Embarkation- Lots of driving from station to station, somewhat confusing but lots of port police and personnel to help with guidance. Once we parked in the covered warehouse, we picked up a shuttle for the literal 2 minute ride to the terminal building, lines were fairly long but tolerable, onto the ship in 25 minutes or so and then sent to Lido for lunch.

Rooms: Although this ship was built in 1990 I was impressed with our outside ocean view cabin, a new bathroom seems to have been installed, that is simple but functional, only complaint is there is only two small lights for the entire bathroom. The rest of the room had adequate space for clothes in the three closets, the safe was code operated not the credit card type of newer ships. A new 19 inch Viewsonic TV has been installed which is adequate but not great. Complaint no mini fridge, we normally bring our own water and chill it in the mini fridge, only an ice bucket in this room, no hairdryer either. Otherwise room was fine. Room service was ok not spectacular.

Ship: the theme shows its age with bright pinks in the dining room reflecting the late 1980's when it was built, the lettering throughout the ship is yellow and hot pink, the promenade is typical of Carnival ships with casino in center and walkway along the starboard side with lots of windows and lots of picture taking stations. The Grand Spectrum is large but the elevator does not go further down than deck 7, all lounges, shops on ship start on deck 7 and go up to deck 10, below that it is all rooms, a lot has been said about the pool being tiny but I find it no different than any other ship, plenty of open chairs on our cruise during the day, the water park is great for kids and a good place to cool off for adults. The Universe lounge is the showroom and it is quaint to say the least, lots of poles to block your view but you do feel close to the action which I liked. Read more