Brian

Age: 48
Occupation: transportation broker
Number of Cruises: 14
Cruise Line: carnival
Ship: imagination
Sailing Date: September 23rd, 2004
Itinerary: Western Caribbean

Wow....What a major disappointment but again this is the Red Roof of cruise lines not the Marriott or even Sheraton. I will admit that the cabins were plentiful in size and the heads were nicely stocked with various toiletry samples (toothpaste, razors, soap, etc). Cabin stewards were seldom seen yet our cabin was cleaned whenever we were out. This is a plus. We did unfortunately experience a loud bang in the middle of the ship every morning about 5:00am. The 1st time, I was so nervous, I actually thought shrap metal was going to fly into our cabin with some body parts. It sounded like a boiler blew. Luckily that was not so, but the big bang happened every morn about the same time.

Getting on board was very simple. If only getting off was as easy. We opted for early disembarkation and were told to meet in the main showroom with all our bags at 7:30am. When we were finally cleared, we then had to walk down 1 flight across a ways in the ship, off the ship, then another 1/4 mile of mazes through the terminal. A warning for older or disabled should be given. We saw many strain with their bags while using canes or walkers.

Food was generally good with service generally poor. Our waiters always rushed us and our party of 16. New bottles of wine were opened before old ones were finished. Their way of selling more. Plates were rushed off the table with desert served to some before others were finished with their main course.

The ship was basically nice but generally not very clean. I was grossed by always seeing the brass hand rails always plastered with finger prints. I even saw a chair guarding a spill in the buffet dining room and then saw it 1/2 hour later when I passed it again. They did a decent job keeping the men's locker room clean, however when I came out of the shower a women was standing there cleaning. I'm not the bashful type, but this was not comfortable.

I could go on with more but bottom line I would give this ship a 3 out of 10. This is a perfect ship for those looking to spend a little on the basics and more on drinks. There were plenty of early 20's gang and they were all happy and anxious to 'party'. The ship is also great for those in the income bracket under $50,000.

NCL has been our line of choice in the past and we look forward to trying Princess this January, but definately not Carnival again.

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