>>>I have read some very distressing things on other boards about Carnival <<<
As have we yet I had no problem booking our next cruise on the Sensation!
I think that the reason we hear more about Carnival is the fact that they have more ships handling more people than anyone else.
I have read many reviews and trip reports on different things and all must be taken with a grain of salt. We have no idea of the writers state of mind at the time.
I read a great review once....first from one point of view, than the other.
The first one made you wonder why the person didn't just go home, the other made you laugh out loud.
You read all those negatives your mind will focus there and you will find even more.
The best trip reports to read are those that are written in a 'matter of fact' style.
Then at the end they will list the good and the bad points.
Those writers don't let a bad expirience set the tone of the entire review and cloud the remaining events.
Just put me on a ship, any ship,going anywhere.
Leave it up to me to make the most of it.
(that's why God greated Corona!)
Hurry up March.