I cruised on the Carnival Valor from 5/20/12-5/26/12 with a group of friends all in our 20s. This was my first cruise. Our ports of call were Key West, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica. Let me start off with the good...
Rooms - Although small, our room was always clean. No issues there.
Staff - Our room steward knew us by name and was always smiling and chatting with us when we passed him in the hallway. Our waiter at dinner also knew our entire party by name. He was always pleasant.