Sailing Into Ensenada on NCL Bliss — A Slow Pass by Carnival Firenze #CarnivalFirenze #CruiseLife
We’re pulling into Ensenada as the ship glides past the dock, and we step out to watch it all unfold. The weather feels cool and gray, but the view keeps our attention as we move closer and take it in together.
As we pass by the Carnival Firenze, we notice its Italian style and how different it feels from other ships we’ve sailed. We share what stands out to us, from open deck spaces to quiet corners, while keeping an honest look at what works well and what feels a bit off.
Key Takeaways
- We share real first impressions as we arrive in port.
- We point out ship features that shape daily life onboard.
- We offer honest thoughts to help others plan their cruise.
Reaching Port in Ensenada
Watching the Approach from the Bridge Cam
We reminded everyone that the bridge camera shows our arrival as we glide toward the harbor. From our room, we watched another Carnival ship already tied up while we passed by on the way to our spot. As we got closer, we stepped onto the balcony to film the moment and catch views as we moved along the pier.
What stood out
- The harbor flag flew high on the pole, which we had not seen raised in a long time
- We passed the other ship closely before lining up to dock on the opposite side
Where We Tied Up
We docked on a side we rarely use, which felt unusual for us. Most trips place us where the other ship sat, so this change caught our attention. It had been so long that we planned to look back and check the last time we used this berth.
| Detail | What we noticed |
|---|---|
| Nearby ship | Already docked as we arrived |
| Our position | Opposite side of the usual spot |
| Timing | First time in a long while |
Conditions on Arrival
The air warmed up as we stood outside, but clouds still covered the sky. The scene looked gray and calm, which showed clearly on camera. Even with the overcast weather, the harbor felt active as we settled in.
Overview of Carnival Friends
Italian-Inspired Fun and Design
We sail on a ship that keeps a strong Italian look and feel. The funnel still shows the Costa “C,” and the inside carries Italian style rather than full Carnival branding.
We see family areas stacked high, including WaterWorks, a ropes course, mini golf, and SportsSquare with pool tables. The dome over the Lido Deck can open or close, even in cool, cloudy weather.
A Ship with a Past Life
This ship started with Costa before joining the Carnival brand. Carnival kept much of the original layout instead of rebuilding it from scratch.
That choice gives us beautiful interiors but also tight spaces. On sea days, the Lido Deck and inside paths can feel crowded and hard to move through.
How It Feels Compared to Other Carnival Ships
We notice a different flow than on newer Carnival ships. Some choices feel odd, like the Serenity Deck sitting next to the water slide and shared wet stairs.
Layout notes we notice:
- Jogging track runs near smoking areas
- Track even cuts through an American diner
- Terza Suites replace Havana Suites, with hot tubs but no private pool
- Great views from aft cabins, but noise and privacy can be issues
| Feature | What We Notice |
|---|---|
| Dining rooms | Large windows, can feel loud below suites |
| Aft deck | Central bar with pizza on one side and chicken on the other |
| Vibe | Still fun, just different from typical Carnival ships |
Top Deck Features and Activities
Leo Deck with Sliding Roof
We spend a lot of time on the Leo Deck. A large roof slides open or shut based on weather, which changes how the space feels. When it gets crowded inside, moving through this area can feel tight.
Carnival WaterWorks and Slide Area
We can see the WaterWorks zone right away on the top deck. The water slide sits near the front of this area. The stairs stay wet because kids run up and down all day.
Ropes Course and Sports Square
We find the ropes course above the activity zone. Just below it sits Sports Square with pool tables and open space for games. This area stays busy and active most of the day.
Mini Golf and Game Room
We play mini golf on the top deck near the Sports Square. The arcade sits one level below in the building next to it. Both give us easy, casual fun between other activities.
Basketball Court and Pickleball Space
We use the basketball court toward the back of the ship. The crew also sets it up for pickleball at times. This spot works well for quick games and open play.
Places to Eat and Drink
Pizza Spot Near the Aft Pool
We spend time at the pizza place near the back pool, set beside the large central bar. This spot sits opposite the chicken venue, so it’s easy to grab a slice and stay close to the action. The setup makes it simple to eat and keep watching what’s going on around the pool.
Comparing the Chicken Choices Onboard
Across from the pizza area, we find the ship’s chicken counter. It looks like Shaq’s Big Chicken, but it is not the same. We can taste the difference, and for us, the real Shaq’s Big Chicken comes out better.
Our take:
- The look tries to match the famous version
- The flavor does not fully match it
- We still enjoy having a quick chicken option nearby
Bars by the Pool and Lounges
At the back of the ship, a large bar sits between the food spots. This area feels active once things get going, and it draws people together fast. When the bars open, the mood shifts and the space turns lively around the pool.
