First of all the drink package is stupid. The fact that you have to buy your drinks the first day is a pure scam to get more money. I have been on many other cruises and with the drink package they only charged you for the drinks you ordered taxes not the full drink price. I was also disappointed with the fact that you couldn't order a bucket of beers and you were charged for it. Carnival should look at Norwegian's unlimited drink package and gear theirs more toward that.
Second, the food was very good. My family came across one hiccup at dinner one night. They ordered the the collosso seafood tower at dinner, a $60 charge and the the staff did not know of it and we're not prepared for it. It took over an hour to get and they did not get it til after dinner which it was an appetizer.
Third, the cleanliness on the ship needs to be addressed. In the buffet there were always dirty plates around and not cleaned up right away. In the hallways outside the cabins I seen on several occasions dirty room service trays throughout the hallway. I remember seeing the 2-3 hours after I passed them the first time. That made it seem that the ship was not doing well with their appearance.
I believe that the ship is very unstaffed. It took 20-30 minutes to get a drink at the bar. The staff seemed to ignore me. I believe that the way you run the drink package is the main culprit here.
The ship itself was beautiful. I thought the themes throughout were great. I did however find it to be a little confusing. I am just noticed to the layout, I am used to everything being down the center not along the sides.
I was that there was an adult only pool area not just a relaxing area with one hot tub.
Overall I did have a good time, it's just that carnival has some glitches they need to work out with the new ship.
Bridgett Baudille