I have been sitting here reading all of the Carnival bashing and finally had to voice my opinion. We cruised on Carnival's Sensation June 00 and had a wonderful time. The service,staff and food were great. The excursions were as promised especially diving in Cozumel. We will remember this vacation fondly for years to come. The only complaint was the smoking so we've booked 2 more Carnival cruises on the Paradise for this year.

You were lucky!

<BR>I guess I was lucky to. I was on the Sensation twice and loved it. <BR> <BR>Also the Sensation and the Paradise have the most reasonable rates of all Carnival 7 day cruises. <BR> <BR>Paul <BR>

I've taken two Carnival cruises; and, have absolutely loved each one. The most recent, was on the Victory, December, 2000. It was fabulous & was an incredible buy! I went on a seven night Caribbean cruise to Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Johns & St. Croix for $246.00!!! I've been on 12 cruises, so far & this was the nicest, as well as, the most reasonable! The service couldn't have been better, the whole ship was brand new, had only been in water for 6 months. The entertainment was awesome, something for everyone! The only complaint I had was the seven days went by way too fast!

I've been on the Sensation, Inspiration, Ecstasy, Paradise, and the Triumph. Had a great time on every one of them. Planning to go on the Spirit or Pride next. <BR> <BR>Laura

I just got back on Saturday from 7 days on the Triumph. We had a great time, the food was wonderful (vast improvement since we cruised on the Sensation 5 years ago), the entertainment was very good as was the service. John Heald, the cruise director, was outstanding. <BR> <BR>I had worried for months after reading all the bashing here. I think some people are just NEVER happy.

I agree with AH. I've sailed Carnival 6 times and never had a bad cruise. As a psychologist I'm amazed at how many people ruin their own trips by look for things to complain about. I can't tell you how often I've sat at my table enjoying the food and the service and had people seated with me complain about everything. Too bad people throw their money away on trips and go home in worse shape than they started out....and then blame the cruise line! <BR>In my business we call them "job security".

Kathy, <BR> <BR>How did you manage the $246 cruise? What did you get for you money? <BR>

I'm not Kathy -- but I have a suggestion where to get great cruise prices. Sign up with seasaver.com and icruise.com -- you'll receive weekly emails with great deals for specific cruises. I just got one this morning which had 7 day Carib cruises from $354 to 12 day Med cruises for $969. I haven't actually used either site -- they never fit my schedule. But when they do -- I intend to try one!!

And here's yet another Carnival fan. I've been on 3 Carnival cruises with family and we had a great time. I don't understand why so many people don't like it. I have 3 theories tho': (1)Carnival does has so many more cruises offered than other lines there's bound to be problems on some and you really hear about those. (2) some folks went on more expensive/exclusive cruise lines (I never have) and have something more luxurious to compare it too (3) It sounds upper-crust to put Carnival down. Don't have a clue which, if any, of these 3 it is though. We will always take Carnival.

I travel solo and I am planning my eigthth (8th) cruise on CARNIVAL. Yes, Virgina, I said CARNIVAL!! (Smile) I have been on their older ships and I have been on their newer ships. I have never been disappointed. Service has always been great. <BR> <BR>Just a note for more mature cruisers: I am 54 and I HAVE NEVER felt uncomfortable on Carnival. There have always been a majority of cruisers in my age bracket.

Everyone should know that complainers are noisier and more loud mouth. <BR> <BR>Also, most of these people are HAPPY TO BE UNHAPPY.

My husband and I have also cruised on the Sensation and despite one minor delay (due to another disabled Carnival ship and the tropical storm we were in)the trip turned out to be great. Was it President Lincoln who said "you can't please all of the people all of the time"? We made the best of a situation which could not have been forseen. I think if you go on any cruise with an open mind and not expecting the world to be laid at your feet you can have a great time. We are at this time excitedly planning and researching our 25th anniversary cruise on the Carnival Destiny. We know what we expect and what we want to do, but if it doesn't quite work out that way then we'll just "go with the flow"!

