Coastal Vacations Club with Jeff Mills | Reviews of Great Carnival Cruise Ships

1. Licensed and bonded travel vendors

Make sure your club uses licensed and bonded vendors. These are recognized by the state they do business in, and will make sure you are dealing with real and legit travel agencies who want to see your satisfaction as priority one.

2. No time share gimmicks, sales presentations or tours

Many vacation club vendors are veiled time-share pitch fest. You are required to attend long sales presentations just to use or activate some of the discount portions of your trips. Make sure tours are not required as a pre-requisite for activating a trip or staying in a condo.

3. Years in service

Vacation clubs can crop up in an instant by some "slick willy's" just to make a fast buck, and they sell you something that is not originally what it seemed and before you realize it and try to get your money back, they are gone, off to the next deal. So make sure you look closely to see if the Club has an established track record of industry credibility and integrity.

4. BBB Reports

Do your due diligence on the travel clubs, looking through scam reports and BBB reports. You'll find many independent agents represent the "mother" travel club and they can be unscrupulous, while the parent company acts responsibly, so take note that individual resellers might have a bad track record, while the parent company has a spot less record. Stay away from problematic vendors.

5. Terms and conditions of use: Holidays, Singles/married couples, blackout dates

Many travel clubs often limit availability to non-holidays, or have blackout days. One vendor I know of, for example, will not let you travel 7 days before or after a major holiday. Since there are major holidays almost every month, you are missing 14 days a month or around 160 days a year which are off-limits. So make sure you know the terms and conditions, age limits, and if those traveling must be 2 married couples or if the trips apply to singles.

6. One time membership fees

Some travel clubs will dock you a monthly fee, some will dock you a yearly renewal fee. Be careful of those who hit you hard upfront and then bleed your money slowly over time. Good travel clubs offer you a low, one time fee to get started and no further renewals or back end fee.

7. Variety of discount types

Does your travel club only offer 2 night 3 day trips? Or does it offer a lot more like unlimited week long condo stays, Unlimited discount cruises, ski discounts, dining discounts, or golf discounts? Make sure your travel club membership has many varieties of trips and vacation styles to fit all personality and travel types.

8. Location choices

Domestic membership or International. Does your travel club only cater to the USA or does it have benefits far and wide reaching into the best vacation destinations across the planet? Make sure you know the values for local or international experiences.

9. Education on how to consume membership

A good travel company will offer compact discs, videos and literature to help their membership consume their club benefits and get the most out of taking their trips. If your travel club does not offer some training or help in showing you how to use your package, you might want to look else where.

10. Transferability

Will you be allowed to give away some of your trips in your travel club or will your name and address be hard coded into every voucher to only be used by you? Some travel clubs have over 40 trips included, and no one could use that many trips in one year. So make sure your travel club will allow you to transfer trips and packages to family and friends, with no extra costs and simple order fulfillment.

Traveling around the world as an exclusive travel club member can sure have it's money saving advantages, and for the more pricey clubs out there, like Coastal Vacations Club, for example, some people choose to share one membership among a small group and divide out the trip benefits.

Traveling is really an extraordinary way of relaxation and rejuvenation. The only major dilemma
we can think of is the cost, right?

Fortunately, you can now explore the world-wide-web and search for several travel clubs that offer best discount week long condo stays, Carnival & Royal Caribbean Cruises, airfare specials, hotels, and Golf packages.

Another option you want to consider when you want to travel is a timeshare. Timeshare is basically a type of traveling membership where you own a certain property in a limited time offer only. The only drawback is you need to pay for an initial investment and annual maintenance fee. As for me, I pay for a nice condo for $20,000 in a weeklong stay (I pay an estimate of $400-600 monthly). You think it's over? Not yet. I also pay $650 for annual maintenance fee. Do the math for yourself.

As you see, a timeshare membership, although you can sell, rent, or donate the property, is practically expensive. In this case, don't immediately upset yourself if you can't afford a timeshare. Reality is, a timeshare is not for everybody unless you're a businessman who earns $six or $seven figures a year.

Yet, if you're really into traveling and do it for a major purpose- you better own a travel club membership. As mentioned earlier, there are hundreds of travel clubs on the web. You just have to seek for the best!!!

Truth is, a travel club is a lot more valuable than a timeshare because%u2026

1) It offers discounts

This is the huge advantage if you're a travel club member. You can save up to 75% off. More savings, the luckier you are!

2) It generates income

Each time business owners sell a discount vacation membership, they also earn money. See the logic? You are not only having a precious vacation of your own when you're a travel club member. You are also helping the businessmen of the club itself.

3) It offers travel rewards and incentives to their best customers and employees.

Retail business owners love to give away 2 nights 3 days get-a-ways, plus cruises on Carnival or Royal Caribbean, or week long condo stays.

4) It comes in types

One of the most trusted travel club memberships on the web is the Coastal Vacation. Coastal Vacation is an online traveling agency dedicated to providing the highest quality vacation values and other travel benefits. It offers three kinds of vacation packages:

Level 1 membership (domestic package) consists of 22 exclusive membership cards, 25 bonus vacations and 5 bonus cruises;

Level 2 membership (international package) consists of everything in the level one domestic packages plus unlimited vacations and cruises including international stays;

Level 3 membership (universal platinum package) covers level 1 and level 2 packages as well as the prestigious bonus resort vacations and cruises around the world.

5) No annual fees

If you're a travel club member, you don't need to stress with all those fees in which a timeshare have. All what you desire is in a capsule. Not to mention, the membership is for a lifetime.

6) It accommodates larger groups

Your dream vacation is a lot merrier if you are with your family or friends. No need to think twice, a travel club is really for you.

7) Traveling is more unforgettable with Travel Club.

Imagine all the benefits and luxuries you can take advantage of if you are a travel club member. Isn't it great? The traveling moments is definitely priceless.

Enjoy traveling!

The age old management dilemma asks "How can I reasonably give incentives to my employees to help them work harder and make the company more efficient?"

You've done your due diligence; offering competitive salaries, benefits and perks. Yet, there is still room for employee improvement, right?

A landmark study on the $27 billion dollar incentive industry entitled Incentives, Motivation and Workplace Performance: Research and Best Practices, reveals that tangible incentives dramatically increase work performance by an average of 22%. The research was sponsored by the International Society for Performance Improvement. Other findings, which employers will find especially useful in these times of uncertainty, include:

1) Incentive programs aimed at individual workers increase performance by 27%; when directed at teams, the increase is 45%.

2) Incentive programs have an equal, positive impact on both quality and quantity goals.

3) Long term incentive programs are more powerful than short term programs (44% gain versus 20%).

4) Incentive programs structured with employee input work best; however, only 23% of incentive systems were selected with employee input.

CASH or VACATIONS - Which is Better?

More often than not, the answer to incentives is cash. Why? Because it's easy, you have immediate access to it, all you have to do is write a check. It's well spent money, right? Is it taken for granted? do employees expect cash incentives as an extension of their salary?

Incentive Travel could be the answer. Travel has a much higher perceived value, it has a tangible feel, something someone will brag about! Cash is spent frivolously and virtually creates no memories. A week on a Caribbean Cruise will go a long way, so is a week in Hawaii or and All-Inclusive trip to Jamaica.

You can motivate your employees with virtually anything, but the bottom line is two-fold. How cost effective is it? And how much value and residual effect will it have?

Try motivating your employees today with travel. Start small and offer three trips to Las Vegas for the top producers in your company, see how far the motivation will go. Your employees will talk about the trip before they go to Vegas, chances are they'll call the office while they're in Vegas to tell everyone what a good time they're having and when they return they'll have pictures galore to share with everyone. This will turn into a natural motivator and everyone will want to produce and travel!

Great employees deliver loyalty in spades, simply because they know that along with the benefits to their company, goes their personal salary and bonus. A network of discouraged or under-performing employees affects the entire team in subtle but profound ways. Investing in incentive programs that are innovative, motivational and personal brings big-payoffs in both the short and long term.

Relationships take time to build, need to be nurtured and must be genuine in order to have lasting impact on the results you are looking for. Travel, as an incentive, is the most sought after rewards to use when recognizing employees who go 'above and beyond'.

I travel a lot and I love discount travel the most! Who would pay full price for resorts if they found out there was a way to save more?

Well, when I travel, I like to get a discount and do research first.

