We flew from Denver into FLL a day early since the airfare was cheaper. We stayed at the Comfort Inn Airport South. They offered us a package which included transport to Port of Miami. I think we paid too much for package. We talked to others who paid less and still got to port free. Just ask questions. We booked hurriedly so we should have asked around more. OK hotel but worn and they were very prompt in getting us to the Port early. We arrived about 1 hour before would allow boarding and got checked in easy breezy. Waited in lounge. Got on board and all heck broke loose. It was mayhem. Not surprising but the ship was so confusing, IMO. It was difficult to get around and few were able to help. Crew seemed to be as clueless as we were. So be forewarned. The people who do the work are awesome and friendly. I found "management" to be the problem on this cruise. Guest Services was the worst. I saw a lot of rude behavior from the desk to other guests. They weren't rude to us just unhelpful. For example, we were unable to access the internet since there was never a manager there when we were able to get there. Guest Services told us that there was no one else who could help. How do you argue with that? If they say there is no one, what do you do? You go without internet until day 3. Hurt our keeping up with our kids at home.

Food was wonderful and plentiful. The ship is spotless. Our room steward did a lovely job of making us feel comfortable and kept my DH's diet root beer iced down. We were in a 4G inside on the Verandah deck and worried that we would feel claustrophobic but this room never seemed to get completely dark as there was hall light under the door. We had plenty of room for the two of us. We were assigned the late dining in the Galaxy. We would have preferred earlier dining but if you book last minute, I am sure that this is bound to happen. We were assigned to a table of 8 and only four of us showed up each night. It was a couple about our age with no kids with them so we had a great time each night and usually shut the dining room down. Our waiters Lin and David made the cruise experience very nice.

We were disappointed in the number of shows. I think our dining time limited us. We were disappointed that the Captain's reception wasn't more of a big deal and even formal night seemed to be an afterthought. It was held in the corridor near the Casino. I try to avoid the Casino because I don't smoke and don't wish the exposure to second hand smoke. The drinks were free at the Captain's reception on my last cruise but not here. They were $1 off. Not worth it to smell smoke while sitting there. I didn't even attend the past guest reception and I am ashamed to admit, it hurt me that I didn't get a past guest pin. LOL. My sister's pin was waiting in her room when we embarked on our last cruise. But the overall experience was good but I do believe we will try another cruiseline next time. It wasn't enough to make me do a third cruise with Carnival at this time.