I was very scared to go on a cruise but was encouraged by my daughter and co-workers to do so. On July 2014, I embarked from New York to go to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, and Grand Turk on the Carnival Splendor. I was travelling with three of my children and my nieces and nephew (8 people). I was truly amazed at the ship and the size. It was a huge ship clean and well kept. I was assigned to the first floor Room 182. I was very pleased with the room and it was an Ocean view room. Embarkation was not too bad and after about one hour I was actually on the ship. Everyone was kind and smiled throughout the journey. The food was good and there were a lot of choices. I had read all of the reviews and I was 50/50 about the whole situation. I am writing this review from my heart and anyone who wishes to begin cruising should definitely begin with this cruise. For the beginning of the cruise I believe I was in total shock and did not really enjoyed myself until the next two days. Although the ship was called the "Pink Ship" it was not bad. I was pleased with what I was seeing. I enjoyed the food and the entertainment. My family were blown away by the staff who for most of the time were very kind and helpful. We ate at the Black Pearl Restaurant and became very attached to the waiters and waitresses. I cried on the last night when they sang to the guest. I felt connected to the crew members, and although Eric the cruise Director use to annoy me at times, I grew to love him. The hidden costs surprised me for example the water that they leave in your cabin (way too expensive). Generally we enjoyed ourselves, and we would be cruising again.