We just arrived home and wanted to write my review while it is fresh. We traveled with our 14 and 16 year old kids. We had a terrific time! I thought Carnival did a great job and was impressed.

We've been on cruises before (Carnival, RCCL, and NCL) although it has been about 10 years. The last several years we've done all inclusive resorts in Jaimaica, Maya Riveria, and Punta Cana. Overall food is comparable. If you expect buffet quality food then you'll be fine. Although hats off to Carnival for Guy Ferelli burgers/fries, pizza, burrito's, and taco's as this was fantastic and made the cruise! My kids lived on the burger and fries and swears they were the best they've ever had! We chose "your time dining" option and tried to eat dinner together in the Dining Room every night. That said the food in the dining room was just OK. Most nights average cruise food, but wasn't loving the "American" menu. In the past, we always looked forward to the cruise dinners and trying specialty dishes, but The "American" menu is a little boring; Chicken, Flat Iron Steak (would avoid this, was terrible), pork chops, and something I couldn't remember. The salad dressing is very watered down, so if you like dressing, be sure to ask for extra. In addition, if you want a real steak there is a $20 up charge. Which I wasn't going to pay another $20 a night for a decent steak. There was one exception on the 2nd formal night did have a dual spare ribs and fillet option that was fantastic. Now on to dessert. I love chocolate and the Carnival Melting cake is amazing, but after the 3rd night in a row you want another chocolate option. I did try pie one evening and again was not impressed. Then I tried the key lime mousse, this was good, but really would've liked another chocolate option that was as good as the melting cake.

We tried the Italian restaurant at lunch and was not impressed at all so we did not go back for dinner. We didn't try the steakhouse as just too much going on to plan ahead. Read more