I opted for the slightly more expensive "Ocean View Stateroom" but it ended up being a waste of money since we spent very little time inside the room during daylight hours.

The next time that we take a Carnival Cruise ship vacation to any tropical location, I'll get the cheapest state room possible and spend the extra money on shore excursion activities.

During the voyage over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, we sampled the lavish buffets, won (ok, lost) a few dollars in the casino, took a dip in the swimming pool and soaked up some rays in the whirlpool hot tub.