My husband and I just returned from a 7 day cruise on the Carnival Triumph. As frequent cruisers (32 to date) we know to avoid taking Carnival during the summer since the younger cruisers generally dominate the entertainment and outer decks. This cruise, departing September 22nd, had a nice balance of young and older cruisers. We learned that there were more than 600 children on board, but the Camp Carnival counselors did a very nice job of keeping them entertained without disturbing other passengers.
The ship itself was large and beautiful - a sister to the Victory we had taken 2 years ago. Our balcony stateroom was large enough to store our clothes and the luggage fit nicely under the bed. Carnival has improved the bedding and provides 5 or 6 pillows to choose from as well as a comfortable goose down duvet. The mattress was a little harder than I am used to, but by day 3 I adjusted and slept very well. They must have installed better seals under the doors because our cabin was VERY dark, with no hallway light seeping in. Carnival also provided 2 lush bathrobes for our use during the cruise (I believe this is a balcony perk). The bathroom was adequate and the shower head was very nice - lots of pressure and larger than most. Shower gel and shampoo is provided in dispensers. However, if you want conditioner, bring your own. They also provided 3 small toothpaste samples and two disposable razors. A hair dryer is mounted and is more than adequate.
Public rooms are plentiful and generally you can find something that suits your taste in entertainment. The casino is very large and had an interesting new feature - a Poker Pro poker table. It has no dealer or cards - the game is played similar to on-line poker games. There are touch screens at individual seats from which you can see your cards, bet, raise, check or fold. The larger display in the middle of the table shows the board (common cards) in Hold-Em. To play, you activate an account at the cashier cage by depositing the cash you want to play with. ($60 minimum for $3-$6 Texas Hold-Em). At the table, you insert your card into the individual slots on top of the display screen to access your account and away you go. Accounts are password protected. Cards can be reloaded or cashed in at the cashier's cage.