First, embarkation at Fort Lauderdale was a nightmare, long lines, slow service, hot weather, no signage to direct anyone where to go, not enough Carnival personnel to give direction and I am an experienced cruiser (this was my 6th cruise with Carnival). However, my stateroom was very nice and clean (this was a new ship too).
As far as food goes for this cruise/ship, it was okay. I have had better quality on Carnival in the past. Wait staff was attentive but not interactive at all. There was no Baked Alaska on the last night, what is this Carnival cheaping out or something? A disappointment with that.
The ports were good though. Went to Costa Maya instead of Cozumel, nice beach area there. Then went to Costa Rica (do a tour and not the city on foot-dangerous), not what I expected (similar to Progresso). Finally we went to Panama (definitely do a Panama Canal tour of sorts), this was a GREAT port (Colon was very poverty stricken, but Panama City was great!). Crew were very attentive and nice as usual. As far as shipboard activities, there were not as many as I have been offered on shorter cruises (somewhat of a disappointment). Thanks Carnival for bringing back Park West Art Auctions though, good move. Harry's Supper Club was very nice and food outstanding. The clubs played way too much rap type music, would be nice if there were a night for rap, a night for disco, a night for country, etc and cater to everyone's taste at least one night.