Carnival VictoryI’ve sailed on the ships of every cruise line, including the priciest yacht-like vessels in the world. And yet, the more cruises I take, the more I appreciate Carnival Cruise Lines. Professionally, I think you get the biggest bang for the buck with Carnival. Relative to mid-priced cruise ships (the level before the luxury vessels) this company exceeds in many areas.

Keep in mind, Carnival has changed a great deal over the past 12 years, including making significant upgrades in their on-board product. While I’d been aboard all the ships as they entered service on two-night introductory cruises for folks in the travel industry, it wasn’t until I spent a week on Carnival Valor that I became a big fan.

These are the areas where Carnival excels:

* Ship Design. I’m not a “fun ship” sort of person: I don’t gamble, stay up late at night or lounge by the pool sunbathing. But these ships are so wonderfully designed I can find my own nook and cranny. I do like piano bars, hanging out in the atrium listening to live classical music while people-watching. While I cringe at the thought of hairy chest or beer drinking contests that are part of the daytime fun by the pool, I can easily skip them and have a good time elsewhere.

* Food. In my experience Carnival’s food is the best outside the luxury cruise companies. After a hundred or so cruises I can determine what the quality of food will be by heading to the Lido buffet when I board. I sample the ship’s coffee and chocolate: if one or both fall down I know the quality of food won’t be very high. Carnival not only scored high in both, the food was exceptionally good throughout the cruise. I had one of the best meals of my life in Carnival Valor’s alternative restaurant.

* Staterooms. Carnival’s standard cabins are larger than those found on Princess, Celebrity, NCL and Royal Caribbean. Only Holland America has staterooms this large. There is more than enough storage room for a seven day cruise. Note: balcony staterooms are only found on the newer ships in the fleet.

* Entertainment. No cruise line comes close to Carnival in terms of quality and diversity of entertainment. The company produces its own floor shows and they outshine every other cruise company. Of course there’s a disco, but I’ll also find cabaret, a piano bar, jazz, classical and adult comedy.

The atmosphere aboard Carnival’s ships is upbeat and energizing, which appeals to me personally.

I wish Carnival offered the option of single, open seatings similar to what is found on Princess’ ships, but at least passsengers have the choice of four times for assigned dining. And, you can always head for the Lido restaurant if I don’t want to bother with a formal meal.

I think Carnival delivers a quality cruise product, especially when the price is factored in.

If you’ve cruised with Carnival what is your opinion? If not, what is your perception of a Carnival cruise?