We are a family of 3. My child was 15 for this cruise. This our 4th cruise, all with Carnival. I am a nut aout reading the reviews, especially with a new ship. I have been holding off on this review, but there seems to be a number of bad reviews, and only a few good reviews. When they are good, they are very good.

First off the embarkation at Galveston was quick, easy, and painless. We where on the ship with our small carry on stuff. I have a back pack with a laptop, which has to be on my person most of the time. We got on the ship hungry and proceeded to the Lido buffet. We where in our rooms shortly after 12. We picked deck 8 so we could catch a couple of stairs to the Lido deck, and 3 sets to get to deck 5. My child finds a group and hangs out immediately. I get in the casino pretty fast, and the wife usually lays out some and reads a book.

We had 4 other family members with us, so we met a lot for meals and entertainment. The entertainment was good, but you had to wait in line to get a good seat. The seating on the Lido was get there early, or wait till after noon for a good seat on that deck. There was seating above, if you where looking for sun. The food in the Lido buffett was not as good as before, but there are plenty of choices. The food, and service in the MDR where both good. Our waiter kept us entertained at all times. Newman was grat.There could be more pool space, but it is what it is. The casino will give complimentary drinks if you play enough, with enough money. This was great after day 2, as I had my card. Read more