This was the first cruise for my wife and I, and we didn’t know what to expect. Did all the leg work necessary, online and via telephone to get the necessary information for embarkation. We went to Gulfport two weeks before our sailing and talked to the Carnival people, who were processing people for that weeks’ cruise, about baggage, arrival times, and general processing information. We were told that if we got to the Grand Casino entertainment pavilion prior to 10:00 a.m., that Carnival would transport our luggage to the ship and we wouldn’t be burdened with that.

For people arriving after ten, they have to drive their luggage to the ship, drive back to the Grand, park, then get processed for the sailing. We got there early, were about the fifth couple to be processed, and left our tagged luggage for their handling. We were through with that process in about 30 minutes. Rode up Highway 49 to Sam's and bought a memory card for a camera, came back to the Grand and parked on the top floor of the Casino parking. That’s seventy dollars cash up front. We had a little time to kill so we went and had brunch in the casino. We were told earlier that we were in “Zone 1” bus loading for the ship. As I was finishing the last sip of my coffee, “Zone 1” was called. Went to the East Front Entrance to the casino, showed our credentials, hopped the shuttle, and transported to the dock. Once at the dock, you get screened with your paperwork, get an ID picture made, get the ID, and get on the ship. It was a breeze. I had heard horror stories about long lines and frustrated people, but to me it was a snap. Had my bathing suit on for 12:45 p.m.

The first afternoon was spent wandering around the ship. It’s big, but if you can remember a couple of floor facts, navigating around the place is easy. Found our dining table in the Renoir that had our number, (that’s printed on your ID card), on it. This would be our seat each evening of the cruise. What I found the most enjoyable “extra” on a cruise is that you don’t have to get in your car to go anywhere. You are truly on vacation.

My ramblings could span several days in talking about this cruise. To really sum it up though, we ate all we wanted, did what we wanted to do, took a two-hour nap every afternoon, saw every sunrise, ate sushi twice a day, did the waterslide, went to shows, sunned, went to the spa, went to the casino, and, as you can tell by now, had an incredible time.
Would I recommend this cruise? You bet.

Am I going again? Soon.