Don't make the same mistake I did once. We booked a trip for a hotel in Orlando, the pictures looked good, but I did not take heed from the advice in the reviews. When we got to our room, the bed mattress was flat, and the air conditioner sounded like a Harley Davidson. That night we switch to a different room, but it was not much better, we left the next morning for something incredible that we found through our travel club, which cost us less and gave us more!

Go to trip advisor, type in your resort name and it will be ranked, based on popularity, as well as give you popular sites to see near and around.

Trip advisor is not the only review service in town. Many of the other major online booking services also let you post reviews or read reviews so you know before you go!

Happy travels!

There are plenty of reasons why you should take a cruise. If you are like most people, you will enjoy getting away from it all.

A cruise will allow you to do just that.

In fact, you do not have to worry about getting to all the sites you want to visit in time. There is no rushing around. There are few if any problems with missing your arrival times.

There are plenty of reasons to use cruise travel as your main way to spend your vacation. Here are some other reasons why you may want to consider this type of travel.

It is affordable. There are plenty of deals happening each and every day, virtually all times of the year. You can find a wide range of discounts available in the off seasons, but there are plenty to go around any time of the year otherwise. Most of the time, you will spend less on a cruise than you will on a big vacation. Some travel clubs can help their members save up to 75% on some cruises.

There is plenty to see. When you take a cruise, you can travel to a wide range of places around the world. In many cases, you can visit some of the most remote ports out there far less than it would cost to fly to these locations. You can experience a wide range of different cultures and various lands. There is plenty for you to experience on the actual ship too. Most ships have awesome Las Vegas style shows.

You can meet lots of new people. A cruise is a great place to meet a wide range of people. You do not even need to get off the boat to do so either. There are many people that are ready and waiting for you to meet them. You can meet people your own age or meet someone else. In fact, if you are single, there are plenty of cruises for you out there.

You can do new things. On the ship and off, there are many things that you can do to enjoy the time that you have. You can learn to rock climb or go scuba diving. You can learn to water ski or go fishing in the ocean. There is no limit to the options that you have.

Cruise travel has many rewards to offer for everyone who are looking for something a little more relaxed or something that is different than amusement parks. Check out the various options that are available because not only can you do the things that you would like to do, but you can find a wide range of options to choose from to fit your needs and lifestyles.

One of the most stressful aspects of traveling, especially if it's cruising, is the act of packing. "What should I pack?" This is, indeed, the most common question we ask ourselves before we pack our stuff inside the luggage. No wonder, packing is the most complicated part of cruising. Aside from the fact that it brings so much stress to us, just remember, don't pack at the last minute, as you'll probably forget something.

Cruising is all about fun, right? You want to cruise to experience the paramount luxury of your life. Therefore, don't give yourself a hard time in packing your things before stepping on the cruise ship. If you are not sure what to bring, consider the climate you'll be traveling to. Will it be winter or summer clothes? You can also check the cruise line websites for suggestions based on the ports of call you are cruising to.

Secret #1: Pack Early

Before if you take off for a cruise, you need to plan the details you should be bringing with you five days worth of outfits for your cruise vacation. If you have a hard time thinking about it, write it all down. In packing, there are three things you just need to remember: clothes, valuable legal documents and medicines. When I say valuable legal documents, I'm basically referring to relevant documents such as passports, birth certificates, visas and other relevant boarding requirements before getting on the boat.

Start packing a few days before the cruise, not the night before. That way, you can still run out to the store and get something if you need it. Buying items on a cruise ship that you forgot can be costly, as they mark up items 40%!

Secret #2: Pack for Comfort

It's not necessary to bring your whole closet. It is unreasonable to bring all your expensive glamorous stuff when you're cruising. Believe me, you will just forget using it when you're already on-board. As I've said earlier, cruising is all about fun. It is not about displaying your tangible gems. Just bring the most essential clothes when you're cruising. One formal suit and a couple of ties and that's it! If you are a female, bring a couple gowns and dresses and that's all you need.

Bottom line is, packing is not the prime objective when you embark on a cruise. Do it with no extra loads. The smaller your luggage, the better. Almost anything you wear can be washed and laundered inside the cruise ship by your cabin steward.

One last important thing is bring essentials and extra clothes in your carry on. It may take 3-7 hours to get your suitcases to your cabin, and if you want to swim or workout bring those clothes in your carry-on bags, or you'll wait until much later.

Secret #3: Pack for Souvenirs

People pack their bags too tight, they forget they might buy a nice jacket or souvenir picture or t-shirt to bring home with them after the cruise. Make sure you have ample space in your carry-on luggage for smaller items and large space for bigger items in your large luggage.

Cruising is all about entertaining yourself so don't stress out too much about it. Call the cruise lines with any questions or read the forums to helpful tips about packing for your cruise.

If you are ready to get out there on the big ocean, you may not know just how you can go about booking your cruise vacation.

Many individuals find that the cruise is an ideal place to sit and mingle and to enjoy all that life has to offer. But, not everyone's options are what will fit your needs. You may not want to go rock climbing, but you would like the opportunity to see some hump back whales.

The first thing to do is to do some research. You really need to know what is out there and what interests you. You should consider these things.

Where the cruise will leave from as well as where it is traveling to?
Remember, you will need to get to the port in order to get onto the ship which means an additional cost of flying to the port or driving there. For small transfer fees, most cruise lines will pick you up at the airport and bring you to the port.

What is there to do on the cruise?
Each of the ships that do cruises will likely offer you a wide range of choice. But, some will have more of a variety than others will. You should insure that you know what the cruise is offering. This is easy to find out just from looking at your options. Watch a movie, play games in the casino, mingle with the singles, dance, catch a big magic show, participate in an art auction.

Who will be on the cruise with you?
Some cruises are designed with special themes while others are not. A cruise that is designed for children may not be the one you want to take if you do not have children. Or, if you are single looking to find your soul mate, consider a singles cruise.

Where will the cruise stop on the way?
Many cruises will allow you to stop and enjoy the attractions of several ports. Perhaps you would like to do some sight seeing? Or, maybe you would like to find just the right location to do some whale watching. There are many options including things like water skiing, rock climbing and beautiful scenery.

Once you find the right cruise for you, you can usually book them right on the web. You should note that there are plenty of options out there but many of the best cruises fill up long before they are to set sail. Look for ones that offer the things that you want but don't waste too much time.

Discount travel clubs can also save some couple up to 75% off on wholesale cruises or even allow familiarization trips on major cruise lines where you could pay $299 for a 7 day cruise.

Once you find the perfect cruise, to that magic location, book it immediately and guarantee your spot. Enjoy the journey.

Are you tired of your same old ordinary standard of living? And wish to explore a new milieu? Try cruising! I guarantee you that cruising is most effective, if not the ideal, therapy you can ever have. It will miraculously change your lifestyle for the better.

Don't worry about the price, there are loads of traveling-related websites over the world-wide-web and you can surely find the most affordable special offers that fit your budget. Cruising travel-packages usually includes discounts, luxurious lodging and etc. Try exploring the travel vacations online and I assure you that they will provide you the cruise of your lifetime.
When I get to realize that cruising is one of my very important pursuits in life, I discovered that apart from entertainment, cruising is also a delightful way of revitalizing my spirit. It provides me a glow which I can't literally describe into writing. Not to mention, it is a much prolific psychotherapy session than talking with your shrink, do you agree?

Now, I will share to you the benefits which I personally experience from cruising.

1)Cruising reduces stress.

Stress is our greatest nemesis. I'm sure that all of you will agree with me. We experience stress all the time. Even if we are sleeping, we tend to get stress because of those horrible nightmares. As an online businessman, I used to get stress every now and then. I'm doing all ways to combat stress but believe me, cruising is a lot different. From the moment you purchase your ticket, you tend to feel excited in such a way that your mind doesn't stop to wonder around, thinking of those rejuvenating activities when you get on board. I assure you that when you're on onboard, you'll feel an extraordinary comfort which you can't find elsewhere.

2)Cruising is a time for fun.

My main purpose why I love to cruise is to have fun. Basically when you are cruising, whether the ship is big or not, the fun is everywhere. Dozens and dozens of great activities are in store for you. You can either watch movies in their state-of-the-art movie houses or simply explore the ship with your family and friends.

3)Cruising enhances your personality.

Fortunately, when you are cruising, you will become a Good Samaritan. There's this urge deep inside our psyche that dictates us to help especially those little endearing kids we will simply meet along the corridors. Even if you don't know their name, you can't simply ignore their fascinating attention and offers them something to eat or drink. Just be sure that when you are offering something to these kids, you will inform their chaperon or you'll be charged with abduction and find yourself in a lawsuit office. That's a big disappointment!

