Maybe 100 posts could close this subject. I agree with the previous poster, if Mr SA had done his homework, he would have picked a better ship.

Ive been on 2 cruises, 1 with Commodore, and the other with Carnival, aboard the Holiday ship. I had a great time on the Carnival cruise, and a freind and myself have booked another Carnival cruise on the Victory out of NYC, onb Labor Day. Just from having been on that 1 cruise I would say that it is not for everyone, because it is geared toward a youngish, single crowd, but I didnt think that you had to be a teenager, or only in your early 20s. Most of the people I saw seemed to be in their mid twenties to early forties, and there werent really a lot of seniors. I know that this is like, message 101, and no one is probably going to see this, but to the people who had a negative experience, were you in the majority, or a part of the minority with your thoughts? If most of the people were enjoying the cruise then I think its difficult to give it a overall bad review.

We have sailed twice with Carnival:
our first was on the Sensation in 1992
and most recently on the Inspiration
just this past April 2000. I must say
that we had the best time on the
Inspiration-- great food, friendly
staff, overall great fun! In comparison
to our 1992 cruise on the Sensation,
the quality in service and food on
Carnival has improved tremendously!!!
I would sail on Carnival again--
especially looking forward to the
Carnival Spirit's 8 day cruises!!
JanGail

Message for JanGail,

Do not turn anyone off re the Sensation. I sailed her last year and I believe it is about the best of all the CCL ships long with a tremendous itinerary.

If anyone believes it is all youngsters, don't believe it!

There were so many old fogies (me included) I was shocked. It sails out of Tampa you know. Retiree heaven.

As far as the food is concerned, you are absolutely correct.....it is getting better every week. I just returned form the Jubilee Alaska and the food was excellent. Soon it will be equal to the upscale lines. More work is still needed on the bufffet. CCL's smaller ships have a very limited menu. Along with the continuing room service menu (sandwich, salad stuff).

Paul

Paul,
I didn't mean to imply that the
Sensation cruise was less than stellar!
In fact, we had a great time on the
Sensation! Keep in mind that I made a
point that we took our Sensation cruise
in 1992, and meant to show that since
then, right up to our 2000 cruise on
the Inspiration that Carnival is a
vastly improved cruiseline!!! By no
means did I mean to denigrate the
Sensation!
JanGail

I whole heartedly agree! They have improved everything including getting rid of Kathie Lee.

I thought I remembered another argument about Carnival and finally found it. I followed this a few years back and thought you all might like to read the pro's and con's that some found about Carnival. Troll

Paul, please pray tell us how all these people are wrong! Show us the errors of our ways so that we may become part of your followers. Wake up! All these people can't be wrong.

Wow, is there really a person whose name is Troll. How cool!

Paul

PFFFttt, PFFFttt! There I have sprayed this site with Paul repellant. Sheesh, I hope it works!

At the risk of dragging this out and getting dragged through the mud by those who have never found a good travel agent, I have to say (as a former travel agent), ( I have been out of the business for 7 years)that this is what they are for. Shopping around for an agent who has actually been on the ship/ships that you are looking at is a must.
I saw the Tropicale somewhere around 1984 - 85 and it was AWFUL then. In my 11 years in the travel business I never sold it but did sell Carnival ships frequently and travelled on them personally with family quite a few times.
Carnival remains my husbands favourite line with my tastes a bit more upscale and quiet.
I would tend to agree with one of the first posters that older ships can be a bit rough around the edges so ask someone in the know. Travel agents with lots of cruising experience know the ships and the problems they may be having.
SA's experiences would have ticked me off as well.
However, there is no excuse for not doing your homework on cruise lines as with any other travel destination.