Unfortunately I do have to write a negative review, based on the fact that our cruise experience was really a disappointment due to the number of University spring breakers. I would guess that more than half were of that age group.
Pool area during our at sea days were over run by drunk 20 year olds. We couldn't get near the pools or hot tubs. Games in that area, run by Carnival entertainment were, in our opinion, inappropriate for day time, where children and families could be, if they could find room to actually be there.
The students were loud, rude and inconsiderate, especially at night (3 or 4 am), outside our cabins, running up and down the hall with no thought to people trying to sleep. Security seemed to not be anywhere in site, and did not patrol at all.
We happened to be on the Empress Deck 7, just down the hall from the glass elevator, where the central little bar is, and the Shore Excursion desk, and Guest Services. Noise from there was fine, but it was the students running up and down the hall at all hours that was awful.
Hop on the Jitney Bus ($1.25 per person each way) and go to the Melia for the day. $35.00 per person to use their gorgeous resort and pools/hot tub/beach. Totally worth it !!! Quiet and away from the hoards of people.
Charleston was lovely !! Eat at the Tattoed Moose - you will not be disappointed !! We also toured the Magnolia Plantation, which was very nice. Weather was outstanding and port parking and embarkation was organized and easy. Parking was $85.00 for the 5 night cruise.
Go to Paradise Cove www.deadmansreef.com Email Barry, he will send a bus to pick your party up right at the port. Easy. $35.00 gets you there and back, snorkeling for 3 to 4 hours, and all your snorkeling gear. They are super organized and snorkeling off the beach is out of this world !! Awesome. You won't get that much time snorkeling anywhere else. It is also quiet and away from the hoards of people as well.