First time on a Carnival cruise line. Usually cruise with RCI but thought we would try Carnival to compare the differences and since Carnival is cheaper, saving some money wouldn't hurt. We booked an inside cabin on the 7th level and it was small but comfortable and cheerfully decorated. Beds were comfortable but shower head was broken and had to be repaired. Fairly quiet most of the time but occasionally could hear people talking in the hallway around 2 or 3 am. I liked that there was always ice in the ice bucket after turn down service and towel animals were fun!

The rest of the ship was very tacky. Main dining room was also very tacky and food was similar to cafeteria food! My husband ordered the "sweet and sour shrimp" for his main course and was given 3 breaded shrimp similar to what you would find in a box of Gordon's fish fillets with a tiny bowl of store bought sweet and sour sauce! The ships private steak house is to die for! Emerald's steak house is incredible and well worth the $35! Why can't they have that on the main dining room menu!

The over all layout of the ship was confusing and annoying. The basketball court was located directly above the steak house! The kiddie playground was right next to the adult serenity relaxation area! The only way you can get from one end of the ship to the other is by using one hallway on one level which created a crowd of people constantly! They had a medical emergency which required a helicopter and there wasn't even a helicopter landing area on ship! The helicopter had to hover and drop a basket! Think I'll stick with RCI!