Am I Going to Regret Booking with Carnival?

[PeytsMom]

Please keep an open mind when reading this question, as I really do not mean it to sound snobbish, etc. My husband, 10-year-old son, and I are booked for Carnival Fantasy for February 2011. We are Christians, do not drink alcohol, and do not party. I understand that the clubs are where the party is at, but will we be able to enjoy parts of the ship without being overwhelmed by intoxicated young adults (or grown ups)? Like I said, I know the club is not for me, but I am hoping the decks and pools will not also be a big clubhouse during kid-friendly hours.

 

I booked with Carnival because it ports out of South Carolina, and since I live in North Carolina, I thought it would be worth a try since since the travel to Florida is much more expensive. However, when I read some of the reviews, I get a little concerned because many reviewers speak of teens running around and yound adults intoxicated and using inapproriate language. Also, many reviews state the ship is very smoky all over even though there are designated smoking areas.

 

Again, I don't mean to sound hoity toity. I am just hoping for another great cruise!

[fig414]

How did your Monarch cruise work out? Were there any of the situations that you are worried about on that ship?

[BC Todd]

Open minds are required. But, it seems you have some of your mind all ready made up.

 

There will be drinking and even a few people who have over done it. There will be language that offends. There will be smoke.

 

These things are everywhere. Look for them and you will find them. Focus on your holiday and you will be fine.:)

[PeytsMom]

Fig414,

 

Actually my Monarch cruise worked out well. Smoking was only on one side of the ship and I never smelled smoke in any open doorways or hallways where the rooms were. If people were allowed to smoke in rooms, I could not tell it because I never smelled it. However, I recently found out you can actually smoke in the rooms on Carnival and I was concerned that the smell would go room to room. Also, since I've discovered CC, I've seen many posts that make Carnival sound like a party boat. I know people want to have fun and that's great! I just want to make sure there will be some low key, smoke free places on the ship besides my room.

[mariamherrera]

Hi!

 

I totally understand your concerns. me and hubby are Jehovahs witnesses and really christian as well we don't get drunk, smoke, swear, gamble. etc..

 

And we had no problems on both of our carnival cruises. The stewards do a fantastic job of cleaning the rooms and I've never smelled a hint of smoke ever in my cabin. once when I was on the balcony I could smell my neighbor smoking but I just went in side for a few mins until he was done and then returned later. The only other places smoke was an issue for me was the casino which I didn't use but did have to walk through on occasion and the upper floor of the dance. which I didn't' hang out it. we did go to the bottom half of the dance floor to dance and could still slightly smell the smoke above us.. every night we were dancing there was no belligerent drunk people grinding on the dance floor if that's what your worried about.. there are certain nights that will also draw certain crowds like there was 50's and 60's nights. or 80's night.. etc.. those nights tended to be more family friendly then lets say hip hop night- I think deck parties will be great for you lots of kids lots of dancing lots of fun!

 

 

EDIT:Oh I just reread your question I think I read it wrong the first time.. I thought you were looking to dance and have a good time with the family minus the debauchery part of it..LOL

 

 

to answer your question better

 

they do have a live band playing Caribbean music during the day time some times people will dance on occasion but it's not a huge party with people drinking or smoking. There was only smoking by the adults only pool on both of my cruises So if your in the kids area pools any ways smoking shouldn't be an issue there are big fun deck parties each evening but those are after dinner time where there is dancing and music but they are very family friendly like a conga line, the chicken dance, the electric slide, etc..

[fig414]

Smoking is likewise allowed on one side of the ship and almost all the public rooms are smoke free. Steer clear of the casino and the sports bar. I'm sure there were PLENTY of partiers on the Monarch and if you are going during in season time there will be the same on Carnival.If you keep an open mind, I'm sure you will be fine.

[Tapi]

Please keep an open mind when reading this question, as I really do not mean it to sound snobbish, etc. My husband, 10-year-old son, and I are booked for Carnival Fantasy for February 2011. We are Christians, do not drink alcohol, and do not party...

You'll be surprised at the number of other Christians that you'll find onboard! Some will be just like you, others will be the drinking, party, kind of Christians!

 

One of the biggest eye-openers was on a Carnival cruise where a Catholic group sailed with their own priest and scheduled mass at one of the lounges onboard. They asked if they could publish the mass on the Fun Times so that anybody interested could join in. The response was so overwhelming that they needed to move the mass to the Main Theater at the last minute! It was beautiful to see such an amazing turnout, with people of different denominations worshipping together and leaving their differences aside!

