First a little background. I have sailed Carnival many times and I have Gold status in their loyalty program. Unfortunately, I will not be loyal with them any more. When I first sailed with them years ago, we were impressed with the service, the friendliness, and attention to detail. Apparently this is all gone now as it seems like they are trying to run it like a cheap airline rather than a vacation. I brought my parents with us, as first time cruisers, I found it embarrassing that I put them through such a low rent experience, and trust me, they noticed!

All the special touches are now gone. The stewards don't do turn down service anymore and will ask you what time of day you want them to come by. We eventually had a towel animal, but that took until day 3. Compare that to the old days when they would straighten your room almost like magic when you weren't looking. Also absent were robes in the closet and chocolates on the pillows.

Embarkation was easy BUT the safety drill is DANGEROUS. I am serious! It takes about a half hour standing crammed in with hundreds of people in the hot Miami sun. There were a few people around us who looked like they might have heat stroke. I can only imagine people drop like flies in August when it is 87 degrees with 98 percent humidity. You would think after a few decades Carnival would have their stuff together with things like this. If you see elderly people during this drill, keep an eye on them. Read more