For everyone reading this, please remember this is marketed as a Family Cruise so if you are not fond of children then maybe this is NOT the cruise for you.
My partner and I (no children) booked this last minute cruise and had read many reviews before we chose to go with Carnival. We were both extrememly surprised at how good a holiday it was. For the money it is great choice and will be booking our next cruise shortly.
Staff were fantastic, service was excellent. As many Aussies would know, customer service is lacking in Oz these days so it was refreshing to get some. Staff were always willing to help and I don't know how some of them do it as some of the monotonous would drive me insane!
Empress Deck 6, internal room, forward. Didn't hear any exterior noise, really only from the aircon and the ship engines? Would be happy to be in the same area again.