LibertyBella

I have been on at least ten Carnival cruises, but I have also cruised on nine other cruise lines many times. I think it is interesting to compare the similarities and differences across cruise lines. I believe you can get a little bored doing the same thing over and over again, so it is important to have diverse travel options. Sometimes I want a more elegant, formal experience (Cunard) , other times I want a superb itinerary (Celebrity, Princess, Holland America), sometimes I cruise with family (NCL, RC). I go back and forth, and am now trying to do multiple cruises per year across lines. We also do driving trips and tours, etc., so I have to juggle in the cruises in advance on the calendar. I cruise Carnival for the fun and casual times, and the convenient ports. Carnival is a more budget experience, but nobody can make you spend more than you want to spend. Everybody wants to upsell, even Viking (by charging a lot for pre-and post-hotel stays). I always say I am loyal to CRUISING!

I am actually a very elegant person and I always over-dress. (I have been cruising for decades.) I also try to match my fashion to itinerary. That means clothes, jewelry, shoes, bags, and wraps (and make-up) must all coordinate, and be appropriate for the weather and the location. I select every thing at least a month or more in advance. For formal nights I always wear a gown, unless I am on a cruise that is less than five nights. I prefer to have two formal nights on cruises less than seven nights. Every other night I also wear a dress, but the simplest dresses are on the first night (just unpacking) and the last night (packing everything up again.). When I am on Carnival, I wear more fun, trendy styles and husband will wear suits. If it is a tropical climate we wear bright colors and whites, and I wear open-toed heels. If we are in a colder climate we wear darker colors, and I will wear pump heels. This Summer we cruised on Cunard and husband wore his tuxedo both formal nights (just changed his bow tie), while I wore two long sweeping gowns, one of gold net and sequins, and one of white satin. For the regular nights I wore short dresses with sequins, categorized as cocktail dresses. I do like luxurious styles, and I have some dresses that are actually too fancy for cruises. We take lots of photos on every cruise! I never worry about what other passengers wear, just that I look my personal best, because that is how I enjoy my cruise experiences!

My husband and I had our caricatures done on the Cunard QE2 cruise to Bermuda in 1995. The artist was excellent, and I framed the drawing and I have it hanging on my wall. No, it was not free, we paid for it, but I am more than pleased. On my first cruise in 1974 on the Chandris Romanza, there was an artist who was doing chalk pastel paintings (again, not free.). Many parents were having their children painted. Many cruise lines have art auctions, and people pay a fortune to buy lithographs or prints which are created in the thousands. We have our photos taken on every cruise, but I certainly would pay to have more fine art representation, as it is a special and unique souvenir and memory.

So glad I found this thread although it is decades old! Yes, I sailed on the Britanis on a cruise to nowhere out of New York in 1983 or so, and I could NOT remember the name of the ship or the cruise line. I kept think I was on the Britannia, which of course is incorrect. An even stranger coincidence--my father loved Chandris and took us on our first cruise on the Romanza in 1973--two weeks in the Greek islands and the Black Sea. Then in 1976 our family did the Chandris Victoria in the Caribbean out of Puerto Rico. In 1992 my husband and I took the exact same cruise on the Victoria again. Yes, I have so many fond memories from those Chandris cruises, and I have become a very dedicated cruiser! Thanks to all of those who posted their many experiences! Cruising certainly does permanently enter into one's heart, mind and soul.

