Got to Mobile that Friday at about 1230 after having a hiccup on the road from Jackson, MS (where we live) to Mobile. Had a tire almost blow out and had to be replaced. Got to the cruise terminal, and it was HOTTTTT. The line was forever, but I must say it moved pretty fast. My husband, niece and nephew and I were in Cabin M-298 for the duration of our trip while my mother in law, brother in law, sister in law, and my mother in law's SO were in M224. As soon as we got onto the ship, we made our way to the buffet (Lido). It was very good. The food the entire trip seemed good to me in the restaurant. The room was nice, husband has a slight back issue, so we got the handicapped accessible cabin, no complaints. Very roomy. First night for dinner, we ate in the dining room (late dining at 815) in Jubilee Dining Room. Table 343. Our server, who we ended up having the entire trip, Jose, was absolutely wonderful. These people truly do work hard for their money. We ate there again on Tuesday night, elegant night, to have more elegant pics taken, and then on our last night of the cruise, that Friday. The food was generally pretty good, especially the veal parm and meatloaf. We ate at the Lido Restaurant on Wednesday and Thursday nights, our port days. Speaking of port days, we had booked our excursions through an outside company. We were afraid we weren't going to be able to get to do them, since our itinerary changed due to a passenger having to go to a medical center in Cozumel, but it did not affect our plans. We went to Nachi Cocom Beach Club in Cozumel on that Wednesday. Great place, great staff. Secluded. Beautiful Beach. Thursday, we went to Costa Maya (which we were supposed to do on Wednesday), and went to Nohoch Kay Beach Club. It was very nice, with great staff. Next time we go on a Carnival Cruise, I will be getting the bubbles program to get unlimited cokes/soft drinks, etc. Cheers we didn't really need though as we don't drink alcohol in excess. The seas got kinda rough on Tuesday night and Thursday night, but then calmed down. One last thing, MIKEY. What can I say about Mikey Gibson the cruise director? Man, that guy is absolutely phenomenal. He has a heart of gold, and truly cares about all his guests aboard the ship. Carnival has a HUGE asset in this guy. I saw him in the galleria shops, went up to shake his hand, told him I was a first time cruiser. He asked me how everything was going, and did I like everything thus far to which I told him I did. Great guy, great personality. He is truly a gem. Few things we learned on this trip as first time cruisers were to not bring as many clothes, bring extra strong sunblock, and get bubbles We will definitely be sailing with Carnival again. Maybe next time on a bigger ship our of New Orleans, though, as we would like to try different ships, and it is about the same time driving distance from our home.