This is our first cruise for us with Carnival and was awesome. The Western Caribbean is excellent!
Embark - painless. Do yourself a favor and park at Lighthouse Parking. It is secure and the people are hard working. Going through the rat line took about 45 minutes and once we were at the counter, there were no snags. If you are travelling with more that 4 people and want to sit together in the dining room - look at your sail and sign card right then and make sure you all have the same number.
Room - room was great - had a balcony room on the 8th level. Spectacular. Housekeeping (Art) was great (other have said it but it helps to tip early!) The kids (16 and 19) had their own room and ate room service about x5 times a day. We had coffee each morning on the balcony - it was beautiful.
Had 8301, 8305 and 8309. All were great location and with the exception of the family across the hall allowing their 18 year olds to drink to excess in Jamaica and Grand Cayman (so they made an ass of themselves by fighting, arguing and throwing up all over the place), the rooms were great.
Great storage and about half-way down the hall from the fore and mid elevators. Great access to Lido.