And it has nothing to do with the festive atmosphere. Just like a real carnival, this cruise vacation was filled with hawkers and carnys trying to separate you from your money.

The moment I stepped on the lido deck to a pushy waiter shoved a drink in my hand. Only after I had sipped it did he produce a bill. The last time I cruised there was one complimentary drink after boarding. Carny #1 drew first blood with that $8 nasty concoction. After that the sharks started circling.

I was shocked the first time I walked the promenade deck to the Posh restaurant for dinner. This long main walkway was blocked off to half its width in multiple places by photography hawkers ( carny 2 through 5). Halfway down this hall of salespeople is a desk dedicated to getting you to sign up for a Carnival credit card. Can you say additional revenue stream? Read more