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Carnival Triumph 2013 4-Day Review
Day 1        June  27, 2013            Galveston, Texas                                              Departure:   4:00PM
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Carnival Triumph Docked in Galveston
Carnival Triumph Docked in Galveston
Terminal With Ship In Background
Terminal With Ship in Background
Embarkation:   I arrived at the cruise terminal in Galveston at 10:15 in the morning. The drop off/pick up driveway at the terminal was busy because many disembarking passengers were waiting to be picked up and some embarking passengers were being dropped off.  Terminal 1 in Galveston underwent some major interior work since I had last been in the terminal (2011).  

    The place where people entered the cruise terminal was different than before.  The entrance was now closer to Terminal 2.  First was a boarding pass and photo id check.  Next, was a security check for weapons.  After the security check VIP guests (Platinum and Diamond) and Faster to the Fun guests were instructed to go up a special escalator. General guests were instructed to walk to a further escalator.  I was able to use the VIP line today because of a family member who turned VIP on this trip.  When reaching the top of the VIP escalator there was no instruction from terminal staff of where to go. The entire upper level of the terminal was different and there were very few recognizable landmarks.  A staff member finally realized that we looked lost and they helped us find the VIP check in area. 

    The check in was a little different this time.  We still received our Sail & Sign cards at check in and had to show our passports, but our picture for the A-Pass machine was taken from the check in desk.  After checking in we were instructed to sit down in the VIP lounge and wait to be called in.
Here are some pictures I took from the windows in the VIP lounge:


Picture
Carnival Triumph - View From VIP Lounge
Bottom of Ship's Front From VIP Lounge
Bottom of Ship's Front - From VIP Lounge
Front of Carnival Triumph
Front of Carnival Triumph
    The VIP area of the cruise terminal had a good view! There was water, coffee, and lemonade for people to drink.  Around 11:15am the terminal loudspeaker announced that it was time for VIP guests (Platinum and Diamond) to board.  A terminal representative led the way and brought us to the Sail & Sign card scanner.  Our cards were scanned and we were told to keep them out to show the ship's security.  The photo gallery backdrops were set up, but we chose not to take a picture.  The walk to the gangway was the exact same as previous times.  However, the gangway is brand new and bigger.  We were on the ship by 11:30am for sure! 
 Once on the ship we were told to show our Sail & Sign cards to security and then go to lunch.  Here are some pictures I took during the walk to lunch:
Lido Deck - Looking Towards AFT
Lido Deck - Looking Towards AFT
Lido Deck - Red Frog Rum Bar
Lido Deck - Red From Rum Bar
Lido Deck - Blue Iguana Tequila Bar
Lido Deck - Blue Iguana Tequila Bar
Renovated Pool
Renovated Pool
Renovated Area of Lido Deck
Renovated Area of Lido Deck
Blue Iguana Cantina
Blue Iguana Cantina
Blue Iguana Cantina on Lido Deck
Blue Iguana Cantina on Lido Deck
South Beach Club - By Deli
South Beach Club - By Deli
Looking Inside Deli
Looking Inside Deli
    The ship's lido pool area looked completely different than before!  The ship's buffet had some changes, but for the most part looked the same.
Lunch Plate in Comfort Kitchen
Lunch: Comfort Kitchen
First Lunch in South Beach Club: 
    The first lunch of the cruise was very good!  I had a Pastrami on Rye sandwich from the deli and then I went and got food from the Comfort Food line. I have never sailed on a ship with a Comfort Food line before.  There was not a Taste of the Nations or Chef's Choice line anymore on the Triumph.  
    Some of the crew in the lido buffet were slow to clean tables and not as friendly as other crew members. 

