The wife finally talked me into taking a cruise and I'm glad she did. I insisted on a balcony room and she was glad I did. The ship is very nice and there is plenty to do and see, but I spent most of my time aboard in the casino. Most of the staff were very cordial and helpful. There's plenty to eat and a good variety but most it is average, even in the large dining rooms. On the down side, Guy's Burgers were overcooked and the pizza was terrible. We had our first two evening meals in the Paris restaurant. Service, like the food, was average. The waitstaff we had, had that "it's a job" attitude and the waiter at our second evening meal was even rude a couple of times. We informed guest services. After that, I preferred eating at the buffet. Whatever your choice of food, it's all you can eat and we liked that.

First port of call was Progreso. We had booked a half day bay fishing trip with a guide not associated with Carnival. The guide, Randy Bowser, was great and the area we fished was beautiful. We caught eight nice speckled trout using top water popping lures. We gave six to the first mate and took the two largest to a restaurant on the shore who cooked them for a small fee. Whole deep fried one was overcooked. Filleted one broiled with lemon butter served on rice with sauteed veggies. Delicious! Before they served the fish, they brought a variety platter of tapas that covered the square table, and it was FREE! Most of it was very good. We had a great day.

Second port of call was Cozumel. The water there is a beautiful crystal clear blue. We had booked a trip to Isla Pasion via a speed boat. Awesome! When we got to the island, the boat driver, Jimmy, did a half dozen three-sixties. We got soaked but it was a blast. The next three and a half hours on the island we spent swimming, kayaking and collecting shells and coral. The open bar was nice and the buffet food was very good. On the trip back to port, Jimmy treated us to some more three-sixties but this time we made sure to sit up front. Another great day. Read more