This is going to be a long one so sit back and get a tall drink from the waiter. I have been looking since 2003 about a cruise and was originally going to go on the Conquest but that fell thru. I was looking for a ship that specifically went to Ocho Rios as I used to live there many moons ago. I wanted to go back and scope it out.
I found the Imagination and it seemed perfect. I paid for the cruise thru a local agent and booked 1a guarantee. I was going by myself and that is all I needed. I spent many a work hour on here asking questions and getting lots of advice. I flew out of Tulsa on the day of the cruise, a Saturday. I let Carnival book the tickets. Probably not again. Didn't like feeling rushed.
Got to Miami around 2pm. Finally got my bags and this is probably my biggest gripe is that it was hard to find the Carnival reps at the airport. They don't make themselves as known as the other line. Got on the bus and yes, the driver did solicit a tip. I tipped him, I know sucker.