First be very careful as some of Carnival cruise deposits are NONREFUNDABLE. I have never experienced this before with any other cruiseline. Check before you book. I live in Ft. Lauderdale and have sailed on Princess, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and Holland American many times. I decided to try Carnival as they had one ship out of Ft. Lauderdale. Horrible. Embarkation took a very long time. Will never sail on Carnival again. Food areas dirty, at buffet children ran around, unmanaged by guardians, and eating things off of the buffet with their hands. No one said anything to them. Dining rooms had limited menu and seemed short staffed. Pool deck area slippery when wet during the day. The hamburger grill was next to the pool and the kids would come from the water to get fries and the floor all around the grill was wet. Cabin needed refurbishing, mattress lumpy. Evening entertainment is very limited unless you like hanging out at the bars or in the casino. I am a senior citizen and found this ship not up to par. It is a family party boat, noisy all night.