My husband and I flew to LaGuardia from Chicago early on the morning of the 8th. We traveled to the Port via a limo shared with another couple, cost was $40.00 plus tip per couple. We arrived at the pier at approximately 10:45 a.m. and the Embarkation nightmare began. It should be noted that the Miracle was still in the process of Disembarking when we arrived at the pier. Our bags were taken by a porter and we proceeded to get in line, the first of many lines. Carnival has got to find a better way of moving people through the processing. We had followed the Carnival directive and filled out the FunPass before we left home but it did not make a difference. We were herded, like cattle, from one holding pen to another finally arriving at the area that directed you to get in line according to your cabin number. We boarded the ship at 1:25 p.m. and found a place to sit down after standing almost 3 hours in numerous lines with no chairs. I have taken four cruises with Carnival and their Embarkation process is the worst.

Our Cabin #5131 was very clean and everything was in order. We had an extended balcony that was just the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by throughout the cruise. We enjoyed breakfast and late night snacks on the balcony, it was the last one so we only had neighbors on one side of us. I am a smoker but my husband is not so the balcony proved to be invaluable, although I did smoke in the cabin on occasion. Our room steward was Bismarck and I saw very little of him but the cabin was always taken care of in a timely fashion. We had many towel animals waiting for us when we arrived back at night. We requested that the refrigerator be stocked with Diet Soda and it was but make sure you know how much each can of pop costs. We used 5 cans over the 8 day period and were charged $17.50, a bit excessive I think. I did find some 16oz. bottles of Diet Pepsi when we went to St. Thomas and kept those on ice. There is a Pharmacy attached to the Mr. Tablecloth store that has cold bottles of pop.

Food at the Lido was plentiful. The way that the stations are arranged can be very confusing at first but after three days it is easier to find your way around. The Lido is always crowded at lunch time, no matter it be 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m.. On two occasions, one being American lunch day (ribs, chicken, cornbread etc.), the station was forced to close early because they ran out of some food items. Oriental food station was very good with some very unusual items, even tofu, Rotisserie station was always good with very tasty choices. The salad bar is plentiful and has everything you could ever want on or in a salad. The Deli and the Grill (by the middle pool) is open for the longest period of time, both have good sandwiches and the lines are not too overwhelming. Last but not least Pizza and soft custard or yogurt is available 24 hours. Read more