This was our second cruise and first on Carnival.We sailed out of San Juan, taking a taxi from the airport hotel just as embarkation was beginning. This part was a breeze, we were in our stateroom about 30 minutes after arrival. Disembarkation was also easy, although we were given a 9 AM departure time even though our plane wasn't leaving until 6:30 p.m. However you can stay on the boat until the last group is called, about 11a.m.

The biggest issue I had was the lack of activities for people who either didn't go on shore excursions or who returned from them early as many trips were back by 1:00 or earlier. The St. Kitts day , the only activities were trivia contests, I like 'Who Wants to be a Milionaire ' as much as the next guy but more variety would be helpful. We were on a Costa cruise (in Europe) previously and there were dance lessons, arts & crafts and movies for the afternoon times. Also, the shows could have been a little better, there wasn't one until the 3rd night and they were hit and miss.

Based on what I heard one of the singers say (from the stage), Carnival is slowly reducing /phasing out much of the live singing and dancing stage shows. Read more