lhenk, I think the ship matters a lot if you're traking your kids. The older, smaller ships simply don't have the amenities of the newer ships. The RCCL Grandeur sails out of New Orleans- though not a new ship, it is very nice.I sailed the Enchantment last year (sister ship) and it was in great shape. Here's the ships sailing out of New Orleans
http://www.portno.com/cruise_info.htm
I think a new, big Carnival ship would be fine, just avoid the dinky old tubs.I also hated the Sensation. I prefer RCCL any day.

I have something to add, don't go on the triumph and stay in room 6408 it is right above a karioke bar. I was miserable for a week.Could not sleep at night this room should have been a broom closet and the front desk was not helpful at all.

I think it is pompous and arrogant to insinuate that everyone who cruises on a Carnival ship is some low rent slob.
My wife and I are both professionals and will be traveling with two CEOs of large companies and their wives when we sail on Celebration this summer. Carnival is not much, if any, less expensive than other main line cruise companies. And if you read over the message boards of other lines you'll see just as many posts about people seeking the best fare bargains or trying to figure out how to sneak their own booze on board. The days of steerage class are long gone. Get over, you snobs.

Rover...didnt you have this same response yesterday..and didnt it get deleted?

Rover - In my new quest to be polite on these boards, I want to be the first to wish you a bon voyage! May the sun shine each day, may you win money in the casino and my you have budman in the cabin on one side and cruiseman on the other.

Peter