We've been on a number of cruises the last 10-15 years. Royal 2-3 times, Norwegian, Celebrity. I hate to even write this, but there was sort of a stigma Carnival had as being cheaper and not as good. In my opinion, it simply isn't true. Every where you go there are always people who are pre-disposed to fault finding and complaining. I saw them on this cruise too--and it becomes almost comical if you're an observer and not the poor employee who has to take their whining.

Most ships have a quirk or two in their layouts where not all decks go all the way through from aft to stern. This one is no different and after a day or so and checking of the ship maps (posted everywhere) you know what to do. Our spacious balcony cabin was on deck 8 port side. We could literally go from our cabin and into either the pool or Lido buffet in about 1 minute. Terrific!

The food---I just don't see how people can complain. The quality and consistency on the Lido deck was admirable--as was the main dining room. There are SO many choices, if you didn't find something you loved--shame on you--it's your own fault. Guy's burgers are off the chain--fabulous--the Fish and Chips venue was delicious--and the even had ceviche and oysters rockefellar (not tried). We had dinner at the Steak House and it beat the specialty dining of every other cruise ship I've tried. Brandon was the exec chef and we were given an amuse-bouche of lobster carpaccio or mushroom soup expresso..what a treat! Veronika and Anastazia ( i think i got the spellings right--one was from Belarus and one from Croatia) were our servers and they were top notch. the crab cakes--lobster bisque--ribeyes and deserts were simply stellar. This place is worth the $35 up charge--You get a $100+ meal and service for 1/3rd the price. Read more