First off I am 52 and a widow. First cruised in 1999 and have been on 12 cruises. I went with a friend who has cruised 4 times. This was my ninth Carnival. Been on Princess, RCCL and NCL.

We flew from Toledo to Orlando and spent the night at the Marriott Resort by the airport. The next morning we took the hotel shuttle back to the airport and used Carnival transfers to get to the ship. Shuttle was full and we arrived at the port about 11:30. We were only in the line maybe 5 minutes to check in. Then waited about 15 minutes and were onboard. Room not available till 1:30 we were told.

First stop was the Lido deck for a frozen-thingy and some lunch. Back to our room and it was ready! Luggage came within 2 hours. Read more