Carnival Triumph to Bahamas

Coming in at a hefty 102,000 tons and catering for more than 3,000 passengers, the Carnival Triumph is a very American accented floating theme park, full of good things to do, that just happens to stop in at three or four different Caribbean islands over a week. It's all about frivolity and fun more than refined finesse and, if a lot of noise is an issue, then perhaps you might like to look elsewhere.

That said, you might miss out on a lot of fun. From country and western hoe downs to cool, late night jazz and calypso music on deck, this vast, glittering 'Fun Ship' delivers in style, for age groups ranging from toddlers to older types. All seemed to enjoy this swaggering, slightly brash 'life on the ocean rave' kind of adventure.

Take food. And thousands did. From Mongolian Wok buffets to fish and chips, burgers and Indian curries to Reuben sandwiches, the two level Lido Market place offered, quite literally, a taste of the world all day. Indoors at night, a pair of brightly lit, twin storey restaurants served up steak, lobster and sumptuous desserts, complete with singing and dancing waiters. It's more vivacious Vegas than the refined elegance of the Ritz, and yet it works beautifully.

Inside, the theatre offers large, Vegas style, all singing and dancing floor shows for both main sittings. There's a constantly buzzing casino, a huge, two level disco, and a piano bar that frequently verges on the raucous.

On the other hand, there's also soft jazz that cooks up an old style speakeasy vibe, and enough quiet bars and seating areas for conversation far from the madding crowd. In short, something for everyone.

Cabins range from spacious, smartly primped insides and outsides, right up to some truly splashy suites, complete with whirlpool bath. I really liked my outdoor balcony room; it gave me a little 'window on the stars' that was just perfect to escape to when the excitement got just a little bit too much. Great trip overall.