We have to admit, the first thing that pops into our mind when we think of vacation is cruising, right? Cruising picked up momentum during the late 1960s, at the time when air travel was still in its infancy.

Thanks to Carnival Cruise Line, cruising developed into a separate industry generating billions of dollars of revenue each year, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of jobs it created along the way.

In 1972, Carnival Cruise Line started operating with just one pre-owned ship. And less than 50 years later, the company emerged as the cruising giant it is today with a current count of 26 ships.

But what really is the catch in sailing with Carnival Cruise Line? What makes it exciting?

Below are 20 photos taken by vacationers aboard Carnival Cruises that will answer most of your questions—photos that will make... or break your cruising expectations.

20 Easily The Most Friendly Bartenders That Could Make Your Cruise Getaway

Carnival Cruise Line's bartenders are known to be among the best in the industry.

One recent Carnival cruiser posted on yelp.com about her experience. She praised one male bartender for making a signature drink just for her and also commended the other two female bartenders for their amazing service.

19 The Facial Reactions Say It All

The women above went cruising aboard two different Carnival ships. With the looks on their faces, it is not hard to assume what kind of service the company provides to all its passengers.

And to get a sweeping reaction from two different age groups is a thing to reckon with.

18 View From The Top

What do you think made the boy in the photo went to the top-most part of the ship? We may never know the answer to that.

What is certain, though, is that whether you are inside or outside the ship, you will never run out of Instagram-worthy photos to boast with.

17 Water Fun From The Old To The Young

Cruising is already fun in itself. And throwing other spirit-lifting activities, such as the Water Works above, will surely make the experience a winner.

The water slide shown above is only one of the many fun activities featured onboard Carnival ships. It ain't Carnival if it ain't fun, anyway.

16 Never Miss Your Workout Routine

Are you worried about skipping your regular workouts while on a cruise? Shake that worry off. Carnival Cruise Line's ships come equipped with a gym.

You might want to hit the facility ahead of everybody, though. There's no telling how many people on board have a mind like yours.

15 A Couple's Poolside Mental Repose

Each Carnival ship's poolside area has a story to tell about the different goings-on transpiring there every day.

On this particular day, this ship's poolside loungers lay witness to a silent moment between the couple watching the time unfold while other passengers are digging it in the pool.

14 Is It Blood? Is It A Stain? No, It's Bloodstain

Enough of the sweet parts first. Here now comes one of that #yuckymoment onboard one of the company's ships.

A woman traveling with her family made a grisly discovery. A bloodstained mattress surprised them as she tried to pull the sheets for replacement. And this was not her only concern.

13 What's Up, Mr. Lucky Guy!

Okay, forget about the bloodstain already.

Did you know that you can win big bucks while sailing with Carnival? That's right. The lucky guy pictured above went home a hundred dollars richer after winning in a casino game. Lady luck will not even tell you to suit up to win.

12 One Size Too Small Bathtub

Let's face it. Here is another issue noticed by one of Carnival's vacationers during her cruise.

In her post on yelp.com, she mentioned that the bathtub is of no use to her because of its size. She added that the sliding glass doors vibrate to the rolling of the ship.

11 Poolside Towel Animals Invasion

Towel animals are common in cruise ships. It is one of the first things you will notice on your bed. In Carnival's ships, though, towel animals are so prominent.

Not only do they come in different colors and sizes, but they can also be found spread around the pool area.

10 Mouth-Watering Catering To Die For

Dining is something that Carnival has taken seriously. Just look at the reaction of the cruiser above and you will know what I mean.

Restaurants play a significant role in the day-to-day existence of the company. It's no wonder why random passengers are caught in candid astonishment just like that...

But...

9 ...Wait... Seriously?

Oops! Don't give me that bewildered look! Okay, considering the volume of passengers entering the ship's restaurants at any given time, there is naturally a considerably high margin of error inside the kitchen.

Are the ones pictured above the only food casualties on that particular day? Uhm... you be the judge.

8 Time For A Jump Ball

Are you a basketball lover inside out? No problem. We promise you will never miss the game you love when you sail with Carnival.

Sport is a big part of Carnival and the management makes sure that their guests will never miss out on their most beloved sport while out to sea.

7 A Cozy Accommodation Perfect For The Whole Family

There is no greater feeling than resigning in the most comfortable bed with the softest linens after a long day at sea.

Carnival is big on those things, too. That's why the company try and provide only the best accommodation for its highly-esteemed guests during their dream sail away...

6 ...If Only These Things Weren't In Place

Apparently, bedroom mishaps don't just stop with hidden bloodstains. Other housekeeping cruise bummers have also been unfortunately noticed onboard a Carnival ship or two.

These include torn towels hanging inside the bathroom, urine-soaked shower curtains, and—of all the things—a used needle left open on top of the bed.

5 Pool Area: Ideal Vs Real

What's with the pool that it already appeared one too many on this list? Well, before you get too overwhelmed with your upcoming first-time pool experience, take the pictures above as a warning.

If you think that you can have the entire pool to yourself, you have to think again.

4 Never A Dull Moment At Sea

Cruise ships pack a lot of entertainment surprises under their sleeves. When you go on a cruise with Carnival, expect to be treated with shows like the ones pictured above.

Many onboard shows are adaptations of mainstream plays. But there are also some indie entertainment productions you can catch onboard.

3 An Artsy Ship Ceiling

It is surprising to know that each Carnival ship is an artist's canvas. Every ship is literally a different masterpiece.

Thanks to one Carnival cruiser, people outside of the cruising world now know that even this ship's ceiling is filled with graffiti that even Michaelangelo would envy.

2 ...But Rusty Plumbing And Railing

...if not only (again) for these blemishes that another Carnival cruiser captured.

One passenger captured these photos and uploaded them on yelp.com. Is it to mock the company, or just to let other would-be cruisers know of the realities of cruising and cruise ships? Here's wishing it's the latter.

1 You May Now Kiss The Bride!

Everybody knows that everything is possible on a cruise ship. But are you prepared for this?

This is probably one of the most improbable things to happen on a cruise ship, but yes, they happen. Ship captains are licensed to solemnize marriage vows, anyway.

Hey! I know what you're thinking!