8/02
While my girlfriend and I enjoyed Carnival Sensation's topless deck, we experienced one problem during the second day. We are both 18 but physically look somewhat younger. Naturally, a security guard saw my girlfriend tanning topless and asked for our ages. We informed him that we were both 18, yet he immediately responded that we must be 21- as we didn't belong up there regardless of our ages. We complied at that time but went back up later in the day and every other day without a complaint.
Many women were topless, and at times, the forward-facing area of the deck was completely full. Personally, it was amusing to see them slowly peel their inhibitions away. Yes, young gawkers did sneak up from time to time, but it wasn't a problem. It's important to note that if women want to, they can wear thongs without being hassled by security guards.
--M. V., New York City, New York
8/02
Topfreedom is a joke on these cruises. There is an upper desk with "tops optional" signs, it's true. However, anyone using it is secluded behind screens and treated as a second class citizen (no one will come to offer drink service, you better put your top back on and climb down a couple decks to get a drink); it is also sitting at the foot of the noisy boat chimney (with soot as a bonus on your towel and everywhere else on occasion). With an area of "aberrant" behavior so well delineated, it is an open season for all the gawkers (the jerk with the red shirt who comes for a round every 20 minutes or so), and the perverts who come sit straight in front of young women who eventually just leave the place. A joke. There is NO feeling of normalcy whatsoever. I did wear my G-string and did some topless sunbathing, but it just was not pleasant with all the snoopers and peepers around and the fact that you felt you had to hide in a corner. Not really surprising in America however. This land has a LONG way to go before women feel topfreedom..
--Christy, West Palm Beach, Florida
7/02
Just returned from 5 day cruise on Carnival Celebration. Wife was not comfortable on the topfree deck as teenagers were constantly walking through and laying on lounges. She felt it was more a show for the teenagers. No policing of the area by the cruise ship personnel. No hassles other than the teenage boys.
--Jim, Houston, Texas
4/02
My husband and I just got back from a cruise on Carnival. I went topfree on the "topless" deck everyday. Some days there were as many as 15 topfree women (mostly with their husbands). Occasionally there would be a gawker that tried to look as if he made a wrong turn (usually the same guy), but after he came up several times, he was chased away by some of the other guys. I loved this experience, and plan on doing it again.
--Amy, Ohio
10/01
My wife and took a cruise on Carnival Cruise. When Susan went topless on the topless deck, she was the only one. After about 20 minutes, another woman joined her. A few others removed their tops, but only to lie on their stomachs. No one bothered my wife or the other topless women.
--John and Susan
4/01
Just like the other Carnival ships, there is a section of the top deck designated "Tops Optional". Sounded great to us, however, plan on being on display for all the gawkers (age 16 - 80) who just happen to wander up there. There was a steady stream of them the entire time I was there. The sign at the open gate stated NO cameras & must be 18 yrs. old - one problem, no enforcement from Carnival. We actually had to tell a guy with a video camera that he wasn't suppose to have it up there. He acted like he didn't hear us. Not what I was expecting or hoping for. I just don't want my pictures all over the internet.
--Susan, Los Angeles, California
4/01
Just returned from a Carnival cruise to the Caribbean. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that on virtually all Carnival ships, the top deck is reserved exclusively for topfree sunbathing. Lots of signs posted at the only stairway to that part of the ship that you must be at least 18 years of age to enter, and absolutely no photography or Camcorders permitted.
--Rick and Nancy