My wife and I took our daughters (ages 15 and 11) on the Carnival Breeze out of Port Canaveral (August 17, 2019 sailing). We've cruised on Carnival before (Pride, Vista), as well as Norwegian (Getaway) and Royal Caribbean (Harmony). Like all of our previous cruises, we had a terrific time on the Breeze and I just don't get the negative reviews.

We flew into Orlando the night before our cruise. We rented a car at MCO and stayed at the Courtyard in Lake Nona and highly recommend that property (new, clean, spacious, free parking, free breakfast). We drove to Port Canaveral the next morning, after making a pit stop at the liquor store to get some wine (Carnival allows 1 bottle/stateroom (1 less than Royal!)). I dropped my wife and daughters off at the terminal and then returned the rental car which was nearby on Mullet Street. The rental shuttle was dropping off folks from the ships, but would not take folks to the ship until it got clearance. As we arrived early, I just took a short Uber ride back to the terminal and met the family. Even though we arrived very early, we were still required to wait for our assigned boarding group.

As soon as we boarded, we went straight to the Excursion Desk so I could sign my daughter and me up for the "Behind the Fun Ultimate Tour." They typically only have two groups of 16 for this tour and you have to sign up on board - no advance reservations. The tour on the Breeze was $95/person (it varies on ships). As it was my daughter's birthday gift, I'm glad we were able to get in (we were #16 and 17). Read more