My mother had been hoping to go on another cruise for a number of years and my daughter and I decided to surprise her for her 90th birthday. This cruise was chosen because it was an easy drive to the port from our home in North Carolina and the price was too good to pass up. This was my first Carnival cruise, having previously sailed on Princess, NCL and another line that no longer exists.

We drove from NC to Jacksonville and stayed at the Jacksonville Plaza the night before we boarded the ship. The hotel was OK but there are probably better choices in the same area. We left our car at the hotel and took their shuttle to the port.

We arrived at the port before noon and were checked in quickly. There was a long line of people standing, waiting to board and I asked if there was somewhere my mother could sit since she has difficulty walking or standing for any length of time. The port staff was very considerate and led us all to a row of chairs near the front of the line. When boarding began we were among the first to get on the ship. Read more