The experience is what you make of it. Yes, they are rowdier and lots of partying BUT it is what you make of it. I am around the partiers; I am not a partier. I like going to the pool, dinner, shows, comedy shows and a drink or 2 at the bars. I am not up all night partying, I am not drunk walking around the ship, nor am I fighting with anyone. I am enjoying my vacation time and making the best of what I want for it, which is the majority of cruises. There tend to be more kids of all ages running around on Carnival. Carnival is usually a good price point for a decent vacation. I live across from the Tampa port (I literally walk my bags to the ship) and my options are Carnival, Norwegian, Royal and now Celebrity. I have branched out and have gone to Port Canaveral and next one is Ft Lauderdale to cruise. While Celebrity is by favorite, Carnival is my go to, Royal is next and I tried MSC last year and loved it!