My husband and I just returned from our 8 days on the Carnival Spirit. Having cruised twice before (Princess and Royal Caribbean) we knew that we should wait until 1 p.m. before boarding as it we would only have to wait in more line-ups if we showed up early. As it was we flew into San Diego the day before and stayed at the Best Western Bayside Inn and they shuttled us to the cruise ship at the time we wished to go. We made fast friends with another couple who had not cruised before so they stuck with the "old pros". When we arrived at the cruise terminal we moved along so quickly we didn't even have time to say "good-bye" to our new friends before we were put onboard. We were eating lunch on the lido deck before 2 p.m.
Our cabin was a "guaranteed balcony" which had a lifeboat just underneath our balcony. So our view was not impeded - however, the balcony was VERY narrow. Almost like an aisle, more than a balcony - big enough for two chairs to sit side by side with enough room to maneuver around without the balcony door slapping into you. Our cabin was large and comfortable, however the "safe" was placed in a cabinet door on the floor, meaning you had to get on your knees to open and close it. Others we spoke to said their safe was in a more appropriate spot. Our air conditioning didn't appear to work on the first few days, but they did get that fixed before the weather got too hot. Good thing, because the balcony door does NOT stay open.
Our lunch and dinner in the dining room (early seating) were great. But would really recommend having your breakfast on the lido deck. On other cruises we always ate our breakfast in the dining room, however on the Carnival Spirit, we found that the breakfast always arrived cold and usually very slow! Even getting a glass of tomato juice was a "big deal" for the morning crew. However, if you went up on the lido deck - it was wonderful and breakfast was always hot!