After cruising many other lines, we did our first Carnival cruise this June to Norway. I'll admit that I was apprehensive because of all of the negative things I had heard beforehand. I shouldn't have worried! We had the cruise of a lifetime! The other travelers were mostly fine and friendly except for a very few. What I noticed most was the casualness of the dressing. I am very much in favor of that, but also enjoy seeing some dressed up in their finest. It was great. There were about 5 people however who seemed to be in poverty by the look of their apparel. Not only was it shockingly old, but noticeably dirty as well. I could smell urine as they passed by--sooo disgusting.......One man in particular stood out--He had a white sleeveless tshirt (filthy) with farmer jeans (also filthy). Another woman (not with him, also had similar dressing pattern and smells. I am an RN, so it takes a lot to ruin my appetite, but they sure did spoil some of the ambiance for me. I debated whether or not I should say something, but my husband convinced me to let it go. We got up and moved to the other side. From that point on, I made sure we were not seated near them for the remainder of our trip and all went well. Yes, the food is not stellar, but there are certainly plenty of choices and you will not go hungry. We ate in the specialty rstaurant and at the Chef's table--Both were spectacular and very well executed. Carnival exceeded my expectations and I am booked on another cruise in December.