This was my 3rd cruise (first on Carnival) and the 6th for my friend (Second on Carnival). Last year we cruised on the Voyager of the Seas. We were a bit apprehensive about booking this particular ship due to the number of bad reviews mixed in with the good ones. We decided that because of the bargain we were getting that we really couldn't pass it up.

The day of embarkation was a bit slow. The line outside the terminal was a bit of a mess to start off with. It wasn't until there was already a large crowd of people trying to get in that the port authority decided to put up barricades to force people to make a straight line. Once inside there was a little bit of confusion as to which of the two lines to get into. There was a sign that directed people who completed the on-line Fun Pass form into a specific. We soon found out that didn't mean anything and we were able to duck into the shorter line.

Once on board the ship we found our cabin pretty quickly. I was very surprised to find out that my suitcase was already waiting at the door. We were located on deck 7 at the very back of the ship. We were a corner cabin so it worked out we had a large wrap around balcony. Large enough for a couple of extra chaise lounge chairs. I was threatened with being banished out there for the evenings if I snored too loudly. Luckily that didn't happen. The room itself was a bit of an odd shape because of its location. Being at the back of the ship though, you feel everything. The boat rocking from the waves or the vibration caused by when the ship is being maneuvered into place at the dock. Not bad but noticeable. Read more