We were excited to go on a cruise to the Western Caribbean but were quickly disappointed. When we booked the cruise we were told to call back with our flight information in order to book the airport transfer. When we called to schedule the transfer, we were notified that it was too late but that booking at the airport shouldn't be a problem. After arriving we were told that we were lucky to catch the last bus... first problem averted.

I waited to book the cruise until upgrades were offered (less than 2 weeks prior to departure). The Carnival telephone rep told us we had a good chance of getting an upgrade. When we arrived to check in, we were told that cruise was long since sold out and there would be no upgrades. Prior to departure we also did not receive our "blue book"??? in the mail and therefore the staff had trouble checking us in (sent to different lines in the terminal, etc.)

We were asked for our preference in meal times - we asked for 6:30 and were told that it couldn't be guaranteed but we would likely get our requested time; we received 8:30 (the latest seating). Our table was always the last to be served and had the same VERY unenthusiastic server every night. The service was so slow that the lights regularly were turned on during dessert and the vacuuming would begin (on one occasion this occurred prior to dessert orders). I tried to get our server to smile by asking; he said, "I don't fake it". Some of the other servers seemed great; unfortunately that wasn't our experience. Read more