Is Carnival really a low income cruise line?

[djwood24]

Who cares what your income is....who cares what race anyone is

I think it is time for you to find new friends and take the cruise...have fun

[5waldos]

Well said, trust me we are far from snobby people but at the same time I don't want to be around people cussing and getting drunk, etc etc.

 

I am not so much worried about it but my other half is now JUST because we are a Interracial Marriage. Have you guys noticed other similiar couples on the cruise?

 

We are an interracial family- we cover 4 continents and colors ranging from palest white to dark chocolate- and have experienced no problems. There are certain venues on ships which tend to be more alcoholic- late night disco and karaoke for example- but this is true on many lines. I think you will enjoy the cruise- the ships are large enough that you really can tailor your trip to be what you want it to be.

[Herfnerd]

You've obviously done SOME research and you've booked Carnival.

 

How about going on the cruise and forming your own opinion? That's the only one that matters anyway - I bet you'll have fun in spite of your friend's "warnings"

 

Just curious as to whether they have actually cruised on Carnival or if they are going by rumors as well.........

 

And.....my fiancee and I do very well - and we shop at Wal Mart

[cruisenanny]

Well, I'm just a good ol country raised slice of beef.

 

IS wearing boots (slick bottom Justin Boots) dangerous, as in slip and falls?

 

Just stay away from the pool deck and you should be fine:)

One of my favorite things is a nice COUNTRY fried steak:D

Oh, and what girl doesn't love a cowboy....:o

[mondello]

I'm pretty upset 'cause they won't let me use my food-stamp card to pay at the steakhouse. Oh, by the way OP, she'd be your missus, not misses.

[divngmedic]

I really don't think Low Income people have money to spend on a cruise. Iwould say it's more middle class, not the rich snooty types !!! Just my opinion.

There has been several stories in the recent past about "EBT" (food stamp cards) being used on cruise ships, casinos and strip clubs.

[amysb]

My husband and I have cruised Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Princess and Holland America. We always believed the talk about Carnival and avoided them. Then I went with my DD on a 5 day Carnival, which led me to talking my DH into going on the Conquest in 2010. His comment after the cruise? "This was the most FUN cruise we've been on!"

 

I'm not trying to say we've hated any of our cruises, but Carnival just seems to suit us - more relaxed and laid-back, more fun on the ship. My husband (who turns 60 this month!) absolutely loves the slide :p, which I never would have imagined. Can't beat the price, either, which allows me to cruise more frequently than if I were going on X, for example.

 

I'm just sorry I waited so long before trying Carnival.

[jtwitch]

I really need some feedback on this topic. Me and the misses were discussing a cruise that we booked with some friends last night and heard more than I expected in the negative field about Carnival.

 

I have no opinion as I have never cruised before on ANY cruise line but they way they explained to me on several situations how they were treated and also the class of people on board. I am not rich by any means but we did book a very nice 7 day trip for 2 just under $5k (which I thought I was really going all in).

 

Not sure if many of you guys have experienced Walmart at 11pm-4am, if you haven't, it's more than your human eyes can bear.

 

Hope I booked the right cruise. :mad:

 

BTW, it is the Magic that we booked. AND they told us we should have booked Celebrity. :confused::confused:

 

I would call it "entry level" cruising... not low-income cruising.

At some point this year, I'm going to buy a washer and dryer to replace our old washer and dryer. I'm probably going to get the "entry level" model... because it has the features that I need at the best price.

 

Some people are very content to stay with entry level products... they meet their needs at an affordable price. Others choose to spend a little extra to get the next "model" up... whether a car or a stereo or a cruise.

 

Enjoy your cruise. Don't worry about what someone else thinks about your choice.

[ryanpatricksmom]

I think when choosing a cruiseline, it's more about the type of cruise that you're looking for as opposed to the income level of your fellow passengers.

 

I'm very fortunate to be able to vacation in whatever manner that I choose. I've sailed Alaska twice, flown there First Class, only to sail Carnival when I got there. My airfare was more expensive than my cruisefare. For me, it's important to be comfortable, hence the $$$ are best spent on the flights back and forth and some extraordinary excursions (glacier helicopter landings, etc.). I don't feel as if I reap any greater benefit by sailing a more upscale line. Having said that, I stopped eating in the MDR many years ago because I prefer a more relaxed vacation experience. On a cruise I ordinarily gamble, sit in the sun, explore the ports, and have some frou frou drinks. That's about it.

 

On land, I tend to book more expensive hotel rooms because they're cleaner and better located. Not an issue on a cruise ship. I eat at better restaurants when I'm home, where I'm already dressed for work or selecting outfits from my closets. Just not the experience that I'm looking for when I cruise.

 

If I ever did feel like cruising for the food and a more upscale ambience again, I would choose a different cruiseline than Carnival. For what I'm looking for though, it's just perfect. I promise on a Carnival cruise, you can't judge a book by it's cover.

