I posted this already in a different spot but after reading the other entry about this particular cruise I wanted to put mine where it could easily be found.  I so much agree with everything that was said by the other cruiser posted two days ago.  Here is what I wrote on the 6th right after we got back. 

Before I left for our trip this year, I vowed I would review all hotels and the cruise irregardless of whether it was a good experience or not. Before I start, I understand that weather cannot be controlled. It started with embarkation. The cruise was 4 hours late and all Carnival wanted to give to us for the chaos was $15 per person and we could not even get out to use it to get something to eat. We were crowded underneath this overpass in a big traffic jam. We finally got on the boat by evening and all was well (so we thought). The weather was cloudy and windy and the boat was really rough. I was disappointed in the boat itself as it was very plain--no glass elevators or fancy ammenities like I have seen on all the other boats. The first day at sea was ok just rough. The second day we were supposed to port at Cozumel but could not because the sea was too rough for the tenders to operate. It looks like to me there would be some kind of backup plan and actually find a dock to pull up to. So therefore that all added up to another day at rough sea. They gave us $25 a piece and that sounds good on paper but really that does not even come close to covering gratuities. No water in the pools--top deck too windy to go out on...etc. We did circles in the ocean up and down the coastline which was a real pain in the rear cause turning the boat was really rough. Once we even got sideways. We did get to port on the third day at Calica. Calica is such a nice name but the port itself is nothing but a dock amongst gravel and sand pits--absolutely not scenic!!! We had to pay $26 round trip cab fare to Playa del Carmen to shop. It was hit and miss as far as shady characters and shacks. The shopping was ok but it was no St. Maarten or Nassau. Back on the boat--still cloudy and cool. After setting sail, the water was rough once again. Our last day was a sea day and it was still rough once again. Nothing much to do unless you like indoor games. I personally like to drink by the pool and lay out in the sun. On the last day I was cleaning our room up praying for the day to go by quickly so we could end this vacation. I picked up some clothes and low and behold a gigantic cockroach came running out. That was the topper on the cake. The only bright side of this cruise was the crew and the food. The crew was very friendly and the food was always good. I am still amazed at why you pay sooooo much for these cruises and you still have to pay out for softdrinks and video games--things that really would not cost them that much money to include. Anyway they can make a buck, they will. I may cruise Carnival again but it will be on a bigger, nicer, newer boat that does not go to Calica!!!!!!