Agree with Don. Carnival does well in serving its market--offering good value to the masses. It is not of the same cut as the likes of Celebrity but serves its purpose. The food I have had on Carnival was adequate--and was as I saw one travel review describe it, "hotel banquet quality".

Carnival is great for young people, but we did not like it (our grown children loved it). I would reconmend going from Cancun. On the cruises the trip on the bus is so long you don't have time for much there so you can enjoy the experience. We went from Cancun on a tour and had lunch there. If we go again I would like to stay over night there( our friends did that and saw so much more and expeienced the area at night, when most of the day trippers are gone. It is a wonderful place.

I have been on one Carnival cruise and would never go again. Ship: tacky. Food: poor quality. Help: mediocre. Amenities: mediocre - (minus). Kids' activities: pathetic. "Camp" counselors: underqualified. "Broadway" shows: risque and completely unsuitable for kids of ANY age.

There were many young people on board; I don't have a problem with youth, per se, but the "Gee,let's drink 'til we throw up" mentality is not why I go on vacation. Also, a vast majority of the patrons smoked. We had no-smoking cabins, but the pervasiveness of the smoke was such that even the non-smoking cabins smelled like rancid nicotine. The big waterslide at the pool--which the children were so excited about---was open about 2 hours each day, if that. One whole day it wasn't open because there was no staff to man it. Our teenaged son, to his great delight, stumbled upon a group of women sunbathing topless. I know that isn't allowed and isn't Carnival's fault, but it does give you some idea of the clientele. It has been several years since we went on this cruise, and have given Carnival a wide berth ever since. I would rather not go than cruise with them.

That said, the reason I am on this mb is because our extended family is taking a 7-day Alaskan cruise in July 2005 for my in-laws' 50th wedding anniversary. We will be sailing with NCL. What is your experience with that line? If it, too, has been bought out by Carnival, I hope our experience won't be repeated, as we HAVE to go on this trip.

Actually toplessness in the norm abroad. Lets face it, its just a breast. Its not vile if you don't think it is. Actually this underhanded reference to such "clientele" (just for toplessness) is what I find disagreeable to say the least. Its a big world.

If you like Carnival, go for it.

I'm an ABC cruiser (Anything But Carnival).

I've always been treated like "royalty" on Celebrity. There are better cruise lines, but mucho more bucks. ((b))

Hello Budman. How's the wine making going? FYI per the latest issue of CN Traveler Celebrity was ranked fourth for best cruise line behind only those that are far more costly. Cheers, Larry

The wine is great -- tucked away for the winter.

Ya know, I can only give my own personal experiences, not those of CN Traveler. Celebrity has always treated me like "royalty," and I will continue to sail with them. ((b))

We hope to try them as well one day. If it works stick with it. No sense rocking the boat. No pun intended. :-). Have you ever cruised NCL? We are strongly considering them for Alaska this winter. Thank you, Larry

We only sail with Carnival. We've been On Princess, R.C., and Renaissance (when it was in business). Carnival is a floating Las Vegas. If you want to have fun, then go with them. Their shows are 1st rate, and they run a tight ship--it just looks like they don't because of all the glitz. We're going on their European, (summer), and Mexico in Dec. They're the only line we like....If you want sedate and sterile, try the other lines. Carnival aims to please, and the food is good. Sometimes you'll find things you'll like and maybe you won't. Ask the waiter--they'll bring you anything 100 times.

Carnival made per, my wife's request, special meals every night though I do believe this practice is not unique to them. RCCL did it as well.