Our family of 4 (kids 13 and 19) began our trip by building in a few extra days in Seattle, which I would highly recommend. It's a beautiful, clean city with much to do and see. We were lucky with the weather - a bit overcast day one, but sunny and mid 70's the next days. We stayed at the Residence Inn on Lake Union and is was perfect for our family of 4. The separate bedroom and living room gave us plenty of space and included hot breakfast was nice. Restaurants in walking distance were also very good. There is street car line is right in front of the hotel to take you downtown, and then it's short walk anywhere you want to go. ($2.25/pp, under 17 $1.25) Pikes Place Market is a must see, and we ate at the touristy and pricey, but yummy, Crab Pot. We also took a segway tour with Seattle by Segway, and our guide, Marley, was fabulous. I highly recommend doing this.

We were at the cruise port by noon and on the ship by 12:40PM. Embarkation was easy and everyone was quite friendly. We had lunch on the Lido Deck and checked out the gorgeous ship. We sailed the Costa Atlantica, last year, which we found out is almost the identical ship to the Carnival Spirit, so getting around was pretty simple. I think the decor of the Spirit is much prettier than the Atlantica. Our rooms were ready by 1PM, and on our way into our cabins we were greeted, by name, by our cabin Steward Rigo. He was outstanding throughout the trip. Our boys room was a typical "boys' mess" regularly, but Rigo always made it right. I think I need him at my house!

We had dinner most nights in the main dining room, and our head waiter, "Coolman" from Thailand was outstanding. Again, he knew our names day one, and seemed genuinely happy to serve us each night. He was funny, and he could really dance! The food in the dining room was never bad, but it was never exceptionally great either. There was always plenty to choose from. Read more