To the left you will see a picture of my plate when I ate from the Comfort Food line.
AFT Pool Area With Retractable Roof Open
AFT Pool Area: Retractable Roof Open
Looking Toward Starboard on AFT Pool Area
Looking Toward Starboard on AFT Pool Area
Tables Outside & Ice Cream Station Outside
Tables Outside & Ice Cream Station Outside
On Lido Deck - Looking Towards Waterslide
On Lido Deck - Looking Towards Waterslide
Lido Deck Balcony Stateroom
Lido Deck Balcony Stateroom
Close up view of beds in stateroom
Close Up View of Beds in Stateroom
Stateroom:  Since I was VIP and my ship offered Faster to the Fun (FTTF) I was able to go to my room immediately and not have to wait.  My room was located on Deck 9 which is the Lido Deck.  The room had new carpet, a new TV, and new bedding. The room also had a new luggage mat that was not big enough for a normal sized piece of luggage.  The room was nice, but the location was not.  I will go into the location problems later on this day's review.
Couch & Folded Up Rollaway Bed
Couch & Folded Up Rollaway Bed
Beds & Luggage Mat
Beds & Luggage Mat
Here are some pictures taken from my balcony on the first day while we were docked:
Looking towards bridge between Galveston and Pelican Island
Looking Towards Bridge Between Galveston Island and Pelican Island
Little Boat With Pelican Island in Background
Little Boat With Pelican Island In Background
View From Balcony Towards Back of Ship
View From Balcony Towards Back of Ship
On Balcony - Ship Passing
On Balcony - Ship Passing
NS Artic Passing Carnival Triumph
NS Artic Passing Carnival Triumph
NS Artic Has Passed Carnival Triumph
Ship Has Passed Us
Stateroom Bathroom:  The toilet, sink, and shower in the bathroom had low water pressure.  Here are some stateroom bathroom pictures:
Carnival Triumph Stateroom Bathroom
Bathroom in Stateroom
Carnival Triumph Shower in Stateroom Bathroom
Shower in Stateroom Bathroom
Sink in Stateroom Bathroom on Carnival Triumph
Sink in Stateroom Bathroom
Stateroom Freebie Basket:
    
