My wife and kids just retuned from our first cruise as a family. Wife and I are in our early 40's and our kids are 22, 11 and 9. The oldest has was on 1 cruise on Carnival over spring break with 10 guys so probably a little different experience this time. This being our "first time" I spend some time of this site and got lots of tips from past cruisers(thank you) which was helpful. I was also very worried after reading so of the reviews that had been left. I operate a luxury car dealership and customer satisfaction and treatment is key for me and I'm very cognizant of poor service. So again, I was very afraid.

We booked 2 mini suites on deck 9 (9249 and 9253). the 3 kids stayed in one and we stayed in the other. Really saw no benefit to spending more for a higher deck and after returning still feel the same way. Rooms were right by the elevators and stairs right below the pool area, could not have asked for a better location.

When down on Wednesday and stayed at disney for a few days and drove into Miami Saturday morning. Returned the rental car at the airport and loaded the 5 us and 11 pieces of luggage onto the free Alamo shuttle to the port. Arrived at port at noon, porter took bags and we were on the ship eating by 12:30. Quick tip, when the buffet is packed the first day or breakfast time go down the stairs to the restaurant below, access is at the back of the buffet dinning room. Rooms were ready by 1:30 and we were unpacked and poolside by 3. After leaving port we ate steak and lobster in the Manhattan room. Steak was very small not not really good but whatever it was -22 degrees back home. Went to Howl at the moon (1 of 4 times) and it was terrific. Read more