We booked this cruise because I wanted to see the Journey concert, and in that respect it was outstanding - a unique, intimate venue that is so different from the usual arenas & ampetheaters. We purchased VIP tickets that included prime seating and a pre-show photo op with the band. Awesome experience, and I would do it again in a heartbeat to see my favorite band.

Carnival is not my ideal cruise line and absent the concert, I would not have selected it, which I knew going in so did not have high expectations. It's decidedly mid-market, very family-oriented (lots of kids), and most of the port stops were relatively short (other than St. Thomas, which would have been a great opportunity to stay ashore for dinner if we weren't going to the concert). This was also during spring break time. Overall, it was fine and I had no major complaints, except I was unimpressed with the food service - particularly the buffet, which was cafeteria-quality, and the staff didn't seem able to keep up with the tables needing to be cleared at peak times. The afternoon tea on sea day was also a big disappointment, very mediocre. Dinner in the Black Pearl dining room was good, and I liked the chocolate melting cake even though they never actually managed to cook it properly (the center was overdone, not melting, both times).

It was also a struggle to get any detailed information about logistics for the concert/VIP reception, as Guest Services pointed to Shore Excursions, who basically knew nothing except what was printed on the tickets. Other than that, service was very friendly and welcoming, lots of activities to make it a fun atmosphere, and the hardworking staff did an excellent job maintaining our cabin. Embarkation and disembarkation were relatively painless - Faster to the Fun is well worth it.