This was my 11th cruise. Prior to this, I have been on 1 Princess, and 9 Royal Caribbean. This would be my first Carnival cruise.

On each of my most recent RCI cruises, people always say "try Carnival", it's much better! Better food, service, rates, etc. So finally, I gave Carnival a try. This is a 7 night cruise. I live in NC and we decided to drive to Charleston the morning of embarkation. The drive was easy enough. Directions to the port from I-26 are easy to follow. Charleston is an odd, old port. After winding and turning, we finally drop of the bags, park, take the shuttle to port, and immediately check in and board the boat. Getting on the ship was quick and easy.

We get on the ship and it seems nice enough. I have read many of the reviews, and knew it was older. I also expected a more regional crowd since we were leaving from Charleston - more South and North Carolinians, which it was, and that's not a bad thing. Everyone we met on the ship was extremely nice, and made some great friends. Read more