Embarkation: Was smooth and took at most 30 minutes as we arrived a little later than usual (12:30ish). As mentioned in an earlier review, Carnival has a bank of employees checking passports and boarding passes before you get to the employees that give you your sign and sail cards so that is a little different at this terminal but not an issue of concern.
Cabin: We had a balcony cabin on deck 8 and it was fairly comparable to other balcony cabins we have been in. Room steward was pretty good and was friendly enough. We also had an interior directly across the hall for the kids. Same steward, typical interior cabin also. Carnival's beds are very comfortable to me so zero complaints there. Had towel animals EVERY night and some chocolates as well.
Ship: We compare this ship to the others we have sailed; Crown Princess; Carnival Dream; Disney Magic, Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas; Carnival Legend; Royal's Oasis of the Seas and the NCL Dawn. It was a great ship in many ways. There were minor layout issues but every ship seems to have those really. I think Royal's ships have better lido cafe layouts but they're bigger so that would make sense. Overall it didn't have the wear and tear that some people have written about. If this was the first ship you go on you'll probably be blown away at how cool it is.
This was a port side, forward balcony for 4. Storage was adequate, bathroom was big enough, bed was comfortable and the balcony was a nice size! The outlets were too few as mentioned in prior reviews. Overall a very nice place for 7 days.