Our cruise was fantastic! We sailed to Catalina Island and Ensenada and enjoyed this trip even more than the before. We booked a suite this time and obviously loved the spaciousness. The food was plentiful and delicious. One piece of advice: do not overindulge. Pace yourself. The waiter we had in the Spirit dining room was great, and his timing was impeccable. Our daughter made some new friends at the O2 club, and my wife and I met a lot of friendly, happy passengers. As is typical, the room steward was helpful, courteous and friendly. In fact we didn't meet a single rude or unprofessional employee. I am floored by anyone claiming the staff was lousy. There is no such thing as poor service on a carnival cruise ship. Every member of their staff bends over backwards for the customers and always with the utmost politeness. I have serious doubts about the validity of the claims from any long time cruiser that everything was terrible. If you book your cruise and don't have the common sense to at least try to get a cabin toward the center of the ship, then your only excuse is that this was your first cruise. We have been on two cruises with carnival and we have literally been amazed at the experience both times. Do what you want, when you want. And the price is always a good bargain. If only Disneyland was so reasonable! Yes, the ship is old, but you are on one of the least expensive cruises leaving the west coast, so you are getting an incredible deal. We are already planning our next cruise! Can't wait.