For my first ever cruise, I booked over a year in advance to ensure that I could secure two adjoining rooms. I traveled with my wife and three kids age 18, 15, and 13.
The rooms were larger than expected and Windows were much bigger than expected. Food was excellent. Service was top-notch.
A Hurricane prohibited access to our destination ports and Carnival gave us a choice of a 110% refund after a free five-day cruise, food, and lodging, or we could stay aboard and go to alternate ports and then walk away with a free cruise certificate and $200 per room credits. The certificate had an 18-month expiration date.