First time cruisers are not aware of "ships that have been around awhile". With the economy the way it is, and has been, it has been publicized how the travel industry is hurting and prices are lower than ever. Why would anyone expect a suboptimal cruise because of a low price. These cruises and ships are marketed the same as brand new ships. If the company marketed them as old, crappy ships with limited capabilities, few would book them no matter how cheap.

Considering this is Flyertalk where people routinely look for cheap flights, deeply discounted hotel rooms, etc, spread the news around of good deals, and EXPECT the same product as if they paid rack rate, your Motel 6comment is really out of place. I booked a Hilton in Dublin at a half-off rate with breakfast thrown in for free, should I expect poor service, no water, no electricity just because it was cheap? No, I expect the same standard as when I stayed there at non-discounted prices. I bought an AA ticket 8 months ago, the price dropped enough to get a price refund. I expect the same service as when I paid the additional $400.

There obviously has been some real issues with this Carnival ship documented over several sailings. It isn't fair to those that had to suffer through to simply say, "You should have had a good time anyway. I ALWAYS have a good time on cruises." It looks like Carnival has dropped the ball and left many people unhappy. I hope that Carnival is somehow made to be accountable for the disastrous situation.