This was our twentieth cruise, we are both in our early 50's. We tried using the Carnival Credit card points system and found it to be a joke. The "discount" was only about $100 for 25000 points and when my statement came I found that the credit card company had charged us over $300 to get the discount. I'm canceling the card!

We drove to Port Canaveral the night prior and stayed at the Country inn and suites and it was very nice. It is right next to the ships and if you ask for the right room you'll see your ship outside the window when you get up in the morning. They also add free parking for the week, saving you about $80 in parking fees. And, they take you to your ship and bring you back.

Check in was the smoothest ever. At only one station they handled everything and sent us up right on board. Read more