A bit belated but I thought better late then never...
We sailed on the Carnival Elation back in October 2009. It was my 4th cruise (previously sailed Holland America '02, RC '07, and Carnival '08) and it was my husband's first American cruise. We are both 24.
Embarkation We got there at about noon and walked onto the ship within 15 minutes. I would say that's as good as it gets!