I took the family on a short cruise during the Mardi Gras break. Kids were out of school all week, so the wife and I decided on something different. My wife and I cruised Carnival out of Miami 25 years ago and the kids have never cruised before this trip. It was the Saturday before Mardi Gras, so getting to the terminal was a challenge due to parades. We got to the terminal about 40 minutes before our boarding "window", so we grabbed lunch at the Riverwalk. Embarkation went smoothly and quickly as we arrived during our boarding time. We left port about 1 hour late, but no big deal as there was still enough sunlight to get a great view of the city from the river as we cruised south.

The room was VERY dated. There was a flat panel TV in a large old TV cabinet (very unattractive). My kids ages 13 & 15 were signed up for the teen clubs on board. My 13 yr old rarely went due to the infusion of younger kids resulting in a daycare atmosphere. My 15 yr old made friends with other teens around the ship because in the teen club there was little moderation of music selection & video games. A group would hijack the respective areas and would not let anyone else participate. We ate at he MDR Inspiration) on the second night. The food was uninspiring. The duck was tough, the chicken was tasteless. We had 1 family of three seated with us who sated the food the night before was uneventful. We celebrated my son's 16th birthday on the third night in the MDR. I had ordered a cake through the Fun Shops and put in the order it was for my son. The waiter and his helper spoke little English and understood even less English. They just smiled and nodded alot. During the cake presentation, the Waiter kept stating Kevin had a cake. My son's name is Brock. We repeatedly stated it was BROCK'S birthday. They smiled and nodded. We thought this was hilarious. They sang Happy Birthday and mumbled through the name, as we shouted BROCK!!! We never went back to the MDR. The food at the Lido (Tiffany's) was like a cheap buffet. I got eggs to order each morning, which were good and my son enjoyed the made to order omelettes. The sandwiches made to order were ok, but the pizza sucked. My son and I enjoyed the Super Bowl in the Cole Porter lounge. They set up extra seating and the wait staff was interacting with orders around the screens. The excursions were enjoyable (Amazing Race-Cozumel & Cavern snorkeling-Progreso). Disembarkation was effective. The only hold up was in the terminal after we left the ship. Nothing made this trip WOW! The kids had a good time roaming around on their own. The staff was always at your assistance when needed. The room was kept neat and clean. We will cruise again, but will try a different cruise line