This is my first review. I hope I cover everything I was thinking of while I was on the ship.
First of all, let me say I have not been impressed with Carnival in the past. But, KUDOS, KUDOS, Carnival this ship is wonderful!!! I truly enjoyed the decor. It is not as garrish as some of the other Carnival ships. Only thing that seemed strange were the red lights in the main dining room. We later found out they are supposed to bunches of grapes. Kind of strange, but not offending.
Embarkation was very smooth. We arrived around 2:00 and there was a very short line. However, when they saw my husband using a cane, they ushered us right through. The ship was not at the same port as the terminal, but we were informed a tanker/fuel ship was in the channel when Miracle returned from the last cruise and the Captain will not take the ship in past the tanker. This caused no hardship what-so-ever. After receiving our cabin/sale&sign card, we were taken to busses that were waiting and taken to the ship. This may have been a good thing since the line on the gangway was almost nonexistent. They do not show you to your stateroom, but we have cruised enough to be able to navigate our way to our room.