I am not the greatest swimmer, but I have gone snorkeling many, many times and have now become familiar with the experience. Second, my DH is an excellent swimmer and scuba certified, but he comes with me on the snorkeling trips. Can you swim? Can you float? Basically you are just floating/swimming in the water with your head down so you can see everything happening under you. The air tube sticks out of the water and you breathe through the mouth tube. Sometimes you might get salt water in the tube from a wave or if you dive down, and you will need to blow it out. Other times you might need to clean off your mask (use spit). The companies ALWAYS provide the equipment (fins and mask). Fins are awkward and heavy to pack and take with you, unless you are going to use them a lot. They are supposed to sanitize the equipment between tours. Husband will sometimes bring his own mask (better quality), etc., and he also has a wetsuit if he will scuba. He does not bring his fins for snorkeling. The tour company will take you on a boat out to more or less calm waters and stop there for a while. Sometimes they mandate everybody use a floating noodle or boogie board (husband refuses, and dives deep under the boat to show them he is at a superior level!) or that little ones use water wings. Pay attention to currents, and what is happening around you. Sometimes with your head down you cannot hear the people on the boat. You may get distracted by fish, etc., and lose track of time. You can also drift far away without realizing it. DH has a waterproof case for his GoPro and has taken underwater video, including swimming under me, and taking pictures of me snorkeling! The neatest thing I ever saw snorkeling were two ship wrecks in the Bermuda triangle. Usually only scuba divers get to see the wrecks, but the water was so clear I could see down to the bottom. Have a wonderful time!

I frequently go on different shore excursions from my DH, as he is scuba certified and always books scuba excursions in the ports that offer them. You just click on the name of the person for whom the excursion is intended, and pay at that point. You can look at the online calendar afterwards, and it should show the separate shore excursion bookings by each name.

I have been to Chichen Itza multiple times. It is an amazing archaeological site to visit, and is listed as one of the seven (new) wonders of the world. However, many of the structures are now somewhat off limits to tourists (no more climbing the main temple (El Castillo), and inner tours are by reservation), much of the jungle has been cleared away for tourist paths, etc., but it is still a great place to visit to learn more about the ancient Maya civilization and their astronomical expertise. There is a lot to see. The tour will be hot, and involve a bit of walking, so hopefully the cenote swim is afterwards. Usually there are steps walking down or for the more adventurous, you can jump or rappel. I do wear water wings, because I am a bit nervous in cenotes. The water was cool and refreshing. River tubing and Mayapan is a similar tour, although the site is not as large. Snorkeling and cavern swim is more or less the same as the cenote. My DH has gone cave scuba diving there, and they traveled underwater for a bit of a distance under the limestone surface. The other two tours are mainly just swimming, so if you do not wish to tour an ancient Maya site, you may find those more to your preference. When I travel to Mexico, my priority is to always visit archaeological sites.

I almost always tip cash additionally afterwards as a special thank you. I also pay the added-on daily tip fees. I do not feel I am "throwing money around," I am just acknowledging the socioeconomic differences between those who are cruising and those who are working, and expressing my appreciation. I have been on cruises for decades across many different lines, and have never had any service problems. We like when the room stewards acknowledge us and learn our schedules, when the waiters and wine steward bring us our orders every night without us asking (cheese plate before dessert, hot tea with dessert, same drinks every night.), when the maitre d' comes around and checks on us and everybody else, and so forth. I do not tip in advance, but I could definitely see how that could be helpful if someone had special circumstances--elderly or disabled and needing special assistance, or with very young children. For instance, my mother would want fresh ice every night before bed due to some leg issues. It could also mean you want your room serviced first, before everyone else, or some other special request above and beyond. Once I took my teenage nieces on a cruise, and they ordered room service chocolate mousse at least five times a day!! They piled all those little crystal dishes outside in the hall. Yes, extra tips were certainly warranted by the staff.

I am very happy!! I have a Bermuda cruise booked, and I am looking forward to NOT paying the fee or completing the form.

Right before the pandemic I bought my DH a new tux, as the one he previously had was purchased for our wedding and no longer fit, as we are nearing four decades of wedding bliss (we were skinny kids then). He always wore the tuxedo for NYE parties as well as cruises. DH was able to wear his new tuxedo on our most recent Cunard cruise a few times, and he looked great in the photos. He just changed his bow ties! Now I bought him a very nice tux at Bloomies, but my SIL wants to buy my nephew a tux for his upcoming HS graduation, and I told her to try SAKS Off-5th. They have a LOT of very reasonably priced tuxedos that you might be able to wear many times in the future, and you will know that hopefully the fit will be perfect, rather than take a chance with a rental.

