This was my first cruise, and I went alone. I am single, age 35. Carnival was practically made to order for my situation. I have decided I will definitely do this again next year, and it will be Carnival to some warm location.

I flew to Miami, stopping in Atlanta, and took a shuttle to the port. The porters are not employees of Carnival (nor airline personnel for that matter) and I recommend packing fragile things well--it is best to assume the luggage will be thrown and dropped when you pack. Happily, I had no damage myself.

Embarking took some time, but not that much. There was very little standing in line if you have a preprinted fun pass--I walked right by a medium-long line of people who didn't have that. I received my Sail and Sign card, which is the shipboard credit card as well as the room key. I recommend learning your room number--it is easy to forget to do that in all the excitement, and several people I met did. I actually got one digit off and had to try two doors to find mine. Luckily, if you buy something, the receipt will have your room number printed on it. Read more