[Warm Breezes]

I really need some feedback on this topic. Me and the misses were discussing a cruise that we booked with some friends last night and heard more than I expected in the negative field about Carnival.

 

I have no opinion as I have never cruised before on ANY cruise line but they way they explained to me on several situations how they were treated and also the class of people on board. I am not rich by any means but we did book a very nice 7 day trip for 2 just under $5k (which I thought I was really going all in).

 

Not sure if many of you guys have experienced Walmart at 11pm-4am, if you haven't, it's more than your human eyes can bear.

 

Hope I booked the right cruise. :mad:

 

BTW, it is the Magic that we booked. AND they told us we should have booked Celebrity. :confused::confused:

 

I have friends who do not like CCL either. Their preconceptions came from others and then they went on a CCL cruise expecting not to like it so they found things not to like. FYI they are loyal to Royal and those preconceptions came from other Loyal Royals. If we had listened to them and their opinion, we would have missed out on some wonderful cruises.

 

We are not loyal to any cruise line. We choose a ship (not a cruiseline) based on what we want out of a vacation. The factors we use in choosing a ship are itinerary, value, embarkation port, and the ship itself. The priority of these factors depends on the vacation. We do not base our decision on someone elses subjective opinion since that is based on their experience and their likes/dislikes not ours.

 

FWIW we have sailed on Disney, NCL, and CCL. IMHO the people on all 3 cruiselines seemed pretty much the same and I couldn't tell you if they lived in a trailer or in a mansion and I really didn't care. They were all people out enjoying their vacation, just like we were.

[WalkThaFreekinPlank]

I'm pretty upset 'cause they won't let me use my food-stamp card to pay at the steakhouse. Oh, by the way OP, she'd be your missus, not misses.

 

I would be carefull with your words. I'm sure somebody on here as family that uses food stamps and would take offense to that. HOWEVER I have been at Brookshires before and WITNESSED a spanish couple in front of me buying food with stamps AND then buying beer/cigarettes with cash. :eek::confused::rolleyes:

[funfamilyof6]

Well said, trust me we are far from snobby people but at the same time I don't want to be around people cussing and getting drunk, etc etc.

 

I am not so much worried about it but my other half is now JUST because we are a Interracial Marriage. Have you guys noticed other similiar couples on the cruise?

 

Maybe it is different where you live, I'm from NY, but interracial dating/marriage isn't such a big deal anymore. Yes, there are still the bigots in the world, but usually those types are frowned upon. Getting back to your question regarding how many similar couples onboard...the answer is the same as you would see anywhere else.

 

Have a great cruise and stop worrying about Carnival...you will have a great time! We usually cruise RCCL, but we are giving Carnival a try this summer and are looking forward to all of the new and exciting ports. :)

[Cruzaholic41]

I really need some feedback on this topic. Me and the misses were discussing a cruise that we booked with some friends last night and heard more than I expected in the negative field about Carnival.

 

I have no opinion as I have never cruised before on ANY cruise line but they way they explained to me on several situations how they were treated and also the class of people on board. I am not rich by any means but we did book a very nice 7 day trip for 2 just under $5k (which I thought I was really going all in).

 

Not sure if many of you guys have experienced Walmart at 11pm-4am, if you haven't, it's more than your human eyes can bear.

 

Hope I booked the right cruise. :mad:

 

BTW, it is the Magic that we booked. AND they told us we should have booked Celebrity. :confused::confused:

 

First off, Carnival and Celebrity are 2 totally different entities. Your friends know you a lot better than we do and if they suggested Celebrity for you, there is probably a reason and Carnival may not be your cup of tea.

 

In answer to your question - yes. I tell it like it is and if it offends folks, too bad. Carnival is the budget line of mass-market cruise lines. It is what it is and even the CEO admits it. CCL is about quantity more than quality. Yes, you can have a very good time on board, but to do so, you have to be very tolerant of large crowds and obnoxious party people. On Magic, the pool deck is very cramped and there is only one small pool. Good luck.

[okgirl]

I'm leaving on my 26th Carnival cruise in 4 days and I've met people from all walks of life when cruising. I often cruise with a group from Cruise Critic and some of them are medical professionals, educators, graphic artists, retired military, IT professionals, accountants and I'm an engineer.

 

I've seen very few people that seem to be from what I guess your friends are characterizing as lower class. I did sail with a family that were farmers.....they were multi millionares..........but he did reach into the bread basket and sifted through the rolls until he found one that he wanted.....I guess he just felt right at home.....my father would have done something like that.........

 

I think one of the things that I like best about cruising is meeting people from all over the country, that have widely ranging incomes and life experiences, but we all have that common experience of cruising and therefore a place to begin a conversation.

[yarlenna]

I have had about 50 cruises – 8 of them on Carnival.