Okay, I've been cruising almost five decades, have done Carnival many times, Princess and Celebrity as well, also adore Cunard when I want to dress up A LOT, appreciate Holland America, husband loves Royal Caribbean and all the activities, extended family swear by NCL casual vibes. (I've done them all as well as cruise lines that no longer exist.) We cruised on Cunard this Summer, Celebrity before the pandemic, will be on Viking this Spring, RC early next Summer, Princess mid-Summer. I am loyal to many brands! We love cruising!! Yes, I have been on many short (three-to-five night) Carnival cruises--New England, California, Florida, all without problems, as well as many of a week or longer. Carnival is a budget cruise line and tries to market itself to everybody, and encourages all to have fun. It is great for singles, couples and families, and most of the time the prices are extremely reasonable. The problem is NOT the cruise line, it is the behavior of travelers who: may never have cruised before, drink too much on vacation, drop inhibitions while on vacation, take the concept of fun to an extreme, or are going a bit wild after a two year lockdown. Would I cruise Carnival again? Most definitely, as we even have a Carnival credit card (ha ha). I try to match my cruise to my interest and desire AT THE TIME--do I want a cruise just to escape and have a fun getaway--do I want a cruise where I can have a nonstop sightseeing itinerary? --do I want a cruise where I can dress up and dine elegantly? --do I want a cruise where the ship is almost as important as the ports? ETC. I would never judge anyone by which cruise line they select-- I only judge those who say they don't like cruising (especially if they never tried it)!

And those who started cruising eons ago are very thrilled with all the new modern conveniences that never existed before! Yes, I cruised back in the dark ages way before the Internet, before computers, before color photos, before televisions in rooms, slept in bunk beds, had metal steps without carpeting, etc., etc. In the old days dining was a very celebratory experience with the flaming Baked Alaska, etc. (Try that with the fire codes these days.). There was only one dining room--no specialty restaurants. In my time I have met many cruisers who told me they could not even fit into some of their clothes by the end of the cruise, and I have seen people pile their plates high with food and leave a lot of it uneaten. I think it is great to charge extra for those who wish to exceed a normal food allotment. Those cruisers who wish to order three entrees plus every meal will probably not be cruising in the next decade as an unhealthy lifestyle will cut their time short. Plus the food waste is just too sad. Bravo to all the cruise lines that try to help their customers make better and healthier choices.

Inflation is a world-wide challenge. Cut-backs happen because companies prefer to try to survive rather than disappear. The travel industry is constantly evaluating expenditures and profits. Remember when luggage and seat choices were free on airlines, and full hot meals were served? Airlines are making record profits right now, because people will still fly even without all the extras. And cheap airlines came into existence because there was a market of need and want, and now even more people fly. Carnival is still a FANTASTIC bargain in the world of travel, and especially for cruising. But it has no need to compete with the other brands in Carnival Corporation, so those who want more luxury can just pay more and go to another cruise line. I travel a lot, and I have gone to more than a few all-inclusive resorts. But I rarely drink alcohol, and I am not a big eater, so they never lose money on me. I just like the resort experience, the big pools, the variety of restaurants, the palm trees, etc. I will never stay in an Air B&B, because trying to do a vacation as cheap as possible stopped being my modus operandi after I turned twenty-five (decades ago--believe me--I even hitch-hiked in Europe when that was still a thing!). However, I will still choose Carnival when I just want a cheap, fun getaway cruise, and I am not going to nit-pick over any changes, because I am away from home/work and relaxing!

I have been to Bermuda multiple times. What is your health and energy like? What are your interests--shopping, history, beach? Bermuda is a bit on the expensive side. I do like walking around Hamilton and shopping (take a ferry from port--cheap), but there are many other great activities as well. We have been on the catamaran snorkel tours ($75.00 pp), wreck snorkeling in the Bermuda triangle ($85.00 pp plus--super cool!), taken the famous homes and hideaways cruise, the bus island tour that goes to the fort ($85.00), the tour to St. George, etc. Husband has been scuba diving a few times, and will arrange it on his own if not offered on the cruise ($150.00 plus pp). We really, really LOVE the soft pink sand beaches, and we have arranged on our own Resort for a Day--lunch, beach and pool at a nice hotel (approx $100.00 pp plus transportation). There are several beach tours offered by the cruise lines, usually the famous Horseshoe Beach.The glass bottom boat ride is very low key and relaxing. I have also done a speedboat tour, which is extremely windy. Golfing, kayaking, and Segway tours are also available for those that have the energy, time and money.

