My boyfriend and I recently returned from a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise on Carnival Triumph. He won the trip through his company- this was our first cruise so we didn't know what to expect, but had an open mind about it and were definitely excited to visit the Ports of Call: Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica ESPECIALLY since we had taken a trip in August to Maui (which we loved) yet had never visited the Caribbean.

Embarkation was not too bad. The line moved quickly and other than feeling like a herd of animals, they had everything fairly well organized. No lost luggage (however a string of people handling the luggage asking bluntly for tips), a great stateroom (not glamorous or anything, but we had a balcony), a bottle of champagne waiting on us (compliments of his company), and music already playing and drinks already flowing on deck.After the dreaded safety drill we went up to our balcony to watch the ship sail away from the port of miami with a gorgeous sunset.

Cash is NOT accepted on board except to tip with- but be aware that gratuities are pretty much added to everything you buy. You leave credit card info at the beginning and they give you a "fun card" which must be used to purchase items on board (drinks, excursions, items in the shops, etc)It is also used to check in and out at ports. This concept began a series of serious "money scamming". Misc. fees are added to your card that you may not be aware of such as: -$10 per guest per day added for gratuities -15% added to any beverage purchase including bottled water/soft drinks Also at the end of the trip, you are given an envelope to give additional tips to the maitre'd, servers, stateroom steward.... our server and stateroom steward deserved it though and we would have given them a tip anyway because they were wonderful! I completely understand tipping the bartender/server, or the person bringing you the free room service (if you purchase anything and have it delivered room service, the tip is already included)but tipping for bottled water??? Water ended up being $4. -and sometimes, those people did not do anything to deserve 15% tip...the choice is not yours. Read more