What could have been a tremendous, 5-star vacation was marred just a bit...

We had a wonderful time on the cruise with a two major exceptions. 

The first pertains to the muster.  I know that some of these problems occurred because guests did not follow instructions, but even so the exercise was very disorganized and poorly handled by Carnival staff.   When we arrived on board the elevators were down for inspection, but undaunted we made our way up to the Lido deck for a bite and then to our stateroom on deck 10.  As advised, we watched the safety video to prepare us for the muster and were prepared.  At approximately 3:15 (we were to sail at 4:00) an announcement was made to make our way to our muster stations.  We complied, as did most others, and found ourselves among a mass of bodies on the 4th floor waiting for carnival staff to come to the muster area.  At approximately 3:55, a Carnival employee instructed us that they were not ready for us and we should return to our staterooms - remember we're on deck 10 with the elevators down for repair/inspection.  We complied with the instructions and arrived back at the stateroom a little after 4:00.  After maybe 2 minutes in the cabin an announcement was made and we were again given instructions to report to our muster station.  Once again, we complied and were among the first 10-15 in line to wait, once again, for a Carnival employee to arrive.  After several staff members were present for our muster station (A), they opened the doors and allowed us to file out to our muster.  At this point we were scanned and told to stand in a certain location.  We did - for approximately 45 minutes.  Several in our muster station were older and had difficulty standing, however when they looked to sit down for relief they were told they must continue standing until all had reached their muster station.  There were also several announcements instructing us to remain silent during this 45-minute ordeal.  This is hardly the way one would expect to begin a long awaited vacation getaway

The second was when we chose to get a 'spatopia' couples massage on our first sea day.  We filled out the questionnaire and went through them thoroughly with our masseuses. My wife has a back injury that was clearly outlined on the form and discussed at length.  She has not had many massages and so, rather than complain, she followed the instructions of the masseuse.  When on her back on the table for the second half of the massage she was given nothing to support her injury.  When she tried to place her hands under her lower back, the masseuse would move them back to her sides - this happened more than once, but never was any support offered or provided.  After the massage was over, my wife attempted to stretch out her back, and was doing so when the masseuse walked back in to give their sales pitch.  We waited patiently, and signed the form acknowledging the service provided - the computers were down.  From there we headed to the Platinum Dining Room for brunch.  By the time we arrived, it was obvious that my wife was in serious discomfort - she had tears streaming down both cheeks.  I wanted to return to the spa to complain about the situation, but she would not allow it.  After a couple of hours, we were able to get her back to loosen up, but that is certainly not what I would have expected when we booked what was supposed to be a relaxing indulgence.