We stayed at the Hampton Inn at Jacksonville Airport, it was very nice and convenient to the port. The breakfast is always a nice touch and one less thing to worry about. Embarkation was easy and very quick. We did this cruise for Halloween. We had a good time because my husband's whole family was there. But I wasn't impressed with the service and the ship definitely did not wow me. I had been on RCCL before and so I was comparing the two. I don't know if I would go on another Carnival, unless it was such a great deal that I couldn't pass up. The kids had fun in the kids clubs and they always were entertained. The shows were good, especially the costume contest, which my husband and MIL were chosen as finalists (it was so funny). Our cabins were connecting OV. We were on Main Deck and felt we were close to everything. Dining was never an issue, and they were happy to put a few tables together so we could all eat together. But our service was so bad the first two nights that they ended up moving us to another section. Half Moon Cay was my favorite port. The beach was beautiful and clean with plenty of chairs. We also stopped at Nassau, we did venture off and go the market. But if you've done it once there is no reason to do it again. The weather wasn't great, so we got back on the ship pretty quickly. All in all we had a good time, but there are too many other ships and cruise lines to try that I probably would not do this one again. Disembarkation was very easy and quick too.