We have cruised a number of times (about 8) on different cruise lines with and without our children. The programs for the older kids aren't that interesting and our kids (14 and 11) didn't care to spend much time participating. Will definitely have to consider taking friends for them next time. Our cabin was typical for a balcony and nothing special about it, however, I did like the linens and pillows so that is something. Our experience in the dining room was fantastic! We had reserved seating at 6pm and love, love, loved our waiters Sam and Triana as well as Nan(sp?). They were helpful, fun and really made us want to come back every night. The food was great, but the service made everything wonderful. The shore excursions we chose were fantastic - Push, Pull & Swim with Dolphins along with the Turtle Farm in Grand Cayman, Beach in Mahogany Bay, Honduras as well as B.O.S.S. underwater scooters, Jaguar Cave Zip lining and Tubing in Belize (our guides Sam, Moses and Jose were exceptional). Really hate that Carnival adds the gratuity on to the kids sea pass cards which then cuts off their spending limits - they really need to change that. Hated waiting in long lines at Guest Services to take care of kids cards, gift cards, etc. Waited the next to last day because on the TV in our room as well as the kiosk it doesn't show that the gift card we added at the beginning of our cruise had been applied. Could only see if on the print out from Guest Services - a complete waste of my time when I should have been enjoying my vacation. The entertainment was ok. Wasn't that impressed with the exception of the young man who sang most evenings on Deck 4 near the bar. He was wonderful. Caught a couple of comedy shows and they were good too. Really, really, really wish Carnival would enforce the no unsupervised kids in the hot tubs/pools. My daughter had her head jumped on and there were kids diving with goggles on in the hot tubs - really annoying. Really makes me not want to hang out on the Lido Deck because there is no peace. Would have loved to move to the adult areas, but with a 14 and 11 yo not much you can do. The dive in movies at night were nice and glad they had a couple of showings for the older kids. Guys Burger Joint is a must not miss and the Fish and Chips was a nice surprise once we found it. Really didn't enjoy the layout of the food stations though and they should do something about that.- really long lines for breakfast and lunch - hate having to fight for food while on vacation. Getting on and off the ship was easy although at the end of the trip the lines at customs were horrendous. Not sure Carnival had anything to do with that, but there were only 2 custom officers for an entire ship! Unbelievable. Thank goodness we had an evening flight home!