We remembered it being better...

To clarify, we did still really enjoy our cruise and not being at work.  My review may seem a bit harsh, but it was just based on my observations and expectations.  I gave the cruise credit where it was deserved and knocked it where we felt it fell short in our opinions.  We were both just a little disheartened because we had such fond memories of our prior cruises so we were in fact a bit underwhelmed.  The biggest letdown is that my wife and I both really enjoy good food and were looking forward to having the copious amounts of amazing food that we remembered, and were simply disappointed by most of it offered on the ship.  The portion size can be overlooked because you can get as much as you like, but there's not much you can do about flavor.  If it's not there in 1 portion, it's not going to be there in the next.  That's not to say that all the food didn't have good flavor, just that we found most of it wasn't compelling enough to live up to our expectations/memories.  We didn't expect luxury at a budget price, we knew what we were getting into.  We were just looking for what we remembered from our past experiences.  Like I said that could have been skewed from time or the fact that that we've changed.  We'll definitely cruise again but we'll probably just do more research to make sure we get a newer/newly renovated ship and make sure we go with a ship/cruiseline with better food as that was our main pain point.  The smoking was expected but more of an annoyance as it should be able to be remedied with better ventilation and Carnival enforcing their policies as to locations where it's allowed.  Same thing with the lounge chairs, if Carnival enforced their policies (40 mins unoccupied and your towel would be removed) it probably would not be an issue.  In addition to there was plenty of unused deck space so if there were more loungers available that likewise wouldn't be as much of an issue.

I disagree with alot of these comments.  Why should we have to pay the same price today as we did 5 years ago and expect less???  That is not right. So all you people saying your cruise is what you make it, your right to a point...but cmon the cuts are the little things that make the cruise memorable. In my professional opinion Carnival is pushing guests to other lines.  They are spending their resources to make their new ships great, but they are neglecting the older ships to the point that people are noticing, So yes, your cruise is what you make it, but for some that save for a long time to take a vacation have every right to expect a memorable and fantastic vacation with great service, food and entertainment,  i know we didnt get that last week on our Conquest cruise,  We are not sailing Carnival next year