UPDATE!
In spite of my persistence, calling Carneval and my guys at VTG, probably an annoying level, I did not get on this cruise. Schools out, holiday weekend...got it!
On Wed, we hopped on a motorcycle in VA and rode south. We are packed for a 7 day cruise in 2 backpacks. It's all good though...we are now heading north west, to hug the gulf coast before winding back home.
Who wants to be on a crowded drunken city ship of 6500? Sounds dreadful, now that it's no longer an option!