We have been on 8 cruises with our children, ages 9 and 12, and this by far was the best cruise.
Arrived at 10:30 AM and walked straight on to the ship. Room was ready by 1PM. Only complaint was the bags didn't reach our room until 6PM. Make sure you carry on a bathing suit to hang out at the pool while waiting.
The ship is sooo much nicer than any other Carnival ships we have been on. The waterworks, water slides, thrill theater, updated bars, food choices, etc. We thought the cruise director John was great and very funny. He was also very nice to our children the entire cruise. We had fantastic waiters and room steward. The ports of call are unbelievably beautiful.
We had connecting rooms 8328 and 8332 in the center of the ship. They worked out great for me, my wife and two kids. Location is perfect to get around.