Typically in the stateroom's bathroom there is a basket that has some free samples.  The free things in the basket are always varying and different by cruise.  On this cruise my basket was stuffed with free samples.  Our basket included items such as  three toothpastes, chocolate turtles, and some different types of lotion.  This was the biggest freebie basket that I have ever had!
Carnival Triumph Freebie Basket
Freebie Basket in Stateroom
On Deck 9 (Lido) there is a front observation area above the bridge.  The door to this area was located on the port side of the ship in the front.  This area was  almost always  empty and private.  Here are some pictures I took from the front area of the ship:
From Balcony - 2 Little Ships Passing
From Balcony - 2 Little Ships Passing
View of Galveston From Front of Ship
View of Galveston From Front of Ship
Mouth of The Ship With Terminal 2 in the Background
"Mouth" of Ship With Terminal 2 in Background
Deck 9 Front Area
Deck 9 Front Area
Looking At Galveston's Terminal 2
Galveston's Terminal 2 Area
Stairs to Deck 10 Front Area From Deck 9 Front Area
Front Area - Stairs to Deck 10 Front Area
Looking Down at Pier From Front of Ship
Looking Down At Pier From Front of Ship
Gangway At Terminal 1
Gangway at Terminal 1
Harborside Drive with Galveston in Background
Looking At Harborside Drive and Galveston
Looking Down A Street in Galveston, Texas
Galveston, Texas
Deck 9 Front Area - Door to Enter Insides
Deck 9 Front Area - Door to Enter Insides
Touring The Ship:  On the first day I walked around the ship and looked around.  Here are some pictures I took while walking around:
Elevator/Staircase Area
Elevator/Staircase Area
Lower Level of London Dining Room
Lower Level of London Dining Room
London Dining Room on Carnival Triumph
London Dining Room on Carnival Triumph
Looking towards port side of london dining room
Port Side of London Dining Room
Lights in Ceiling of London Dining Room
Lights in Ceiling of London Dining Room
Looking Down From 2nd Floor of London Dining Room
Looking Down From 2nd Floor
Stairs Down to 1st Floor of London Dining Room
Stairs Down to 1st Floor of London Dining
2nd Floor of London Dining Room
2nd Floor of London Dining Room
2nd Floor of London Dining Room
2nd Floor of London Dining Room
View From 3rd Floor of Rome Lounge
View From 3rd Floor of Rome Lounge
Club Monaco Casino on Promenade
Club Monaco Casino on Promenade
Slots in Club Monaco Casino
Slots in Club Monaco Casino
Alchemy Bar on Promenade Deck
Brand New - Alchemy Bar
Alchemy Bar
Alchemy Bar
Big Easy Piano Bar
Big Easy Piano Bar
Piano & Windows in Big Easy Piano Bar
Piano & Windows in Big Easy
Piano in Big Easy
Piano in Big Easy
Deck 9 AFT Area Looking Towards Pizzeria
Deck 9 - AFT Area Looking Toward Pizzeria
My touring brought me to the outside decks of the ship.  The pool area on the Lido was starting to get crowded and it was only about 1:00pm. I think many people skipped their first lunch to go to the pool.  Here are some pictures taken from outside:
Big Screen & Ship's Funnel
Big Screen & Ship's Funnel
View of Galveston, Texas
View of Galveston, Texas
Galveston, Texas - Pleasure Pier in Distance
Galveston, Texas - Pleasure Pier in Distance
Looking Down At Terminal & Gangway
Looking Down At Terminal & Gangway
Lido Deck Looking Towards Waterslide
Lido Deck - Looking Towards Waterslide
On Deck 10
On Deck 10
Deck 10 Looking Towards Back of Ship
Deck 10 Looking Towards Back of Ship
Deck 11 - Jogging Track
Deck 11 - Jogging Track
Looking Towards Back of Ship
Looking Towards Back of Ship
Deck 11 Jogging Track Area with Funnel in Background
Deck 11 Jogging Track Area w/Funnel
Looking Down At Lido Deck
Looking Down At Lido Deck
Harbor Area of Galveston, Texas
Harbor Area of Galveston, Texas
Bus Arriving At Terminal
Bus Arriving At Terminal
Galveston, Texas
Galveston, Texas
Looking At Galveston, Texas
Looking at Galveston, Texas
Retractable Roof is Open
Retractable Roof is Open
Looking Toward Pelican Island which looks industrial
Pelican Island - Industrial Looking Area
Zoomed in on Pelican Island
Zoomed In On Pelican Island
2nd Floor of South Beach Club
2nd Floor of South Beach Club
A Pool & Waterslide
A Pool & Waterslide
Funnel & Screen Which Advertises Red Frog
Funnel & Screen Which Advertises Red Frog
Mini Golf Course
Mini Golf Course
Small Ships in Water
Small Ships in Water
This ship is moving very fast
This ship is moving very fast
Lido is Crowded With People
Lido is Crowded With People
Part of Ship With Galveston
Part of Ship With Galveston
Outside Decks of Ships
Outside Decks of Ship
Big Screen Theater & Tail of Ship
Big Screen Theater & Tail of Ship
Picture
View From Front of Ship of Terminal 2
View From Balcony in Mid Afternoon
View from Balcony in Mid-Afternoon
The Ship Had A Smell: The ship did have a strong smell of disinfectant spray.  A few areas still had a weak smell of sewage.  Overall, the ship was clean but some places had bad odors.  Consider packing a dust mask if a moderate disinfectant smell bothers you.
Ship's Atrium
Ship's Atrium
Alchemy Bar in Promenade
Alchemy Bar in Promenade
Hollywood Dance Club's Outside Area
Hollywood Dance Club's Outside Area
Alchemy Bar
Alchemy Bar
Elevator Area
Elevator Area
Looking Down in Atrium From Deck 9
Looking Down in Atrium From Deck 9
Blue Iguana Cantina Salsa Bar Area
Blue Iguana Cantina Salsa Bar Area
Sauce Bowls
Sauce Bowls
Moving Window Washer - Not Washing
Moving Window Washer - Not Washing
Looking At Galveston - Big Coronet
Looking At Galveston - Big Cornet
Waterslide
Waterslide
Coast Guard Ship Driving By
Coast Guard Ship Driving By
Table & 2 Chairs on Balcony
Table & 2 Chairs on Balcony
Starboard Side of Ship By Gift Shop
Starboard Side of Ship by Gift Shop
Carnival Triumph Atrium
Ship's Atrium
Picture
Club Monaco Casino
Shopping Desk & Future Cruise Desk
Shopping Desk & Future Cruise Desk
Muster Station Drill:

