Embarkation was outstanding since we arrived at the port around 11. There was basically no line and they let us get on the ship at 11:45.

Well, this was our first time cruising on the Ecstasy...nothing looked really surprising since we had sailed previously on the Elation. Overall, my husband and I had a great time. We had high expectations when it came to the food because it was simply fantastic on the Elation. This time around left something to be desired...my husband had a problem with getting burned omelettes on a daily basis and the cheese tasted like some sort of imitation cheddar. I have never cared for the food in the dining area so that was not a real disappointment. However, we had the first seating and dined on the formal night because we expected a treat like we had previously on the Elation. There was not any singing, or mood lighting offered whatsoever. However, I hear they did sing to the patrons in the 2nd seating. Due to choppy seas, we arrived late in Cozumel, so the captain allowed us to stay an hour longer. Excursion: This was our third time going to Cozumel, so we thought we would try something adventurous. We did the Power Boat and Beach excursion. It was exhilarating and I would definitely do it again! I have never had so much fun...we really got out of our shell for this excursion. It is a must do again! After this 4 hour excursion that was actually 2 1/2 hours was over, we had time to go and do some shopping.

Entertainment: The first comedian was terrible...I don't even remember his name. But, the second one named Tony Stone was fantastic. The BlackJack band was no BloodPower. Needless to say, we miss BloodPower and thought BlackJack should be replaced. The LasVegas shows were good. Cruise Director Tina Noble kept us entertained...especially during the NewlywedNotSoNewly wed game (that was an experience I don't think I will ever forget...I laughed so much I cried). Disembarkation: We arrived four hours late due to "technical difficulties" with the ship. Carnival tried to pass it off as extended vacation time. We saw it as unwelcome extended time because we had to drive 5 hours to get home which meant we had to make extra arrangements for our sons and dog. I thought they should have offered some type of credit for this inconvenience but nothing was offered. But, they did provide additional entertainment which was nice. It took approx 3 hours to get thru Customs. Somehow, we were placed in a line that was moving enormously slow especially when people in other lines that started at the same time as we did had already got through Customs and left while we were still standing in line. Supposedly, it was because people had not filled out the form...I say the Customs guy was just slow and did too much conversating (they eventually changed him). Read more