This was a trip to celebrate a special cousins birthday. We chose this trip because it was close to her home and she did not have to fly far.

We arrived early and checked in on the Queen Mary. Almost Immediately went to our stateroom. The balcony cabin was neat, clean and plenty of room. We had an 8A cabin. Our room steward, Sharon was excellent beyond words. When she found out it was Cheryl,s first cruise, she made a special effort to see she would be comfortable. Cheryl loved the towel animals! We have been a Princess & they don't do towel animals-what a bummer.

We attended everything we could get into our schedule when not napping. We took advantage of the spa, pools and games. I am sad to see that the bingo for a cruise has been done away with.

The dining room staff was great, however they took a couple of days before they paid any attention to you. Not a Carnival kind of dining experience. Prehaps the staff is not watched or trained enough. You did not get your chair pulled out or your napkin put in your lap. I found that to be discouraging. The reason you are on a cruise is to be pampered.

Food was excellent-Our waiter was A.J. & Teddy. They finally became more attentive when we refused to sit until they came around to seat us.(Jokeingly)

The shore tours were o.k., however I found the sailing/snorkeling to be to cold and water murkey. Not like the

Cozumel cruise.

The ship was nice-good layout, but a bit overdone with all the art. I did not like the fact that the new Club that Carnival trys to sell you seems to hold you captive trying to sell you cruises. I found out they were with Ice Gallery and have had a bad experience with them not following through with their promises on the vacations they sell in Cozumel. Frankly, if you shop for price & I have & do.

You will save $$$$. I have found buycruises.com to be a price beater anywhere & I spend time every night looking for the next best cruise.

I started cruising in May 2000 to Alaska on the Jublee and now believe it is the only way to vacation.

The video was very disappointing. The video took more time on the Captains coctail hour and less on everything else. There were no shows on it at all and we were just watching it and bingo-it just stopped, no "the end" of come back, just very unprofessional. If they show them on the ship T.V. they need to put it in the video.

I am intending to cruise again in January prehaps on the Valor. I have found by going on other cruise lines, Carnival gives the best vacation overall for the money. I would recommend the Pride-but do wish Carnival would polish up abit on their staff. Carnival forgot to invite me to the past members cocktail, which was not a big deal since I am not much of a drinker, however, it is nice to know they see you are a past cruiser with them. Wake up Carnival!!

Contact me if you have questions.

Pam Clouse