This was our third cruise, but the first time with Carnival. Before sailing we read so many conflicting reviews we weren't sure what to expect. We booked based on ports we wanted to visit (Cozumel and Grand Cayman). Carnival was cheaper than comparable ships that were sailing to those destinations from other ports. So we expected less quality and service. You get what you pay for, right? We were consistently pleasantly surprised times throughout the cruise. Carnival has won my business and I will definitely book with them again. This cruise was more affordable and actually had better food service, activities that other cruises in which we paid more. Great value.

FOOD - we found the food was wonderful! Morning buffet was great. The fresh fruit was perfectly ripe an melted in my mouth. Lunch buffet was good too. We did the dinner buffet only one night. Which was ok. They change some of the selections daily so you're not eating the same thing every day. GREAT DESSERTS all day! They have several free food stations other than the buffet as well. Asian cuisine, Mexican, Fish & Chips, and Guys burgers that were FABULOUS! We had Your Time dining at the restaurant for dinner and chose to sit with others a few nights, and by ourselves a few nights. We never had to wait for a table.The portions were small (for a guy), but you can order two portions. There is so much food throughout the day, we didn't need a big dinner anyways. Some of menu items included lobster, prime rib, filet mignon, salmon, there was always a chicken selection, a vegetarian selection and a international selection. The service was a bit slow, but we heard there was recently a big change to several server/kitchen processes - which I'm sure will become more efficient in time. Servers were very professional and fun.

ACTIVITIES - Plenty of activities throughout the ship. You can be as social and active as you want, or as sedentary and recluse as you want. The sail away party is a lot of fun. Rowdy dance party to start the cruise on a fun note. Two movies per night outside by the Lido pool - nice touch! Read more