My deepest sympathy for the sudden loss of your husband. May the special memories the two of you created over multiple decades--family, travel, togetherness-- help to comfort you at this difficult time.

I love both cruise lines very much. They are both upscale, sophisticated, elegant, geared a bit more toward adults, and totally capture the essence of traditional cruising with a modern approach. I have sailed on each line multiple times. They both also feature very creative itineraries, and strong shore excursion experiences. I book Princess and Celebrity when I want an excellent itinerary-focused cruise where I can tour and learn (Alaska, Baltic, Mediterranean, etc.). I sailed Celebrity in 2019, I will sail Princess in Summer 2023, and this year I sailed Cunard, much more traditional and formal, and also a strong contender for one of my favorites, though the activity level is a bit lower. I will also be sailing Viking in a few months. (I had a RC cruise booked for 2020.) BUT, I have also sailed NCL, RC, Carnival, Holland America, etc., and would not hesitate to book any of those lines when I simply want a fun, relaxing, easy-going cruise experience, especially in the Caribbean. I have, however, decided that I am simply too old to go on a Virgin cruise, as having a tattoo parlor available is of no interest.

I have not cruised on Carnival recently, but I am a cruise ship photo fanatic! I have been on approximately ten different cruise lines, and photo opportunities go like this: --Roaming photographers who take candids at various events (dinner, parties, casino) and around the ship (single shots/cheapest) --Posted photographers at embarkation and ports who take candids (single shots/cheapest) --Photographers at diverse stations (bottom of stairs, near flowers, etc.), at specific times, especially on formal nights, with different backgrounds (colors, scenery, ship), who will pose you and take multiple shots (more costly per photo). --Photography appointments In the ships's studio, or photographers who will follow you to locations of your choice, and take multiple posed and candid shots (more costly per photo) You are not required to purchase any photos! You can look at all of the photos in advance and choose which to purchase. You used to look at all the photos in hard copy, but many cruise lines are switching to online collections. Some cruise lines offer special prices if you buy multiple different photos. Many cruise lines will offer a USB flash drive with all your photos for sale as well. Some cruise lines used to create a video film of people on the cruise and sell it as well. Usually once you leave the ship all the photographs are destroyed/erased, so make sure you do not regret purchasing any favorite shots!

Caribbean news update regarding gang violence in Turks & Caicos: https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/gang-violence-surge-turks-and-caicos-related-transnational-crime U.S. State Department increases T&C to level 2 advisory this week: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/turks-and-caicos-travel-advisory.html

I would like to know if any of the writers on this thread are under thirty-five and/or single and looking for "love." Also, is there anyone who has never been on a cruise, Princess or any other line. Of course we are disinterested--we are already EXPERIENCED in life and cruising. Yes, I admit I watched the show, just for "cruising" entertainment. I was supposed to sail Regal this Summer, but they kicked us off for a group charter. I do want to see some of the Mediterranean ports, and I like the snapshots of the ship. I will be sailing the same itinerary next year on the Enchanted Princess. No, I am not a reality TV fan, nor did I meet my significant other through an online dating site or by swiping, or whatever else young people do these days. I am sure that having a free cruise to find a partner is unique and fun. By the way, I sailed the original Pacific Princess back in the early eighties, not at all a Love Boat experience. I will say the majority of the people on my cruise were senior citizens, and I was not even twenty-one. Guess what-- I hung around with all the workers-- crews, officers, band members, etc. I spent a lot of time on the crew decks and went to their parties. I did not become a die-hard fan of the Love Boat show, but I did become a die-hard fan of cruising!!

