There is plenty of factual information available on the lay-out of the Carnival Spirit, its itineraries, and ports of call (though few reviews mention the garishness of the decor, which is truly hideous in some places). This is a very subjective report, provided as a cautionary tale to potential cruisers who might be of a similar mind. Some of my complaints relate to matters that may seem trivial, but these matters existed in such number that they contributed to our major dissatisfaction, whereas other complaints, I believe, are quite serious.I chose to cruise on the Carnival Spirit (departing San Diego on April 6, 2008) for essentially one reason: I wanted to celebrate my 65th Birthday by eating at the Supper Club. That and most everything else about this cruise went awry.

Regarding boarding: A small matter, but ... Carnival's website indicates there is priority boarding for suite passengers at certain ports. San Diego is not one of those listed. As there was a designated (and empty) line for handicapped passengers and high-ranking Carnival club members, however, there's no reason this perk couldn't be available.

We found our way to (Junior) Suite 6168, a pleasant cabin. I was puzzled, however, that there was no deck plan waiting for us, as there has been a deck plan in the cabin on every other cruise we've taken. I phoned the purser's desk. and was told that these were available there, four floors down and, essentially, resembling Grand Central Station. There were signs all over, asking people not to use the main elevators, as "We are trying to get [8,000+] pieces of luggage to the proper cabin", as well as, I assume, the other 2,122 passengers. In that context, why on earth should anyone have to go down to the purser's office to get a deck plan? Read more