Embarkation - Arrived at the Pier around 11:15 and we were on board by Noon. It was very smooth and comfortable. The weather was absolutely fabulous in New York for sail away. The only critical point would be that in good weather, Princess throws a way better sailaway party.

Food - Awesome! Carnival is the best cruise for food I've been on since Celebrity in 2000. The dinners in the dining room were always good and meats were well cooked. Their Caesar salad is amazing and the Bitter N Blanc is the best dessert I've ever had. We ate in the dining room 5 nights of the 8 - 2 of the nights we missed were because we went to Nick & Nora's steakhouse. It was such a romantic atmosphere and the food was phenomenal. The only complaint I got was the 24oz Porterhouse my boyfriend ordered was very ripe with connective tissue. The buffet was always pretty good - no complaints at all. I love the pizza and ice cream available 24/7.

Service - Didn't know our waiter's name by the end of the cruise, but loved our bar waiter, Dragan. The waiter we had and the assistant didn't have much personality. I didn't encounter any issues with service, but I do find Princess to be a little better. Our cabin steward, Lilith, and her assistants were very effective and couldn't have done better. Read more