I booked this cruise with some fear because of the negative reviews posted earlier. Those reviewers must be looking for some form of perfection not possible or perhaps work for other cruise lines!
Embarkation, though crowded, was very organized and friendly. Ship was enormous, and very impressive. Staff extremely helpful and friendly. All areas were very clean. Our balcony cabin could not have been more comfortable or well-appointed and was always kept more than neat and clean by a very helpful steward named Omar from the Phillippines. The cabin itself had much more storage than we could possibly need and had the very finest bedding and towels we have ever had. We found the food to be exceptional in the dining room, lido buffet, and from room service. The only thing lacking in the dining room was quality of service. It was always very "spotty." Sometimes very organized and quick; but mostly SLOW and inefficient. After 15 cruises I found that our food experience was the best thusfar and the dining room service the worst thusfar. I know that sounds odd, but that's the truth.
Entertainment was OK (nothing exceptional) in that I have seen better and have seen worse. Lots of public spaces for lounging, enjoying music, etc. Very good passenger/space ratio & very nice flow so that a FULL ship never really seemed crowded. Ports visited were very interesting & shore tours were varied & well arranged (though somewhat expensive.) Disembarkation was quick & well organized. Our first Carnival cruise will by no means be the last!
