My most favorite cruise line is Carnival. However, this was the most disappointing Carnival cruise we have ever taken. We brought some friends along for their 1st cruise.
One - There were no Christmas decorations. We had called before departing and were assured the Christmas decorations would be up for all of the December cruises. Not true, the Dec 3th cruise no Christmas decorations. We take a Christmas cruise on Carnival for the past 5 years and were estremely disappointed for their lie and lax of having decorated. We asked an officer about the decorations and he stated: "They will be up for the next cruise". We told him we were disappointed and he stated: "You should have booked the next cruise". We found the officers throughout this ship very rude or not speaking at all. The dining room staff and house-keeping were very friendly and great. I guess the upper officers just think they are better?
Two - Although they say this is Carnivals' largest and newest ship it is disappointing. What they have done is cut down all of the public areas. Smaller Atrium, smaller theater area, smaller dining rooms, smaller pools, etc..
Our cabin Steward was excellent. Very friendly and knew everyone by name. We were in a cove balcony. However, if the sewage smell is not cleared up totally I would not recommend the 2ND floor.