[reborn]

Hi K/M
We went on a Carnival Cruise last year, before I had stopped drinking. I've wondered what it would be like now, but I do remember that even then, I probably drank less than normal because drinks were ridiculously expensive and fortunately not included. I personally didn't remember alchohol being pushed on passengers too much ( although I did encounter some of this while laying in the pool area). You will have the same waiter every night, just let him/her know your preferences. My experience on this cruise was that there is so much to do on the ship and so many families, that avoiding alcohol would not be a problem/temptation. I suspect you will have a fantastic time especially if this is your first cruise, and especially sober. As for AA on board and in port, you might want to check the message boards on cruise-addicts.com and cruisecritic.com.
Happy Sailing! RB