This 14 day cruise was our 30th overall and 19th with Carnival. I found for the most part a typical Carnival experience (good) The ship is kept spotless and the staff is the friendliest we have ever seen. Practically everyone greeted us with a smile and was very polite...The stage shows were IMO lacking. In 14 days we only had 3 musicals and one was terrible. (cowboy show) Other nights we were entertained by one person performances. The singers were very talented but didn't sing my kind of music. The bands in Ocean Plaza were good and drew a large crowd as did the numerous atrium performers. Lots of activities and Steven Schwartz (CD) was everywhere and very friendly. Kumba (casino supervisor) comped our slot pull and was also very friendly...The only thing I think that needs fixing is the smoking in the casino. Most Carnival ships have a Sports Bar but this ship had that at the casino bar, so I missed the games I would have watched. As an ex smoker I understand the smokers plight but the smoke makes me sick (I spent one day in my cabin after an evening in the casino) I remember Splendor had a smoking and non smoking section and it worked well. Anyway something needs to be done. The cutbacks are obvious to veteran cruisers. Room service once a day, canned music in the theater, (no band) less flashy stage productions etc. BUT, I still find Carnival an excellent value for my vacation dollar.