We just got off the Carnival Fascination last week. This was the best trip I have ever been on in my life, and I can't believe it has taken me this long to REALIZE how awesome a cruise can be.
I have read all sorts of reviews, and know that there are a lot of things that can spoil any vacation such as lost luggage, bad weather, illness, etc. We were so lucky to not experience any of this.
Carnival has a great value with their vacation packages. When you break down what you spend per person, per day, without the extras like drinks, photos, gambling, it is a very reasonably priced vacation.