We had an aft balcony on Deck 9 just below Lido deck. We had smokers on both sides and because there was not a positive air flow on the back like you would have on the side balcony, we were driven back inside because Carnival allows smoking on balconies. Also we constantly heard chairs moved around above, sometimes waking us.My recommendation is DO NOT get aft balcony on the deck 9 or if smoking bothers you. Guest services could not do anything for me since it was allowed. I suggested to have smoke free decks or smoke free ship but they were afraid to alienated the smokers.
The cabin service and dining staff were excellent. Curiously, we were seated with french speaking Canadians on the second night. They were not happy and were moved to 2 person table. We met new friends who wanted early seating and the maitre D' moved us to a table for all of us.
We had 3800 passengers and there was a lot of hurry up and wait on excursions.
Cabin 9476 was noisy because below Lido Deck with chairs and tables scooting around all hours of the day and night. Also poor ventilation on balconies caused us to get smoked on from both sides.