Built in 1999 at Fincanteri in Italy, this Destiny Class ship was refurbished in 2006. She weighs in at a gargantuan 102,353 tons and travels at a top speed of 21 knots. Registered in Panama, the ship carries a maximum of 2,758 passengers, who are looked after by Italian officers and a multinational crew.
The Triumph alternates on an Eastern and Western Caribbean itinerary from Miami. The Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes stops in Nassau, Bahamas; St. Thomas; Half Moon Cay (Carnival's private Bahamian island); and Grand Turk. The Western Caribbean itinerary calls at Cozumel, Mexico; Jamaica; and Grand Cayman.
The majority of passengers are from the U.S. and all announcements are in English. During summer, Christmas season and spring break the ship is especially packed with families, family reunion groups and younger travelers.
Shore excursions include dozens of snorkeling, diving, canoeing, kayaking and sailing opportunities, along with city tours. Unique offerings include the underwater helmet dives in Grand Cayman and the America's Cup sailing in St. Maarten.
The Triumph's theme of "World's Greatest Vacation Destinations" is present throughout the ship. The neon lighting is a signature of designer Joe Farcus, but it is used in subtle ways and combined with refined materials and features. The atrium, the virtual hub of the ship, is decorated in rich purples and navy and highlighted by a gold world map embossed on the domed ceiling.
The atrium shops, lobby bar and photo shop along with the rest of the Promenade deck form the core of entertainment on-board. The assortment includes a wine bar, coffee bar, cigar bar, a Big Easy piano bar with oyster-shell walls, a karaoke bar and a sports bar beaming multiple events simultaneously. The Monte Carlo Casino has a large number of slot machines, various table games including blackjack, Caribbean Stud, roulette, craps and—new to Carnival ships—Texas Hold Em'. Elaborate stage shows are mounted nightly in the glitzy triple-decker show room. Besides the troupe of a dozen or so flamboyantly costumed dancers, there are comedians, acrobats, jugglers, magicians, country-western bands, string trios and pianists adding to the fun on a typical cruise.
Because of the ship's immense size, she offers myriad things to do, and places to go onboard include quiet peaceful spots for those who just want to relax and enjoy the sea. During the day, much of the action is on the open Lido deck, where flocks of sun worshippers converge for the various games that the energetic staff organizes. Also poolside, calypso and steel-drum bands perform on a large stage at various times throughout the day.
Those who like a good workout gravitate to the Nautica Spa, the ship's health and fitness center, filled with exercise machines including virtual-reality stationary bikes. Optional classes are offered at a nominal cost throughout the cruise. A jogging track runs above the gym on the open deck. The spa has men's and women's saunas and a pair of hot tubs. Its full menu of spa treatments from the Steiner organization include detox treatments, massage techniques and beauty rituals.
Elaborate and enticing facilities at Camp Carnival ensure that children are happy all day long and babysitting services are provided, too. Triumph has an expanded Camp Carnival and O2 Teen Program. The kids' area is over 4,200 sq ft and has PS2, Wii, arts and crafts, games and a wading pool. Among the new programs targeted to various age groups include musical, science, interactive education and fitness activities.
The Internet cafe is small and tucked away by the cigar bar. However, the ship beams wireless Internet throughout, so access via personal (or rented) laptop is easy.
The two main dining rooms, London and Paris, serve from the same menus, offering international cuisine with a rotating variety of fish, poultry, beef and vegetarian dishes. They are fixed seating with the table number and dining time assigned by the ship. The food quality on Carnival has definitely improved but is still considered average by knowledgeable cruisers.
This ship does not have a supper club, but Carnival has incorporated a bistro dining theme into the evening meals: a section of the Lido dining is partitioned off for table-service dining at an additional surcharge.
During the day, the Lido deck dining South Beach Club is bright and sunny. Its several buffet lines serve a rotating international fare, and lines form for Asian cuisine, deli sandwiches, an outdoor grill area and 24-hour pizza. Other food venues include the Vienna Cafe coffee bar and the Sushi Bar, both on Promenade deck. Complimentary room service operates around the clock.
Of the ship's 1,379 cabins, 853 are outsides, of which 508 come with verandas. The accommodations are large, with standard cabins with verandas measuring from 220 to 260 sq ft. All standard cabins contain two twin beds convertible to a king, topped with high-thread-count sheets and fluffy duvets. The rooms are very nicely appointed and designed with a good amount of stowage space. Appurtenances include a TV with interactive capabilities, safe, hair dryer and basic toiletries. The towels are for the most part absorbent and fluffy. Ocean view cabins and above come with robes.
The balcony on the standard cabins is very narrow. The deluxe balcony cabins on the back of the ship have large balconies with wonderful views off the back.Suites are substantially larger and come with separate sitting areas, closets, whirlpool tub, marble accents and larger balconies. The layout and size depends on the floor and location.
For families, groups and those looking for a fun cruise at a good value, Carnival continues to lead the way. Triumph's signature theming as well as the activities offered make it a pleasant choice of ship for those seeking fun in the sun or light-hearted family vacation.
