Because of Hurricane Frances, we had to wait 2 days to get on board, which was fine, except the compensation offered us was not extremely generous. $250 plus 25% of the purchase price for this cruise off your next cruise. I paid over $1300 for my cruise because I booked my own cabin. Still, I chose to take the deal.

My cabin was beautiful and clean. It had a lighted makeup mirror and clothesline in bathroom plus a TUB! The blow dryer was pretty lame even though advertised as salon quality, but it did the trick. The balcony was twice the size of the one I had on Carnival Legend and the furniture was much nicer--wicker style with cushions.

The food in the Lido deck was 2x as good as Carnival and the atmosphere was nicer as well--nicer furniture, little nooks and corners less cafeteria feeling. The Pinnacle restaurant was lovely and the food excellent. Also service was great. I again compare to the Legend. Exactly the same as Legend but Legend has better atmosphere due to the placement under the funnel and the live but subtle music present in their fancy restaurant. HAL's is also $5 cheaper than Carnival. Rooms service did not pick up like it does with Carnival, but I hear you can get dinner menu at dinner time. Dining room was fair. I ate in the Pinnacle 4 out of 5 nights because I was not impressed with the dining room. Read more