Embarkation - what a nightmare! Nobody, including the Carnival people, knew if they were coming or going. Eventually, they but up some sort of lines to go into, but that took forever. Got through security only to find a huge line to get your room card. Computers were down, so all credit card info had to be redone by hand. Not a good way to start a vacation, but we were on board and in our room by 1:30 pm. Lunch up in the lido and off to explore the ship.

Ship - after dry dock, she was sparkling and clean. Not sure if they put in new beds or not, but they were comfortable. Pool areas (there are 3) were nice and there were plenty of lounge chairs. Ship is easy to maneuver, although sometimes the hallway just ends. There is only one way into the dining room, and that is through a lounge on each floor. So, enjoying the entertainment before dinner was very noisy with all the people lined up waiting for "rope drop".

We went to most of the lounges - most had some sort of entertainment and mostly they were very good. The atrium bar is very nice - just sitting there and gazing up at the elevators was very relaxing. Smoking allowed only in the Champions bar and in casino, so that was not bad. Most of the nights, the bars were not crowded at all. Read more