I've sailed on the Sensation twice, the Valor, the Glory, and the Pride. I've also sailed with Princess, Celebrity, and Norwegian. I must say that while a cruise vacation is still one of my favorite ways to unwind, this one had its share of disappointments.

Embarkation was terrible, with a two hour line that filled the port building and wound around the outside. The food lines were long, the food in the Cezanne Restaurant was marginal. The times of availability of food was limited. In the Monet Restaurant the wait staff was spread far too thin. How far things have fallen since the days of seven courses and white table cloths, and piano.

The production shows have and orchestra have been eliminated. The ports were fine, though the window in San Juan was quite small. The cabins are well kept. The staff is generally friendly. I might sail with Carnival again but will look twice at the competition before I book. It's been a long but steady decline over the years.