This is a compilation of all of my favorite parts of my cruises from 2023. Anything that I didn’t do in the past year is not eligible to win in their category for 2023. Carnival Magic, Carnival Venezia, Norwegian Jewel, and Regal Princess cruises are the only ones eligible for these awards. 

Best Ship

Carnival Venezia

Carnival Venezia is the newest ship I was on in 2023. It launched in 2019 at Costa Venezia. After COVID the ship was converted to a “Carnival Fun Italian Style” ship. It is more elegant than a typical Carnival ship but still has everything you would expect from a normal Carnival ship. It is a sister ship to Vista, Horizon and Panorama, but has an improved theater with cup holders and more permanent seating–One of the major complaints I see about the Vista class ships.

Best Coffee Shop Crew

Starbucks – Norwegian Jewel

These two at Starbucks on Norwegian Jewel are the best. They knew my name and order everyday after the first day. There was never a long line for coffee with them behind the counter.

Best Steward

Apolonio – Regal Princess

This may not be fair because I think twice a day service is still standard on Princess where it isn’t on the other lines I cruised on. But Apolonio’s service was stress free because he did twice a day service. Things you may need to ask for on other lines like ice you didn’t have to ask with Apolonio. The bucket was always there. It was always full. He’s the best steward I’ve had since Rafael in 2022.

Best Bartender

Valentina – Carnival Venezia

Valentina worked in the atrium bar on Venezia. I had a pretty regular schedule in the morning of getting a mocha at the coffee shop, then an Americano and screwdriver in the atrium. Then another screwdriver to take to breakfast. Then two bloody marys after breakfast. Valentina had my routine down and took care of me for over two weeks on Venezia. She was the best.

Best Cruise Director

MarQ – Carnival Venezia

It’s definitely a different experience when you ‘re on a ship with a crew for over two weeks as I was on Venezia. This year I got to compare the Carnival cruise directors to ones from other cruise lines and I definitely think the Carnival ones are a little more fun. The story line between MarQ and the comedy host Buzz was fun to follow the second week of the cruise.

Best Officer

Francisco – Director of Restaurant Operations – Regal Princess

Francisco was one of the most involved officers I’ve ever seen on a cruise ship. He ran the Chef’s Table. He participated in cooking demonstrations. I got to see both a serious side and a silly side of Francisco. In the video below you can see his silly side. There aren’t very many officers I remember from my 24 cruises. He is one I won’t forget. I hope Francisco is on one of my future cruises.

Best Comedian

Merl Hobbs – Carnival Venezia

I experimented with other cruise lines this past year and found things I liked about all of them. One thing they can’t touch is Carnival’s comedy. If I made a top five list from last year they would all be Carnival comedians. I first saw Merl Hobbs on the Dream in 2018. He was one of my top five favorite Carnival comedians back then and he’s number 1 for 2023. I highly recommend checking out his shows when he’s on your ship.

Best Musical Act

Jonathon Timpanelli – Carnival Venezia

Jonathon Timpanelli is a very talented singer. One of his unique talents is to be able to sing in many different voices. It’s very entertaining. I went to see his show twice. Supposedly he has new material lined up for 2024. I’m looking forward to seeing him on Carnival Horizon in April.

Best Show

Bravo – Regal Princess

This show was excellent. Some of those costumes are very expensive. The singers are higher quality than other ships I’ve been on. The one in the red dress they referred to as their “guest soprano.” I would call her voice opera quality. They also had a live orchestra for this show which I liked. Best show of the year for me. 

Best Ship Excursion

Neets Bay Bear Encounter – Ketchikan, Alaska

Neets Bear encounter is amazing. It was a long trip out there but worth it. I got to see a total of seven bears. A mother and her cub. Two bears fighting over a fish. There’s not much more you could ask for except more time. We were there for one hour. I wish it were two hours.

Best Non-Ship Excursion

Matanuska Glacier Hike – Anchorage

Full-Day Matanuska Glacier Hike and Tour was great. They picked me up in Anchorage. It was a long ride to the glacier, but we got to spend two hours on the ice for half of the cost of a 45-minute walk on a glacier with one of the ship excursions. The guide was extremely knowledgeable. I really learned a lot.

Best Port of Call

Ponta Delgada, Azores

If you ever do a transatlantic that stops at Ponta Delgada, do a tour with Azorean Tours. You really need to get away from town to see the island. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve been.  The entire island is manicured like a golf course. And where else can you eat corn cooked in a volcano?

Best Home Port City

New York City – Venezia

New York wins this two years in a row. Even with everything I did in my three days last year I still had a full schedule for my two days this year. 

Best Moment

The Statue of Liberty Crown

I had a lot of great moments in 2023 but my best would be climbing to the crown of the Statue of Liberty. I highly recommend it. At only $31 it’s one of the best value tickets you can buy in New York. Just make sure you get your ticket well in advance. In May they were sold out for the entire summer.

That concludes my “best of” for 2023. I have five cruises on Carnival in 2024. Four on new ships to me. I plan to book at least one more in 2024 that may or may not be a Carnival cruise.