 

Our experience on Carnival has varied from very low key, quiet, and toned down, to a party filled atmosphere. It will be hard to predict what you'll encounter, but the best piece of advice I can give you is to go on your cruise with an open mind, fully knowing that you'll be sharing a ship with people from all walks of life with different ideas of what fun is.

 

Yes, some of them want to dance, drink, gamble, but that doesn't mean that you are forced to join them. Avoid bars and nightclubs along the promenade deck. That's where most of the "partiers" will be at night. Looking for a quiet area in the sun but away from the partiers? Check out the Serenity Area in the aft section of the ship. R-rated comedians not your cup of tea? Check out the Fun Times for times when the comedian will be offering family friendly performances.

 

Just like the partiers and drinkers will look for their kind of fun, those who don't drink or party will look for their kind of fun too. All you have to do is to know where to find it...:)

[Koval]

I think you will be fine.

As others have posted, you will run into some of that, where ever you go.

I often times have to say excuse me, to a rude young person,

and sometimes old person, when they don't know enough to keep

"that Speech" to them selves when youngsters are around.

So it is not just on a Carnival ship

I have been on 3 Carnival Cruises,

and do not remember anyone overly Drunk and obnoxious,

although I am sure they were there, maybe in the clubs?

The Cabins have never smelled of smoke...or the hall ways.

The pools have been crowed, and lots of very tiny suits, some on not so tiny bodies,

so you may have to cover their eyes, maybe yours too, if that is a problem.

But you would see that on your beach any given summer too.

Here is a key thing to remember as a Christian...

You do not know what anyone else is dealing with,

or where they are in their walk or lack of it.

I found, once I was less up tight with what others were doing,

and only concerned with my walk, everything was easier to take in, and even explain to the kiddos.

Enjoy your cruise, don't go looking for trouble, if it lands in your lap, go to another area of the ship.

I don't think you'll need to lock yourself in your Cabin.

[larkz]

I'm an atheist, but most of my friends think I'm a bit of a Puritan. I don't drink, don't smoke, have never used illegal substances, don't go to parties, and have only been in a casino twice in my entire life (less than fifteen minutes each time). I have no tolerance for boorish drunks, or outraged smokers who defiantly puff away in places where they've been asked to abstain.

 

I was entirely comfortable on both of my recent Carnival cruises, and didn't see anything remarkably bad. I found most of the passengers to be pleasant and considerate of each other. I didn't witness anyone who was stupid-drunk, although I think that's also due to avoiding bars and getting to bed early most evenings. There's a lot of space on a ship if you want peace and quiet. A Christian group met in the library one day while I was on board, and was kind enough to keep an eye on a video camera that I temporarily left behind, until I noticed it missing and went back to retrieve it. They had sent out a party to find me. I was unable to convert any of them to scientific skepticism, but they were helpful nonetheless!

[cruzzza]

I have never been on an RCI cruise, but I have had quite a few people tell me that Carnival and Royal are more alike than different. If the Monarch cruise was good for you, then I think you'll be fine on Carnival. We are Christians, and although we do drink a little on vacation, we don't "party" or smoke. Yes, at times I've been bothered by smoke, but usually this is only on the Promenade deck, where most of the clubs/casino are. We like things nice and quiet and as laid back as possible. We avoid the main pool area and don't hang out near the casino and we are good.

 

I will say that the shows, even the PG ones, may not be all that family friendly. At least not to me. My very devout Christian mother is taking her 3rd cruise with us soon. Yes, I have blushed many times while watching a show with her or because a drunk asks for directions or something. You can't stay away from it all. Still I think that overall, the cruise is such a great way to vacation that I can overlook a few negatives. I am reaching Platinum next month on Carnival and plan on cruising with them for years to come. I can't wait until the Voyager comes to New Orleans so I can see for myself how RCI compares.

[jenn_x]

I had to smile when I read your post because I reminded me of the occasional post from folks that want to party it up on the ship and were worried about being overrun by children. I think there is room for everyone and as long as folks keep an open mind and respect eachother, everyone will have a great time.

 

CCL is known for being a good choice for families, Im sure you and yours will have a wonderful time!

[Eeyoregon]

Please keep an open mind when reading this question, as I really do not mean it to sound snobbish, etc. My husband, 10-year-old son, and I are booked for Carnival Fantasy for February 2011. We are Christians, do not drink alcohol, and do not party. I understand that the clubs are where the party is at, but will we be able to enjoy parts of the ship without being overwhelmed by intoxicated young adults (or grown ups)? Like I said, I know the club is not for me, but I am hoping the decks and pools will not also be a big clubhouse during kid-friendly hours.

