Linda Sparrow  

Age: 46
Occupation: Musician
Number of Cruises: 3
Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Lines
Ship: Jubilee
Sailing Date: January 31st, 2002
Itinerary:  Tampa, Key West, Cozumel

After reading horrible reviews on this ship, I expected nothing from this 5 day, 4-night cruise. I am happy to say that it was a wonderful cruise and my husband and 2 girls, ages 8 and 12 , had a great time.

The ship is dated, not like the newer, fancier ones with their atria and glass elevators- but you get a lot for little money. The staff was friendly and professional, the food was very good and variety was excellent. We loved the sushi bar in the afternoon, and the kids loved the pizza and unlimited ice cream. I've been on 2 RCI cruises, and Carnival's food was much better on the short cruise. They even had lobster and prime rib.

Only bummer on the ship was exercise room - tiny, miserably hot, no fan and no water.5 treadmills, 2 stairmasters, 2 bike, 2 Proflex and some free weights. I almost passed out from the heat.

Not to be a snob, but there are many on this ship who fit the Jerry Springer guest profile. They remind you over and over to not wear shorts in the dining room, but next to us were a table full in blue jean cutoffs and Nascar t-shirts. And there were lots of smokers. The smoke was very bad on this ship.

We chose to see Key West by foot which suited us well. Many t-shirt shops, etc but there was great shopping at Fast Eddie's on Duval Street - a store with designer and unusual clothes, household items, gifts, etc. We spent an hour and a half there!

In Cozumel, we took an $8 taxi to Chakanaab National Park. Great snorkeling along the reefs! Beautiful beach and botanical gardens, too. Glad we didn't take the excursion, because people told us the reef there was terrible! The kids got to feed pet and enjoy the dolphins for no price, too! We did give the men a good tip for this unexpected treat.

The shows were good- not Vegas, but fun. The Survivor game and the others were good family entertainment and we enjoyed the adult comic night.

Fun day at sea on last day had several activities we enjoyed at the pool. We were fortunate to have perfect 80 degree weather, as well. We took the kids out of school for 3 days which kept us from dealing with college kids on spring break. I would do this again! And, I won't hesitate to take another Carnival cruise as well.