Just returned from the 9-night cruise on Dec 10 to the Mexican Riviera from San Diego on Carnival Spirit and, unlike another reviewer, I thought the entertainment was excellent. Seriously, this is a party ship. If you're worried about too much adult entertainment then sail Disney! Compared to a Celebrity cruise to Alaska last October, where the show music was canned and the performers suitably uninspired, the Spirit shows were creative, colorful, interesting, well-sung, well-danced, and the 8-piece band lead by a young lady, who plays the slide trombone with more energy than I have heard in a long time, was a delight to listen to. They performed not only in all three excellent shows, but also in the Cool Club lounge where they took the time to explain a little about the mechanics of performing together and passing the lead around during jazz improvs. The show singers even performed in the lounge. The final show, The Big Easy, featured the music of New Orleans and was the most creative show of the three. My favorite number was "The House of the Rising Sun" with four ragged wraiths in bat costumes following the singer around the stage.

The food in the Empire Dining Room was better than other Carnival cruises I've been on. Nice presentations, good variety, and the steaks were tender and juicy. The dancing waiters shtick every night was something I looked forward to, although if you had told me about it beforehand I'd have said it sounds ridiculous. We only had breakfast in the dining room the first morning however; as the service was so spotty we decided to eat on the Lido deck every morning thereafter.

The Spirit has a large spa with free access to an excellent steam room, sauna, and jacuzzi as well as resistance machines, weights, elliptical trainers, and treadmills for those who don't know that cruises are supposed to be a time out to relax. Unfortunately the spa services menu was just as over-priced as most high-end hotels in Vegas, $2/minute for a Swedish massage. Do your homework and reserve a massage in advance at a hotel in one of the ports of call for half the price or less. I talked to someone who even found a massage for two for $45 near Cabo Wabo in Cabo San Lucas. He also raved about the Kristal Hotel spa which is almost within sight of the pier in Puerto Vallarta. Read more