As a big Carnival fan over the years, it pains me to write this review. The experience was not what it used to be! Most staff members were friendly and customer service-oriented, but not to the level of past cruises and I did encounter exceptions to customer friendly service for the first time on this cruise. Getting drinks around the pool area was a challenge, something I've never encountered with Carnival. They used to have staff circling constantly to offer drinks. On this cruise, when I gave up in desperation waiting for a drink at my lounge chair, I walked to the bar to get my own drink and had a ridiculously long wait to get a drink from a surly bartender who never uttered a word or smiled! I'm guessing the apparent staff cuts are causing overworked and unhappy workers. Food was excellent as usual for Carnival, though the breads at dinner were not as fresh and warm as in the past and on this cruise we had to ask for breads and pastries when breakfast was ordered. It appears the days of waiters circulating at breakfast to offer fresh bread and pastries is over. On multiple occasions, the waits to get served in the dining room and at the Pizza place were totally unacceptable. Overall, still a fun vacation experience if we don't try to compare to ten past Carnival cruises - I admit they spoiled us in the past - but cuts everywhere were quite evident. It looks like they are trying to replace people (quantity and talent) with technology on the stage shows, but that isn't working. Also, the comedy talent was not the quality of past cruises. I do give Cookie credit for being an outstanding cruise director! I would honestly be willing to pay a bit more to get the old Carnival experience back!