re: First time on a cruise ship - updated with review

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AND...please provide us an update on your experience when you get back. I''m guessing you'll have a blast and we can post this thread whenever the OT gets in the Carnival-bashing mood.

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We got back Saturday. Sailed out Monday. I'll admit...I had a good time.

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We like hitting the gym in the AM on non-port days, then drink around the pool jawing w people, dinner, gambling, shows, piano bar, band, nightclub.

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This was us almost to a T. I made a joke that our group of 12 may have done different things throughout the day but all roads led back to that damn nightclub or the late night pizza shop

Didn't opt for the drink package but looking at my final bill I wouldn't have reached the $400+ to make it worth it. I was able to sneak some booze on and drank a good bit at the ports. Also helped on those port days that my brother's friends who did spring for the drink package weren't using their cards much those days

Food was hit or miss. The formal dinners were nice and we did go to the steakhouse one night. That was really good. The buffet and regular food options were Applebees quality. The sit down brunch was also really good.

My "floating Wal-Mart" comment was about 70% accurate. Ship was packed with a "variety" of people. But we made some friends and was able to talk to a few other bachelor and bachelorette groups. I agree that Carnival is likely the best spot for a bachelor party cruise. I can't see some of the wild shite we saw happening on the more sophisticated ones.

All in all - yes I/we had a blast. I learned it's hard not to have a good time on one of these things especially if you're with a large group like we were. Made some good memories that's for sure.