This was the first cruise for my fiance and I. We weren't really sure what to expect, but had heard a lot of good and bad from others. Friends of ours had recommended the Eastern Caribbean cruise with Carnival, so we decided to book just after the new year for a break from the cold in the Northeast US. I travel frequently via plane, so I am definitely comfortable with travel.

Port of Miami / Embarkation - Airport transfer was a snap, quick and efficient. We arrived at the terminal about 4 hours before the scheduled departure. The terminal wasn't terribly busy at this point to our surprise, and we got onto the boat and up to the Lido deck quickly. After a bit of exploring, we were off to our cabin a couple hours before departure.

Cabin - Level 1, Oceanview - the cabin was surprisingly roomy and we had a great, attentive steward. Unfortunately we had some of the loudest people in the cabin next to ours who felt like shouting about at 4 AM. If we are to cruise again, we're splurging for a balcony. The oceanview was okay, but I'd like the fresh air and faster access to the upper decks. Read more