For starters: We chose this cruise for our annual cruise to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The days, dates and departure port of Tampa were convenient, so we booked the Paradise 4-day Cozumel cruise. It's a convenient getaway since you can make a long weekend into a mini vacation - depart Thursday and return on Monday. Tampa, for those who fly, is an efficient airport and the transfers with Carnival are a breeze for getting to your ship and back to the airport. Embarkation began early and was a breeze - super quick - and they were incredibly efficient at getting people fed asap. There was plenty of food and drink while we waited for our cabins to be made available. Carnival even accommodated late arrivals, as I saw at least a dozen people (probably delayed flight arrivals) being allowed to board while we were still in port doing the evacuation drill on deck.

Our cabin: Spacious and comfy enough, a bit dated, but clean and tidy all the time. I was pleasantly surprised that we could get TV and news out of the States for the whole trip. The shower was awesome, albeit VERY hot water, but a decent size, unlike the corner/tiny showers we've had on other ships. LADIES: BRING YOUR HAIR DRYER!!! There are none in the bathrooms or the dresser drawers. Only one outlet, right near the dressing table area. Loads of closet and storage space. Our steward, Michael, was awesome - personable, efficient and unobtrusive.

The Crowd: Since school was in session, there were a few kids on board, and a few babies, but mostly adults. There were a few college students/frat boys who must have been on their fall break (often in October). These guys should probably have been in the dorms studying for their midterms or writing their mid-term papers, but alas they were staying across the hall from us. I think they tried to tone it down, but you can imagine: frat boys + unlimited drink package = God help the steward who has to clean that room and the folks who want to fall asleep before 3 a.m. Let's just say they weren't thinking straight -- or thinking at all. They could have been worse, though. Read more