This was our third cruise on Spirit and second relocation from Singapore. After the shamozzle of the last embarkation at Singapore, I think Carnival learnt some lessons and all went pretty smoothly. We departed a few hours late but that was to be expected considering the need to completely replenish the ship and remove rubbish after dry dock.The visible enhancements after dry dock included some new carpet in some public areas, the new craft room "Soul Play", the new duty free shops, the new games and, apparently, new gym equipment...but I don't frequent such places. This is a cruise ! She also had a brand spanking new exterior paint job which, according to the captain, added 1 knot to the cruise speed.

All the usual suspects are still there. Desi in the Empire Restaurant, great shows in the theatre, dirty jokes in the late Comedy Show and the Manila Band in the Red Frog.

The crew were as friendly and helpful as ever and the buffet served the usual "delicacies". Read more