We chose the Mardi Gras as it was a new ship (at the time of booking) and we had previous good sailings on Carnival we booked a year in advance and the ship had been sailing for about a year when our sailing occurred.
Embarkation was chaotic but non eventful Lines moved quickly. We are huge fans of the new muster station check in.
Be prepared There are so many people. Almost too many people. A ship this size this is to be expected but the elevators were ALWAYS overcrowded and I mean ALWAYS.
We had an extended balcony cabin on Deck 15 I felt the size of the balcony was great but sadly the chairs provided did not recline at all Seemed like such a waste of space to not have chairs that reclined and at least a foot rest . We did bring an Eno and that fit beautifully on the extended balcony