This was our 1st cruise - and thought it would be a nice one to try cruising on - short and not expensive! Traveled with our infant son and a few family members who had cruised before. Our expectations were a little high unfortunately. Check-in was very long - one line after another. We finally got on board and were looking forward to food but were VERY DISAPPOINTED by the Burrito Bar which had no guacamole or pico de gallo! I was also sort of grossed out by the dark meat they were passing off as chicken there. No thank you. Pizza line was so long and kept running out of pizza with one person working!The buffet was fine - about what you can expect.
Our cabin was clean and the crib requested was set up when we arrived. I knew from other reviews to bring my own fitted crib sheet b/c Carnival uses small, old metal cribs and flat sheets just tucked underneath the mattress. That really presents a hazard for a baby to get wrapped up in a loose sheet. I can't believe they still do that. They really need to move to 'pack and plays' instead with a fitted sheet.
Only my husband met our cabin steward. He never came and introduced himself to me or to our other guests which I hear is pretty rare.
Great location - big cabin, wonderful balcony suite. Not too noisy or too quiet - just perfect.