I have cruised the Med, the Baltics, Panama Canal, Alaska, Caribbean, and more on Carnival (and other lines), including a British Isles cruise from Dover on Carnival Legend (a sister ship to Carnival Pride), and not once, as in never, have had a cruise like what some allege. We did a b2b2b on Carnival Splendor that ended, started, and ended in Dover.
These are not normal times, the pandemic is still out there and there are supply chain issues and other factors outside of any cruise line control.
As with other cruise lines, of course Carnival has a discounted air program - Fly2Fun.
My first Med cruise (not my first cruise to Europe) was on Carnival, even before Carnival Splendor. I flew to Europe not even knowing my cabin assignment - the porter had to look up my cabin and write it on blank luggage tags at the port. No worries and one of the best cruises ever.
I don't understand the blinders some wear, but that is their problem. I suppose if you aren't young at heart. As Frankie sang -
Fairy tales can come true It can happen to you if you're young at heart For it's hard, you will find To be narrow of mind if you're young at heart…