My wife and I have just returned this morning from the 7 day Western Caribbean cruise to Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize and Isla Roatan. It was a 3rd time Carnival experience for me (Ecstasy, Holiday) and a first time for her. She as previously been on Holland America and Royal Caribbean. I have also sailed with Celebrity.
We chose this cruise because of location, we live 1 hour south of Tampa, and didn't want to hassle driving to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale. In addition we liked the itinerary. For us with busy lives, we liked the day at sea at the front and back end of the cruise to relax and rest. We both wanted to see the Mayan ruins in Belize and they were great. More later.
My wife and I are not real party people although we enjoy good times. We find we are liking the ships of HAL and RCL as they are more understated, elegant, classy. Carnival ships tend to be over the top with the decorations and noisy in the public areas. Rock music on the lido deck at 8AM is a little much for breakfast. Would like jazz or something softer.