WE HAD AN ABSOLUTE BLAST! Having sailed before on 2 of the Fantasy Class ships: Sensation and Elation, and then on the Destiny Class Victory, it was nice to go back to a ship that carried less passengers, like the first two. Basically a Fantasy Class footprint as far as size, the Spirit was similar yet very different. All of the public rooms are on the bottom decks, with most of the cabins on the upper decks, and the atrium is more midship to aft versus forward. This means that very few cabins have foot traffic from lounges, disco, etc. overhead. Cabin sizes are great, as usual, and the balcony is the only way to go! The dEcor is hardly gaudy, with much more natural woodwork and soft lighting on this ship, a welcome departure from other Carnival vessels.

After one night at the Holiday Inn on Sheridan in Fort Lauderdale, our check-in experience was a breeze, (got to the Miami terminal at noon and there were lots of agents working) and we were on the Lido deck for lunch by 12:40. Belize, Costa Rica and Panama were the ports of call and since we had some time we booked our tours right away. The Excursion Desk was open at 12:30! Be sure to note that this exotic itinerary means lots to see-- wildlife, beautiful and lush rainforest, history and culture. This is not a tour of "Caribbean-Shop-Til-You-Drop" like other destinations. Sure there are items to buy, but you will find that you will spend more $ on experiences than on material things.

If you really want to take the boat tour through the Panama Canal (the $155 tour), book it ASAP! You won't regret it! The canal is a marvel! In Belize we did the Altun Ha Mayan Ruins and River Wallace Tour. Lots of interesting history of the lost civilization and a visit to one of the hundreds of Mayan sites right there in Belize alone. The river is a showy display of green, water and plants and trees, flowers, butterflies, birds, crocodiles, iguanas, black howler monkeys, and then as the river joins the Caribbean, you will see the manatees coming up for air - a real treat! Read more