Our 4th Carnival cruise was as great as ever! We had booked the least expensive cabin at the last minute and was upgraded to an outside Category 6A, room 1273. Great roomy cabin and so quiet! I was worried since it was so close to the elevators, but it was quiet and the location convenient. We decided to use www.parksleepfly.com and book a hotel on Cocoa Beach after the cruise and get free parking and shuttle to the ship. This worked out as a cheaper option for us since our van was over 21 ft and parking would have been over $20/a day. The Days Inn looked like it was in sort of a seedy area of town (I didnt go out at night), but our new van was fine and our stay comfortable. The hotel was within walking distance to Cocoa Beach pier.

The ships ambience was fun and colorful, although more subdued than other Carnival ships! Very clean. Our room was always immaculate, which was no small feat since we were traveling with our 5 year old. Embarkation: we arrived at 1 pm and were on the ship at 1:30.

I thought the food was as great as ever in the dining room. My husband thought the Red Sail buffet was lacking some meat choices and his food was cold on the first day, but there are many options such as the pizza, deli, and fish and chips as well as the buffet. I was disappointed that they did not have the ice cream sundae bar like they had on other cruises; instead they have a 24 hour soft-serve station (not my favorite) available. One thing I noticed more on this ship was the lines at the buffet in the Red Sail. They could last 20-30 minutes at one station. The gala buffet was also disappointing. Beautiful buffet, but I waited in an hour long line and to mine and others dismay, they had few options left to choose from once we got up their. Next time, I wont bother! Read more