4)Cruising: the best way to network with great entrepreneurs.

I met some of my great business friends at some stage in the cruise. It basically began with a small chat. Just strolling around and talking the whereabouts of our business until we made huge successful deals and keep the ball rolling until now.

5)Cruising: an ideal way to make new friends.

This is the magic of cruising! You will make lots of good friends everywhere. What's more great with this is- most of these people are your friends and schoolmates during your high school years. One of them might be the prom queen during your promenade. And if you'll get lucky, you can also squeeze some sweet moments there with them. Who knows? Something much more magical can happen.

6)Cruising: an ideal way to find your true love.

If you're still single and searching for true love, why don't you try looking for it inside the cruise ship instead of rummaging around the gimmick bars? I understand that true love is really that complicated to understand and I don't have the right to dictate what your heart desires. I'm not a Cupid. I was also a brokenhearted man before; but no matter how you deny, some triumphant love stories began in a love boat. The next love story might be yours!

Bon Voyage!

Sherry had a hard time searching for a nice cruise ship when she first decided to embark on her dream cruise. There are so many ships and so many ports. It seems like they are building brand new fleets every year!

Yet, when she spent hours researching in front of her computer, she came across this cruise ship from Carnival Cruise Lines called, The Conquest.

Upon reading the details of this ship, Sherry immediately took the risk and booked for a seven-day cruise. While booking, she thought her decision would lead her to sea sickness, uncomfortable and cramped sleeping quarters but fortunately, that seven-day cruise was the sweetest risk she has ever taken in her life.

The Carnival Conquest is a 110,000 tons MegaLiner cruise ship.

Its length is 952 ft. and has a speed of 21 knots. The ship has 1487 staterooms in which 60% of the rooms feature a breathtaking ocean view and 60% of those ocean-view-staterooms have balconies where you can happily bond with your family and friends, or just take in all the beauty of God's creation and scenery.

This MegaLiner, which accommodates 2974 passengers, offers you an all-day playground with exciting features and special activities.

Michelle Meixl, who had rated this ship 3 stars out of 5 said: "This was a wonderful first cruise experience. The ship is huge and beautiful with lots to see and do on board if you want. The Monet restaurant was fabulous. It was the highlight of the trip with five-star food and pampering wait staff. Our waiter catered to our every need and then some!"

You can either jumpstart your day by working out in their state-of-the-art gym or simply hit the running track and start jogging. You will surely feel the fresh ocean air while you jog on its wide teak deck.

After doing your morning regimen, you can take a tour of the whole ship and select from a variety of fun and entertainment activities such as a spa treatment, youth day camp programs, spectacular live entertainment with dancers, singers and comedians, lounging, movies, gambling and scrumptious dining.

Don't worry about getting fat because the ship offers sumptuous dishes that are low in calories, fat, sodium and cholesterol. And if you don't care about your weight, then you can go crazy eating as much as you want, as often as you want it. Many say dining in the Monet Dining room is a profound epicurean experience.

Want two lobsters and two steaks for dinner? Just ask, your wish will come true.

Carnival Conquest usually spends its 7-day cruising itineraries in the Western Caribbean sailing from Galveston, TX. The rates ranged from $449-$749 depending on what season you will take the cruise.

Overall, Carnival Conquest has received a consumer rating of 60/100. That's not bad, good indeed! Although there are some negative feedback about this ship, several people can't still deny that the experience brought them into the new horizon of luxury and rejuvenation.

Travis Blower commented about his last experience, "I have sailed on 10 cruises, including Princess, NCL, and Celebrity. This was an amazing cruise. The ship is GRAND and has everything you could want, including excellent food. I would recommend this cruise to any age group, as they had something for everyone."

If you are someone who is looking for a great cruise at a great price, consider booking your sea bound adventure with a travel agent or by joining a discount travel or vacation club, which can help you save from 25-75% off your cruise.

Get out there and explore and see the world. It's a marvelous place with interesting people waiting to expand your horizons and fulfill the adventurer's spirit.

Mike and Gina want to have a memorable honeymoon.

They live on a budget but they can't think of any extraordinary place where they can have the time of their lives together. Unexpectedly, Mike's friend from work offered him a travel membership club for only $1300. He is hesitant at first. Yet, upon seeing that discount travel on Carnival Cruise Lines is included in the package, he immediately signed up for the membership. Seven weeks later, Mike and Gina are all packed up for the time of their lives, inside the cruise ship called The Destiny.

The Destiny is a multi-million dollar refurbishment Carnival cruise ship armed with 1321 staterooms and 480 of them have balconies. The ship, which has a length of 892 ft., weight of 101,353 tons and has 12 decks, and can carry 2642 passengers.

Like Mike and Gina, one can surely feel the thrill when they experience the Carnival Destiny's wide range of onboard activities. If you are preparing a honeymoon escapade on a cruise ship, is it great if you start it by indulging into all the cruise ships offers you. Enjoy their soothing spa treatments and onboard fitness amenities. The onboard fitness area features saunas, hot tubs, and a steam room. These work out facilities and spa treatment rooms are state of the art.

If you are a bit bored, you can explore the ship's nine-story glass-domed chamber. This chamber is a special place to meet new friends or just simply have a quick drink while listening to live music. Who knows? Love stories can bloom. The ship's lounges features not only live music for all ages but there's also the Grecian-themed piano bar for all the oldies but goodies guests.

"The Carnival Destiny did exceed my expectations, especially considering that I went into it believing the bad reviews I read. The food, service and itinerary were wonderful and we were surprised anyone could have a bad experience on this ship. You have to keep in mind that this ship is almost 10 years old and will have minor wear and tear, but the crew did a wonderful job of keeping it clean and safe for the guests. I was very impressed with Carnival as a cruise line and would gladly sail with them again." Shannon Delaney said. She rated this ship 4 stars out of 5.

Want to eat? No problem. Carnival Destiny has plenty of food options in store just for you. You can have the freedom to choose according to your mood. Just don't fail to visit the casual dining and panoramic ocean view in Sun and Sea Restaurant.

Carnival Destiny usually spends its 7-day cruising itineraries in the beautiful islands of the Southern Caribbean from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Scott Jewell commented that the itinerary was the reason they booked for the cruise and they were not disappointed. San Juan, St. Thomas, Dominica, Barbados, and Aruba were fun to see. The prices ranged from $589-$1500 per person.

Colleen Brooks remarked, "I would recommend Carnival; just watch the age of your ship." Based on merged reviews, Carnival Destiny receives an over-all score of 61.4/100.

Therefore, if you are like Mike, who is looking for a great cruise at an affordable price, consider booking your luxurious adventure with a travel agent or by joining a discount travel or vacation club. Traveling with a vacation club can help you save from 25-75% off your cruise. Happy cruising with Carnival Destiny!

Nick and his friends are planning to take a spectacular vacation off from their hectic work routine. One of his friends, Misty, informed him that there is a new cruise line coming somewhere but she can't exactly remember the name. Nick hurriedly searched for the new cruise ships online using the keywords "new cruise ships."

In just a split second, the name Carnival Freedom came on top. Upon scanning the specific details of the ship, Nick and his friends finally decided that it was probably the most perfect cruise to embark on. After doing some calculations and bookings here and there, they packed their stuff to embark on a seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise a few weeks later.

In 2007, Carnival Freedom, which weighs 110,000 tons and has a length of 952 ft., was officially named on March 4th in Venice, Italy. It has 13 decks and can carry at least 3700 passengers.

The range of activities aboard the Carnival Freedom is as wide as your imagination. There are 22 lounges and bars, a 13,300-square-foot spa, a jogging track, Internet café, and four swimming pools. You can also enjoy the pool with a 214-foot-long water slide. Not to mention, there's this Carnival Seaside Theater that has a 12-foot-high by 22-foot-wide LED screen located poolside on the Lido deck. In this theater, you can take advantage of the exciting movies, sporting events, concerts, and other programming.

Mezza, one of the recent passengers of the ship, said. "The design of the boat is something to experience. I wonder how many people learned how to negotiate it by the end of the cruise - not many! The secret is deck 5 - the only deck you can walk front to back, so you walk down or up to 5 then through. The ship is very confusing. Many reviewers had commented on the decor, so I was prepared for a dark and garish ship. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. The blue plastic Statue of Liberty on Lido deck is something to behold but the rest is OK. Maybe we have nothing to compare freedom with but the decor is not as bad as many have suggested. Looking forward to the next cruise - we are hooked !!!!"

