Despite reading negative commentary about Carnival and the Sprint our recent experience in early August from Sydney to the Coral Sea and back was excellent. The cabin and location was all we needed, a big balcony was terrific as we spend a great deal of time there, service provided by the cabin stewards was as good, if not better than we have enjoyed on other cruise lines. Where Carnival find people so professional is beyond me - it must have a great deal to do with the training programs they implement.

Food quality was very good and the entertainment was also beyond our expectations, particularly a magic show late in the cruise which was really very well done.

We did book in advance the Any Time Dining option - without first reading the fine print in that [unlike Princess and RC] you can't pre book a table each morning for that evening at a time that suits you. So that means lining up and on our second night, we lined up for some considerable time - although the staff do give you a beeper to notify you of when your table is ready. Still this didn't suit us so we asked to change to the late sitting, it was arranged in minutes with no fuss, and we then enjoyed a table with four other wonderful people of a similar age and interests. Our adjustment turned out to be a real positive given the company we had for the rest of the voyage. Read more