[Teacher317]

Carnival has had bad press for decades. I've been a cruise fan for most of this century, and I avoided Carnival long before it got the "ghetto" reputation. Accidents in port, accidents at sea, engine failures at sea, etc etc etc. When I search for a good cruise, I'll avoid Carnival out of habit.

In general, they have the same size ship as others, but cram an extra 1000 passengers on it... and thus can charge less per person... which means a LOT more kids... and no more crew... so that means less-optimal service... and now add in the "ghetto" element... and the history of accidents and issues... and that's just not my idea of a relaxing week in paradise.

[V_TWIN]

We went on 2 Carnivals back before the ghetto crowd showed up but it was still a little too much of a party boat for us.....moved over to Princess and never looked back.

If it costs more $$ to filter out the riff raff then so be it.

[PUGACHEV]

My wife and I have been on several Carnival cruises lately and are going on another soon, and we have we have never had a problem. All of our cruises are more than six days, and usually ten or twelve. This seems to weed out many of those who simply want to get drunk and party. My biggest complaint is all the huge people with mobility scooters blocking the passageways. They really are a nuisance, but it could be worse, and I suppose they are entitled to their vacation.

Another thing I have noticed is that no matter how large the ship, or how crowded it may be, there is always a deck where you can be alone and watch the waves, if that's what you want.