I have cruised on Carnival three times before taking this cruise to Alaska. All three of those cruises were delightful, with good service, good food, and lots of fun. Some aspects of this Alaskan cruise were disappointing. The food was mediocre at best. One night I orded prime rib. When it came, it looked green -- I did not eat it. Another night, they served lobster tail as a main course -- very small -- three bites and you were finished.

The service on this cruise was hit or miss -- really good in the state rooms, the casino and at the Atrium bar but lack-luster in the dining room. The waiters did not take the time to introduce themselves, did not make an effort to let us know what was good or not-so-good on the menu. Perhaps they were too overwhelmed with other guests. My friends and I stopped eating in the dining room after the third night. The food at the buffet was either bland or over-salted. The best food was at the grill and the pizzeria. Despite those places being good, I stopped eating much after the fourth day.

Also, on this cruise, there was little effort to give the guests a taste of the joy and fun that Carnival is known for. The crew and staff's morale seemed low. Everyone seemed worn out and tired. The entertainment was good, however. Good singers and musicians. Read more