Oletruckdude

On the Elation now. No more edible tortilla bowls. If you want a taco salad they put it in a cereal bowl. Server said they don't do the edible bowls anymore. First cutback that really irks me. 😬

It depends on where they park you. There are several large buildings they park guests inside which are approx quarter mile walk from the ship. Then there is an outside parking lot very close to the ship. Handicap parking is right up front near the ship.

Yes, they have shuttles waiting with large trailers connected to them for the luggage. If you can handle the walk you can just skip the shuttle and walk directly to your car, which is what we usually do. It's quicker then waiting to load luggage then boarding the shuttle, then waiting for them to unload the luggage at your stop.

It all depends on your lifestyle speed. When we were younger we had to get off at every port and do everything we could fit in the time allotted. These days (we're in our 60s) we enjoy staying on the ship in ports we've been to dozens of times (Nassau). While everyone is off exploring on land we enjoy short/no lines, and a much calmer laid back vibe on the ship. My wife and I both enjoy reading our Nooks and enjoying the breeze on deck in a cool shady spot.

That would be the deal breaker for me. Seventeen Carnival cruises with 2 more upcoming. I love the included Carnival food. The Buffett, blue iguana, guys, pizza pirate. I love eating what I want whenever I want. It's the biggest selling point to cruising for me. When cruising becomes basically like a land vacation then I will be done. Just my opinion.

From Blue Iguana. It's not on the menu but they keep edible tortilla bowls behind the counter for taco salads. Instead of salad greens I have them load it up with Mexican rice, refried beans, queso cheese, and pork carnitas. Then from the salsa bar I add salsa and sour cream and lime. Delish!

My wife and I have been on 17 carnival cruises, 4 on the Sunshine including a B2B. We're going on her again in April. She's our favorite Carnival ship. When they upgraded her from the Destiny they added a lot of funship upgrades. Her serenity area is unique with a waterfall. She carries less guests so the lines are shorter or non existent. We love this ship and hope the beards keep her around for many years to come. She would fit well in Jacksonville if they scrapped the Elation, since the larger ships wouldn't fit under the bridge. Fingers crossed.