Having cruised once before with Carnival I knew what to expect. Fun, a nice cabin, helpful staff. We got all that. The embarkation was a bit long and should have been much smoother considering Carnival has been in the business for so long, but check in process was smooth. The wait was long though. Once on we were taken with the ship. The colors were bright and shiny and fun to see. We sat upstairs at the Lido, had our first drink, and something small to eat. Word to the wise get something to nosh on before you get on the ship, due to the long wait. We went into the deli at the Queen Mary and had a hot dog and beer before we lined up, a very good idea. If you explain you want to get something at the restaurant on the QM they will let you on, no fee.Our cabin was right at the back and had an extended balcony. It felt very large and the deck was very large. Only complaint, right under the Adults Only pool on the Lido, so could get somewhat noisy. But all in all it was one of the best cabins we have had on our number of cruises. The cabin was always kept very tidy and the cabin stewards were very accommodating. Gotta love those towel animals. Oh yes and those chocolates too.We had later seating at the Golden Pearl restaurant with several very enjoyable people. As a matter of fact we were all from the same floor so we felt like BFF's in no time. The food was good, the desserts were delicious, and the wait staff, along with the bar staff were very good. The room was a little too cool, but aside from that it was nice. We liked the singing and dancing by the staff too, it was fun to see.We know this is going to be as much fun, or as little fun as you want it to be and how you make it. Two couples we dined with, this was their first cruise and one couple has already made a deposit on their next cruise, and the other couple is very anxious to cruise again. Could we moan and groan about some stuff which could have been better, yes, do we want too, absolutely not. This was a fun cruise, worth what we paid, and we would recommend it.