I felt the need to write a review of the Carnival Spirit because of so many negative ones I've read. Let me start out by saying I AM a seasoned cruiser. Been on over 20 cruisers. The Spirit is a older ship but easy to navigate and at full capacity doesn't feel crowded at all. This ship is NOT for kids!!!! People need to do their homework before booking or book with a experienced travel agt. There is only 1 waterslide and a 9 hole putt putt golf. I don't have kids so it was great for me and my group of nine. I thought the embarkation process was a breeze. Easy on, easy off, remember there is only 2200 passengers to move through the lines. Unlike the bigger ships that hold 5500 plus passengers. I thought the food on this ship was some of the best I've ever had on a cruise. Actually everyone in my party would agree. And the chopsticks grill was fantastic as well. No complaints on any of the food on board. We sailed in very windy weather , and the waves were so big that it caused us to miss a stop but the ship handled it very well, hardly even rocked. I read someone say it was a rocky, ship so I was prepared and bought wristbands and it never rocked. It was so smooth. This was a very relaxing ship. They did not have a lot of games during the day, like trivia or bingo, but I enjoyed my time in the sun and visiting with family. They had those games, just not that often. So if your looking for a pretty ship, that is clean with nice staff and crew, and that is smaller with great food , and just a nice relaxing atmosphere, than this is the ship for you. If you are traveling with children, this isn't the ship for you.