BTromboneFrack

Mistakes happen. Making it right is the key to quality.

Started with Carnival back in the late eighties and early nineties. When Disney came out with their ships, we had to go. So, we went on the Magic four times when prices were still pretty normal and our kids loved those cruises. Disney ALWAYS does it right. So, when the boys got older we thought we'd try a Carnival cruise because we like the itinerary. I was scared because it was the Paradise and it was older and I kept thinking that nothing would compare with Disney. HOW WRONG I WAS --- That Paradise trip was amazing. We actually liked the food better, and while we didn't have all the Disney perks, it was a GREAT cruise. Nowadays, I wouldn't even consider Disney, even if my kids were young. I'm sure Disney still does it right, but the cost has REALLY jumped up --- and there just isn't THAT much difference in the ocean.

Being a teacher from Michigan, I've done a lot of Christmas cruises. Love them all. Yes, there are lots of kids, but I haven't noticed it being too much of a problem. The complimentary champagne as you board helps take the edge off. Christmas and/or New Year's on the ships is special. Everything is decorated, and, of course, on Carnival, that means there are even MORE colors.

Several years ago, my DW wanted us to decorate a tree in our house, even though we were going to be gone for Christmas (Our kids are grown and out of the house now). I refused (bah, humbug) because it was so much work. However, that Christmas eve, sitting on our balcony, sipping wine in a tropical port while another ship came pulled in, we could see 5 Christmas trees on the other ship. We both agreed that THIS was the way to celebrate Christmas.

Went on the Paradise back in 2003 right after a four time stint on Disney and I was worried about how it would compare. It actually turned out to be even more enjoyable than our Disney trips, and they were excellent too. So, now we're on the Paradise once again in 20 days. Good to hear its still serving up the good times.

When I was 5, my parents just took me to the boat without telling me. That was a great surprise.

Surprised our kids twice. The first time, when they were younger, we went to the TA and got one of their paper models of the Disney Magic they used for promos, wrapped it up, and hung it from the ceiling as a Christmas present. The rule was they had to unwrap that present last. When they were older, we made a collage full of hints, such as how long the ship was, it's weight, how fast the ship went, how many people were on it, etc. It was fun to see the wheels turning in their heads when they tried to figure it out. Have fun. They will remember it forever.

Yup, hooked bad. I even follow where the great lake freighters are going. Can't ride them, but wish I could.

12 cruises 77 days at sea -- soon to be 14 cruises and 89 days at sea.

Really liked the chocolate. It was a nice treat, but most of why I liked it was because it was something special that I didn't expect on my first few cruises. Didn't get chocolate on my Conquest cruise a few years ago, but I got the same "kick" when our room steward kept our beverages on ice throughout the cruise without us having to ask for it. That little something extra, whether it be chocolate, good service, or a very friendly staff, is what I remember.

It is all about what one looks for in a cruise. The the past several years, the cruise industry has been cutting back on many aspects of their cruises. One can argue that Carnival has led the way with this, and it has not hurt their business. Cutbacks which I expect Carnival to do in the near future would include:

 

1) Cabin Service: Will be done once at the start of the cruise. You can have the option (for a surcharge) of daily service

2) Main Dining Room: Surcharge for eating in the MDR, with a greater emphasis on the cafeteria still lido deck

3) Broadway Style Production: Surchage to see them

4) Rooms Service: Will be available 27/7, again for a fee.

5) After hours dining: Will expect to see Pizza and Hamburger Stand open after 12:00 AM, again for a surcharge.

 

Will this work, I expect the answer will be yes.

Now THESE would be changes that would significantly change our cruise experience. I would definitely be looking for other types of vacations if the changes you mention would actually happen. However, based on what I've seen, I'd be surprised if we had to pay extra someday in the MDR, or pay to see a Broadway Style Production. That just seems like a "staple" that would be hard for the customers to go without.

Anyone bet on the new ship's name? Noticed while looking at the Vista's dining rooms, one is Horizons -- the other is Reflections.

More coming because they have to get rid of all those old clunkers.

That would be a shame, because there are a lot of us who enjoy the "old clunkers" and the price breaks they give us. I've been on the Paradise and the Ecstasy and LOVED our cruises on both. Never felt like was missing anything. Going on the Paradise again. And yes, we've been on some of the larger ships and Disney, so we know what else is out there.

And to your point of what's been added:

• Sea day brunch (with filet mignon);
  
• Guy's Burgers;
  
• Blue Iguana;
  
• Handmade, thin crust pizza;
  
• Mongolian Wok;
  
• Pasta Bar;
  
• Alchemy bar;
  
• Red Frog pub with its free games and live music;
  
• Crafts (yup - got to make lei's on our recent 5 night cruise with a very nice kit);
  
• Waterworks including multiple waterslides and splash areas;
  
• New tables so there's no more icky pink tablecloths;
  
• improved bed linens;
  
• Comedy club;
  
• Your time dining;
  
• Serenity areas;
  
• Hasbro connection including Hasbro the game show, Carnival tower (6 ft Jenga game), trivial pursuit, connect 4 tournaments, cranium, etc. plus a wide selection of games to play and use on the ship;
  
• Sports bar;
  
• Sea day BBQ;
  
• Red Frog Brew.
  

