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Just got back from a Caribbean Cruise Line cruise. Overall, it was a good time and I'd recommend it. Here is our experience:

First of all, we booked a groupon for $300 for two people. This was easy to do, not part of any kind of timeshare, and we called Caribbean Cruise Line directly to book. No problems at all with doing this and a great deal for a two-night cruise. We did not add on the optional resort stay, so I can't comment on the resort at all.

Embarkation in the port was very easy. We got there around 11:30, dropped off the car with the valet (unfortunately this is the only option for parking, but they were very polite and quick, and hey, someone gets a job for this) and paid the $30 parking at drop-off. (Cash or credit) We dropped off our luggage, proceeded inside and everyone was very friendly. FYI- they have online check-in now and we printed out the onboard account form ahead of time, so that was helpful to have ready. They have booths set up for excursions, drink packages, and dinner times. The only one that's really necessary to stop at is dinner time sign-up. (We also got a soda card for $21, which comes with a refillable insulated mug, which turned out to be a good deal for us.) We waited about 15 minutes and were let right on the ship at 12 where lunch was waiting on deck 9.

We explored the ship a bit, had some drinks, and were able to get into the cabin by 2pm, although luggage didn't arrive until almost 5. (But I think this is pretty standard on most ships.) We had an outside cabin and it seemed relatively similar in size to Carnival ships we'd been on. The two of us didn't feel crowded at all. The colors and style were a little dated, but who cares? It was clean and as we expected.

The pool area was nice. The crew really tries to keep the party atmosphere going. The pool itself was small, but not terribly crowded and a fun place to hang out. The hot tubs were also rarely used and also a nice quiet place to relax. You could bring your drinks into the pool.

The food and service was great with a good variety. We ate in the Crystal dining room the first night and the Rio the second night. There is also an Italian place that is open almost 24 hours. Pizza is pretty good, pasta is okay, but it hit the spot if you're hungry! Food was definitely better than anything you'd fix at home, and hey, no dirty dishes to do!

Entertainment was good. The first night, we really enjoyed the singer, and wished she performed longer. The other entertainment was just okay. Like I said, it's a budget cruise and you are getting what you pay for. They had music in the Pub at different times and trivia and karaoke. (The karaoke is part of a singing contest...this is nice, but how about just fun karaoke for the rest of us? The singers took it very seriously and good for them-but isn't half the fun of karaoke making fun of the people who can't sing? I will say I wish they were better about getting information out about activity times. They left a flyer similar to Carnival fun-times in your cabin, but if you left it in the cabin, we couldn't find any other copies of it around the ship. (I felt bad for the performers since the View was half empty both nights- I think people just didn't know when show times were.)

Freeport was fun. We ended up at the marketplace area off the main road and found a bar we really liked called Rum Runner's. The bartenders were extremely friendly and the drinks were much cheaper than at Billy Joe's. (Rum Runner's also takes credit cards.) If you like to drink, we'd recommend Rum Runner's! There was live music playing in the marketplace area and a nice view of the marina.

Also, if you need a quick bite to eat before you get back on the ship, there's a lady with a small cart that sells snacks and burgers at the port. This was the BEST burger we ever had!! It came recommended by a Carnival employee we ran into at the bar, and then was also recommended by some local employees who worked near the port. I don't know the name, but they told us they call her "Fat Lady" burgers and everyone that worked at the port seemed to know what we were talking about. So save 5 bucks and grab a burger on your way back to the ship- it's better than the burgers you'll get onboard. Just look for the rainbow umbrella cart at the port!

There was a good cross-section of people on this ship. Older people, families with kids, young people. We had a large family in the rooms around us, but we didn't hear them at all at night. You could pretty much disembark whenever you want. We just took down our own luggage and got right off the ship. Customs wait was about 30 minutes or so.

Overall we really enjoyed ourselves and it was a good deal. The ship is very clean. The crew works hard and is friendly. You will really enjoy yourself!