The Tropicale is the oldest of the ships in Carnival's fleet but it is in excellent shape. Carpet has been replaced. Outside facilities are in good condition. Showrooms are very well maintained and aside from low ceilings (older design) they are very well set up for small shows. The casino is one of the largest afloat and seemed to be well utilized. The dining room is on the very lowest deck of the ship and is small and cramped. I suspect that it was built to handle a much smaller ship's capacity which has been increased over the years. The result is a very tightly packed dining area.

The cabins are pretty much Carnival standard (185 sq. ft). The beds were okay ... mattresses were regular mattresses on wooden frames ... I like the foam mattresses better (Personal preference). The bathroom facilities were okay although they were beginning to show their age. The tile had been replaced several times in our bathroom (Different tile on each wall and sometimes on the same wall.) There was one tile on the floor that was loose and tended to stick to wet feet which mean you never knew when you had it on your foot until you stepped down and then ... ouch! The shower valves were worn and somewhat touchy about setting them but there were warnings posted and if you took your time you could get a good shower. The valves on the sink were installed backwards which, although marked, could be confusing to a half awake person wanting to brush their teeth and getting hot water instead.

Best Carnival Cruise Trips: Martinique - Snorkel and bat cave trip, St. Marten - Catamaran to remote island, St. Lucia - Tropical Garden and beach tour, Barbados - Carlisle Beach Resort (canceled, but we were comped into Malibu beach (entrance and free coconut rum drink)) Malibu beach, it turns out is located directly behind the Malibu run distillery which discharges its process water into the ocean at that point resulting in an average ocean temperature of 95 - 100 degrees.