I can understand some people calling them cuts, but really, cruising on the non-luxury lines has just changed since the late 80's. We used to cruise Disney when it was new, and they are a great cruise line, but they sure are expensive nowadays. So, we've come back to Carnival and throughout enjoyed our time with them.

Some things I wish were still around, but I'm thankful for the new stuff too. I do miss the number of live musicians that used to be on the ships, but that its normal everywhere, even in Vegas. If it saves some on the cost of the cruise, I'll bring a bag of good chocolate and surprise my DW every night. Better I get the credit anyway.

I agree with BlondieB, the ship gets me to the ocean, and THAT will always put me in a mood to find the good in things.

In addition to the "additions" or "positive changes" listed above, here are some other thoughts.

• The rooms are generally much bigger than those in the late 80's.
  
• The ships are generally bigger and more stable (I remember getting seasick on my first cruise)
  
• Dive in Movies
  
• better TV's
  
• refrigerators in the rooms
  
• hairdryers
  
• Ice rinks,
  
• Bumper cars
  
• sky "bicycles"
  
• ships that more environmentally friendly (we used to see garbage being dumped into the ocean from the ship)
  
• Web sites with tons of information that only TA's had before.
  
• Teen areas
  
• little kids areas
  
• more and better excursions (I'm sure there are some bad ones)
  
• Balconies in most rooms, including Aft balconies and Aft wrap balconies.
  
• Improved safety measures (mostly technology, but this does cost to put it in)
  
• bigger/better bathrooms
  
• Carnival's mattresses are GREAT! Lots better than '87.
  
• more deck space
  
• more pools, more hot tubs
  
• In REAL dollars, the cost is way down.
  

Bon Voyage!

We are in our late 50's and we want to see Alaska on a cruise in 2018. My DW has MS, so our activity is a bit limited (cane, sometimes a wheelchair if we have a long way to go). We've done 12 cruises all on Carnival and Disney (when Disney was new and our kids were young). We've never had a bad cruise, so this isn't about leaving those lines. Its just that I've heard great things about Princess and Alaska.

I'l be reading as much as I can on Cruise Critic, but I'd love any advice that might be out there that we might miss, such as:

Do the one week round trip, or the one way trip and excursion week?

Best ships?

Any advice for mobility limited travelers?

Any advice about excursions?

What are the best balconies on the ships? (We LOVE balconies - like aft wraps).

How cold is it outside in the summer?

We're probably only going there once, so what are the must do's/must see's?

Any tips, thoughts, cool experiences you've had?

Thanks for your help from a new Princess cruiser - probably.

People cruising with Casino at Sea lose a lot more in the casino each cruise than two or three cruises actually cost.

Now, I'm sure that my casino gambling will eventually catch up to me, but I've been on eight cruise ships with casinos, only gambled a lot on two of them (8 hours - under $1000 each time) and out of those 8, won three jackpots totaling around $3000. Those other six cruises I probably spent a total of $200 combined. I also have been comped one cruise and been called for a BIG discount for another. So, I know I've been lucky, and I can't say this is normal. What IS normal? -----They got me going on a lot more cruises ----and most AREN'T comped.

We had Carnival transfers for Ecstasy out of Miami a few years ago. Carnival had their own desk and check in place. It seems like we just followed the signs, did our check in, got on the bus and got on the ship. Its the best way to go if you're flying in.

We'll be on our fourth aft wrap this Christmas, all on Conquest Class ships. We've been on deck 8,6,7, and now again on 6. While the wraps are a little different on each deck, we never really felt we were worse off on deck 7, which is a bit smaller. When it gets too hot outside, I just jump in our shower with my bathing suit and a towel. When I get back on the balcony, I can stay out for awhile with a wet suit and towel. Air drying while drinking a beer is a heaven!!! LOVE THE WRAPS!! It s a luxury, but my parents died young, so I'm spending the money now!!!

We've not been on as many cruises as some, so our high seas have only been about 13 feet or so. The rocking of the ship is largely due to the angle that the waves are coming across the bow. Both times when we were in rough weather, the waves were coming directly at us, and the ship barely moved at all. When we went to Aruba a couple of years ago, the ship rolled a lot more with much smaller waves due to the fact the waves were coming across our port side.

You can really enjoy the storm though, if you go down to the lowest open deck (Deck 3 on Conquest Class). As long as they haven't closed it off, you can get right out next to the sea on the boardwalk and watch the ship plow through the waves. You might get a bit wet depending on how the wind blows the spray back. Its really loud with all of the thunder and power of Niagra Falls. Really exciting!

Way back in 1986/87 New Year's Cruise -- our first one. We are sailing on the Festivale out of San Juan. On the plane ride down, there was a lady in her 50's with her 20 something daughter. The lady was telling EVERYONE what cruising was like -- what to eat, where to go, what time to wake up, etc., etc. She knew it all, and while its sometimes good to have someone who is experienced around, her constant advice was very amusing and somewhat annoying at the same time. My wife and I ended up laughing at the "know it all" behind us.

