We took the Carnival Spirit the day after Thanksgiving to avoid so many children. Time boarding at the port was fast and well handled. We were on board in less than 30 min. Cabins were not ready so if you have carry on you must take it with you and that makes the Lido deck crowded. We had an aft balcony for the first time and will not do this one again. Soot from the smokestacks is all over the chairs and if you aren't careful your clothes are covered too. Our wonderful cabin Steward Clemente put new robes out for us every day. These cabins are also a little hard to find too. We will not be on top cabin deck again as there is lots of noise from the Lido deck day and all night and it starts early in the AM. Our cabin steward and his assistant were the best we have had so far. If we needed it we had it. Room service was fast and done well. They had a laundry special and it is worth using if you are not going straight home. Food was very good on all dining options. We ate in the steakhouse one night and it is worth every bit of the extra money!!! Food and service were fantastic. Our dining room staff Svetlana and Anita were wonderful but at times has too many guests to give personal service. The ports are not ones we will visit again. Alcapolco port is far from most stuff so book a tour or pay for a taxi. City is very dirty. Zihuantanejo was a fun place to go.. Plenty of stuff to do close to pier and no fear walking around the area. Manzanillavery disappointing, You dock in a shipping port so to get anywhere to shop or sightsee is quite a walk and the shopping specialist does not even have a map of the area and they do not recommend wandering on your owm. Casino needs better supervision as children apx 6-7 yrs were playing the slots with their parents. Hot tubs had many unsupervised children even adult only. Capitan even announced one day that children were not to be unsupervised on Lido deck at any time.Over all we had a good time and the ship was SMOOTH. No rocking at all. We would do this ship again as we were treated well and made to feel very welcome.