Stateroom Accommodation

All cabins feature attractive decor in pleasant, if a bit bland, earth tones. They are air-conditioned, have twin beds that convert to a king, new flat-screen colour TVs showing Carnival programming, regular TV and both free and pay-per-view movies, a vanity area with drawers, a safe, a hair dryer (in a desk drawer), mini-bar and a phone. Bedside lamps provide enough light to read by. Cabins are fitted with Australian power points. Closets provide ample storage space, but the hangers are the kind that can't be removed from the rod. You can ask your steward for more, or bring your own hangers if it's important to you.

Dining Options

Empire Restaurant (Decks 2 and 3): The 1,300-seat, two-deck Empire Restaurant has an over-the-top splendour, with ceiling domes painted with murals and hung with crystal chandeliers. Even the large portholes are trimmed in gold, and the grand circular staircase is decorated with a sculpture of Napoleon at his coronation. Flanking the entrances are pilasters in the form of female statues. Passengers can opt for assigned tables at one of two dinner sittings (5:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.) or choose Your Time Dining, open-seating on the starboard side of the upper level, anytime from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. There are tables for two, four and six, but fewer than usual for eight or more.

Daytime and Evening Entertainment

Pharaoh's Palace (Deck 2): The three-level Pharaoh's Palace show lounge is decorated with hieroglyphics, 6-metre-tall stone figures and sarcophagi inspired by King Tutankhamun's golden mask, to set the scene for Vegas-style revues and guest comedians. Seating is in comfortable high-back theatre chairs, but bring a wrap or warm jacket -- as it can get quite chilling with the air-conditioning turned way up in there. There will usually be two shows in this theatre every night to coincide with the early and late sittings for dinner.Carnival Cruise Line teamed up with company Playlist Productions to produce shows that embrace various eras and musical styles. Expect a band belting out 70s and 80s hits or a high-energy rock'n'roll pianist. Other solo acts may include singers, musicians, hypnotists and magicians.