If you still feel dissatisfied, you must explore the duty-free shops. Or hunt for delicious dining.

"The food on the Lido Deck was decent and offered enough selection of various types of foods, including fresh fruits. If you are looking for drinks, they will cost you (other than some fruit juices and water). We chose to buy drink cards for our three kids that ranged around $50-70 a piece for unlimited soft drinks and juices (not including room service). Not sure it was a great bargain as the alternative would cost about $2 (US) per drink. There was a lot of alcohol around, being offered at all times of the day and night. Drinks were expensive, costing on average around $7 per drink (including a mandatory 15% gratuity). Since there is no money used on board (with a few minor exceptions like the laundry) it is easy to run up a large bill. I would suggest that parents check their folio account on their TVs to keep on top of expenses so as to not find a huge surprise at the end of the trip." Dean G. commented. He is one of the recent passengers on Carnival Freedom in August 2007.

Carnival Freedom itineraries usually involves touring selected areas in Europe for 12 days, 4-8 days in Eastern and Western Caribbean and in the Trans-Atlantic for 14-16 days. The rate of your cruise depends on the destination you're heading to. Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries usually have a price range of $500-$700 per person.

If these rates seem high, One might consider booking your cruising adventure with your travel agent or better join a travel vacation club, which can help you save from 25-75% off your cruise. This is a big advantage for vacation club owners!

Overall, Carnival Freedom received a bountiful 4 stars out of 5. In fact, it recently scored 100 on the CDC Ship Inspection Report. That's really great, isn't it? It only reveals that Carnival Freedom is a hot blazing cruise boat you must not ignore.

This ship, indeed, offers so many choices and freedoms, a cruising couple is sure to enjoy the ride.

Mr. Blue wants to take his ten students on an experience where he can practically illustrate to them the significant value of traveling to improve one's own psychological morale.

With this problem in mind, Mr. Blue browses the Internet for some extraordinary ideas. Luckily, cruising came into his mind and continually browse for some affordable Caribbean excursions. He's so happy upon knowing that Carnival Cruise Lines offer the great services he's really looking for. Weeks after, Mr. Blue, along with his students, took a seven-day cruise on the Western Caribbean aboard Carnival Cruise Ship called The Glory.

The Carnival Glory, which has 13 decks and has a length of 953 ft., is truly a special 110,000 tons ship. It has a whopping 1,487 staterooms; 60% of these extra-spacious staterooms has an ocean views and private balconies.

Because of its 22 colorful dramatic interior lounges and bars, Carnival Glory is tagged as a ship for entertainment. The White Heat Dance Club is a must-see and it's open until the wee hours. You must also visit the Amber Palace. It is a 1,400-seat multi-level theater inspired by Russia's legendary.

Ed Burhop, who rates this ship with 5 stars, said "I think Carnival has upgraded their production shows. The 2 main shows were the best we have seen at sea, and we have seen some pretty good ones. The female singer was especially good. The special effects were awesome as well. As usual, the comedians and other performers went from exceptional to mediocre. Don't miss the midnight comedy, it is always good. The sight lines on these bigger ships is also better than in the Fantasy class ships, with no poles to block your view."

Want to revitalize your soul? You should try the 13,300-square-ft. Spa Carnival. It dramatically features an exotic Polynesian theme that incorporates the wonders of lush foliage and falls. Don't fail to experience the unusual spa services known as heated seaweed dry float.

You can also experience the glorious dining inside the ship. Dining includes elegant two-level formal dining rooms, an upscale reservations-only supper club, and an expansive two-level poolside restaurant that offers casual alternatives for breakfast, lunch and dinner including a 24-hour pizzeria, a New York-style deli, a specialty seafood station, a grill.

The cruise highlight was the Emerald Room Supper Club. Its special menu, which has a price rate of $25 per person, include South African lobster, huge porterhouse steaks and prime-aged beef. The Colors Bar in the atrium offers great pre-dinner cocktails.

"The food was quite good. We ate breakfast and lunch every day on lido deck - had the buffet, the deli, the oriental, fish-n-chips, and the pizza. DH really liked the oriental. The fish-n-chips are really good - very light batter on the fish - very delicate. The lobster on formal night was a bit rubbery as has been reported recently. We went to the supper club on Monday night - I'm not sure I would do it again. The food was excellent, and the service impeccable, but the room is a little small, and we were at a table for two in the middle of the room with constant traffic on both sides of our table. Also, the kitchen noise was pretty loud, which I was really surprised at. I understand that the supper club on the Glory has a little different set-up than some of the other ships, so maybe they are better." ScottsSweetie said.

One of the recent passengers, its code name is Glory Glory Allelujah, commented that the Platinum Dining Room was great. They looked forward to dinner every evening into his dining room. There's a wide range of food selection. Although they did not have a clear view of the ocean, they had a table for four and had great waiters from the Philippines.

"It was so nice being served every evening, and although there are two formal night we loved dressing up every night."

Overall, Carnival Glory, which usually has a 7-day itineraries on the Eastern and Western Caribbean sailing from Port Canaveral in Orlando Florida, received a CDC/FDA rate of 99. The price rates are fluctuating every now and then depending on what season you are taking the cruise.

One more reminder: If you are are constantly looking for a luxurious cruise at a low-cost price, better booked your adventure with a travel agent or join a vacation club that offers a 25-75% discount from your expenses.

Tanya is celebrating her debut next month. She never expected of something extra spectacular until her aunt Elisabeth arrives from the Midwest the day after.

Tanya is so ecstatic and quickly hugs her aunt upon receiving her package gift. Her gift is a bountiful week-long family cruise on the Caribbean. After a month of booking and document-verification, Tanya and her family, aunt Elisabeth included, is all packed up for a legendary party cruise.

"Great Legends of the World"- this is the central theme when you get aboard Carnival Legend. Weighing 88,500 tons (the size of a mid-sized Fun Ship) and carrying at least 2,124 passengers, Carnival Legend has 12 passenger decks, 16 lounges including a nine-deck-high atrium, an onboard golf program, a duty-free shopping mall, a video arcade and the legendary 1,800-square-ft. children's play area.

All 1,062 staterooms and suites are well-equipped with twin beds, large closets, plenty of drawer space, televisions and refrigerators, and the usual amenities such as telephones, private safes, and a shower or shower and tub. The availability of these amenities varies on what category you are in. What's also great about the rooms is the good design and soft lighting, which adds a feeling of spaciousness and comfort.

Mike, who has given this legendary ship a rate of 5 stars out of five, said "We found just about everything on this cruise to be superior. Our stateroom was clean, and comfortable. The room steward was on top of everything and never left anything to complain about in our room. He was extremely friendly and personable and provided us with useful information throughout the entire cruise."

Looking for food and entertainment? Don't worry, Carnival Legend has loads of it. The ship basically features three restaurants and 16 lounges/bars that surely fit your mood or taste. Its full-service restaurant is a two-level 1,250-seat dining room with extensive menus and wine lists. Also, you must not miss their intimate steakhouse-style supper club and pre-dinner cocktails. These Greek neoclassical pre-dinner cocktails lounges, namely Odyssey and Atlantis, offer a relaxing and intimate venues with live music.

"The food on this ship I found to be superior as well. The lobster was tender and juicy, the filet mignon perfectly flavored and the lamb chops extraordinary. All of the vegetables were perfectly prepared and the desserts irresistible. The Bitter and Blanc bread pudding should not be missed by anybody!! We also decided to try out the supper club. I wasn't sure how they were going to be able to make the dining experience any better, but they did. The preparation and meticulous and beautiful presentation of every single course made this well worth the additional cost. The cruise director on the Legend is also very good. She works very hard and successfully to provide an upbeat, vibrant atmosphere that makes you want to participate in every activity on the boat (Mike)."

Like Odyssey and Atlantis, Satchmo's Club, inspired by an old New Orleans bar, is also a great place to unwind with some soft dance music. There's also the Dream Team bar next door, which offers an overstuffed sofas and comfortable bar stools- a perfect place for a cup of coffee while catching on the latest sporting events.

Never fail to watch one of the two original productions created especially for Carnival Legend. Follies, the main show on the Promenade Deck Lounge, creates a feeling of an open courtyard in a Mediterranean villa. There's also comedy acts in the Firebird Lounge during the the late night.

