We have been on several Carnival Cruises and are Platinum members. Although we had done this same itinerary, the Dominican Republic was a first stop. We arrived Miami, the night before and enjoy the SOFITELl MIAMI...a French owned Hotel from Accord Hotels Corp. Outstanding service, and airport shuttle. You might want to consider this when budgeting your stay in Miami....cab rides can be costly.

We had a balcony room, which was typical Carnival with the small balcony and two chairs. Room was comfortable and clean. The steward greeted us upon arrival and was efficient. Dining was a bit of a miss....seems every time we go with Carnival, there is something missing. The dinner selections were few, and over the years keep getting less and less. Same can be said of the LIDO buffet..instead of 6 or 8 salad selections you have 4. Just a real toned down selection area. Quality was hit or miss...on Lobster night, I had the smallest lobster and asked the waiter if " the mother lobster knew her baby was missing".

Service as also a miss...the first night in the Saphire dining room...the waiter completely ignored diners, and the folks next to us finally gave up and left. ( WE saw them again later on the Lido). Second night out, the waiter brought no bread to the table and brought the wrong entrees. Third night, we had to ask for a desert menu and coffee. BUT...we did score a hit when waiter ALESA was our waiter...superb service, always there to check on your selections, and he never forgot that we enjoy coffee after a meal. I told the Maitre"d, that he was a polished and outstanding waiter. Read more