This is a compilation of all of my favorite parts of my cruises from 2021. The best crew members. The best excursion. The best show. And so forth. Anything that I didn’t do in the past year is not eligible to win in their category for 2021. Mardi Gras, Panorama, and Vista cruises are the only ones eligible for these awards.

Best Ship

Mardi Gras

There really is no ship on Carnival that can compete with Mardi Gras right now. The number of bars and restaurants on that ship is unmatched anywhere in the fleet. I tried to focus on foods I couldn’t get on other ships and I still didn’t get to try everything I wanted.

The entertainment is also unmatched. We had six comedians on a seven day cruise. On any other ship that number would’ve been four. Carnival really stepped up their game with this ship and I’m excited to see what they do with Celebration next year.

Best Cruise Director

Chris Williams “The Flying Scotsman” – Mardi Gras

I surprised myself a little bit with this one. I came into the year with a little bias. Lee Mason on Panorama is a cruise director I sailed with previously and I had him down as the best. I think he did a great job on Panorama this time and I thought Kyndall Fire was very good on Vista as well.

I thought Chris did a great job taking over a new ship on short notice. The fact that he’s a great entertainer with his own show on the ship is what put him over the top. He adds to the entertainment value on Mardi Gras.

Best Excursion

Rhythms of the Night – Panorama – Puerto Vallarta

This excursion has it all. The boat ride to and from the location includes unlimited alcohol. The crew members provide entertainment both ways. The pre-show dinner includes steak and shrimp. Then they cap it off with a great show. Rhythms of the Night is my all-time best excursion up to this point.

Best Comedian

Manny Oliviera – Mardi Gras

While I enjoy all comedic styles, I have a particular appreciation for comedians who can make something out of nothing. Manny never has a repeat show because his show changes as the audience changes. I understand his style isn’t for everyone, but it is for me. I went to all of his adult shows on Mardi Gras.

Best Alchemist

Raunak – Vista

Raunak is an outstanding alchemist. He makes drinks I’ve never seen anyone attempt to make before. He would run to other parts of the ship to get ingredients or use ingredients I brought.

Many alchemists have one custom drink that’s very popular. Raunak has a lot of them. He would be in the running for all-time best alchemist for me.

Best Bartender

Maria – Mardi Gras

Maria also works in the alchemy but her primary bar is on Mardi Gras is the second level Tiki bar. It’s a fun bar to spend time in and there’s an energy that leaves the bar anytime Maria goes on break.

She’s definitely the best Tiki/Red Frog Rum bartender I’ve ever had and she’s in the running with Raunak for best all-time alchemist for my 2018 cruises on the Dream.

Best Steward

Constantin – Vista

Constantin was always there for me on the Vista. When my shower set the smoke alarm off and I was late for dinner, he handled it. I never once walked in on him cleaning my room. He always knew when I was gone and had it taken care of before I returned. When he caught me trying to take my own plate back to the buffet, he stopped me and took it for me.

Most of all, Constantin deserves this for being the first steward to allow all of my towel animals to survive the entire week since Nonthakan on the Breeze in 2018. Yes I remember my steward from ten cruises ago and I will remember Constantin ten cruises from now.

Best Show

America Rocks – Vista

My favorite Playlist shows are the ones that incorporate musicians from around the ship. This show includes live music from the Rock band that played in Ocean Plaza during the cruise.

Best Musical Act

Center Stage Band – Mardi Gras

This was tough because there are a couple of violin trios I really enjoyed on Mardi Gras and Vista. I put this band on top because they were so much fun.

Their music even pulled me out of a comedy show when I could hear how much fun was going on in Grand Central.

Best Port

Galveston

I was a little late getting to the port at Galveston and the line was longer than Port Canaveral, but they were the best organized. They had lines for Diamond, Platinum, On-Time, and Early arrivals. Despite the longer line I was on the ship in less time at this port than the other two.

Debarkation was a breeze despite me not taking advantage of the priority debarkation offered to diamond and platinum cruisers. I think they do a very good job for a port with so many ships.

Best moment

Reaching the top of El Castillo in Belize

It was a long trip but worth it for this view. From here you can see Guatemala, Belize, and the ancient city of Xunantunich.

That concludes my “best of” for 2021. 2022 is lining up to be another good one with the Carnival Sailabration, Alaska, and another new ship in Carnival Celebration all on my schedule. Happy New Year!

• Best of
• Carnival Mardi Gras
• Carnival Panorama
• Carnival Vista