If you're like many others this season, you're trying to decide whether to take a cruise vacation this year. And if you decide "yes," then the question to ask is this: will I take a Carnival cruise vacation?
In light of the dismal experience of those trapped aboard the Carnival Triumph in the Gulf of Mexico for an extended (and seemingly needless) period, will you take the chance and book a Carnival cruise vacation?
Truth is, it could happen on any vessel afloat. On the third voyage of the Holland America Oosterdam, the power failed in the Baltic Sea. For a tense hour or two, passengers sat on their balconies or gathered on deck and wondered. Holland America was quick to cater lunch on the open deck and the ship's officers and crew quickly spread word that the problem was minor and temporary. By tea time, we were underway again. No harm; no foul. The point is: even on a new ship, a perfectly maintained ship, a thoroughly inspected ship things can, and will, happen.
While I may not entirely agree with how Carnival chose to handle the Triumph's problem, the crew was magnificent and Carnival's compensation is relatively generous. (full refund, 100% credit toward another cruise, transportation home, and $500 per passenger)
But should you book a Carnival ship? I'd say "yes." If Carnival offers the amenities and itinerary that you want, if you want a spacious cabin, if you want a rock bottom price, then yes, by all means book Carnival. Millions of people board ships every week to see the world and 99.9+% of those people come home safely. They might be sunburned; they may have eaten too much, but they're sound of body and mind. The odds that you will are overwhelmingly in your favor.
I'd strongly suggest you book with a qualified cruise agent who'll be honest with you. I'd also suggest you purchase travel insurance from your agent. And then, I'd say, pack up your fun clothes and your best positive outlook and go forth to have a great vacation. The FunShips are sailing everyday. Welcome aboard.
For the best prices afloat and an honest assessment of ships and ports of call, I suggest you call Pat Crane at 7 Seas Cruises. You can reach him, toll-free, at 1-866-424-1090 or by emailing cruise7seas@msn.com. You won't find a better price or a more honest, well-informed cruise agent anywhere! He'll beat prices from impersonal online booking engines or those direct from the cruise lines. And he sells all cruise ships and itineraries! Sail with the best. www.7seascruises.com.
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