 

I booked with Carnival because it ports out of South Carolina, and since I live in North Carolina, I thought it would be worth a try since since the travel to Florida is much more expensive. However, when I read some of the reviews, I get a little concerned because many reviewers speak of teens running around and yound adults intoxicated and using inapproriate language. Also, many reviews state the ship is very smoky all over even though there are designated smoking areas.

 

Again, I don't mean to sound hoity toity. I am just hoping for another great cruise!

 

Just back from the Legend and had a great time and did not see any heavy partying and not once did I come across any smokey areas with the exception of the casino but that goes without saying.

 

One of the biggest, if not the biggest, factor for your cruise experience is when you are cruising. If you pick spring break months (March and April) or high peak summer cruises, you will enounter a lot more "rowdiness" and "partying". My 7 night Mexican Riviera during spring break was probably 50% kids (including college) but we were part of that percentage. My Legend cruise last month had virtually no kids because it was during school.

 

Also, the length of the cruise is a HUGE factor!! 3 and 4 night cruises are usually crazier because they are short and people have to pack all of their partying into a short amount of time. Party/booze cruises are a great long weekend get-away for a lot of people.

 

The ships these days are so large and offer so many activities that you can easily avoid things that bother you or are not of interest to you.

 

Happy Sailing.

 

Gina

[Eeyoregon]

I think you will be fine.

As others have posted, you will run into some of that, where ever you go.

I often times have to say excuse me, to a rude young person,

and sometimes old person, when they don't know enough to keep

"that Speech" to them selves when youngsters are around.

So it is not just on a Carnival ship

I have been on 3 Carnival Cruises,

and do not remember anyone overly Drunk and obnoxious,

although I am sure they were there, maybe in the clubs?

The Cabins have never smelled of smoke...or the hall ways.

The pools have been crowed, and lots of very tiny suits, some on not so tiny bodies,

so you may have to cover their eyes, maybe yours too, if that is a problem.

But you would see that on your beach any given summer too.

Here is a key thing to remember as a Christian...

You do not know what anyone else is dealing with,

or where they are in their walk or lack of it.

I found, once I was less up tight with what others were doing,

and only concerned with my walk, everything was easier to take in, and even explain to the kiddos.

Enjoy your cruise, don't go looking for trouble, if it lands in your lap, go to another area of the ship.

I don't think you'll need to lock yourself in your Cabin.

 

Hello over in Dayton from over in Salem :)! I loved what you wrote and how you wrote it...well said.

 

Gina

[nbsjcruiser]

The Fantasy is a small ship so if you're looking for a place to hide from all the drinking and partying, I'm afraid you won't find it. You either ignore it or don't go. Shorter cruises on smaller ships tend to be younger because its what they can afford so with that younger crowd will come drinking and the inevitable foolishness. Look, there's plenty that I see on larger cruises that make me shake my head. On our last cruise I saw a young couple so drunk at Grand Turk that they actually were vomiting on themselves. It was disgusting and is certainly not something I would do but in all honesty, its none of my business. I understand you're a God fearing Christian so let God be responsible for judging peoples actions; you should go and enjoy yourself. Ignore people who are doing things you'd rather not and you'll be fine.

[friedshrimp]

You'll be surprised at the number of other Christians that you'll find onboard! Some will be just like you, others will be the drinking, party, kind of Christians!

 

One of the biggest eye-openers was on a Carnival cruise where a Catholic group sailed with their own priest and scheduled mass at one of the lounges onboard. They asked if they could publish the mass on the Fun Times so that anybody interested could join in. The response was so overwhelming that they needed to move the mass to the Main Theater at the last minute! It was beautiful to see such an amazing turnout, with people of different denominations worshipping together and leaving their differences aside!

Our experience on Carnival has varied from very low key, quiet, and toned down, to a party filled atmosphere. It will be hard to predict what you'll encounter, but the best piece of advice I can give you is to go on your cruise with an open mind, fully knowing that you'll be sharing a ship with people from all walks of life with different ideas of what fun is.

 

Yes, some of them want to dance, drink, gamble, but that doesn't mean that you are forced to join them. Avoid bars and nightclubs along the promenade deck. That's where most of the "partiers" will be at night. Looking for a quiet area in the sun but away from the partiers? Check out the Serenity Area in the aft section of the ship. R-rated comedians not your cup of tea? Check out the Fun Times for times when the comedian will be offering family friendly performances.

