I had checked the website prior to leaving home and knew we would be detoured to Key West. Many of the passengers did not realize we would not go to Nassau until they arrived at the port. It was not the cruise line's fault that the port in Nassau had closed. Luckily they were able to secure a dock in Key west rather than float out in the ocean for 3 days.

Since the purpose of the cruise was to celebrate my daughter's birthday, I splurged and booked a mini suite. It was not a typical suite as you would see on other cruisers, however it was larger than the regular balcony rooms on this ship. Although the cabin was located near the front of the ship and provided for a bumpy ride, it was comfy. Because we had an upgraded cabin, we were given VIP status for embarking. It was wonderful not having to stand in any lines. After checking in on our cabin, we headed to the buffet lunch. It was plentiful and I was quite impressed with the various stations on the Lido deck, including Italian, Pizza, Deli, Salad, Mongolian Wok, Caribbean, Desserts, and the main station of burgers, hotdogs, french fries,etc. Having had terrible food on another carnival cruise, I was pleasantly surprised at how good the food tasted. This includes the meals in the dining room also. Actually, the entire design of the ship was impressive. I had read complaints of this ship, however the renovation made it appear modern and nicely decorated. For a budget ship, I found it to be quite classy with a variety of great activities and entertainment.

The first night on board was difficult to say the least. My daughter get seasick easily and although we were prepared with dramamine and ginger gum, she ended up throwing up her lunch. Luckily were in our cabin. The dramamine helped her to fall asleep early, and sleep through the night. I decided to go to dinner alone. We had late reservations in the main dining room. It took awhile to actually locate the dining room which was at the other end of the ship. When I arrived, I was taken to a 10 seat table. The dining room was practically empty, probably from many people being sick. I asked the waiter for a menu, however he wanted me to wait for others to arrive at the table. I informed him that I did not want to wait. He asked me where the others were from my table. Quite agitated, I told him that I had only two in my party, and that she was ill. I had no idea where the other people were. He then asked if I were in a hurry and I said that I was. I was very annoyed that I was expected to wait for people I did not know. I never requested a table for 10! The waiter took my order as another couple arrived to the table. A second couple also came, looked over the menu, then got up to leave. It was clear that thw woman from the first couple did not feel well. She ate nothing that she ordered, Both my entree of escargot, and entree of beef brisket were brought at the same time. I ate both quickly, which were quite delicious. I did not bother to order dessert and left for my cabin, hoping I would not pass any sick passengers on the way. Read more