Cruised with my Father (his 25th Cruise & Platinum Carnival Member) myself and two children(6 & 7 years) our 1st cruise.
EMBARKATION - Amazing, due to being a Platinum Member, we went to a separate sitting area, & done in about 10 minutes!!! Very professional.
SHIP - Didn't find it dark at all, it was very expensive, what you would expect a cruise ship to be, but it was a little over the top, but nice just the same. Kids loved the glass elevators!!!