This was our second carnival cruise. This was the one I would recommend for families. We flew to Tampa the night before and stayed at the Wyndam Harbour Island. This a fantastic place with outstanding staff. They picked us up at the airport and even took us to the port the next day and we could see the boat from our room. We were within a few blocks of the port and very close to many amenities. We had read so many cruise critics and were thankful for the many tips from other prior cruisers. We picked up essential snacks beverages (wine and soda) and water at the Publix on the corner and brought them with us which was very helpful in keeping our sign and sail bill down, especially traveling with children and a husband that enjoys wine. We booked with Justin at Carnival and he was fabulous in getting us a great deal which not only included the cruise but a stay in Orlando and rental car. We took a suite with a balcony which made all the difference. Our first cruise was an interior with no windows.

This time we watched the sun rise from bed and could sit out on our deck chairs to enjoy the ocean without going out of the room. I bought all the things that the critics advised which I was glad they told us. (Extra hangers which I got at the Publix for 99 cents), an air freshener for the bathroom and a clock. The one thing I forgot was a bottle opener. Our room had a refridgerator, bar with bar ware, tv/vcr, and a bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. We were set!!!! The weather was scary at first because it was raining when we arrived and cooler than we expected but Saturday rolled in and the sun came out. I was glad that people had advised us to bring jackets because they sure came in handy the first night in Tampa. We embarked and were with the skippers club definately the way to go. You don't have to wait in the coral of people you just walk up to a table with nice ladies and sign in and board. Our first day was at sea. The kids loved camp carnival. I can't say enough about the programming they have for children. Even for those adults young at heart like me. My daughter Brooke 9 and Brielle 4 had the time of their lives with the many activities provided by the camp. Brooke made friends with the girls her age and they were swimming and cake making, and scavenger hunting etc.............

My youngest couldn't wait to go to camp when ever her boring parents just wanted to veg on the deck. First port was Grand Caymen. We took the advice of former cruisers and went to Capt Marvins just a block from the dock. They were very reasonably priced and very accomodating. We had virtually a private tour to stingray city. My sister and her family booked with the ship and ended up paying handsomely for a tour with 100 other people. At captain marvins we were greeted and taken to the boat on their shuttle. There was only one other family on the boat with us. The guides were fantastic. They got us out early and we snorkled and they brought Frisbe the stingray up out of the water to see. I was amazed how he could hold him and how the ray knew him. We then went to the sand bar and we had it to ourselves for awhile and then as we were leaving the larger boats and groups arrived. It looked like mayhem to me. Read more