 

Just like the partiers and drinkers will look for their kind of fun, those who don't drink or party will look for their kind of fun too. All you have to do is to know where to find it...:)

 

They were probably all getting their sins from the night before resolved! ;)

[Tapi]

They were probably all getting their sins from the night before resolved! ;)

 

I think that the "night before sinners" were still in bed. This service was on a Sunday at 7am! :eek: That made it even more surprising that so many people showed up!

 

...or maybe they hadn't gone to bed yet and were on their way to their cabins when they saw this "party" and decided to join in...:D

[Angileyze1]

I went on my first cruise with my mom this past May. I don't drink to excess, don't gamble and dont like the smoke in the lounges or clubs. That being said, There were so many other things to do, we were exhausted by night's end. We went to bingo, and the trivia games, we went to the shows at night, and ate in the dining room and steakhouse. We saw drunkenness more in ports like Key West than on the ship. (And we really LOVED Key West!) I found my time on the balcony at sunrise and sunset to be EXTREMELY spiritual by the way, and just marveled at how the universe was so beautifully created. Like others have said, if you LOOK for trouble, you will surely find it. If you concentrate on your OWN vacation, you will have a wonderful time. I was so blessed by the whole crew and their attitude. I was amazed that even the guys scrubbing the lido deck clean in the morning would stop what they were doing, to look you in the eye and smile and say good morning! It was a wonderful first cruise, and I'm happy to be cruising with Carnival again.

[H82seaUgo]

op ... you have a preconceived notion of carnival. I have never seen on board what you are trying to paint, on board.

but I'm sure by the end of the night, there are those that don't know when to stop, i'm sure you and your family will be engaged in counting sheep and sawing wood for many hours by that time.

[CruisingLPN]

I don't drink, smoke, gamble, or party, and I have loved my Carnival cruises. I was on Fantasy when it was still out of New Orleans, and I enjoyed it. My kids participated in Camp Carnival some and they loved Waterworks. The Serenity area was always quiet and peaceful for adults. As far as what you may see or hear onboard, I just make sure my kids know what's acceptable for them. They know which words are "bad words" and won't repeat what they hear. They know we don't let them wear 2 pc swimsuits, but they will see plenty onboard. You can't totally shelter your kids or they will miss out on some amazing opportunities. We have lots of happy memories.

[Sauer-kraut]

I don't think you'll be sailing during Spring Break time, so the obnoxious college contingent won't really be there. Are you going during some kind of school holiday for your son? The kids club will be better attended if it is, if not then there might not be so many children his age on board.

 

Don't worry, there are so many activities that don't require a drink in hand. I have played trivia, gone to pool side activites and karaoke in the evening. There will more than likely be a late night comedian BUT they will announce that it will be an 'Adult' theme and you can choose to go or not. Usually the comedian will do an all ages show earlier in the evening so you can enjoy that. The shows will be wonderful, and then there are the art auctions, enrichment talks, and many other things to enjoy on board.

 

Don't sweat the drunken, rowdiness reputation, the crowd usually depends on the length of the cruise (shorter = party boat) and the time of year you're cruising. Have a wonderful time! :)

[firefly333]

(shorter = party boat) :)

 

People say things like this and I wonder if they have taken short cruises recently .. I must be over the top tolerant .. as I have never thought they were just a party boat with a bunch of drunks on even my 3 day cruises. Maybe Im off having fun?

 

I had a couple of older seniors on RCL disrupt things I was doing, (I mean really senior, like over 70 at least) .. but never younger crowd.

 

what I am saying is people who post things like that .. no wonder Carnival has a reputation.. because people post saying short cruises are party cruises .. when they might or might not be? I think this feeds the stereotype.

[addicted to cruising]

You'll be surprised at the number of other Christians that you'll find onboard! Some will be just like you, others will be the drinking, party, kind of Christians!

 

One of the biggest eye-openers was on a Carnival cruise where a Catholic group sailed with their own priest and scheduled mass at one of the lounges onboard. They asked if they could publish the mass on the Fun Times so that anybody interested could join in. The response was so overwhelming that they needed to move the mass to the Main Theater at the last minute! It was beautiful to see such an amazing turnout, with people of different denominations worshipping together and leaving their differences aside!

