Enchanting Cruise Aboard Carnival Venezia: Unforgettable Memories and Culinary Delights

I had a wonderful time with my wife on our first cruise on Carnival Venezia from August 14 to August 19, 2023, to Canada and New England. The Venezia cruise ship was amazing, with a Venice-themed design. We enjoyed our 6-day cruise a lot, and these memories will be forever in our hearts! The services were friendly and attentive, and the cruise crew made us feel welcome and comfortable.

Carnival Venezia had many features and activities that kept us entertained and relaxed, such as a waterpark, a spa, a casino, and a theater, to summarize a wide variety of entertainment and relaxation options for all age groups. We enjoyed the Carnival Waterworks, which has three water slides, and spent evenings at the SportSquare, which has a running track, pickleball and basketball court, mini golf, and a gym.

The ship’s food was delicious, with a variety of options to suit every taste, from Italian specialties to Asian delicacies. The Lido Marketplace on the deck offered a wide variety of food to enjoy almost all day long. We experienced the Bonsai Teppanyaki, which offered interactive cooking and entertainment.

My wife and I decided to treat ourselves to a special night at Il Viaggio, the new Italian restaurant on board the Carnival Venezia. We had heard great reviews about it and wanted to try it for ourselves. The restaurant had a cozy and elegant atmosphere, with white tablecloths, soft lighting, and classical music playing in the background. We could also see the open kitchen where the chefs were busy preparing the dishes.

Each item on the menu represented a regional specialty of Italy, from Sicily to Lombardy, and was made with fresh and authentic ingredients. We were recommended some wines and cocktails that pair well with the food.

The three-course meal was a treat to the eye. We enjoyed the signature dish of the executive chef Parmigiana Pizza, which was a crispy chicken crust pizza topped with tomato basil sauce, mozzarella, pepperoncini flakes, parmesan, and honey-chili dressing. It was unlike any pizza I had ever had before, and it was amazing. We shared the Tiramisu al Caffè e Cioccolato Bianco, which was a coffee and white chocolate tiramisu with mascarpone cream and cocoa powder. It was heavenly and decadent, and we savored every bite.

We finished our meal with some espresso and limoncello, a lemon liqueur that is popular in Italy. We had a wonderful time at Il Viaggio, and we would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves Italian food or wants to try something new. It was one of the highlights of our cruise on Carnival Venezia.

On the days at sea, we relaxed and enjoyed the ocean views at an adults-only retreat called Serenity Deck. It had loungers, cabanas, whirlpools, and a bar. My wife pampered herself at the Cloud 9 Spa, which offered massages at a very competitive price. The pool deck on the ship was one of our favorite spots to enjoy the hot jacuzzi!

I was amazed to see the vibrant nightlife, the daily schedules of various events on the ship, were exciting to not miss. The live music, theater performances, dance parties, and outdoor movie time were awesome.

The itinerary was also great, with two ports of call: Saint John and Halifax. We took the St. John’s Hop On Hop Off bus tour and had a fantastic time exploring the city! The Hop On Hop Off is a popular bus tour in Saint John, Canada, that provides live guided tours of the city. The tour had 10 stops that were conveniently located near all major attractions and landmarks, including downtown, Signal Hill, Quidi Vidi Village, and Cape Spear. My favorite stop was Quidi Vidi Village, a picturesque fishing village that is home to many artists and craftspeople. I also enjoyed learning about the history of Saint John at Carleton Martello Tower and Fort Howe National Historic Site. Overall, I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Saint John.

In Halifax, we explored the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, which was a fascinating fort that overlooked the city. I also learned about the maritime history and culture of Nova Scotia at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which had exhibits on the Titanic, the Halifax Explosion, and more. The boardwalk at the Halifax downtown was a great place to try various food stalls and enjoy the snacks on the beautiful sunny day.

Overall, I had an unforgettable cruise experience on Carnival Venezia. The services were amazing. Carnival Venezia paid great attention to ensure that everyone onboard enjoyed and had a smooth vacation time. I personally experienced the smoothest express offboarding. This cruise vacation was a perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and discovery. I would highly recommend this ship and itinerary to anyone looking for a great vacation.