Fast forward three days into the cruise. We were at St. Maarten and getting back not he ship after a long day of excursions. Back then, the gangway was a stairway the raised up the side of the ship. You could watch everyone go up the steps as we waited on the dock. And then... there she was..... Miss "know it all" passed out drunk, being carried up the gangway by two guys. It took quite a while to get her up the stairs, but when she disappeared into the ship, she got a big cheer from those of us on the dock. Never saw her again. It must have been quite a hangover.

Been on the Conquest twice. Some don't like the decor, but there is something to look at EVERYWHERE on the ship. The impressionistic motive is in every corner, and, to me, its fun. We've had a aft wrap both times we were on the ship, so we spent a bunch of time there. Loved the steakhouse. We noticed all staff members said hello to us and smiled when we saw them. Very friendly crew. The Conquest ships are great. Been on the Liberty and this Christmas we're on the Glory.

Been on an aft wrap twice on Conquest in the past two years. No problems. No noise. No vibrations. Great view. Never noticed a sound except for the rush of the water. Enjoy.

We accidentally got a balcony on our first Disney Cruise. Our friends told us where they were rooming and we got a room next to theirs, but when we got on the ship, we found out they were in a completely different place on our deck. So, we found out what a balcony was like and will (almost) never go back. We say "almost" because we got a real good deal on the Paradise this summer and balconies are almost non-existant, so we'll deal with it and just find a place on the upper deck like we used to do when we were young.

You'll love the balcony. You may never want anything else after. There is nothing like walking out on your balcony on the first day, or waking up in the middle of the night and listening to the hissing ocean. Enjoy.

We've cruised a lot in December (teachers!). Most times, it is nice. However, one time we hit a front on the Disney Magic just south of Miami going north to Port Canaveral. The temperature was in th 50's, but we had a north wind -- and we were heading north, so we had a 40 knot wind we were experiencing. Brrrrrr! The hot tubs were too cold to stay in so we watched a movie and took some naps. Waves were BIG but it was fun to watch the ship plow through them. Hardly felt it all, because we were running right into the waves, but the spray was going up to the 8th deck. It kept getting colder. By the time we got back to Canaveral, there were icicles on the buildings.

Another time, we were coming back from Cayman on the Liberty, and we rounded the west side of Cuba. As we did, we hit a front that had come down from the States. The weather got cool (60's) but the wind made it much colder. But hey, its still a cruise. The waves were fun, the food was great, and there were lots of blankets. The last three years, its been nice and warm everywhere we've been, so I'd say take a chance. Good luck.

There is NOTHING like a balcony at night, after a great meal, drinks, and some fun entertainment. The balcony at night is the antithesis of all of the activity on the ship during the day.................The hissing ocean, lights in the distance...... peace.

GET THE BALCONY!!!!

We have also been on both and loved them both. Aside from the interior decorations and the Serenity Deck on the Liberty, they are virtually the same. If it was choosing between 4 and 5 day, I'd definitely do the 5 day, with as little difference as there is between the ships. We're trying out the Glory this Christmas. Again, same ship, different decorations. I'm expecting another great time. Hope you have a wonderful trip.

I have not been on the Valor, but the Conquest also has a lot of artwork. Make sure to look up in the atrium at all of the artwork.

The theme on the Conquest is art from the Renaissance period

I actually believe the artwork is from the French Impressionistic Period. Some might think it is overdone. I actually found it fascinating. From the Cruise Critic Ship Review.....

"Stepping onto Carnival Conquest is a bit like stepping into a 19th-century French Impressionist's dreamscape. Illuminated Murano-glass flower sculptures adorn the ceilings, and hand-painted replicas of Degas' ballet studios and Toulouse-Lautrec's Parisian theaters accent the lounges and theaters, while the main restaurants tip their caps to Renoir's "Lunch at the Restaurant Fournaise" and Monet's "Water Lilies" paintings.

It's a surreal juxtaposition, the high-brow art referenced in every nook and cranny of the ship contrasting with the leave-your-pretensions-at-the-door atmosphere that comes with every Carnival cruise. Passengers on Conquest are ready to shake off the concerns of their everyday lives and just let go, relax and have fun. To have the best cruise experience, you've got to do the same."

We've gotten FTTF on the last several cruises because that extra time on the ship before we depart is, for us, some of the most exciting time on the ship. We love to explore and enjoy our pre-trip drinks knowing the whole trip is in front of us. We have also enjoyed the priority guest services line a few times. My DW's MS has been kicking up lately, so standing in line is not a good thing. We have also been on Christmas break before we go back to teaching, so every second counts.

However, we are doing a 5 day out of Tampa in July and we'll be on vacation prior to the cruise, so FTTF is not necessary there. No rush to do anything, and with it only being a 5 day, the priority guest services lines won't be as much of an issue.