If you want to try your luck, try exploring the Club Merlin Casino. This unique medieval-themed gaming area has a castle-like ambiance armed with knight's suit, shields, swords and helmet.

After all those luxury dining and fun, rejuvenate your body and soul by touring the Youth Fountain Spa and heath fitness centers. The gym is equipped with stationary bicycles, treadmills, stair-climbing machines, free weights and dumbbells. Just in front of the work area is a mirrored aerobics room, which is primarily used for a series of exercise classes like aerobics, yoga, spinning, stretching and relaxation sessions.

One of the recent passengers of this ship, codename:Jazzdog, commented; "This was my kid's first cruise, and they were just in awe of the ship. They noticed every little detail, and thought it was the most "fancy" place. The atrium in the main lobby especially impressed them! I thought the ship was pretty typical in terms of decorating. It looked pretty similar to the other two ships we had been on. I didn't think it was over the top. I did have to try to explain to my son how some people think that the human body is a work of art, and that's why they like to paint it with out clothing! The kids had their own inside cabin across the hall from us. The room keys were quickly switched around after a short wait in line at the purser's desk. I was also able to get an extra room key to their cabin for myself. I had the keys to their rooms activated with no charging privileges. We were just so afraid that they would lose the keys at some point, and didn't want the hassle."

Carnival Legend, which has price rates of $550-$1200, has a 7-day excursion on the Western Caribbean sailing from Tampa, Florida. Its destination-ports include Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Mexico , Belize , Roatan Island, Honduras.

"The cruise is fairly rated by CC at 4+, but I had such a good time, I'm making my rating 5. Even though true luxury requires more personal service than you can get on such a big ship, there really are touches of great elegance on this trip. If you take it, I bet you'll have a blast (GaNavy)." Its current CDC/FDA score is 98.

One more reminder: If you really like to follow Tanya's footsteps, who's celebrating her 18th birthday on a cruise with affordable package rates, you must apply for a lifetime travel vacation club, which offers 25-75% discount.

Enjoy Cruising!

Danielle wants to have a cruise after her college graduation. Her parents have already given her the budget yet, the only question troubling her is- where's her cruising destinations should be? There are thousands of great cruise ships out there but she only seeks for the best.

Not wasting a single moment, she immediately browsed the Internet and whoa! She has thousand of great alternatives to choose from but the one cruise line that intrigues her much is Carnival. Upon discovering the uniqueness of the cruise line, Danielle spontaneously booked for a cruise. Two weeks later, she's delightfully enjoying the luxurious independent life inside the cruise ship, known as The Liberty.

Carnival Liberty, which has a current CDC/FDA rating of 98, started its sailing operations in 2007. It is indeed a humongous ship that weighs 110,000 tons and carries 2,974 passengers. Its two main dining rooms, namely Silver Olympian and Golden Olympian, features a traditional set-tablemates and set-time dinner scenario during breakfast and lunch. Low-carbs food are also offered during dinner.

"Well let's just say more than a "handful of passengers" knew there way around the buffets. This is probably why the lines were long and slow. I am a patient person, but watching some people try to make a decision was crazy. It is not that difficult. TIP for others reading planning on taking this ship. If you eat at the buffet, sit upstairs from the pastry station where FISH-N-CHIPS are. It is always quiet and not crowded there. May be some of the people on this ship couldn't get up the steps with a tray in hand though. (not being rude just truthful) Silver Olympian Late 8pm dinner Had a group of 11 at our table. All of us were traveling together. Servers were ARSANA and HANNA. THEY WERE AWESOME! Really got to know all of us and shared their stories and experiences as well. Arsana has been with Carnival for 13 year and it shows why. He was the nicest guy. Both of them made over $600 in tips from our table and deserved every penny and more. Carnival will receive a nice letter from me regarding them. NOTE: If you write to CARNIVAL and mention a crew member by name and how much you liked them they will get a day off with pay. Well deserved since servers only make $75 a month (10 hr days 7 days a week)! Yes you heard me correct. My group at the buffet after the crew party just to give them a night off from serving us. LOL Although, we did miss their company.

The food on the ship was great. Considering they are cooking constantly for 3,000 passengers they deserve a pat on the back. Overlooking something here or there is definitely not too much to expect." One of recent passengers of the ship on October 2007, Code Name: wiskt, commented.

Wonder what's inside the Harry's Supper Club? This is a reservations-only gourmet lodge that specializes in quality cuts of filet mignon, lobster, veal chops, lamb chops and Chilean sea bass. You can surely enjoy its service tabs for $30 per person. Its wine list is definitely a must-try.

Carnival Liberty's staterooms are sectioned into interior, ocean view, balcony and suites. Each section has categories and the more luxurious your stateroom is, the more expensive it is.

"Our stateroom as was to be expected. We had a balcony stateroom, which we will not go without. (LidoDeckLady)"

Carnival Liberty itineraries usually transpire on the magnificent Eastern and Western Caribbean sea that lasts for 6-8 days. Price rates ranges from $300's-$1000's.

"Grand Cayman booked our tours ourselves (nativeway.com) were GREAT. Sting Ray city is really a must do nativeway src/snorkeling/rum point was just perfect. The guides were friendly/knowledgeable. Jamaica took ship zip-line tour and again it was perfect friendly/NOT Pushy guides (funny), this was a highlight." Dave Cox said.

One last note for you. If you are regularly seek for spectacular cruises with affordable package rates, better try applying for a lifetime travel vacation club. Once you're a member of the club, you can take advantage of all the luxury offers including the 25-75% cruising cut-off rate.

Bon Voyage Amigos!

For quite a while, Justin is thinking of ways on how and where to propose to her girlfriend of ten years, Dianne. To him, Dianne is irreplaceable. If he'll marry this girl weeks or months after, he wants the proposal to be splendidly unforgettable.

It's really a great blessing up Above when he discovered that his cousin is a travel vacation club member. For this reason, Justin immediately took care of the transactions online and book for a cruise via Caribbean aboard Carnival Miracle.

Two months later, Justin and Dianne were having their delightful time of their lives, enjoying the luxuries Carnival Miracle is offering. Seven days after while spending their last night under the gran moonlight, Dianne was teary-eyed upon Justin is romantically proposing to her. With tears wetting her face, she answered, "I do."

It's really a miracle when two people fall in love!!!

Launch in 2004, Carnival Miracle, which has a passenger capacity of 2,124, is a marvelous 88,500-ton "Fun Ship" with 11-story Metropolis atrium. In fact, this ship, its recent CDC/FDA ship inspection rating is 99, looks more like of a hotel than of a cruise ship because 80% of its outside cabins have a breath taking ocean-view balconies.

"This was my 2nd time cruising with Carnival. We did the Legend (Miracles sister ship) in 2005. But I have been on 7 cruises in the last 5 years. We were in a balcony cabin - 7148. First of all, we loved our steward, Pambudi. He was wonderful. He knew the kids names and bought them cookies from Camp Carnival all the time. Our cabin was for 3 people and next door we had another cabin for 4 people. Our rooms weren't joined but we did have them open the door between our balconies. The rooms were spacious. All in all, it was a good cruise. I would do it again in a heartbeat. But no kids next time! :)" Robyn525600, one of the recent passengers of this ship bound to Eastern Caribbean, gave a rating of 5.

Known as one of the most well-designed ships in the industry, Carnival Miracle features an array of incredible dining, endless entertainment options, friendly casinos and pampering services for all people of different ages.

Various bargain shops, main dining room, lounges and casinos are all found in decks 2 and 3. You can buy some selected bargain items for as low as $10. You can also try your greatest luck in Mr. Lucky's Casino where you have a wide selection of slots and table games.

There are four glass elevators that will take you to the Lido Deck that features the ship's spa, pools and fine dining. One of the ship's great dining area is The Bacchus (opens as early as 5:45-6:15PM and 8:00-8:30PM). It's the ship's main restaurant for dinner and probably the only room that can struck you because of its strong pale pink linens and motif.

There's also the Nick & Nora's Supper Club on Deck 10. This swank restaurant will serve you the best 18-once prime beef's rib, 14-ounce New York strip, 9-ounce filet mignon and stone crabs. Obviously specializing in special occasions, they also offer champagne and caviar at an additional charge.

Just a reminder: With nearly half of the ship's capacity heading to dinner in one place at one time, it is advisable to form in line early before it snakes out into the Metropolis lounge.

