This is our 4th cruise together. One each on RCCL and Celebrity, 2 on Carnival. We like Celebrity best for dining service; Carnival for the shows. They've all been great though. We like flying in a day ahead of time to be sure there is no air snafu and plus it's just fun to tour around Miami or Ft. L, or hang at the beach. We really like cruising the best for vacations. Embarkation went really smooth. The whole thing took less than an hour. We have learned to carry on bathing suits in case we want to use the pool or hot tub. Although this time the weather was cloudy and cool. Stateroom service could have been better. The first night the steward wanted to know if we wanted to skip the turn-down procedure. We never really saw him. Usually they introduce themselves and greet you personally first day and then on out. We like late dinner seating so when we are in port there is no rush to get back and get cleaned up. The dining service was VERY lacking, almost as if they were new at it. Although they were pleasant. I can do without all the show stuff every night in dining room. Once is enough. We missed seeing the Baked Alaska. Breakfast in the dining room is better than buffet, food fresher, hotter. Although for time saving purposes buffet is good.

We miss the midnight buffets. Are they doing away with them? You could only get grilled burgers or pizza or ice cream way in the back lido deck. And then there was cleaning going on. If they could just hold off on cleaning there until it is shutdown for the night. Shows are EXCELLENT. We also enjoyed the singer next to the Casino and the table magician was really, really good AND funny. On shore days we have preferred setting out on our own. Taking local tours and taxi's or buses. Try to stay away from the "herd". Like to snorkel, relax on beach, do a little shopping and site see. Tried to take some local rum on board but it was confiscated. So at next port we poured it into water bottles! We really like being on board on sea days, taking in games and sunning. We get an inside room because it is just a sleeping place. Plus the darkness works great for sleeping-in when you stayed up too late the night before. I had one nasty encounter with the pursers desk the night before disembarkation. There was only one purser(should have been more for that night) The chick spent over 10 minutes telling this guy she wasn't able to help him. He wasn't taking no for an answer. It was about an upcoming shore excursion!!!!!(apparently he was staying on) Anyways, I was in line way before he rang the phone and then he held the rest of us up. Disembarkation went well considering it's the worst part. We weren't going anywhere soon so we took the colored tag route. It didn't' take long at all. For first time cruisers I suggest you bring sweaters or jackets maybe even lightweight long pants since alot of ships keep the insides very cool and for the cooler, breezy nights. Leave the shampoo/soap at home. Bring an alarm clock, wrist watch if you don't normally wear one. Leave beach towels at home, they are supplied. Backpacks or the like are nice for when in port, for shopping or carrying beach stuff. All in all, we had a great time and didn't let the little snags ruin our week. LOVE CRUISIN