Hi willisonboard and welcome to CruiseCrazies.
I think that you have probably talked to the wrong people about Carnival. I'll be willing to bet that most people who have sailed on Carnival probably like it. We have dailed on Carnival, RCCL, and Princess and have found that they really have much more in common than not. I have found things that I liked and didn't like on all 3. I can't believe that on a 1st cruise, you can go wrong with any of the cruise lines. Even our worst cruise was great.
BTW, ask our fearless leader, Cheryl, what she thinks of Carnival. Enjoy! :grin: