Ship: Carnival Victory | Sail Date: 07/20/2006 | Destination: Canada/New England

This would be our second sailing on the Carnival Victory - both times being to Halifax, Canada. Our first time sailing was such a new experience, for both us & the couple we were traveling with, the nasty weather didn't crush our spirits at all. The ship was astounding, the shows were great, the food was to die for, the service was impecible. Plus Halifax is SUCH a fantastic port - we absolutely fell madly in love with it. I resolved right then & there that the next time we cruised back to Canada we would take our children with us - mainly just so they could experience Halifax. So off we were again - same boat, same 4-day cruise to Canada - this time with 3 children ages 23, 17 & 15 and each with a "significant other". Unfortunately we sailed right behind a tropical storm, so the weather - once again - wasn't going to be in our favor. What ruined my trip however, was when were handed a paper in New York - while waiting to board - advising us we weren't going to Halifax because of the storm - that we would be sailing to St. John, New Brunwick instead. I was mortified - but could do nothing. I kept my hopes up that this port would be similar to Halifax, but honestly - it was terrible. I felt as if I had docked in Philadelphia, PA. We went to the mall. I guess we could have chosen to do one of the shore excursions, but they can get rather costly when you are paying for 8 people. The ship was still fun, the service was still impecible - the food had gone downhill somewhat tho. My husband opened 2 cartons of sour milk & the lobsters were tough. And they did away with the ice-sculptures and midnight buffet on the 4-day cruises. (I should mention we choose the early dinner seating this time so we could enjoy that buffet) I truly would have taken a rain check had the cruise line advised me beforehand that we wouldn't be going to Halifax - the storm was being broadcast all week - it wasn't a surprise.