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We planned on a quick fall getaway and the price of this cruise sealed the deal. We cruise often-about twice a year-and have been on Carnival 3 times before. We usually favor Celebrity and RCCL, but the price for this trip was too good to pass up. We got an ocean suite balcony for a 4 night itinerary to Key West and Cozumel.
Embarkation: for some reason we got VIP embarkation, and were greeted in a private lounge and boarded quickly. I was worried about the lido deck lunch crowd, since this had been a MAJOR problem on our prior Carnival cruises. Happily, we easily found seating and enjoyed a delicious Italian-style buffet. It was fairly crowded, but nothing what I had experienced before--walking around with your tray, praying that someone will free up a table.
Cabin:wow! We had never had a suite before, usually a balcony room. We had a king bed, twin sleeper sofa, granite bar, dressing room with granite counters, bathroom with granite floors and whirlpool bath with shower. Also, large balcony. I didn't want to leave the cabin! Excellent room steward who always worked around our late rising schedule. Oh, and more storage space than we knew what to do with.
Dining:we ate in the MDR and enjoyed every meal. Drink service was a little slow, but no big deal. Service was outstanding. Our server had worked for Carnival for over 27 years, and he was so professional and courteous.
Fellow passengers: nice mix of young party types and middle age folks like me. The party people didn't cramp my style. I enjoyed being with them in the casino and found them lively and not obnoxious.
Debarkation: most everyone had carryon cases since this was only a 4 night cruise. Carnival wanted everyone off by 8, or soon after, and that went smoothly.
Overall: a nice older ship that has been well-kept, at an extraordinary bargain. Would not hesitate doing this cruise again
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