I find it kind of funny to hear the reference to Carnival being the K Mart of cruising, because on the RCI Mega ships one of the most popular features is the "Promenade".... which I equate to the local mall. I sailied the Explorer in 2001, and since that time I've avoided those RCI ships as well as her large sisters.
I found that you have to fight to find a place on those ships to get a view of the water. You pretty much had to go to the pool deck before you found a spot to look out at the water.