We were planning on parking through a cheaper location but my husband liked the idea that we pay to walk right back out to our car when we get back, so we decided to use the ports $16/day parking. We pulled in and had boarding passes and ids looked at then had to go through a long line to drop us all off with our luggage and wait for my DH to go park and come back. We then walked in to go board! Mind you we were first timers to this all so we had no idea what to expect. We also brought a 12 pk of soda for each of our 3 kiddos (which we didnt drink all of the liquor or soda). We took our carry-ons and soda and went through security easily. Put luggage and purses through machine, walk through xray machine. Then got in line with Carnival reps. Lines weren't that long but we weren't instantly up either. Gave them ids and birth certificates and took each one of our pictures for our sign and sail cards. They stop you for a picture as you board and then we were on the ship!

Our room was already to go so we instantly went to drop off our carry ons so we could walk around and eat lunch. We put 2 adults and 3 (13,12,11) kids in one room. snug yes, but we weren't there to enjoy the room, we were there for the cruise and the Bahamas! After lunch we did our Muenster Station and then I ran to the spa giveaway (didn't win). Then met the family to finish the kiddos Club C registrations. I pre-registered so it was an easy process. Gave them names and got itinerary. DD is 11 (going on... well... yeah) but is mature and bday is in March. She tried out the younger group the first night and we paid to have her stay until 12:30 after we went to the adult comedy show (GOOD TIMES with Scotty K). She was quite bored so the next day we asked to move her with our two DS (they were not happy LOL) but Club C had no problem moving her up. They were gone every day for the most part usually until 1:30 am! Met lots of friends and we never got a call from security so we figured they were behaving. We also demanded dinner together and left post-its in the room for all of us to update each other on whereabouts.

1st night was a bit rough seas and my first time on a boat.... I took dramamine a bit late and left dinner early... when we returned to our room we couldn't access it. Nobody could. Turns out the battery in the room lock was dead. It was not fun sitting outside while waiting to get in (though they did have our stewards boss come and wait until maintenance arrived to let me in). Got in my room and laid down while they switched out the battery. Tried sleeping but kiddos kept running in and out. Eventually when my husband came back to tell me how the servers just danced to Apple Bottom Jeans I figured I should get out of bed and force myself through my paid vacation. We went to the show Motor Works (I dozed off and on) but my DH said it was great. We then went to the adult comedy show and sat in the front row, which of course meant we got picked on, which we didn't mind. Read more