We've cruised for ten years and have just returned from a seven day Victory cruise to the western Caribbean. The ship is a large floating hotel with a hideous green decor; God help anyone suffering from mal-de-mer!!! The cabins were excellent with a good balcony, the entertainment was quite good and the ports of call very satisfactory; but the food left a lot to be desired with the beef in particular being very tasteless. Service was mediocre in the extreme, including cabin service, and why not when the tips were automatically added to the sign and sail card - no incentive to be above average.

Embarking was an experience we do not wish to repeat; long lines through a bleak uncooled warehouse and when we did get aboard no real welcome or anyone to conduct you to your cabin - very offhand. Competitors have always had stewards available to show you to the cabin and greet you with a run-down on the ship. A money saving attitude perhaps on Carnivals part?

We have purposely avoided Carnival in the past as they seemed to have a second-rate reputation; but this time the rates were so attractive that we decided to forego our doubts and try it - not a good decision although in all fairness the cruise was enjoyable for the most part. Read more