This was my 10th cruise, 4th with my teens who did Disney, RC and NCL. Having taken one other Carnival cruise in the 90's that I was less than satisfied with, I didn't expect much but felt it would be an economical vacation leaving out of NYC.
The reviews I read made me even more skeptical but I was determined to have a great time.
I packed bottled water but you really don't need to. Water is readily accessible and it would have been easier to bring a refillable water bottle for each of us.
Our cabin steward, Gary, was excellent. He was so pleasant and did a great job keeping our room neat.