Just to offer a little background I've cruised with Carnival 4 times in the last 8 years, which means I cruise on average once every 2 years. My first cruise with Carnival was in 1997 on Carnival's Imagination, I then cruised in 1999 with my wife on Carnival's Paradise, later we returned to Carnival cruising on Carnival's Victory in 2002.

The recurring theme on my first 3 cruises were: 1. Excellent service far exceeding my expectations each time. 2. Quality entertainment; from the shows to the shore excursions available I was always impressed by the quality of the entertainment options available on Carnival's ships. 3. Overall vacation value for my money.

Service, entertainment and value were the 3 reasons why I talked my family into having a reunion on a Carnival cruise in 2005. The last time my parents went on vacation with my brothers and me was in 1986 and I thought a Carnival Cruise was the perfect opportunity for us all to be together and enjoy a great vacation as a family. My parents and two brothers, along with their respective wives and children had cruised on Royal Caribbean in the past, but I assured them that Carnival was just as good and at an exceptional value. Read more