Public Areas and Facilities

Spirit-class vessels like this may seem to be a throwback in size, but these sleek ships have the advantage of fitting through the Panama Canal. They're also racehorses, with the speed to reach far-flung destinations.

A rosy red skylight in the front bulkhead of the funnel -- which houses the reservations-only upscale Supper Club -- caps a soaring, 11-deck atrium. Lovely chapels are available for weddings, either upon embarkation or while in a port of call, and are also used for shipboard religious services.

The upper and lower interior Promenade Decks are unhampered by a mid-ship restaurant or galley, which means that passenger flow throughout the ships is much improved over earlier designs.

Restaurants

One two-deck formal restaurant serves open-seating breakfast and lunch; it also serves dinner in two assigned evening seatings. The casual Lido buffet with stations offers a variety of food choices; at night it becomes the Seaview Bistro for casual dinners. There's also a pizzeria, outdoor grills, a patisserie, sushi bar, and 24-hour room service.

Accommodations

Cabins: Cabins on Carnival ships are generally more spacious than industry standard, and these are no exception. Nearly 80% have an ocean view and, of those, more than 80% have balconies. Suites and some ocean-view cabins have private balconies outfitted with chairs and tables; extended-balcony cabins have balconies at least 50% larger than average. Every cabin has adequate closet and drawer-shelf storage, as well as bathroom shelves. High thread-count linens and plush pillows and duvets are a luxurious touch in all accommodations. Suites also have a whirlpool tub, VCR, and walk-in closet.

Bathrooms Extras include shampoo and bath gel provided in shower-mounted dispensers and an array of sample toiletries, as well as fluffy towels and a wall-mounted magnifying mirror. Bathrobes for use during the cruise are provided for all.

Decor: Light-wood cabinetry, soft pastels, mirrored accents, a small refrigerator, a personal safe, a hair dryer, and a sitting area with sofa, chair, and table are typical for ocean-view cabins and suites. Inside cabins have ample room, but no sitting areas.

Other Features: Decks 5, 6, and 7 each have a pair of balcony staterooms that connect to adjoining interior staterooms that are ideal for families because of their close proximity to children and teen areas. Sixteen staterooms are designed for wheelchair accessibility.

Category	Size (square feet)
Penthouse Suite	370 (average)
Suite	275
Ocean View	185
Interior	185

What Works, What Doesn't

Carnival's trademark waterslides are situated high atop the ship and far enough away from Lido pools so that they're not a distraction. This class contains numerous quiet nooks and crannies as well as expansive lounges and huge casinos.

These are long ships -- really long ships -- and you may want to consider any mobility issues when selecting a cabin. Thankfully, there are three banks of well-placed elevators.

Connecting staterooms are relatively scarce throughout the ships; however, balcony dividers can be unlocked between some higher-category cabins.

Favorites

Best Place to Escape the Crowds: Delightful enclosed winter garden spaces are located forward on the exterior promenade deck. Air-conditioned and furnished with tables and chairs, they are a quieter choice for reading than the library, which also houses the Internet center.

Best Added Value: The huge gyms and fitness centers on these ships are great, even for less energetic passengers. A soothing therapy pool sits under a skylight, and his-and-her saunas and steam rooms have glass walls and sea views.

Best Splurge: Make a reservation for dinner in the Supper Club. The steaks rival Kansas City's finest, and the atmosphere is pure New York.

Our Favorite Place for a Nightcap: Piano bars on Carnival ships are pretty lively early on, but as the evening passes and the sounds grow mellow, these are dimly lighted havens with romantic little alcoves.