There was so much to do on this cruise it will be difficult to keep it reasonably short, but I'll do my best to pick the highlights and not-so-highlights in the hopes that it will make someone else's cruise more enjoyable.

Let me start with the things that I am absolutely sure of:

1) Always fly in at least a day early. There were so many snow delays from the northeast that almost everyone in our group was affected. 2) Pick your cruise mates carefully. There were 16 of us ranging from age 23 to 55 and cruise virgins to Platinum members. One of the reasons this cruise was so much fun is that everyone was there for the same reason - a fun vacation. We made only one rule and everyone followed it. No Whining! 3) John Heald is the best cruise director on any ocean. 4) Nothing feels better than a Hot Stone Massage. Well, almost nothing. 5) Dancing With The Stars could learn some things from assistant waiters from the Philippines. At least according to my wife. 6) Camcorders don't work very well when you take them from an air conditioned cabin to a muggy outdoors. 7) Carnival production shows have come a long way since that stupid orange couch and the stupider taxi. 8) Wash and fold service is the best Platinum perk. Read more