"We had incredible service during our trip. Our room steward, Bogdan, was absolutely incredible. I told him on the first day that I love the towel animals and he made sure to surprise me every day with something new. A couple of times he even did two in a day. It really made me feel special. Something else that we really loved was that he remembered our names from day one. He actually addressed us by our first names the first time he met us-- this really made an impression with us and was indicative of the excellent service levels we would receive the remainder of our trip. Our dining room waiter, Komang, was also wonderful. He had a great sense of humor and always made us smile. He was also good about remembering our names and our preferences. For instance, on the first night I asked for extra cheese on my Caesar salad and he remembered that every night thereafter. He also remembered my husbands love of dessert and frequently brought him extras to try. Our bar waitress in the dining room, Marta, also remembered our names and what we liked to drink. It was so nice to sit back and be taken care of! I highly recommend this ship and this itinerary." JenniGail, who had a recent cruise via Western Caribbean, said. She gave this ship a rating of 5.5.

Want more?

Miracle's 13,700 sq. feet, two-deck gym is not to be missed. Apart from its state-of-the-art equipment, you'll surely feel overjoyed while watching the ocean's panoramic view through its floor-to-ceiling windows. There's also a jogging deck surrounding the forward Sky Deck. Saunas and steam rooms are available for both sexes.

Ladies are very likely to feel like Greek goddesses in the Beauty Venus Salon, which features Doric columns and Greek vase motifs as part of a beautiful mural.

Carnival Miracle usually has 7-9 days itineraries in Eastern Caribbean, Western Caribbean, and Southern Caribbean with destinations on Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel and Belize.

Tarynd, who has rated this ship with 5 stars, commented: "Grand Cayman- Swam with stingrays with Cpt. Bryan-privately booked. Had fun and then snorkeled at two other areas. Cozu-Went snorkeling on the Manta Catamaran- a short taxi from the port. Only our family of five and another family of four. It was great. Stopped at three places to snorkel and had beer drinks included and fresh fruit on ride home. It did rain for 15 min as we cruised back to the Aqua Safari Pier, but the last ten min it stopped and got to sit back out on top. Belize- Took X-Stream for cave tubing- great tour- also personal attention only 13 in our tour. Had an air conditioned van for the hour ride both ways to get there. At the end got water and fruit. Costa Maya- Shopped at the port area, always bargain for prices. A Hammock my husband wanted price started at $60 and got for $25 in the end. The Ship was decorated good I thought except to dining room. Don't miss that room at all. Room was good size. Food was good and gained 10 lbs. So you can tell I never went hungry. Pizza great and Deli great for lunch and ate every night in dining room."

You can also take advantage of their special cruise via Bermuda (6 days) and 2-Day-cruise to nowhere. Price rates are fluctuating occasionally, ranging from $300's-$1000's.

If you are in a tight budget, you might consider booking your cruising adventure with your travel agent or better join a travel vacation club, which can help you save from 25-75% off your cruise.

Like Justin and Dianne, Carnival Miracle will leave you thankful for BIG Miracles!!!

Kimberly had never had a memorable trip before. She travels occasionally but she's doing it for work purposes- nothing more. Months later, she suddenly experienced an intense depression. All she wants to do is cry and got depressed with her daily routines.

That's why, she was advised to travel. Her psychologist has even persuaded her to join a Travel Membership Club to fully enjoy the luxuries of her vacation.

Already done with online booking, Kimberly was all packed up for a week long cruise in the Mexican Riviera. During the trip, a realization came to her. It's not yet to late for a change. No matter what the risks are, she will search for a new lifestyle when she returns home.

With CDC/FDA inspection rating of 98, Carnival Pride features an "Icons of Beauty" as its central theme. Like its sister ships- Carnival Miracle, Legend, and Spirit, almost 80% of its outside cabins, this 88,500-ton ship that carries 2,124 passengers, have balconies. If you'll view this ship from the outside, it looks more like a hotel than a cruise ship.

Its 180 sq. ft spacious cabins are cleverly designed with wood-toned furnitures in warm and soft caramel colors. The bathroom offers a convenient shelf space for two people with free basket of toiletries. Other room options includes 230 sq. ft deluxe ocean-view balcony cabin, 245 sq. ft cabin with a wrap-around balcony, and various-sized suites with balconies. Most of the oceanview-staterooms and suites have a well-stocked mini bar and cozy terrycloth robes. There's also cabins for disabled passengers.

Tom Barnes who has rated this ship with 4 stars, said; "We booked a basic balcony cabin and there was plenty of room for the three of us. There were storage areas in the room that we did not use. The beds were comfortable and the room was very quiet although we were right next to the elevator we never heard it."

It's surprising to learn that there is only one main restaurant on this ship- the huge Normandie Restaurant. Its design somehow manages to regulate the noise of 1,000 guests, which can be a big dilemma in most dining venues. It has tables for two, four, six and eight that utilizes booths and open tables for intimate conversations. Normandie Restaurant also caters varieties of menu items; ranging from low-carb menu to beef/meat dishes.

There's also the Lido restaurant. Also tagged as the "Mermaids Grille," this restaurant features an array of special buffet dining stations ranging from Japanese, Indian, Chinese foods to the basics deli-style sandwiches, pizza and hamburgers, hot dogs and other tasty meats.

"To me, food and food service is a very important part of my cruising experience. We had late seating 'though we all rated the food excellent and the service is outstanding. After the first night our waiter remembered each of our names. Again after the first evening the asst. waiter would bring 4 cappuccino's to the table automatically(no charge) The fish and the meat were very good and the warm chocolate melting cake was a huge hit. We rarely ate breakfast but had lunch each day on the Lido deck. I loved the steak, had it several times(it is on the grill with the dogs and burgers). We had a huge balcony and only three chairs and a small table. I asked our cabin steward if he could get us a couple of lounge chairs. The next day they appeared almost as if by wizardry on our balcony. Now we were at the back of the ship, the noise and movement never bothered me however my wife did notice the movement on occasion. I went to one midnight show, did not find the comedian funny and left. The Legends show was very good. I can honestly say that we never had a dull moment. And as I said earlier not everything was great. But the important stuff was great." One of the recent passengers of the ship, JGB, commented.

If you're already done with eating and dining, try exploring the Taj Mahal, Pride's state-of-the-art theater, and get bewildered with its great entertaining sight lines and movies it offers. If you're with kids, they will surely enjoy the virtual arcade world and Fun Club on Deck 4 and 5.

For a complete relaxation, you can proceed to the Sunset Garden on Deck 3; it provides you a peaceful sanctuary recharging from all the blazing cruise excitement throughout the day.

Code name Keepcruisn! said: "I cannot say enough about the staff. Cruise Director, Brooonsson, was a hoot! From top notch head waiters to maintenance-they were all friendly and wonderful. By the second night most of the waiter and bar staff know your name and what you drink! The cocktail waiters at the pools, like Ernie and Oscar, are a riot! If someone was exceptional, tip them extra. Tips are included on the cruise, but we tipped our room steward and Normandie waiter staff extra the last day. These people work very hard for their money and tips. All in all, we all had a great trip! Definitely exceeded all of our expectations! We are already planning one for next year at the same time-maybe Western Caribbean. If you can't have fun on a Carnival Fun Ship, it's your own fault or you are dead!"

Carnival Pride itineraries include a whooping 7-8 days features stops in several ports along the Mexican Riviera sailing from Los Angeles or San Diego. Prices are fluctuating from season to season, therefore booking an early voyage is a must.

Moreover, there's also other ways to save more money while cruising. You can ask your travel agent for the details or better join a Travel Vacation Club that offers 25-75% cut-off rates. Doing so, cruising will be a lot merrier, right?

The Synergy Corp. has a shore marketing excursions on Saturday. Its primary aim is to sell at least two millions herbal products. It's a real good thing that the people inside the cruise ship they were in did welcome them with open arms and generously support their product.

At the end of the day, Synergy's income skyrocket to $90,000+, 25% increase from the expected quota. Their project manager is really ecstatic upon knowing it. That's their first successful marketing excursion in two months aboard Carnival Cruise Line, The Spirit.

Inspired by the Gothic design and Chinese exotic ambiance, Carnival Spirit is a 88,500-ton ship with plethora of rooms to choose from. It seems impossible to get bored on this vessel because there are plenty of hangout spots you can freely explore to. The recent favorite is the Deco bar, which offers a comfy disco area for smoking, drinking boozes or simply listen to the soothing sound of jazz.

