Embarkation: What can I say, but very very smooth. This was my 3rd cruise, and first on Carnival. I must say I was very impressed. We arrived at the pier via bus around 10:30, tipped the bus driver (everyone asked for a tip, but it's ok I guess) they took our luggage, and we were off to the lines. After waiting in three lines, we got on board. It took around 30 mins to get through all of the lines, it would have been sooner if everyone didn't have to take the welcome aboard picture, that was the longest line I think.
Staterooms: What can I say, they were huge! Well, huge in comparison to RCI. Plenty of closet space, spacious bed and nice sized window if you are doing the window cabins. Very clean, but I was not very impressed with our room attendant. They use a paging system if you need them, and sometimes they don't show up. On other cruise lines a real person answers the phone and helps you. She wasn't bad, but not good either.
Food: I am a Chef, a real chef, not your local diner cook, and I must tell you the food in the dining room was quite good! What surprised me the most was the temp of the food. Hot food served hot, and cold food served cold! As it should be. Being a chef, I ate on every part of the ship that offers food, and I must say thumbs up to the Chef. I talked to the Chef, and they work hard, please remember that before anyone criticizes the food. The buffet salads were not really up to par in my opinion. Seems to me at the dinner and lunch buffet they were more concerned about pretty food than taste. Best bet is to go to the dining room for lunch. Breakfast? What can I say about that? PEOPLE NEED TO CHILL OUT WHEN IT COMES TO BREAKFAST BUFFETS! What else can you ask for, omelettes, any other kind of eggs, pancakes, sausage, bacon, waffles, hot and cold cereals, yogurt, grapefruit, muffins and more. They had everything, just the same thing every day. I don't mind having the same thing every day if you have a choice of EVERYTHING. The burgers, were just burgers, go get it if you like burgers. The deli was good, and the Hong Kong Noodle Co. was good also. You must try the ribs in the dining room for lunch. Very good. Room service is available 24 hours a day, and is quite big I think. Offers an array of cold items. You don't have to tip, but coming from a culinary man, I always tip the "food people." So thumbs up on the food.