We also went on the Carnival Splendor to the Baltic and, although we enjoyed the holiday, the Carnival ship wasn't a match for the Cunard line.Elegance and subtlety are things Carnival don't seem to understand, although we're aware that this is classed as a fun ship. It was like a cross between Butlins and Las Vegas, at sea. We thought the cruise director was pretty awful--'jokes' that bordered on offensive (and we do NOT take offence easily, believe me), treating the passengers like idiots (but then.....). Although the food was generally good and plentiful, the restaurant, and at times the self-service,did not cater well for vegetarians. A mixed salad seemed totally beyond them! Entertainment very average, and difficult to hear the film shown on the big screen due to poor acoustics and the bar being in the same area. But the housekeeping and waiting staff were excellent, we were very comfortable in our outside cabin, and the towelling animals were brilliant.

I was on this tour and all i can say is you are very generous with your review we thought it was poor throughout, and would not use Carnival again.As for John Heald.......On the plus side cabin superb and the retractable lido roof brilliany.