 

Our experience on Carnival has varied from very low key, quiet, and toned down, to a party filled atmosphere. It will be hard to predict what you'll encounter, but the best piece of advice I can give you is to go on your cruise with an open mind, fully knowing that you'll be sharing a ship with people from all walks of life with different ideas of what fun is.

 

Yes, some of them want to dance, drink, gamble, but that doesn't mean that you are forced to join them. Avoid bars and nightclubs along the promenade deck. That's where most of the "partiers" will be at night. Looking for a quiet area in the sun but away from the partiers? Check out the Serenity Area in the aft section of the ship. R-rated comedians not your cup of tea? Check out the Fun Times for times when the comedian will be offering family friendly performances.

 

Just like the partiers and drinkers will look for their kind of fun, those who don't drink or party will look for their kind of fun too. All you have to do is to know where to find it...:)

 

I think Tapi sums this up nice...

I dont think your concerns have anything to do with the cruiseline as you can encounter all these issues on most cruiselines/ships. Ived sailed Carnival 6 times and about to board my 7th and of course I have run upon a rowdy group or two but overall I have to think real hard about finding any person or group that I was so offended by. I think there is alot to do and if you select the right events you will have a blast. I hear the piano bars are a blast...you dont have to drink to enjoy, sure others might be but overall its usually an older mature adult group having fun. I love the deck parties with my kids, gambling takes place in the casino so dont go in if that is not your cup of tea. There is plenty of room on a ship to find something that fits your needs. Your not in a bubble so Im sure you are going to run across a smoker, some drinkers that have had to much and some with nasty language ...oh and the scantly dressed, but overall I think those chances will be slim and you will have a very nice time. Enjoy your trip!!

[disneyden]

I understand you're a God fearing Christian so let God be responsible for judging peoples actions; you should go and enjoy yourself. Ignore people who are doing things you'd rather not and you'll be fine.

 

Well said, nbsjcruiser!

 

OP---Chances are, your child won't even notice those things that bother you. If you look for those things that bother you, you will most definitely find them. Don't worry about the things that you cannot control. If your child does notice some drunks acting stupid or vulgar, just use them as a lesson to your son as to why you choose not to live that lifestyle. Go enjoy your cruise:)

[Cruise_Dreaming]

People say things like this and I wonder if they have taken short cruises recently .. I must be over the top tolerant .. as I have never thought they were just a party boat with a bunch of drunks on even my 3 day cruises. Maybe Im off having fun?

 

I had a couple of older seniors on RCL disrupt things I was doing, (I mean really senior, like over 70 at least) .. but never younger crowd.

 

what I am saying is people who post things like that .. no wonder Carnival has a reputation.. because people post saying short cruises are party cruises .. when they might or might not be? I think this feeds the stereotype.

 

I agree, firefly, the length of the cruise and/or the size of the ship are not the defining factors of a "party" cruise.

 

Having sailed on the Fantasy for a 3, 4 & 5 night cruise as well as the Victory for a 7 night cruise, I did not find that the length of cruise or size of ship had any factor in what the amount of "partying" that was happening.

 

The preconceived notion that Carnival is the cruise line for lower class, drunk, gambling addicts that swear and all the other nonsense that is posted about is just well, frankly, hogwash.

 

As has been "discussed" so many times here on CC, the amount of money spent on a cruise is not an indication of the character of the cruiser, but rather, an indication of their own personality and preferences.

 

PetysMom, you will enjoy your time on board, if you can let go of the notion that Carnival Cruise Line is only for the party, drunk, swearing lower class ranks of society. Go knowing that you are on vacation and can make that vacation what you want it to be, yours.

[albean99]

I've cruised on Carnival, RCI, and NCL and it's all what you make it. We're not big drinkers and didn't dance on any of them and I didn't notice that Carnival is any more wild than the others. We just got back from b2b on the NCL Epic and Carnival Liberty and the only difference was the sports bar/pub on one was non-smoking but by the casino which allows smoking and the Carnival one was enclosed and smoking so we just avoided it. We have had cruises which drunk college students were a problem (RCI & Carnival) but that's because they were spring break and really only a problem during things like Karaoke which hurt my ears more than anything. :)

 

Smoking for me is the biggest issue and I do like that there are clubs that don't allow it so even if we have to avoid some areas there's still plenty to do. My favorite cruise ever was when the Carnival Paradise was non-smoking but unfortunately they had to end that due to not enough people wanting it years ago. I have to wonder if that would be the case now that so many more public places are non-smoking now.