I've cruised Carnival 6 times. The last cruise was a horrible experience and will be the last. Carnival has increasingly pinched pennies over the last decade to increase their profit margins and it's more evident now than ever. They sale this boat as refurbished two years ago, however it was in horrible condition. There was heavy rust damage across boat that hasn't been maintained, the teak flooring on the upper deck has rot spots everywhere along with cheap fix patches on it along with the tile interior upper deck. There's major deferred maintenance. The staff aren't trained nearly as well as they once were. It's clearly all about the bottom dollar in every facet. To whom it affects they changed the smoking policy from one side of the boat to one small area in the very top corner.

The quality of the food has significantly decreased as well as portions in the fine dining areas. They're more inclined to question double ordering entree's due to smaller portions as well. The cost of beverages has increased and they really have you at their disposable the way the sign and sail card account is setup. I've always cruised for a cheaper affordable vacation option that still gets you the illusive island get away. It's such a money racket now, as you buy-in with the "as low as" pitch and the total cost ends up quadrupling once port charges, parking, drinks, etc. are factored in.

The entertainment was okay, the ship schedule left a little to be desired. The cable on the ship was very limited(cnn fanatics would have been in heaven as there were 5 out of 25 channels to pick from) but no thanks, and the reception of the picture was very choppy/cloudy. The boat smelled like it had some sort of sewage venting issue throughout. If you love smelling 2000 captives' defecation in a confined area for a week this is the place for you. The internet option for $20 seemed like a fair deal until you couldn't download/upload anything and got very limited service. Then at the end of the day they want to argue about everything they nickle and dimed you for and hold you hostage on the boat until the balance of your sail & sign card is paid. It's nice getting to those beautiful areas, but a old, smelly, overcrowded boat won't be my method of travel going forward. I was rather unimpressed post the couple cruises prior to, but this took the cake. Believe me when I say that it's not luxurious as presented, its not as cheap as what you believe as you're comparing options, and frankly I would've rather kept my time off and money and just vacationed at home. At least then I wouldn't have been waiting in hour lines at the service desk everyday trying to resolve issues while I'm on "vacation". I've never been so happy in my life to get back on solid ground. Thanks Carnival! Read more