... The "Fawlty Towers" of Cruiseships ... Remember this 70's TV Show about a disfunctional hotel? John Cleese as Basil Fawlty: "You ponce in here expecting to be waited on hand and foot, while I'm trying to run a hotel here. Have you any idea of how much there is to do? Do you ever think of that? Of course not, you're all too busy sticking your noses into every corner, poking around for things to complain about, aren't you?... I've had it. Come on, pack your bags and get out." None of our complaints should dissuade anyone from taking this cruise. In the end, we decided they were more amusing than serious defects... 1. Boarded ~1:30PM. Told to expect luggage by 8PM. Did not arrive 'til 9:15PM. properly tagged, one bag discovered on our own next to Guest Services. 2. Told Cabin Steward About No Hot Water in Washroom. Plumber Comes. hot on Mon+Tue, only lukewarm on Wed-Fri, hot again on Sat+Sun. sign in shower warns against scalding. [Ha-Ha?] 3. Bed Too Hard. Wife Uses Comforter as Mattress-Pad. on cabin TV, see advertisement for Carnival Comfort Bed. 4. Excursion Tickets Not Delivered to Stateroom. went to Tour Desk early, assured they'll be delivered shortly. two hours later, call to Guest Services forwared to Tour Desk. hung-up and went to Tour Desk to get reprinted tickets. 5. Dominica Whale Watch Tour Cancelled (CC credited) oh, but not really, Tour Desk asks if we want to rebook. 6. Original Tour Tickets Delivered Tuesday Night (incl Mon+Tue). 7. Weather Cancels Barbados Snorkel Tour. but by 1PM (when tour scheduled), weather was fine. 8. Elevators: Even If Going Your Way, May Not Stop. it seems they prioritize by the order in which buttons are pressed. press the up botton, elevator won't stop if higher # already pressed? 9. Lost in Translation: Open Seating on Last Day... "Can we have a booth?" Host: "Of course." Seated at table by window. 10. Disembarkation Took Five Hours... Slow Immigration Blamed. apologized repeatedly and started giving priority to flight times. at Noon, 1/3 of passengers still on boat, lunch served on Lido Deck. new passengers told to check luggage, but call for a boarding time. OTOH... We liked the island every day itinerary with no boring "at sea" days. The aft adult-only pool kept the rug-rats at bay (and out of the pool). Ship's decor was subdued, not garish like some Carnival ships. Entertainment was good: A comic, juggler, magician, and live in-house band and dancers who put on a couple of musical productions. Food was nearly always excellent (but the Baked Alaska disappointed) The pizza was surprisingly good. Wife preferred the chili-dogs. Staterooms were nicely proportioned, clean with no outside noise. All staff tried hard to please. They likely did their best. All things considered, we had a blast.