Background- We are a family of 4 (Mom, Dad & 2 kids- age 14 & 8). This was our 5th Carnival Cruise and the kids' 3rd. We have also sailed Royal Caribbean & Celebrity but we find Carnival to be the most bang for the buck!

Travel to port- We drove from Fort Mill, SC (just below Charlotte, NC) and it was an easy 3+ hour drive. Parking was $20/day and prepaid. Embarkation was a total breeze and we really like how it ran in Charleston! Kudos to the Port Authority there!

Ship Info & Stateroom- We liked that we were on a larger vessel. We had a balcony stateroom on Lido deck which made going to the pool and buffet very easy. If you can afford it book on that deck! Our cabin was well laid out and gave us just enough room to move around. We know that cabins are tight. Read more