About us: DH 44, Me 42, DD 10 and DS 7. My husband and I had each cruised carnival 10+ years ago, as well as a couple other lines (he NCL, me Princess and RCL). We are all (including the kids) well traveled, but this was the first cruise for the kids. We had booked this cruise because it was the best price primarily, and secondarily we liked the itinerary, and the new ship was a bonus. Honestly, we were in desperate need of a vacation, and anything away from work would have been great, and we were prepared to be underwhelmed.

Pre-Cruise: We flew from Ohio to Fort Lauderdale (Southwest) where we picked up a rental car (priceline ~$30) and drove to Miami. We stayed at La Quinta Miami Airport East (LMTdot com, ~$80), which by the way also has a free shuttle to airport and cruise port. The room and breakfast were fine (not the best LQ I've stayed in, but totally fine for one night pre-cruise with the kids). The next morning my DH dropped us and the bags at the port, drove to MIA to return the car, then took the national shuttle back to the port. It seemed a bit complicated to me (I don't love driving in MIA) but DH said it was great and wouldn't do it any other way next time. The port was a bit confused. They seemed late debarking, and it was crowded. We were initially told to take our bags to one spot (by a Carnival rep), but later told to go to another spot. Some of this may have been a result of the fact that we arrived nice and early (10am) so we got there before we should have ( =. Once we got to the right spot, bag drop off was easy-peasy, and it was a quick check in. There was water and lemonade out, and there seemed to be enough shade. As you enter the Carnival check in area upstairs, make sure you get a zone card. We managed to walk right by the guy handing out the cards, and when we got to the front of the check in line, since we didn't have one, we got the zone they were up to at that point (13 versus 8 of the guy in front of us). Not a huge deal, and a difference of maybe 20-30 minutes, but next time we'll be more aware.

We did not buy Faster to the Fun or My Awesome Bar Package, or eat in any specialty/for fee restaurants (although my DH did Cucina del Capitano for lunch one day), we did not use the casino or spa, and we didn't go to the nightclub. We did buy a couple individual drinks, we had anytime dining, and we used Camp Carnival. Read more