The easiest way to breakdown our experience is to tell you the Great, Not-the-Same-but-Understandable, and the Bad. Then some Suggestions.

GREAT: You just cannot beat the value of this Carnival Cruise, whether booking it directly or via a online discounter. The Embarkation at the terminal in Jacksonville is very easy. Convenient parking or shuttle delivery area and baggage drop. All staff in the parking lot (with baggage golf cart shuttle service too!) and in the terminal is very very pleasant including the TSA officers. The ship is kept in great shape and service staff is mostly outgoing. Our room was always kept in excellent order by our cabin attendant. Our dining room service (6pm seating) on our first night was excellent, but we made the switch (without complication) to a table of two for the remainder of the cruise, after encountering the Duck Dynasty stars at our table...LOL. Drink service was omnipresent, and quality was very good. Entertainment (Comedy and the MoTown Review) were EXCELLENT! Food in the dining room sometimes was very good but it was worth checking out the Coconut Grill (self-service) on the Lido first just to make sure you are getting the best of the day. The Pool Grill on the Lido was ALWAYS EXCELLENT, and featured outstanding omelets to order each morning including the morning of disembarkation. Burgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, etc. were always available. I did not try the Mongolian Stir Fry station on the Lido pool area but it was very popular. The Scotch Eggs were off the hook! The 24-hour Pizza (and salads/sandwiches) station in the aft of the Coconut Grill is incredible. My favorite is the De Chevre Pizza (white pizza with garlic and mushrooms). ALWAYS lots of delicious desserts and endless fruits available in the Coconut Grill. You will always find some Roast Beef or Prime Rib being carved here too. I smoke cigars, so I was thrilled that there was still the option of using an area on the Lido, or the stateroom balcony. The peace of the Serenity Club (over 21 deck on aft Promenade) was my favorite place to relax. It also has 2 hot tubs, cushiony lounge chairs and nice towels. A few times kids came down and staff did nothing about it, but they weren't a problem to me and they were isolated instances. The Spa services (massage) and Fitness Area (equipment with bow view, and the saunas) should not be missed!

NOT-THE-SAME-BUT-UNDERSTANDABLE: We took our first cruise with Carnival in 1985, and paid LESS in 2013! So some changes are a let down, but completely understandable in today's value-appeal economy. No more lox and accompaniments or carved meats for your Caesar in the Coconut. No more live bands on the Lido, but plenty of activities and music going on. The Dining Room (Sensation) does not offer anything in steak but the "flat iron" these days, so don't expect a Sirloin. The "lobster night" is good, but no longer are you getting a nice big cold water tail, but instead 4 very plump shrimp and a 3/4 oz warm-water tail. Read more