First let me tell you that I was skeptical about cruising with Carnival. I've cruised twice with Royal Caribbean, and have been told throughout the years, that Carnival was not at all comparable, basically implored by others to stay away. Well my girlfriends brother and sister in law (who we travel with frequently) booked a carnival cruise, and asked us to join them, I kind of did not have a choice. Well, by the second day, I was already comparing Royal Caribbean and Carnival, and found both to be similar in so many ways, with even Carnival being a tad better in certain categories.

Food: Was just incredibly good. Breakfast and Lunch we had at the buffet. Now the lines do get ridiculously long, which I don't remember being so bad on Royal Caribbean, but what I found is if you didn't go for breakfast too early, or lunch too early, the lines simmered down, and the food was just as warm and fresh as before. I personally am just not that much into buffet food, though what I had was good, and my girl and family liked it, I much rather order a sandwich from the Deli. And the Deli sandwiches were top notch. I also ordered a cheeseburger, and again was also very good. As for Dinner, we had the early seating in the Posh Room. Some complaints I've read say that they do not offer you a full selection of food. I really do not know what these people are talking about. They have a full list of items, from Steak, to roasted Chicken, to cheeseburgers, ceaser salads, fruit cocktails, that are on the menu every day of your cruise. The daily menu, which does change from day to day, has had lobster tails, shrimp cocktail one night, grilled shrip another night, frog legs, duck, alligator, prime Rib, NY Strip Steak, Filet Mignon, Lasagna, pasta, etc. I really can't see how you can look at that menu and say that they don't offer you a selection. Dessert is just as good, and believe me when I tell you, you have to order the Chocolate Melting Cake. I had 2 a night, that's how good they were.

I like my coffee in the morning, and the free coffee was bearable. I'm not going to say great, but not terrible. If you like good coffee, go to the coffee bar and spend the $3.00 on a cup of better brewed coffee. I know it sounds kind of cruel that you are forced to buy a cup of coffee and not be able to drink what is offered for free, but the way i looked at it, I order a cup of starbucks every morning, whats the big deal. Espresso and Cappucino though was excellent. Read more