This was our 7th cruise, 1st with Carnival. We were a little concerned about the "party atmosphere" we had heard about. But the price was right, and sailing from Baltimore is a breeze, 1 hour from our home, and we had sailed on 2 others from Baltimore, Celebrity to Bermuda and the Caribbean.

Embarkation: indeed a breeze, arrived at Cruise Maryland Port around 1pm, got on board about 2pm. We thought there might be lots of extra security because of 9/11, but just the usual bag search lines at the entrance to the port. Always a pleasure to sail from Baltimore.

The Ship: I had heard complaints about the ship's decor (Renaissance art), but it was completely inoffensive. If you consider these types of artworks have been around for 500+ years, it's hard to find fault with it. The lobby area is magnificent, my DH described it as "steam-punk" style, glass elevators rising to the ceiling 8 floors above. Everything was clean and ship-shape. Read more