MIAMI, June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Cruise Lines today announced that New Orleans will become home to the largest ``Fun Ship'' ever constructed, the 110,000-ton Carnival Conquest, when it enters service Dec. 1, 2002, offering year-round western Caribbean cruises from that port.<BR><BR>Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the 2,976-passenger vessel represents a 45 percent capacity increase over the line's current New Orleans-based cruise ship, the 2,052-passenger Inspiration, which will be deployed to another homeport.<BR><BR>Dramatic 'Impressionist' Interiors, Host of New Amenities and Facilities<BR><BR>As the first in a new series of ``Fun Ships,'' the 952-foot-long Carnival Conquest will feature 22 bars and lounges with dramatic interiors inspired by the world's most famous Impressionist painters, appropriate for a ship based in New Orleans, a city possessing a rich European heritage.<BR><BR>The ship will also feature 13 passenger decks housing four swimming pools -- one with a 214-foot-long water slide -- a 15,000-square-foot health and fitness facility, an Internet cafe, four restaurants and a ``boulevard'' of shops and boutiques. Expanded ``family-friendly'' facilities, including ``Action Alley,'' a recreation center housing a video arcade, teen coffee bar and dance club, along with a 3,300-square-foot children's play area -- the largest in the ``Fun Ship'' fleet -- will be featured, as well.<BR><BR>Conquest Continues Carnival's New Orleans Expansion<BR><BR>Carnival expects to carry more than 167,000 guests per year aboard the Carnival Conquest. That, combined with an estimated 118,000 guests annually who will sail from Tampa on the Inspiration and visit New Orleans on Fridays as part of that vessel's itinerary, represents a nearly 600 percent increase in Carnival's New Orleans passenger volume versus the company's first full year of operation there in 1995.<BR><BR>``Carnival's growth in New Orleans has been nothing short of phenomenal and the fact that we're committing what will be our newest and largest ship to New Orleans speaks volumes to our confidence in expanding this important cruise market,'' said Bob Dickinson, Carnival president.<BR><BR>Dickinson noted that New Orleans' attractiveness as a tourist destination and opportunities for pre- and post-cruise land stays also played a key role in the company's decision to dedicate its largest ship to the Crescent City.<BR><BR>Exciting On-Board Features, Dining Options<BR><BR>Other features aboard the Carnival Conquest include a conference center, an expansive sports deck with basketball and volleyball courts, a jogging track, a full gambling casino. Additionally, approximately 60 percent of the vessel's 1,488 staterooms will offer an ocean view with 60 percent of those featuring private balconies.<BR><BR>As part of Carnival's Total Choice Dining(SM), Carnival Conquest will also continue the line's tradition of offering guests the widest variety of formal and casual options at sea. Dining choices will include twin two-deck-high formal restaurants and an expansive two-level poolside eatery offering casual alternatives for breakfast, lunch and dinner, a 24-hour pizzeria and a variety of specialty areas. A reservations-only supper club, a patisserie, a sushi bar and complimentary 24-hour room service will also be available.<BR><BR>Popular Seven-Day Western Caribbean Itinerary<BR><BR>Beginning Dec. 1, 2002, Carnival Conquest will depart the Port of New Orleans every Sunday on weeklong voyages to Ocho Rios, Jamaica; George Town, Grand Cayman; and Playa del Carmen/Cozumel, Mexico. Prior to the launch of its seven-day western Caribbean program, Carnival Conquest will operate a special four-day Thanksgiving cruise departing Nov. 27 from New Orleans and featuring a daylong call at Playa del Carmen/Cozumel.<BR><BR>Prices for the Carnival Conquest's western Caribbean sailings from New Orleans begin at $599 per person, based on double occupancy.<BR><BR>If purchased via Carnival's new ``Fun Finance Plan(SM),'' the cruises are available starting at $28 per month (based on a 24-month payment term at the lowest annual percentage rate available). Actual monthly payment and terms may vary according to the applicant's credit qualifications. Valid for U.S. individual bookings only. Certain other restrictions apply.<BR><BR>

I have also enjoyed Carnival the two times I sailed with them. My last cruise I became ill with strep and was unbelievably pampered by the staff. Despite having to spend part of my cruise visiting the doctor it was one of my most pleasant cruises simply because I was treated so well. Until Carnival treats me badly, I'll believe in them. I'm in the process now of trying to decide between the Paradise, Destiny or Spirit for a cruise next year.

Oh Thank you Harry Moron, now I can be reminded with a monthly bill for the next 24 months how distasteful my vacation on CCL was.

Here we had some nice reviews for this caption and who shows up .... Mr. Negative xxxxxxxxx.<BR><BR>It is time for you to give up. You are in the minority.<BR><BR>I believe the visit to your analyst is overdue.<BR><BR>Paul

The "key" to Carnival appears to be the age of the ship. This line tends to send it's best service people to the newer ships. Hence, you chose the right ship.

Paul this appears to be the only positive thread on this link. So it seems to me I'm in the majority, and you are in the minority. This thread has posts in the tens while the others are approching the hundreds. Nice try though.