WE left Montreal on a very snowy day .WE had had 2 storms back to back and 4 feet of snow were everywhere and the city was VERY slow in the cleanup .( Last week's rain took care of most of it !!!! Our flight was taken care of by Carnival and part of our cruise package .We flew nonstop to MIami were met by a Carnival rep to be taken to FLL. At the airport waited about 30 minutes for other guests and headed for port All in all well done by Carnival WE got all nonstop trips back and forth Embarkation was quite fast .We were able to go to our cabin drop stuff off and went up for lunch and to explore the ship We were greeted with a glass of champagne as we boarded NICE TOUCH!!! This ship remarkably resembles Costa Atlantica and Mediterranean its layout and total look. I asked and was told these were destined for Costa but kept by Carnival The decorations on board are lavish and bright but I liked them I loved the pink and purple dining room Where else would this fly but on a cruise ship ??/ I LOVED IT .YEs it is over the top but it's lovely on a ship in my opinion
The other venues were tastefully decorated for Xmas .Loved the little snowy village on the way to the dining room The lounges were nice and comfortable Very clean MUsic was enjoyable Liked the Classical corner in the Atrium YEs there were lots of people on board lots of kids there were issues with teenage kids and adults pumping drinks into them and I believe Security had their hands full !!! My kids behaved and we really did not get affected by that
Food was OK in Buffet . We appreciated the stations although I kept asking for directions everytime .My son and I enjoyed Asian and Indian buffet .Ate outdoors on deck .FABULOUS!!! Did not care for the pizza But deli sandwiches were good Dinner was delightful !!! Food was in small portions so less waste . Dinner staff very obliging Jerome and Mia took good care of us and were very patient with my son and his requests for more soup at the end of meals plus his nightly 2 shrimp cocktails !!! Quickly they learned I like a decaf cappuccino after dinner and I got it every night Yes they were understaffed and overworked but I did not mind the leisure pace I was not running anywhere!!!Dinner was elegant and I had my window seat and loved it !!! Desserts were YUMMY!!!I loved the lamb FINGER LICKING GOOD!!!