This was our 4th cruise (2nd with Carnival) and our first cruise with the kids (11 & 13 yrs old).

EMBARKATION:

We drove to NYC the night prior and stayed at a hotel across the river in New Jersey. We arrived at the port around 10am and checked in with no lines/hassle whatsoever. However, we did have to wait until about 12:30 before we were allowed to board the ship. Luckily since we were there early we sat in chairs while we waited. As more people arrived, many people waited standing in lines for a long time. Read more