This was a last minute Spring Break cruise - brought 7 college kids with two of us Moms (yes, we are brave). There was a nice mix of passengers, but mainly college spring break age (between 18-23). That said, it was still a very enjoyable cruise and we met so many great college kids. This is my 8th cruise but 1st on Carnival. I went in with low expectations and was pleasantly surprised.

PROS: Cost - can't beat a 5 day cruise for under $400. Also liked sailing out of JAX - easy to get too and not far from home. The crew was amazing! Every crew member we met went above and beyond to make it an enjoyable experience. Best crew we have had - even better than any Celebrity, Princess or Royal Caribbean crew. Half Moon Cay is an amazing private island - I think it is the best any cruise line has. Suggest walking all the way to the end of the cove, pretty and secluded (Food on island was not too good, but that is typical of a cruise line). We had our chairs to the right of the large pirate ship. Water was an amazing blue and temp. was perfect. We had an amazing day on the beach - took last tender back to boat which was nice because we didn't have to wait in long lines. Our comics were hilarious - standing room only every night. Wish they had moved the comics to the large auditorium vs. the small venue they were in. Because of the crowd, the comics were R & X rated. Was a treat to laugh that much!

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD: I had heard food was terrible but in honesty it was OK (but not great)....I found something I liked every meal but nothing to really rave about except the made to order omelettes. Pizza was a must early evening because we had late dinner. Loved the made to order omelette at breakfast and the deli at lunch or dinner (eggs to order & deli is same location and is near the pizza area in the buffet dining room - some people didn't know it was there until the last day!). Dining room food was just so so (although loved our servers!). I don't eat fish or seafood but those at table who ordered these items gave them 3.5-4 stars. I liked the pork chops but didn't like the steak - was never cooked enough. Kale salad was good and the Chocolate Melting Cake was to die for! Read more