As a veteran of more than 15 cruises, 3 of them on Carnival, I felt I pretty much knew what to expect after reading some of the reviews before my cruise, but there were a few surprises, good and bad.

Embarkation was quick and easy. We arrived at 10:30 AM, parked in the lot that charged $10 per day, and was quickly bussed to the ship. No lines, no waiting. At 11:00 AM we were on the ship. Disembarkation was the same experience because we chose the self-disembarkation option and we were off the ship before 8.

If you are considering this cruise in 2012, plan to pack clothes for cooler, fall-like conditions. You will be glad you did because the deck is very cool at night as you head to Canada. Read more