My daughter and I took a four day cruise to Key West and Cozumel. We had a balcony room which was spacious and comfortable for the two of us. I spent most of my time at sea reading on the balcony. Most of the time it was quiet and pleasant. Except for when our neighbor came out for his cigarette break. (which was quite often!). I am assuming that because we were downwind we got most of the cigarette smoke. We had your time dining which worked quite well for us. We would get to the dining room around 7 pm and never had to wait. I am assuming they put all of us free time diners on the second level of the dining room where there were no windows. Also, the waiters were fairly attentive as long as it wasn't busy. I couldn't tell you what the maitre d looked like as he never stopped at our table. The food was okay. I have had better on past cruises. I did notice that the buffets seemed to offer more dessert choices and people had piled their plates with food. Maybe that is why the dining room was not packed every night. The ship was full and they said there were over 700 kids on board, but we really didn't notice them. Besides the buffet lines, the major waits were getting on and off the ships at the visited ports. I was surprised that there was such a long line to get back onto the ship. I had never seen that before. On board, there did not seem to be any shaded outside areas to relax and read a book. All of the lounge chairs were in the sun surrounding the pool and all the activities that go on around it. That is another reason I particularly enjoyed our balcony. The ship seemed to offer things for all generations. We saw every age on board and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. It was a typical Carnival Cruise. Great for a short break.