My friends (three couples in all) and I chose this cruise because it was leaving from our city. Convenience is a good thing. Embarking and disembarking could not have been easier. This is the easiest port I have gone in and out of. We were on the Carnival Sunshine. We just got back in today June 20, 2016.
All in all we loved the cruise, and the staff were great. The ship was clean, the meals were GOOD. Some were GREAT while others were OK thus my middle of the road rating of good. Our waiters were AWESOME. Entertaining us at the table along with serving us fast and accurately. Our waiter had a a table behind us with 5 children all under the age of 8. While still serving us promptly he gave special attention and time to the children. His name was Tanakas and his team including Imade and Louie.
The ENTERTAINMENT has gone down hill A LOT!! My husband and I have gone on Carnival 6 times. In the past we LOVED going to the shows. It is something we NEVER would miss. They are typically as good as Las Vegas shows with live orchestras playing with the entertainers. Generally there is a magic show on one of the nights. Not on this ship! There were only 8 entertainers per show. : ( The voices of many of the singers were not very good. The lighting was not good. We chose to not even go to the last nights show.
WE did not do an excursion here this time. WE shopped and went to Senor Frogs. Don't miss Senor Frogs. Fun for those that have older teenagers and above. Have done a Dolphin encounter another time we were there and that excursion was great.