How can Carnival Valor score 1* and 5* for the same cruise in the same month? It all depends on what cruisers were expecting. If they wanted a quiet, cultural cruise of the E Caribbean, they's give it 1* but, if they wanted a fun-filled family holiday, maybe 5*. I gave it 3* and here's why.

CV is a big ship with 3450 passengers and 1200 crew. Built in 2004, it has hideous decor in the public spaces - the polystyrene Ivanhoe castle theatre and ghastly eagles round the lifts whose numbers and directions can't be read by anyone with slight visual impairment, and the orange floor tiles, beige wall tiles, green tables and blue seats of Rosie's Cafe.

The 'staterooms' are spacious and well-equipped, with a neat shower en-suite. Beds are comfortable, cupboards and drawers plentiful, a fridge and security box supplied, though the latter is placed just below the bulky TV so you hit your head on the shelf. Bringing drinks onboard is definitely not allowed except one in hand luggage at the start of your cruise. Read more