We have sailed many times on Carnival, but have been sailing other cruise lines, recently, for a change. We chose this cruise because it was a chance to try out the new Carnival Vista while going to our favorite island, St. Martin. Well, that didn't happen, due to Irma, so our itinerary was changed. Still, we got to see Carnival's new Flagship. We were not only unimpressed, but depressed. Carnival is sticking to it's policy of sticking more and more people on their new ships, while keeping common areas to a minimum. Generally, these areas (lounges, showrooms, casino) were too small for the amount of people they place on the ship.
Timing of shows was difficult, too. The "Welcome Aboard" show was one time only at 9:00. Our 8:15 dining time wouldn't allow us to go, or I suppose Carnival expected us to skip meeting our dining team on our first night to see their show. We never made it to the late comedy show. We would rush to the lounge for the 9:30 show after dinner, to be told that the room was full and no one else could enter. Several of us in late dining had this same complaint. I would strongly suggest that future cruisers stick to early or anytime dining, as the late dining will keep you from most of the shows.
The casino was cramped to the point that the one poker table was placed in the sports bar, and we were always fighting for a seat at one of only two low denomination blackjack tables. The promenade and mezzanine decks were tight. I miss the grand atriums, spacious promenades, and glass elevators. Carnival seems to be leaving those amenities to other cruise lines.
Cabin was nice. We had a balcony on deck 8 just forward of the aft wrap balcony. Balcony, itself, was wide, but very narrow. Only had two chairs and a small table on the deck, although it was wide enough for a chaise lounge. A little disappointed in that.