Let me preface this by saying that we have been on several cruises from many different lines. I am a former travel agency owner, and we used to live in South Florida, so I've had the opportunity to cruise on many ships, and tour many more. I have always been a fan of Carnival, and have cruised with them way back in the days of the "Carnivale" and "Mardi Gras". We always have had fun with them. I am very critical in most of my reviews, and I try to point out the bad and the good. As far as food goes, I am picky, and I expect GREAT food on cruises. So please gauge this review understanding these facts. Here it goes.....

We booked this cruise several months ago under Carnival's military appreciation rates. We were traveling with another family of 5 along with my wife and three kids. (We tend to book Carnival when we are traveling with the kids because they allow 5 per cabin on some of their ships when other lines with the exception of NCL do not) Our friends were first time cruisers, and it's always fun going with someone who is cruising for the first time. We booked a Cat 6A (Oceanview) with a guaranteed room assignment on the Riviera Deck (R49). I think that with the exception of travel agent rates, this is the best rate I have ever received for 5 at just over 1900 for the 5 of us including taxes.

We traveled to FL 10 days prior to the cruise and stayed in a time-share in Fort Lauderdale. Being originally from Fort Lauderdale, we spent the time visiting friends and family. As far as transportation goes, we rented from Alamo in FLL and turned in the car at the Miami airport where a shuttle was provided to the ship at no charge. It was quite painless. Read more