travelling with another couple that hadn't had but wanted a Europe experience so ports of call were important to help give them a 'flavour'. Thought the new ship looked fun and liked the itinerary and the exclusive Havana area. Thank goodness for our Havana booking! Although only one of the whirlpools was working the pool area and bar exclusive from 7am-7pm was the trip saver. Other ship pools too small and merky to handle all these children and no pool and only one working whirlpool in adult serenity area. Carnival needs to help staff with enforcing waterslide expectations (it is wild and safety is high risk), Enjoyed the ropes course and the Sky Ride but be prepared to wait at least 30 minutes and only open 1-6. The noise from the basketball court above the lovely Capitanio pasta restaurant is terrible.

No where to eat after 11pm unless you wanted to line up with 50 teens for pizza, or go to your cabin for room service. Dining menu offered a good variety, quality and presentation was average; wait staff were very hard working and fun dancers! We went to almost all the bars and restaurants. Guest services were very pleasant as were the shore excursions desk and the staff at Pixels. Ken was top notch at the Piano Bar (hope he gets paid well); the entertainment had packed venues: this week were 4 comedians, opera singer (lovely but not appreciated with Carnival clientele), hypnotist, ships singer/dancer troup. The Pub was always filled and we really enjoyed the Red brew and the vocalist-guitarist.

The activities were delivered by excellent cruise director Matt and his assistants ( and of course the volunteer travellers!). Could offer some more on sea days. Shore excursions are often available once on the ship although the on-line pre-booking appears sold out -so check at the desk. Most of the excursions are priced competively and we had excellent tour guides in Rome and Naples. There were a mix of nationalities on this trip and that will likely change when Vista comes to the Caribbean. Carnival needs to revisit Havana access, staff was amazing enforcing to cabin holders only, but the wear and tear of the area was obvious as after 7pm there was no restrictions of age. It is a fun ship with swarms of children.