Intro: This was my first cruise. Before deciding to go I came here, to this web site, and read loads of reviews. I found the info posted here very helpful so I decided that I'd post my review in the hopes of helping someone else.

Overall: As a first time cruiser I can say for sure that this was one of the best vacations I've ever had. Cruising was very enjoyable and my family and I will certainly be cruising again soon. The value was exceptional. The totality of the ship, food, amenities, activities, entertainment, sights, ports all make taking a cruise truly an exceptional way to spend one's vacation time.

Booking: After some Internet based research I called Carnival directly to request some literature. After getting the short booklet, they followed up with phone calls. Once I decided that I was going, I figured, why not book direct. I was booking two rooms, one for parents and one for my wife and our daughter. We had decided that we wanted Balcony rooms so I booked two rooms. I requested that we have rooms right next door to each other. At the time (about late June/early Jul), the room rate had just gone up about $40 per room from the lowest rates I'd seen. It was unfortunate but as I had never booked before I feared that the room rate would keep going up as the time drew closer. I booked our rooms for two Balcony rooms on the 6th deck. Read more