My husband and I are ages 35 and 33 years old and this was our second carnival cruise and this was by far the BEST!!!! We sailed out of Port Canaveral and the experience was very fast and pleasant. If you arrive earlier than they tell you too we have found that most all the time they allow you to start boarding early and the lines are almost nonexistent.
After arriving we settled in our awesome balcony room and the first thing I did was book an appointment with the spa. (If you do not do it the first day it is questionable weather you will find an opening.) The only thing I did was get my hair done for formal night and a facial.The other procedures from past experience was a big waste of time and money. Secondly, we booked reservations at David's Supperclub for $25/pp. Also they book very quickly. If you would enjoy awesome service and atmosphere I would definitely eat at David's however other that the food being displayed wonderfully the food was just as good in the main dining room.
We chose not to do any off shore excursions because we could find them alot cheaper on the island however; when listening to Carnival they discourage this because they will not be making the money off of them. We went to Cozumel, Belize, Progresso(meridia) and Key West. I will tell anyone if you go to Cozumel there are three musts 1. go shopping downtown-great deals 2. beat lunch downtown at Pancho's Backyard-best real mexican food in your life cheap and the best margaritas I have ever had. 3. Chauchanaub beach is approx $7/pp and they have grass huts to lay under w/chairs and waiters to come serve you anything to drink. It was sooo relaxing. The other cities were great for scheduled tours.