First let me say we booked this cruise about 9 months in advance and took advantage of their best rates. We bought insurance that our travel agent offered (substantially cheaper than carnival). So right off the bat we saved money booking it way in advance and buying the insurance from a second party. After checking all our options for traveling to Jacksonville, we decided the most economical was to drive our cars (we took 2 cars)from St.Louis. The Port Parking cost $15 a day which would have been another $150 BUT we went to JAX Park and Cruise and did it for $5 per day instead. I highly recommend these people there was absolutely no waiting on them they loaded our stuff and dropped us off at the door. When we got off the ship sure enough there they were - no waiting at all. Awesome! The only negative was we found ants (just a few in our cars) no big deal really but if we would have had food to eat it could have been. They may want to spray where they're parking the cars but this was a GREAT deal.

The boarding was a breeze, security was very cool and did not go through any hassle at all bringing wine, soft drinks, etc on board. They didn't even ask or look twice at it which was GREAT. It took us about 45 minutes to board. We were in our rooms by 1:30, I timed this so I would not be up on the lido with everyone else at the same time. I am not a fan of the lido buffet  at all but my kids spent quite a bit of time there and said the food was average. I really don't understand why any adult would eat a meal up there but to each their own.

I ate in the dining room for all 3 meals and I have to say the service and food/drink quality were OUTSTANDING for every meal we had. However, I have to say I'm not sure where they get those little bitty lobsters on elegant night, I mean 4-6 bites and you're done? So, of course I had to get 2 of them - LOL. Read more