Overall we had a good cruise and are happy with the value that Carnival provides. Any negatives are meant to inform only - we had a good time and would recommend the cruise and itinerary. We traveled as a couple, and in our mid to late forties. We're pretty laid back and the idea was just to go to relax, although my partner pulled an abs muscle just before we went, so it really became more of a convalescence cruise! Extreme sports were out, the gym was out, the stairs were out.

We spent the first night in Shem's Creek Inn - what a great little hotel. We had a room overlooking the creek, although it was too cold to enjoy. That was just luck of the draw. Welcoming front desk staff and a nice room to get a little sleep before boarding the next day. Adequate continental breakfast. I enjoyed the boardwalk the next morning - oh and hats off to La Pizzeria which is just around the corner, and authentic Italian. Note there's also easy driving access to both a grocery store and a drugstore if desired. And lots of places to eat just next store to the hotel as well. Just be sure to snag marsh side or the end away from the bar if you want some quiet in your room! They arranged our cab the night before and we left our car there for the duration of the cruise. Came back to it safe and sound.

I must say Faster To The Fun (FTTF) was so worth it. Once we cleared security it took us maybe fifteen minutes to clear check in, pictures and get on board and in our room - which was ready! Down to all the gifts being there and the birthday decorations hung. Our bags showed up within another hour, hour and a half - so I was able to get us all unpacked and we still had lots of time to enjoy the "first" day. FTTF also got us straight on a tender at HMC with no waiting, and while we had to wait for an hour for customs to clear us to disembark, once that happened, got us straight off the boat and on our way at the end of the cruise. That $50 covers everyone in your cabin. Again. Best. Value. Ever. Read more