This was a first cruise for my 16 year old daughter and myself. We don't vacation often so this was a treat for us. First the good: great service from the stewards to the waiters, rooms were acceptable (not so important since we are not spending so much time in the room). Lots of places to hang out including a lounge for 15-17 year olds which was great for my daughter! The cruise director was phenomenal! Carnival is lucky to have this guy; smart, witty, and tons of energy. I was so impressed. We loved 2 of our 3 excursions: dolphin experience stingray city- Cayman and Mayan ruins with the BEST TOUR GUIDE EVER, Angel. He was funny, knowledgable and kind. Ochoa rios, Jamaica: we had to wait forever to get to the actual falls and the souvenir guys at the end were hounding.

Now for the not so good: some if the things that we didn't like so much...i understand Carnivals need to make money, but the pushing of cocktails and people drunk 24/7 (not Carnivals fault) was strange to me, including an activity called "drunk grandma" I had a cocktail or 2 but that was it. Food: extremely UNIMPRESSED and DISAPPOINTED. We live in NYC and I realize that Carnival is catering to the masses...but the buffet? Breakfast was ok, but nothing was ever hot...just lukewarm. Lunch: fried chicken, casseroles, popcorn shrimp ( really a fried ball with a pinky nail smidge of Shrimp)..pre made potato salad, and salad bar- iceberg lettuce! Hello the 70s/80s want their lettuce back. I was very disappointed. Thank goodness for the delicious fresh fruit, Blue Iguana and Guys burger bar. The dinning room was better. Great service and the food was ok. Nothing was ever really hot but flavors were good.

Lastly, entertainment...not impressed with the shows...lots of out of tune singers and a mediocre band. Maybe I was expecting too much. Not sure I would cruise on Carnival again. It certainly is affordable and as I said the service was great!