Along with my two sisters, and a good friend, I boarded the Carnival Dream for an all girl week. It has been about 10 years since I was on a cruise ship, and I have never cruised the Caribbean before, so I was surprised, and disappointed, that we were on the Carnival "experience".
The sales pitches were unrelenting, the entertainment was high school-ish (with the one exception of Marcus Anthony, which was amazing). The food was just ok, but the staff was unerringly attentive and courteous.
At the end of the second port stop (Belize) I began to wonder if we were simply sailing in a big circle while the people at the port changed signs. Each port was generically the same, owned by Carnival, and shopping was limited and expensive.
Every port has the exact same stores. Craft items are pricey since the vendors pay the high Carnival rent. High pressure sales tactics all around. No feel of th
We simply embarked in New Orlean. Efficient, crowded by bell men wanting a tip, who hurried us, even though we had two hours until sail time.
Disembarkation was orderly and efficient.
Wish the covered garage had not been full. We paid $112 for parking on a dirt lot filled with mud puddles. Car was safe, though.