This cruise was the second and last chance for Carnival, as far as I was concerned. I had sailed on the Elation out of New Orleans for my birthday back in November, and was, and this is the nicest way I can state this, overwhelmed with the poor customer service and training of the staff. I understood that this is the affordable cruise line and that you can't expect attention to detail and appointments like that of Disney, but rudeness and defensiveness was not what I was looking for.

But that was then, and this is now. I chose to go solo this time. And got a great deal on one of the larger interior cabins on the Empress Deck (7). Upon arrival, the staff in the terminal was well prepared, friendly, helpful and professional. having prepared my luggage for ease of electronic separation, I was through security, checked in with my Sail and Sign card and rolling up the ramp in less than 5 minutes.. with a smile on my face and a spring in my step. It was the way I wanted my long weekend getaway to start.

When I got to my room, it was prepared: clean, bright, and with a note welcoming me aboard. Before I could even drop my luggage, the steward was there, welcoming me with a smile and asking if there was anything he could do for me right then. I asked for ice and smiling said he would be right back...and he was. I had a small cooler with me and he kept it full for three days. Little things, ya know? Read more