grandparents, whatever, spend some time planning your trip so everyone has a good time.