First, I want to say that I am very pleased with our trip overall. We had a great time! We are recent cruise addicts, having started cruising at the end of 2011. We have 6 cruises under our belt in the last year and a half, and 6 more planned to round out 2013 (we set a goal to reach Platinum this year on Carnival). We are not partial to any cruise line - they all have their own unique feel and purpose but we find Carnival to be a great, affordable "getaway" cruise line.
I read many Cruise Critic reviews that give unfavorable reviews to Carnival for decor, food quality and age of their ships. If you are in the mood for a romantic sit-down 4 course dinner at a 5 star restaurant and choose to dine at a Golden Corral buffet, is it the restaurant's fault they can't meet your expectations because they don't offer what you were looking for? Shouldn't you have chosen a different restaurant? The older Carnival ships have a place in cruising - but it is up to the consumer to use a little common sense. Don't expect gourmet dining, glamorous decor and a state-of-the art ship for $250 per person (there are many other cruise lines that will fit your expectations for $1500 per person). However, if you are looking for a clean ship, slightly tacky (but fun) decor and good, basic food at the buffet (where food is waiting patiently for you - being kept warm for hours) or cooked-to-order yummy food at their restaurant, all for the price of one night at a hotel on the beach - then Carnival is your line!
Ok, now that I got that off my chest, on to the review!
Great location in between two staircases (aft staircase for food, forward one for entertainment).