This was a last minute deal. My Carnival PVP called me Thursday to see if I could go on the cruise Sunday, free, just pay taxes. My wife could not get vacation, so I called a buddy I sailed with last year on the same ship in the summer. We went on this cruise expecting to have fun, but not too enthused about the food or service. We had been on the Breeze last summer, and the service was not so good and they always seemed to overcook the meat or fish. This time, the Breeze had it all corrected.

Embarkation was easy. I'm Platinum, so we were escorted into the lounge, checked in 1 5 mintes, and boarded the ship. The room was ready when we got there at noon. It was fabulous. Being last minute, we got booked in 7207, a HC cabin. It had a 36" entry door and bathroom door, and the bathroom was twice as big as standard Carnival. Shower was also twice as long, so the usual claustrophobia was solved. This one was in the corner of the front of the ship, so it was more spacious than usual. Storage was more limited. Only a double floor-to-ceiling hanging closet, 1/2 of one had drawers in it, instead of the standard 3 closets and separate drawers, so if you need storage space for clothes, remember that. The window had a "sky" view, as there was a wall outside for the railing, so no ocean view, but at least sunlight. I would certainly take it again, but since it is a handicapped room, I assume it would be hard to get on a constant basis.

Service on this trip was great. Our steward, Agus, kept us in ice the whole cruise. We brought a small cooler, and that was always full, as were 2 ice buckets. The room was always clean. The purser line for Platinum was actually short (last time, they were letting non-Platinum/Diamond in as well). The staff was courteous, of course. We did the late seating Blush dining room. The food was fantastic. The medium rare steak was actually medium rare. Lobster was tender, fish was juicy (not dry). It goes on. The food was very good. Read more