I have never really been that interested in a cruise, yet my aging mother wanted to go on one and this seemed like the easiest way to try a short, relatively inexpensive cruise. I love Mexico, and generally would rather go there and spend time doing and seeing things there, not on a boat.

With very rare exception, I give the Carnival folks a 5/5 for attitude and training -- from booking to debarkation, everyone was very helpful and kind. My mother has mobility issues and gets a little confused now and then -- the room we received was perfect, close to the center of the ship, customer service and the embarkation ramp. The booking agent knew exactly what she was doing. The dock staff helped her on with a wheelchair, even though we did not use one during the trip. When I was out of the room, and got up from a nap and got a little lost, forgetting her key, the crew got her back with no trouble.

The cabin was smallish, but it was fine -- it was all we needed, and the beds were comfortable. Read more