It worked with kids out of school and one son in law starting new army assignment in July. It also was in Galveston, which could avoid flights. All the services were great, as was Schwartz the cruise director! We've had many Carnival cruises, but seem to be noticing a bit of downturn on the quality of evening restaurant meals. We would not go to Jamaica again, water is known for almost no coral, therefore minimal fish. Bummer for snorkelers or divers. We had an island tour-nice-from Irie tour company (set it up on arrival in port), but once is plenty. Part of our family did sting ray city/turtle farm in Grand Cayman and loved it. Hubby and and I did SCUBA which was ok-not at all as good as Roatan, St Maarten and other areas. We 10 (ages 11-71) went to National Park "Chankanaab" in Cozemel-for third time. Clean, lovely-cheap drinks! (6 beers and 2 margaritas for $25!), good water access,ok snorkeling, well kept and close to port!. Two did the zip line and 5 did the Manatee encounter. Those excursions were bought online and included park entrance! The 45 minute manatee encounter was AWESOME!!!! It also was $53.10 on line, which included the park admit of $21-unless you got internet coupon for $19. CAN'T get an excursion for that price-$33!!!! Zip line was $70-including the admission. Cabin has a fridge. It does have-what we think is irritating!- the cabin lights that must activate with your cabin card. So as not to walk out of room without snagging the cabin card from the slot, we left a library card in the slot, so we could not have lights turn off after 2 minutes! Any card works fine. The main theater "headliner" singers were a BIG disappointment. The show productions were good-but talent much less than typical Carnival experience. We really enjoyed Gregg at the piano bar!!!! Friendly, nice voice and very diversified!

Embarkation and disembarkation are "smooth" but take a LONG time. We parked in the Carnival parking lot-big mistake! The shuttles afterward took forever to wait in line.

"Galveston park-n-cruise" is across the street. One daughter's family used it-almost same price and was OUT in no time!!!! Be smart!!! Park there!!! Casino REALLY needs better cigarette filtration!