Fifty of us fun-loving cruiser bunch just came back. An "ecstatic" cruiser emailed & summed the experience: "I had a fabulous time...best vacation I've taken ever....it's worth every penny!!!!! I can hardly wait for the next cruise. Too-o-o-o much excitement all at once!!!!! Well, anyways, it was a blast."

INDEED, the low season cruise last month brought hi-season excitement to all and at a super low price. And not too many kids who roam around rowdily like in peak summetime. Unlike other cruise lines, Carnival puts out super unbeateable values for the holiday cruisers. Our first time cruisers loved it and now they are hooked. Festivities are bountiful with holiday treatments adorning the ship. Our group cruisers actively participated and came back with six 24k "plastic" ship trophies & medals.. from the best lip-sync at the sailaway party to the game show winners. Holding back on the fun of life? On cruises, let go the inhibitions & let your FUN-self implode n'burst!. Many joined the on-stage shows & lived it up. Two of our group cruisers got called on the adult comedy show..& got in the fun frenzy as well. Got the party mode while on port? Ensenada's Papas n'Beer is the evening place for the spontaneous spring breakers spiced with Babe's Gone Wild. The ship leaves port at 10pm.

AS ALWAYS, the staff is almost beyond compare to many land establishments. The hard-working & courteous personnel bear the brunt of many of society's inconsiderates but still dons their appreciative smile & service. Tipping? yes they fully deserve it. Besides, these people have loved ones to support at home. Our group prepared an extra-tip money crown & publicly showcased our waiters at the last-night auld lang syne dinner. Jeff Soloway (the hotel director), Heinz (head maitre'd) and staff went above and beyond their duties with extra profesionalism & gestures.

MEANWHILE, the infamous cruise party-pooper Norwalk Virus was no-show amidst the shipwide funfare. The ship's sanitation? The galley tour showed why cruise ships are way, way much cleaner than almost all land food establishments. The assorted entertainment venues provided the urge to dance off the cruise calories...a la zumba/bamba. Our group plans to do it again for Holiday 2003...God willing. As indicated with some reviews, there are always the misfortunes in life & the cruise headaches. The cruisers who were intent on the positives & FUN didn't let the petty stuff ruin their vacation & other people's moods. It was pure enjoyment joining and interacting with the ship's humanity to live life to the fullest. Cruise life?.. is what YOU make it.