Carnival Cruise Lines has had a bit of a challenge shaking their hard partying image in the last decade. One would be hard pressed not to have a good time on a Carnival cruise. So go ahead take a cruise on the wild side. Upon entering the Carnival Valor and looking up at the multicolored atrium ceiling you know right away this is not your grandfather's cruise line. This does not mean you have to stay up until all hours getting drunk or worry that your fellow cruise mates will disturb your sleep with their antics. This is a fun ship after all and I bet whatever your idea of fun is you can find it here.

This ship caters to everyone and I mean everyone. Children love the kids programs put on by Camp Carnival where they will entertain your little ones so you can have grown up time alone. After hours babysitting is also available to a small fee until 3am. Teens have their own alcohol and parent free party place called Club O2. The pizzeria is open 24 hours a day and what kid wouldn't be in heaven with that.

Adults can enjoy a drink and dancing in the Jazz club on the Valor called the Paris Hot Jazz Club. Don't miss the rotating piano in the Lindy Hop Piano Bar. In fact there is no lack of venues to partake in your favorite beverage or music on board. The Valor has 22 bars and lounges in all. You can dance into the wee hours if that is your choice at the disco. It is called One Small Step Dance Club and plays homage to the first steps made by Neil Armstrong on the surface of the moon.

I was a tad concerned about the reputation Carnival has before I sailed on my first Carnival Cruise ship. I am a very light sleeper and somewhat of an introvert so am not the least bit interested in being loud and boisterous or running about. I was sure I would not have a moments peace the whole trip. I was mistaken. I have discovered there is nothing quite like sitting in a quiet spot overlooking the ocean and reading a paperback novel. Through the week I found many wonderful locations to sit and gaze at the passing sea. My cabin was as quiet as a library. I slept like a baby in a cradle with the gentle motion of the ship rocking me into a rejuvenating sleep.

The Spa experience is to die for. They offer all sorts of massages and exfoliating scrubs. Their hot stone massage is said to draw toxins from your body. I am not sure if it does that but it definitely makes you feel like a sparkling new person. The Spa is connected to the gym area where you can rid yourself of all those extra calories you put in going to the chocolate buffet.

The three swimming pools are filled with sea water and use a salt water chlorinator so your skin feels smooth as silk when you get out and it will not change the color of chemically processed hair. The main pool has one of Carnival's signature 214 ft spiral water slides. A total of 7 hot tubs await your tense and tired body for a soak.

If food is the pleasure you desire you will not be disappointed. There are casual and more formal eateries to choose from. There are two elegant dining rooms used for dinner every night, the Washington and the Lincoln. Everyone is assigned one of these but are not obligated to eat there at all. There is a upscale supper club called Scarlett's on board that requires reservations and where you will be charged a nominal extra fee. There is a fish and chips station inside the buffet restaurant, Rosie's, where oysters are also served. There is an Asian station if you've got a hankering for fried rice or noodles. The New York style deli will perk up your taste buds in no time when you see your sandwich piled higher than your jaws can open. Outside near the main pool burgers and hot dogs and fried are prepared on the grilled for those who prefer to dine in their swimsuits.

Your cruise on the Carnival Valor can be as wild or sedate as you want it to be. Try it, you will like it. Do not be afraid to bring Grandma and Grandpa for their anniversary or the children for spring break. A good time will be had by all. Indeed Carnival has got the fun.