First of all, we paid 1600$ for a familly of 4, 4 nights cruise over Christmas. I could not expect anything "grandiose" but I was pleasantly surprised by Carnival. Of course the buffet is not high quality food but the dining room is extraordinary for the price you pay! The service is always exceptional
If you have kids, Carnival is the WAY TO GO!!! Camp Carnival was amazing, they even take your kids to supper, which other cruise line do not. To make sure your kids let you party at night, they organise "kids partys" with the Club. Yes you have to pay babysitting fees after 10PM but you get a night alone with your hubby.
The shows were interesting. They had a stand-up comic from Ohio...Oh my god he was funny!
Our Cabin was big enough. Really quiet. Two upper bed folding from the wall. The steward took care of the beds (down at night, back-up in the AM)