There were 7 of us including my husband, my parents, sister, brother, and grandmother. We chose to sail out of NY because grandma doesn't fly. Never again will we sail out of NY. Rocky waters!! Note that this was my first cruise. Second on Carnival for DH, parents have cruised RC twice and sister has cruised Princess so we had a lot to compare to.
Embarkation -- Overall, we had a good time. Embarkation was long, but I had prepared by reading other reviews and knowing what we were in for. Long lines of people waiting and waiting.. but organized.
The Ship -- The ship itself is downright unappealing. There is no "wow" when you get on. Not enough color for sure! Those "urns" are depressing and ugly. hardly decorative I don't care what the theme is.