The criteria for selecting this cruise were relatively straight forward. First, an embarkation port we could drive to from the Triad of North Carolina. Charleston,SC worked nicely. Second, duration of about a week. Third, affordable. Fourth, available child programming if needed, or desired by our grandchild. This cruise from Carnival satisfied all of our requirements and generally exceeded our expectations.

The stateroom was clean, and as described. The cuisine was well prepared and well presented. The staff in all venues was personable, solicitous and professional. Embarkation and debarkation were well organized, especially considering the relatively ad hoc nature of the Charleston, SC passenger facilities. The folks of Carnival and the Port of Charleston appear to be very interested in "making it work." The facilities and programming for young children were as advertised, though our charge lost interest after the second visit. No reason was stated, and on only a 5 day cruise we did not feel the need for forced respite.

The ports for this offering were Freeport and Nassau. The former is a "new town" with the ship mooring in an industrial area. Not our favorite. Nassau is "old" and the cruise ships tie up right downtown. We could walk to a public beach, three-year olds love sand, while admiring some of the historic buildings of Nassau. Read more