At least 80% of the cabins (624 cabins) offer balconies and sitting areas. All cabins feature an attractive earth tones decorations furnished with twin king-sized beds, colored TV (a fee of $8.99 per movie rentals), a vanity area, a hairdryer and a phone. Interior staterooms have soft lighting design that adds a feeling of spaciousness.

Code name: Cruzy-sue, who has rated this ship with 5 bountiful stars, remarked;

"My favorite spot on the ship is the atrium bar - a lot of activities there - great for people-watching and martini-drinking. The ship was clean and no problem in that area at all! Our stateroom was an aft-wrap around balcony..... VERY nice! It is laid out like this: You walk in the door and your in a small entry way then the living room - then a bedroom is on the other side of the dressing area and bathroom (which has double sinks, granite counter tops and a bathtub - with jacuzzi!) There are 5 sets of windows all around and one large French Door... The balcony was VERY LARGE!! Perfect for viewing one of the most beautiful places on earth!

The service was lacking. On several occasions staff members were overheard (by me) complaining about things. I had a $20.00 bill in my hand ready to give to our room steward on the first day. When I said to him, "Are you my room steward?" His reply was "Yes, but I'm off duty now." Well - guess what - no $20.00 for him. As it turned out he was the assistant and a very charming young Filipino lady named Leonora was our steward - and I did give her the $20. She provided great service. "

Food and dining inside the Carnival Spirit is fairly awesome. There's the 156-seat-capacity Nouveau Supper Club located at the top of the ship (Deck 9 atrium to be exact). It features a porterhouse, an 18-ounce prime rib and a 9-ounce fillet mignon. The service fee is $30 per person but it's worth every penny. For another $29 you can even get an order of caviar. NSC is doing everything to give the best fantastic services you always seek for. Couples can hit the dance floor and romantically sway with the live duo vibes and nighttime entertainment.

(Just a reminder folks: NSC accommodation is limited, so better reserve your slot as early as possible before dining in)

Asking for more dine-ins? Try the casual Japanese/Indian buffet at La Playa Grill or non-formal indulgence at Seaview Bistro. There's also a 24-hour pizzeria and limited-menu midnight buffets.

"The food in the La Playa Grill was marginal. Quantity but quality not great. The pizza stand never seemed to have a piece of pepperoni always saying it would be 7 minutes. When we did pick up some, a majority of the time the dough was not cooked through.

We found the dining room food to be good overall. The melting chocolate cake was to die for. The salads were much better than on the Tahitian Princess which we were on the 1st week of December. Main courses had a good variety. Our servers Felix and Dagmara were fun and provided great service. Contrary to some cruisers, we like that they do a little entertainment toward the end of the dinner.

It's worth trying the supper club, although $30 per person is a little high compared to other cruises we have been on. The meal was outstanding from beginning to the awesome desert. One issue we had is that we made reservations the first day Saturday for 7:30 Tuesday and when we arrived they sat us on the lower floor of the supper club right next to the kitchen when there were plenty of open tables both on the lower and upper levels. We asked our server to be relocated to the second level and we had a hard time understanding what her response was, but it seemed like she was taking a long time to tell us we couldn't move. At that point for the $90 charge plus the cost of what our wine tab would be, we seriously considered blowing them off and going to our regular dining room late seating. After a couple of minutes, the hostess showed up though and moved us up to the second level, which is where we should have been seated in the first place." JB, one of the recent passengers of this ship via Mexican Riviera, said.

Even those who are not exercise nuts will surely appreciate the Spirit's fitness facility, Roman-inspired amphitheater. This two-level, 13,700-square-ft. oceanview facility located forward on Decks 9 and 10, offers sauna, steam, beauty salon, one whirlpool and 10 treatment rooms for European-style therapies including Aroma Stone. Other gym equipment are 10 Quinton treadmills, 4 Stairmaster stair climbers, an assortment of Life Fitness cycles and elliptical machines, Keiser progressive resistance machines and free weights.

Children ages 2 to 15 has its own "Fun House," a 2,400-square-ft. closed-in play area. Themed to the bottom of the sea, it has three areas connected by tunnels - an area for crafts, a second area for computer games and a third area for games. There's also a video wall for movies and cartoons. One deck below is an arcade room. An outdoor play area offers mini-basketball, jungle gyms and other playground equipment. Babysitting is available from 10 PM until 3 AM at the Fun House- price rate: $6 for the first child and $4 for each additional child in the same family.

With a blazing CDC/FDA current rating of 97, Carnival Spirit offers an extra-special itineraries in Hawaii (12 days), Alaska (7 days) and Mexican Riviera (7-9 days).

"The ports - what else can be said about Hawaii? It is everything you think you know and more. It was our second trip to the islands. We had seen most the main sights before. We decided to wander around Kona and Lahaina. Both were great. Lots of little shops along a main street with a seawall. Vistas were spectacular. In Kauai, we decided to do the Hollywood in Hawaii tour. This was great. A small minibus 15-18 people - big screen TV showing the movies that were filmed in Kauai at the sites they were filmed at. When we reach a spot, they would show those movies that applied then point out the specific points. Both DH and I (admitted movie buffs) had fun. A highlight of the trip was the Coco Palms hotel. Elvis filmed the ending of Blue Hawaii (yes, the wedding scene) there. We were able to see the Palm courtyard and the bungalow Elvis stayed in whenever he was in Kauai. Unfortunately, the hotel has never been reopened since it's almost total destruction by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. It almost hurts to see it that way. In Kahului, Maui we did the Road to Hana tour. We were so glad we opted for a tour and let someone else do the driving. There are over 600 turns and twists with over 50 one-lane bridges - the road is two lanes (most of the time). This was another highlight for us. The views were breathtaking and we're so glad we did this." Code name: Cruisin' aunt commented.

Glenys Wilson rated the ship's itineraries with 4 stars.

"We recently cruised the Alaskan Inside Passage on the "Spirit" ex Vancouver for 7 nights. The embarkation process was efficient. Our cabin was Cat 11 which is larger than most balcony cabins, we were very happy with it. The staff were all fantastic, they couldn't help us more. We prebooked our Shore Excursions on the Internet with Carnival, and would probably do this once on board the next time we cruise. The entertainment was great, and the food in the Empress Dining Room was first class. We very rarely ate at The Lido buffet, as there were always lot of people, and once you had chosen your food there was quite often a problem finding a vacant seat. Some people were not aware that you could dine in the Empress for breakfast and lunch, as well as dinner and that during the day dress is totally informal and casual. We much preferred the food in the Empress, as dining was lot less hassle and the food was fantastic. We had dinner one night in the Supper Club, it is well worth the extra $30 per person, but only complaint is the noise coming from the Lido deck was sometimes very loud and spoil the ambiance. There were many different lounge areas and bars on board the "Spirit" and so there was no lack of places to sit and relax. We purchased the onboard video that was available at the end of our cruise, and this was definitely not worth the cost as it contained lot of interviews with fellow passengers which we were not interested in. We would definitely cruise on board the "Spirit" again, we thoroughly enjoyed our 7 night cruise and could quite easily have stayed on board longer!"

If regular cruising rates are constantly ripping you off, try joining a Travel Lifetime Membership Card and you can take advantage of the 25-75% cut-off cruise rates.

Have a fun-filled cruise!

"This was going to be our fourth cruise with Carnival, and the second on the Triumph. We enjoyed the Triumph the last time we sailed but what sold us were the ports this time around. Half Moon Cay, San Juan and Grand Turk were three we hadn't been on. We travel with friends and follow workers every year, we've had as many as 12 couples before, this year it was only my wife and I with good friends of ours. We're in our 40's, they're in their 50's. Since we live in Florida cruising is so much cheaper then for those who live out of state. We live on the west coast and we book a bus over to Miami. It's only 65 dollars a person so when you compare the 130 dollars a couple to what it cost in gas and parking, it's cheaper to bus it. Not to mention not having to drive, no worries about accidents or break downs, and being able to nap, it's a no brainer. The location of our cabin was the best I've ever had as far as I was concerned. Lido deck, just to the side of the main lobby elevators and just a 30 second walk from the outside Lido deck. The outside, and any floor, were just steps away. Next of course is the ship wide fashion show with everyone wearing their orange life jackets." Beckerbrent said, who had awarded Triumph with 5.5 stars.

The only Carnival Ship larger than 100,000-ton that appeals to a very wide range of passengers- Carnival Triumph. Sometimes a crowded ship, Triumph, which has a maximum capacity of 3360 people and its current CDC/FDA rating is 96, would surely take your breath away as you explore its nine-story atrium provided with spacious glass elevators.