GT is not high on my list, even lower now with the tourist shooting. Of course, I did not sit at the port bars and drink, but went around and explored the island. The high poverty makes it a challenge to properly address needs, and crime is expanding, just like so many other Caribbean islands, sadly.

That is a very nice getaway cruise-- I especially enjoyed visiting Catalina Island! It was quite fun to combine a West coast visit with that cruise. (I live across the country, so rarely get over there.)

I am becoming more cautious because there seems to be more violence everywhere. In my lifetime I have taken the NYC subways late at night, hitchhiked around Europe, walked around by myself in Cairo wearing tight pants (a bit stupid), have gone to discos alone, rented cars and drove around Mexico, etc., etc., etc. All of those actions are of much, much higher risk now. I started cruising Carnival decades ago, but now I am reluctant to go on any cruise or go to any place that could turn into a bad situation. That means I double check time of year, itinerary, location, departure port, ports of call, and so forth. I also keep up with the news. I have crossed some destinations off my list as cruise ports of call, and now I am adding Turks and Caicos due to the tourist shooting this week. I applaud Carnival for making this policy so public to serve as an advance warning. I do think all cruise lines should consider a similar policy. I agree alcohol plays a role, but others lose inhibitions while on vacation. Parents who let their children run wild are pitiful. I think some people may need to be permanently banned from all cruise ships.

The original Love Boat show generated lots and lots of interest in cruising. Yes, I sailed on the Pacific Princess back in the early eighties, and the onboard experience was not quite like the show (ha ha). This new version uses the reality show style to continue the concept. It is filmed live on the ship during real cruises. I have read that a few other Cruise Critic writers saw some of the filming while onboard their voyages. It will definitely appeal to the younger set, who may be the target audience that Princess really wants to attract to the cruising world. Part of choosing the big name cruise line ships is enjoying all the many unique activities. In this day and age of public online sharing, younger people really like to be a part of the action and attention. Sure, I will wear my gold and white and stop in at the party--why not?

I have no idea the salaries of porters and those who push the wheelchairs, but I could not imagine that they are overly high. I have seen the porters struggle with huge, heavy bags in very hot weather as they put them on large carts, and then had to push them to the mini-truck. Those jobs are very physically demanding, and even though we are both in great shape, neither DH or I would ever be able to do a job like that full-time! We tip at least &10.00 for two bags to the porters, and if I had to have a wheelchair, $10.00 per person pushing me would be the minimum. My MIL was in a wheelchair for a few years and cruised frequently, but my SIL did all the pushing.

Hello HH! SO SORRY to hear your DH has come down with Covid while you are cruising. After two and a half years of non-stop precautions, getting vaxxed and wearing masks, using sanitizer, getting tested weekly (due to work requirements), DH and I did some limited traveling, but continued to expand--going on multi-day driving trips to hotels across the country, flying to Colorado for a ski week in March, cruising on QM2 in July, weekends at the beach, etc. and yet remained completely healthy. Then lo and behold I caught Covid at a neighborhood community dinner last month. (Nobody has been wearing masks anymore for months.) It was like a bad cold, not overly severe, but it was nice to be home and stay in bed. Many people say the newer variants are much easier to catch. My DH did NOT make me quarantine (ha, ha--only one bed with the great mattress) and he remained free from the virus. Probably my biggest fear was making sure my pets did not catch it, as I am not sure how strong their immune systems are against this disease. I know that it was very disappointing to have your cruise interrupted! It seems Covid may be with us for a while now, it is almost impossible to contact trace anymore, and for those with mild or no symptoms, it seems a bit unfair to have to isolate so rigorously when others who are ill may say nothing. However, I am sure it is great just to be back on a Cunard cruise ship and on the water. I can honestly say that illness is sometimes a part of travel--yes, I are bad pork in Spain, drank the water in Egypt, and ate ice cubes in Mexico, and the outcomes that I experienced from those choices were truly regrettable, but I am still traveling. So you are having an adventure--and you will certainly have some unique memories years from now. In any case, enjoy the rhythm of the sea, the fine dining, the stars in the sky, the interesting ports, and the time together. This is only one cruise out of hopefully, many, many more. Best wishes!!