We chose this cruise because of its port calls, and previous experiences with Carnival. The ship is fantastic, well designed and build. We live overseas so we had a bit of culture shock being around so many fellow Americans again. Loud, rude, and will run you over for a soft serve cone from the Auto-dog machine. Surprised how many people couldn't or wouldn't walk up one flight of stairs, but would complain about how long the elevator takes. Ship was handicap accessible and noted several wheel chair folks and many electric carts hauling around guests to the buffet, but thats another rant.

The good: The ship was beautiful, and well built, albeit a few hiccups. Cruise director was great, very approachable as were all the officers. Our Maitre d' had a fantastic voice (real crooner). Port call arrivals and departures were smooth though some times changed upon embarkation. We anchored in one port with small boats providing transportation without any issues. Euro ATM onboard that doesn't charge conversion fee. Your bank sees it as a US $ withdraw, rate was acceptable. Room steward took very good care of us, room was cleaned twice daily. This is going to change to once daily next year. Small group tour to Vatican was outstanding, saw sacred rooms, and more artwork than you can take in. Outstanding entertainment in main show room. Gym was staffed with knowledgable staff who were fit and well trained. New spin class had power meters and Heart Rate monitors. The gym had a good selection of weights and machines to use. Treadmills, bikes, and elliptical machines all working on the first day. Spa had thermal bath, with their own naked russians on the first day only. Thermal rooms, steam rooms were clean well maintained. As always a hard push for spa treatment and add ons after being worked over by the attendants.

The Bad: Several Tour issues. Visited the The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, 5 hours of bus for 40 minutes in the ruins. No time for bathroom as we left, and sack lunch of stale sandwich. Asked for partial refund and got nothing but apologies. Waiting staff was ill prepared and not practiced Our head waiter really tried hard but was over tasked with at least 5 tables, and three assistants to help him.. Carnival has reduced the waiting staff in main dinning room and waiters now cover more tables, with one more assistant. This led to confusion on who did what, and stacking up and not being served, or only part of the table eating while others waited. Again, this mainly was due to the last minute arrival of staff, and the crew not being prepared well enough before embarkation. Formal night was nice, lots to tuxedos, and suites. Women really looked elegant that night, and brought back some of the elegance of cruising. Read more