Relaxation and Adults-Only Spaces
Where the Adults-Only Deck Sits
We found the adults-only quiet area placed at the front, right next to the water slide. That setup feels odd since kids run through the same stairways to reach the slides. The steps often stay wet, so we noticed the calm space does not feel fully separate.
Terrazza Suites and Their Private Outdoor Area
At the back of the ship, the Terrazza suites share a reserved outdoor deck. This space feels like a quiet hangout just for those guests. It includes seating and does not include a private pool, unlike similar areas on other ships.
We also noticed that nearby decks look down into this area. If privacy matters to us, we would want to think about that before booking.
Hot Tubs and Places to Sit
The Terrazza deck includes two hot tubs and several seating spots. The setup works well for relaxing at sea, even without a pool. We also kept in mind that some rooms nearby may hear noise at certain times, especially when the ship gets busy.
Ship Layout and Distinct Design Decisions
Running Track and Fitness Area Placement
We noticed the jogging path sits above a fitness zone near the back of the ship. The track is not very large, but we still enjoy using it. On this ship, the track even cuts straight through an American-style diner, which we have never seen before.
Where the Main Dining Room Sits
We saw the main dining room set above the small private suites near the stern. Those large dark windows mark the dining space. Because of that setup, we expect noise and vibration during busy meal times.
| Feature | What We Observed |
|---|---|
| Dining room level | Above rear suites |
| Possible issue | Noise during service |
| View impact | Public areas look into balconies |
Smoking Area Next to the Track
We found a smoking section on the promenade level with white umbrellas. The jogging track runs right above it. When we walk or jog in the morning, smoke drifts up, which makes the route less pleasant.
- Smoking area: lower promenade
- Track location: directly overhead
- Shared space: limited airflow between levels
Life Onboard: Mood and Happenings
Social Energy and Group Fun
We watched the mood change fast as we came alongside the ship. One minute it felt calm, and then people noticed us and started waving. It suddenly felt like a party kicked off, almost like the bars had just opened.
People leaned on railings, waved, and shouted greetings. The energy picked up without warning, and it felt playful and welcoming.
The Mrs. Roper Costume Night
We learned there was a Mrs. Roper-themed party the night before. Some guests still wore parts of their outfits the next morning. That alone showed how long the fun lasted.
The theme added humor and color to the ship. It fit the idea that the celebration did not stop when the night ended.
Calm Spots and High-Energy Areas
We noticed a mix of quiet and loud spaces onboard. Some decks felt peaceful, while others stayed busy and noisy. That contrast stood out as we moved around.
Even when areas were meant for rest, nearby activity kept things lively. We laughed at how close quiet zones sat next to places full of action.
Cabin Experience and Privacy
We stayed in an aft area, and our room had a bridge camera feed on the TV. We watched the ship pull into port and stepped onto the balcony for clear views as we passed another ship. The balcony gave us wide sightlines and strong port scenery.
### Rear Cabins and Balcony Sightlines
- The aft rooms offer excellent views at sea and in port.
- Terza suite guests have access to a private outdoor area with seating and two hot tubs.
- People on the upper aft decks can see into lower balconies, so privacy depends on timing and location.
What we noticed
| Feature | Our Take |
|---|---|
| Balcony views | Hard to beat |
| Private Terza area | Quiet hangout, no private pool |
| Foot traffic above | Limits privacy at times |
### Sound Levels and Personal Space
Some aft cabins sit below public spaces, including the main dining room. We expect rumble and noise during busy hours. At sea, the back of the ship can also be loud, even with great views.
Nearby areas affect comfort, too. A smoking section sits close to the aft promenade, and the jogging track runs above it. Smoke can drift while people walk or relax nearby.
Our Thoughts and Practical Takeaways
How This Ship Felt Compared to Others
We noticed this ship feels different from many other Carnival ships we’ve sailed. The Italian-style design stands out, especially inside, and it gives the ship a unique look and flow.
Some areas felt tight during busy times, mainly inside on sea days. We liked many features, but the layout caused issues, like wet stairs near the water slides and quiet spaces placed next to loud zones.
Things that stood out to us:
- Beautiful interiors with Italian flair
- Crowded walkways in some indoor areas
- Odd layout choices, like quiet decks near noisy attractions
Advice We’d Share With Other Cruisers
We had fun, but a few details are worth thinking about before booking. Room location, deck layout, and food spots can affect your trip more than you expect.
Booking and planning tips:
- Choose balcony rooms carefully if privacy matters, since many decks look down into them.
- Expect noise near the aft cabins and below dining rooms at busy times.
- Try the included food spots, but don’t expect every version to match what you’ve had on other ships.
- If smoke bothers you, plan your walking routes since some tracks pass smoking areas.
| Area | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Serenity deck | Not always quiet due to nearby water slides |
| Jogging track | Nice layout, but passes active areas |
| Terza suites | Great views, less privacy |
We always find ways to enjoy every ship. Knowing these details helps set the right expectations and makes the trip smoother.