Each Triumph's stateroom is nicely furnished with Carnival Comfort Bed, soft carpeting, indirect lighting, lots of closet space and individual climate control. If you want, you can also avail of the connecting staterooms that are specifically made for large families and group of friends.

There are two dining rooms inside the ship namely London and Paris. These two dining rooms are situated in two separate levels but are offering expected dine-ins of four to eight persons in one table. Paris has a better ocean view because it's actually located at the ship's gangway giving it a 270 degrees of window space. Also offering a wonderful sea view and al fresco dining is the Triumph's Lido Restaurant. It's situated in the ship's poolside and is offering breakfast and luncheon buffets.

The food is seemingly delicious, and you'll wonder at how well managed the service is. Carnival's Total Choice Dining offers four seatings for dinner, opens at 5:45 pm, 6:15 pm, 8 pm or 8:30 pm

If you are a sports/fitness junkie, you'll be in your element aboard Carnival Triumph when you're buffing inside their gym. Their gym, which has a floor-to-ceiling windows, 13 treadmills, eight stairmasters, seven stationary bikes, rowing machines, free weights, and hydraulic weight machines. Next door is the 15,000 sq. ft. Steiner's London-operated Spa, which offers basic massages and other beautifying treatments.

Kids will surely enjoy the 214-foot circular water slide in the pool area while female grown-ups go through a luxurious topless sunbathing in the secluded area just above the pool area.

"As always I really enjoyed the entertainment on board. The main shows were wonderful - even with some of the 'technical' malfunctions (fireworks/streamers prematurely going off during Italian love ballad - freaking out the audience but singers kept on going!).

Hope you get to see Kevin & Caruso - MOST AMAZING magic show (and yes I sat up close so I could figure out the tricks - ya right!). Comedian Jim Panzeca was okay - Eddie Capone was hysterical - just beware most of his material is based on 'audience' participation - choose your seats carefully!

Piano bar - I thought Garth was supposed to be on board - but instead we found Steve in the piano bar. Sorry to say he is not the best singer although he plays well! One night someone requested "mack the knife' - instead of singing it Steve handed the mike over to the 'guest' - and he was AMAZING - did a great job and I think we all wished he would take over the singing. And you know something's wrong when there are empty seats around the piano!

Bingo seemed to be very popular although I did not participate. I am a 'trivia buff' - and very happy to have returned home with one shiny ship on a stick (cartoon trivia) and one medal (runner up in 'name that tune trivia')

Sergiy - great piano player in atrium/lobby bar every evening. Also loved Pure (Venezia Lounge) and the Dave Blazer orchestra - as well as the classical music trio in Oxford Bar who I chanced upon a few times!

Altho I was looking forward to Paul Santley as our Cruise Director as I heard good things about him he was on vacation so instead we had Brad Calabrese. I found him to be an EXCELLENT CD - not too intrusive with the messages, pretty funny and very genuine - I was not disappointed! Other cruise staff just okay - no one else seemed to stand out!" Froufie commented who sailed along the Eastern Caribbean.

Triumph's itineraries took place in the beautiful Eastern and Western Caribbean that usually lasted for a week. Ports of call include San Juan Puerto Rico, Cozumel Mexico, Grand Cayman, Ochos Rios in Jamaica and etc.

Cruising rates fluctuates every now and then. The month of December is usually the most expensive, right? For this reason, you must join a Lifetime Travel Vacation Card and take advantage of its 25-75% cut-off rates when you embark on your next cruise.

Aaron is thinking of a better way on how he will celebrate his daughter 10th birthday.

When he found out that his elder brother, Ryan, is a member of a Travel Vacation Club, he immediately book for a week-long Caribbean cruise for two. After a week of booking and documenting, Aaron and his daughter are all packed up, embarking on a cruise aboard Carnival Valor.

Tagged as the "Ship of Surprises," Carnival Valor, which was launched on 2004 and its current CDC/FDA rating is 99, is the largest Carnival "Fun Ship" based at Port of Miami, FL. It features 1,487 staterooms. Each stateroom offers a safe and a minibar supplied with a good selection of beer, wine, water, juices, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and snacks. Sixty percent of standard outside cabins have balconies, although the verandas seem too small for group dining. Suites are somewhat less than twice the size of standard cabins but there's an additional amenities of bathtubs and VCR's.

Ron Lockhart, who had embarked a week-long cruise in Eastern Caribbean and rated Valor with 5.5 stars, said: "Our cabin (6217) was on the upper deck (deck 6) towards the bow of the ship. The cabin was a little bigger than I expected and it was very clean, organized and well designed...lots of room for unpacking our clothes etc.. Our empty suitcases we just shoved under the bed which was king-sized. However, under the sheets it became evident that the bed was actually two twins shoved together, so in the centre of the bed was a very apparent crack...no big deal, though. Balcony was bigger than I thought, it had two chairs and a small table. One of the chairs was of the reclining variety, but the other was not. The balcony wasn't really big enough to recline however, unless you put the other chair and table in the cabin so that they are out of the way and extend the chair lengthwise."

What's the Valor's biggest surprise? Of course, the food! Luckily, Valor has four dining areas: two main rooms dubbed as Lincoln and Washington, the Rosie's, the Lido Deck restaurant and the Scarlett's.

Lincoln and Washington are virtually identical in decor, and offers a less claustrophobic dining experience. Both dining rooms offer numerous banquettes and accommodates parties of four. Dinners in these dining rooms were mostly made of superior quality of ingredients sprinkled with international accents.

Rosie's is a bright and sunny buffet spot that inspired its graphical design to World War II American legendary icon, Rosie the Riveter. Lunch at Rosie's includes four buffet lines and adds windows for Asian, pizza, deli, burger/hot dog, deliciously battered fish and chips. Rosie's also serve a nice Fish stew, seared rare tuna served with a fresh square of watermelon on top, fried oyster sandwiches and a bunch of other seafood delicacies.

The Lido Restaurant is situated on Deck 9 and it offers a plentiful outdoor tables around the central pool.

Last but not the least is the Scarlet's (Deck 10), which provides an upscale casual and intimate dining ambiance for everyone. Its best menu is the the great prime meat houses like Smith and Wollensky or the Palm.

"The food throughout the ship was well above average for a cruise ship which is always excellent. The great thing about the food on a cruise is you can try new things and if you don't like it they will bring you something else. The desserts on the Lido Deck were excellent but I cannot tell you about the desserts in the Formal Dining Room. I only tried one and I believe the government will outlaw "Warm Chocolate Melting Cake" because of it's high addictability, or maybe just put a warning on it. "WARNING, Warm Chocolate Melting Cake is highly addictive and hazardous to your waistline". I am walking (waddling) evidence!" Charles S. commented.

On Carnival Valor sea days mean fun, games and loads bunch of entertainment. There are the usual staples: bingo, horseracing, trivia and pool games. There's also a subset derived from popular television shows: "Survivor," "Family Feud" and "The Newlywed Game."

The Eagles Show Lounge is home to a nightly round of karaoke, and the One Small Step dance club was disco-central late nights. Ivanhoe, the main show lounge, covers a substantial number of less claustrophobia-inducing balcony and seats.

Codename: OttawaEDS, who embarked on a Western Caribbean cruise, said: "While we didn't visit all of the lounges in the evenings, etc. we did take in quite a few shows. Some of the ship productions are lacking a bit in creativity--mostly the Valor singing/dancing teams. I did find that Charlie Garrett and the Valor Orchestra are really very good. You can tell that they have played together for some time and are professional musicians. I also enjoyed one of the comedians, Darren Sanders, unfortunately I missed his adult 'R' rated show as I heard that it was very good. The other comedian (Jim Brick) was funny the first night during his regular show but bombed at the adult 'R' rated show the next night. I always dislike when comedians start picking on the audience members rather than coming up with some material on their own. Overall though the Ivanhoe lounge is very nice area and looks very similar to the Rome lounge on the Triumph in terms of how the theater is set up if you are familiar with the Triumph"

Carnival Valor itineraries include a week-long cruise on Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean. Price rates fluctuates every now and then- depending on what season you take the cruise and what type of stateroom you are staying in.

If regular cruise rates are ripping you off, better book your next cruise with your Travel Agent or join a Travel Vacation Club, where you can take advantage of its 25-75% cut-off travel rates.