We are a couple in out mid-fifties, English but live in Spain. Always cruise the Caribbean every January and this was our first time cruise with Carnival. Was a bit doubtful of booking carnival due to the reputation of being a mainly young crowd. Found the age mix similar to other cruise lines.

We flew into Miami on Jan. 19th and stayed the night in the Hyatt near the port. We wanted the Holiday Inn but it was fully booked. The Hyatt has direct basement access to the people carrier (free) so we spent our first night in Bayside and ate dinner there.(love the place and the music) Left early at 10.30 pm as we were still on the 6hours ahead time difference. We checked out at 12.00 and took a taxi to the port and because of VIP check-in and no other people in the VIP lounge was on the ship in about 5 mins. Our stateroom was ready.

I think the stateroom was the largest we have had, we took 3 large suitcases and a suit carrier and still plenty of storage left. Liked the idea of the separate dressing area and the whirlpool bath. Some have said the ship's decor is gaudy but I liked the look, it works well. Only disappointment the day we left Miami, cold and grey and occasional rain. Worse weather we have seen there. Drinking the free champagne provided in our room as we left port was not the same with the rainspots! Read more