This was mine and DH's first cruise, and we couldn't have had a nicer time. The only reason for the 4 out of 5 was due to the food, which I'll get to in a minute. We embarked out of Baltimore, because we live in the state, about an hour away. The port was amazingly easy to get to. Our check in time was 11 am, so we were supposed to be there between 11 and 1130. We got there about 1140 that day, but since we has purchased "Faster to the Fun" (FTTN), we were put into a priority check in line and waiting area. We zoomed through everything and was on the ship by about 1230.I strongly recommend "FTTN", It may be like line jumping, but well worth the $60, especially, I'd imagine, if travelling with children.

When we originally booked the cruise, we booked for an interior cabin on deck 7. Two days before embark, Carnival called and offered an upgrade for an additional $100 per person ($200) total. No fees or taxes, just a straight $200. It may have been a gimic, but it was the best decision to do it. We were upgraded to an obstructed balcony, stateroom 5176, and it was beautiful. Please do not let the word "obstructed" frighten you. On the 5th floor, the lifeboats only obstruct your view straight down, not out. So you could still see everything if you look out to sea. We had a wonderful, (and I can't stress that word enough) room stewardess named Leydi. If we could have gotten her past customs, we would have brought her home. She was super attentive, asking every time we saw her if we needed something, whether she was working on our room or not. She really is a sweet and friendly person, that we would strongly suggest giving a raise to.

The food was touch and go. The main dining room (Normandie) was excellent, even though we only went for dinner 3 times. There are about 5 appetizers, 5 entrees, and 5 desserts to choose from. Our waiter was Damir and he was fabulous. As soon as we were done with our plate, we had another in front of us. We were spoiled! We did not go for the formal nights, because I read reviews on this website. Do not believe that people just dress in khaki's and collar shirts and go in to the dining room on these nights. Most people were in suits and evening gowns, which we did not pack. If you want to go to these nights, please pack these clothes. The mermaid grille (the buffet) was terrible the first afternoon. It redeemed itself for breakfast. I think the continental breakfast at the buffet is the way to go in the morning. We had the sea day brunch on the second sea day in the main dining room, but it was pretty much the same food as the buffet, but it was a lot more packed together. The continental breakfast from room service wasn't bad but wasn't anything special. Just cereal, muffins, juice and milk. Room service itself was also hit or miss. The first night we ordered a PB&J, and it was gross. However, the BLT's are awesome! We ate those a few times. And not everything on the room service menu is free. Some things are extra, and soda/alcoholic drinks are not covered under any drink package. Guy's Burgers? OMG!! They are so good! I think my DH ate at least one a day. The Pig Patty (with bacon on it) was his favorite. Did not do the steakhouse. Read more