This was our ninth cruise and fourth cruise on Carnival. We had booked through an Internet agency on the Upper Deck. I will go into the pitfalls of booking through an Internet agency a little later. We chose this cruise for its ports of call, which allowed us many opportunities to go snorkeling.

We drove from our home in Destin, Fl. to Orlando, Florida the day prior to our cruise. We stayed at an Amerisuites Hotel near the airport since they offered complimentary parking and shuttle service. The hotel exceeded our expectations in every way and would recommend the Stay, Park and Fly program.

Our flight aboard American Airlines arrived on time in San Juan. We chose to share a cab to the ship with another couple we met in the baggage claim area. Total fare was $21.50 for all four of us with luggage. Read more