My 18 year old twins and I had a great time. A few things could have been done differently and I hope my hints can help you. We flew down to West Palm Beach the day before. We've taken 7 or 8 Carnival cruises but all were 7 days. I didn't think a 2 night cruise would be worth it so booked a back-to-back(4 nights total).

We stayed overnight at the Best Western Palm Beach Lakes hotel- was very pleasantly surprised for the $99 we paid. Keep checking their website- prices went up and down many times- if you find a rate lower, just cancel and rebook. Beautiful pool(nicely heated). They have an airport shuttle/take you anywhere within 3(5?) miles for a one time fee of $18-. A taxi to the hotel would be $25 and then another $25 to the port. Once at the hotel asked for pool-side room, downstairs. It was already about 5:30pm when we arrived and requested the shuttle take us to Friday's or Chili's. Richard at the front desk said "oh, no- you want to go to CityPlace- you REALLY want to go to CityPlace". He listed some of the restaurants down there- called the Cheesecake Factory for us and was able to make us a reservation for 7pm. Well- he was right. CityPlace is an outside pedestrian mall with lots of restaurants and entertainment. We had fun watching the salsa dancing to the live band and exploring the shops. Called for the shuttle and they came in 10 minutes. He was right- we can go to Friday's or Chili's at home. CityPlace is a 'destination'.

Arranged the shuttle for 10am- were at the port by 10:30. Crazy as every port is. Checked luggage downstairs then went upstairs to 'Check in'. At the first table you arrive at you are asked to fill out a credit card form(if you didn't on-line already). Then onward to the 'DisneyWorld' type line. No wait since we were so early- but by no means were we the 1st there. A tiny bit of panic at the desk when I was asked for the kids birth certificates- we all have passports so didn't even think to bring BC's. But once she realized they were twins and over 18- everything was OK and I could breathe again. Have never had to show BOTH passports and BC's before. Then you are sent to the excursion counter. I always arrange private tours so walked right on by. Two(2!) people came running after me- "You must plan..." "Must arrange something..." etc, etc, etc. Nope- both were SHOCKED I didn't make arrangements thru them. Don't let them fool you...More on that later. Then you go to arrange your dining times. Did it all online and printed out the confirmations. BUT- you still have to stop at the Dining desk to 'reconfirm' and get the tiny paper you hand to the Maitre D. Otherwise they won't let you in the dining room. Read more