Hi EMG, we had a "not so good" experience on our last Carnival cruise, but a good experience on the next cruise. We did Carnival Dream when it was just out of dry dock and that week the ship seemed to be very understaffed. We also sailed the next week and (after watching about 150 crew board on turn-around day
) the service greatly improved!
I'd never judge a cruise line (or anything else, for that matter) by
one "not so good" experience, unless it was a matter of safety.
I think you and your wife will have a good time on your next cruise,