We have cruised 10+ times over the past 10 years on NCL, Princess and HAL. I'm always looking for a good deal, preferably a mini-suite, for us three adults (myself, my wife and my 27 year old son). This cruise had the very forward cabin on the Lido deck at a great price ($2,800 for the three of us). The cabin was just a little smaller than a Ocean Suite, but it was the largest we've ever had.

I've read that Carnival will nickle and dime you, so I tried to be prepared by accumulating over $500 in on board credits and by pre-paying drink coupons and shore excursions. Even so, I left feeling somewhat taken advantage of. Stupid little things bothered me. For instance, on Princess, the coffee bar will sell you special coffee, but then give you little pastry treats or other goodies for free. Not on the Carnival Splendor. Here, you pay for the coffee and again for the pastries. Another example is the drink coupons. I pre-purchased 12 drink coupons. I thought I'd find them waiting for me in our cabin. No, you have to wait to get them at your first dinner. Then, they are only good for the cheapest price drink. If you want anything else (like a Pina Colada), you pay an additional $1.75. It's frustrating, constantly signing for these additional charges.

We had any-time dining. Food quality and service was inconsistent. If we came to eat just when the dining room opened, and asked for one of the better wait staff, things were great. But, if we arrived for any-time dining later, the food was cold and took a long time to arrive. Also, Carnival wait staff will stop serving in order to perform short shows in the dining room. We would rather that they didn't do this. You can watch your food sit on the serving stand while your waiter takes five minutes to sing and dance. Not fun if your hungry. Read more