    The Muster Station Drill was held at 4:00PM. This drill was required for all guests and crew members.  The muster stations on the Carnival Triumph were located on the port and starboard side of Deck 4.  The cruise director, Jen, made announcements prior to the drill to warn people about the drill.  At the muster stations the crew made people form single file lines.  There were about 5 or 6 lines by the time all of the passengers arrived.  The crew used a clicker device to count passengers in attendance at the drill.  The crew members also demonstrated how to wear and put on the life jackets   Then the cruise director talked about smoking areas, environmental policies, and emergency procedures.  Then the muster station drill was over!  The ship's starboard side was dismissed first and the port side guests had to remain in place for a few minutes. 
World's Way Promenade
World's Way Promenade
Sail-A-Way From Galveston:  The ship was delayed by about 30-45 minutes because of the Muster Station drill taking place at 4:00PM.  Due to the ship not turning around in the morning the ship had to turn around for us to be able to leave Galveston, Texas.
Backed Away From Terminal 1
Backed Away From Terminal 1
Terminal 1
Terminal 1
View From Front of Ship As Ship Turns Around
View from Front of Ship As Ship Turns Around
Enjoy some pictures that I took during Sail-A-Way:
Part of Terminal 1 & Part of Terminal 2
Part of Terminal 1 & Part of Terminal 2
Terminal 2
Terminal 2
Gangway of Terminal 2
Gangway of Terminal 2
Side view of ship with Galveston
Side view of Ship with Galveston
The gangway of terminal 2 and the old gangway of terminal 1
The gangway of terminal 2 and the old gangway of terminal 1
Side View of Ship As The Ship Turns Around
Side View of Ship As Ship Turns Around
Front of Ship With Terminal 2 Gangway
Front of Ship With Terminal 2 Gangway
Front of Ship With Terminal 1 in Background
Front of Ship With Terminal 1 in Background
Picture
Terminal 1 with Galveston in background
Oil Rig Museum and Galveston in background
Oil Rig Museum and Galveston in background
Terminal 1 gangway
Terminal 1 Gangway
Terminal 1 in Galveston, Texas
Terminal 1 in Galveston, Texas
Banner on side of Cruise terminal that says Port of Galveston Welcomes Home Carnival Triumph
Banner on Terminal Welcoming Triumph back to Galveston after long time away
View of Galveston, Texas
Galveston, Texas
Harbor House Hotel and Pier
Harbor House Hotel and Pier
Oil Rig Museum in Galveston
Oil Rig Museum
Ship has moved a long way from the oil rig museum
Coming up on a pier with tractors
Coming up on a pier with tractors
Passing A Docked Ship
Passing A Docked Ship
Back of Docked Ship & Tractors on Pier
Back of Docked Ship & Tractors on Pier
Tractors on Pier
Tractors on Pier
2 Ships Docked By Each Other
2 Ships Docked By Each Other
Front of Ship
Front of Ship
Coast Guard Station?
Coast Guard Station?
2 Ferries Moving Across Water
2 Ferries Moving Across Water
View of Pelican Island Side
View of Pelican Island Side
Ferry Station in Galveston
Ferry Station in Galveston
2 Highrise Towers
2 Highrise Towers
2 ships
2 Ships
Seawolf Park
Seawolf Park
Getting Close to End of Island
Getting Close to End of Island
Tip of the Island
Tip of the Island
Dinner in London Dining Room:  Your-Time Dining was held in the London Dining Room on Deck 3.  I do not know what the Deck 4 area of the dining room was used for.  The dining room was scheduled to open at 5:45PM, but on the first night it opened at 5:30PM.  The service in the dining room was excellent!  Out of all of the departments on this ship the dining room crew members were the best! The food was very good and a reasonable portion.  The pictures that I posted are in photo gallery format which means that no captions are included. I did not include any names of food items because I do not remember the names of all.   Enjoy the pictures:
Welcome Aboard Show: The Welcome Aboard Show was the old style show.  The old style show had the large inflatable ship and FUN letters on the stage.  The Triumph dancers and singers were very good!  The show was worth seeing and I wish there would have been a second showing because I would have gone to see it.  After the dancers finished their act our cruise director, Jen, came up to the stage and spoke.  She did a great job and had a catch line "shake your booty". One memorable part of the welcome aboard show was when she asked if anybody was celebrating a divorce and almost half of the people clapped.  This show was very good and worth seeing!
Rome Lounge
Rome Lounge
Rome Lounge - Looking Towards Back
Rome Lounge - Looking Towards Back
Ceiling of Rome Lounge
Ceiling of Rome Lounge
Stateroom Nightly Turndown:   After dinner & the show the stateroom was turned down, a towel animal was left, and the steward left chocolate mints & a copy of the Fun Times for the next day.  The rollaway bed was also laid down so the room was very crowded.

NOISE AT NIGHT:    The main disadvantage of this room was that my floor had  people passing from the Lido deck at night whom would use my hallway as a shortcut. People were loud and sometimes would beat on our door.  Since our room was close to the atrium we were able to hear the singer at the bottom of the atrium.
Towel Animal For Night
Towel Animal For Night
Rollaway Bed is Set Up
Rollaway Bed is Set Up
Sunset
Sunset
Here are some pictures I took of the ship at night:
Guy's Burger Joint At Night
Guy's Burger Joint At Night
Side view of Guy's At Night
Side View of Guy's At Night
Atrium At Night
Atrium at Night

Up Next:

Carnival Triumph 4-Day 2013  -  2nd Day of the Cruise & Sea Day
Click Here to View Day 2 of the Cruise REVIEW 
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