If you enjoy cruising, Carnival will be a good line for you to start with.

Most cruise lines have LOTS of people on them.

Most main line ships have decent food - not great, but not bad either.

If you are foodie, or if you just want a great meal, try their extra tariff restaurants.

Know that cruises are NOT all inclusive. Most drinks will cost you extra.

The many of the people on the ship make their living by tips. About $12 per person per day is about right. These will take care of the people in the dining rooms (3+ meals per day) and the people who clean your rooms.

Don't let yourself miss the ship. It will not wait for you. I have seen lots of people running to a retreating ship. No, they don't come back if they see you. If they did, they would never keep their schedule.

The only thing that should go into the toilet t is toilet paper. If somebody drops something else into the toilet, it can back up the system for him and his near neighbors. The smell is not nice.

The thing most (if not all) sailors fear is fire. If you smoke, please take care to put it out.

If you looking for a lot of fun at a decent price, Carnival is a good choice IMHO. I hope you enjoy it.

[tipsy]

I really need some feedback on this topic. Me and the misses were discussing a cruise that we booked with some friends last night and heard more than I expected in the negative field about Carnival.

 

I have no opinion as I have never cruised before on ANY cruise line but they way they explained to me on several situations how they were treated and also the class of people on board. I am not rich by any means but we did book a very nice 7 day trip for 2 just under $5k (which I thought I was really going all in).

 

Not sure if many of you guys have experienced Walmart at 11pm-4am, if you haven't, it's more than your human eyes can bear.

 

Hope I booked the right cruise. :mad:

 

BTW, it is the Magic that we booked. AND they told us we should have booked Celebrity. :confused::confused:

 

Are your friends paying for your cruise? If not then they have no right to tell you where to spend your money.

 

We've been on serveral cruise lines; Disney,NCL,RCCL & Princess.

Disney & RCCL are wonderful, will never get my DH on another NCl ever!

 

Princess was the biggest disappointment we ever experienced on any vacation (holes in the blanket (yes told steward but there were no more to be had) mold in showers (again told it couldn't be removed) , employees' cussing in front of guests, many times, worst food ever had on a cruise, lounge chairs broken, disembarkation was a total disaster & a free for all and whenever said something to an employee, was told there was nothing could be done etc. This on top of the cruise being cancelled completely by Princess @ 5 mos before sailing and having to re-schedule all our plans - why? cause they decided to offer the ship to be used for a world conference that was being held at one of the islands that didn't have enough hotel rooms. So what is inconveniencing a few thousand guests so can make bigger bucks at that?

 

We never let outside things ruin our vac. we feel, that its up to us to make the most of our vac., to ignore the little things and enjoy what we're there for. Sights, relaxation, fun and appreciating being able to do it.

 

Bottom line, enjoy yourselves and make your own opinions.

[H82seaUgo]

I really need some feedback on this topic. Me and the misses were discussing a cruise that we booked with some friends last night and heard more than I expected in the negative field about Carnival.

 

I have no opinion as I have never cruised before on ANY cruise line but they way they explained to me on several situations how they were treated and also the class of people on board. I am not rich by any means but we did book a very nice 7 day trip for 2 just under $5k (which I thought I was really going all in).

 

Not sure if many of you guys have experienced Walmart at 11pm-4am, if you haven't, it's more than your human eyes can bear.

 

Hope I booked the right cruise. :mad:

 

BTW, it is the Magic that we booked. AND they told us we should have booked Celebrity. :confused::confused:

 

this started when they starting targeting their advertising toward the appalacian american.

 

downgraded the dress code, lowered the fares, and jacked up the liquor prices.

 

and they came.

 

just look at the bath robes in the mdr now.

[reginaphalange]

Go cruise and form your own opinion.

 

 

I couldn't agree more with this. When we first started researching our first cruise (which still feels so far away!), we heard so many things - both positive and negative - about every cruise line out there. We had to remind ourselves that not everyone is going to love every line and that we'd just have to give it a go and make our own judgements.

 

Beyond that, some people are particularly picky and always have something to complain about. :)

[skittl1321]

We cruise Carnival and we are not low income at all. It offers fantastic value.

 

 

We picked the cruise line on the recommendation of people who are millionaires many times over (I am not even close to being a millionaire...) They were very worried when they first went, having heard "Walmart of Cruiselines" as they are NOT Walmart shoppers- more couture from Paris kind of people, off the rack at Nordstroms is as cheap as it gets, but were going with friends. They came back raving. Sure, they could easily sail on lines like Crystal, but if Carnival was good enough for them, it is good enough for us.

 

We are not party people, and don't hang out much on the Lido deck. We've never had problems with poor behavior of others on Carnival. It isn't stuffy either, so it is just right for us.

 

 

I'd like to try other lines, but the price is putting me off. Why spend more to get essentially the same thing? We cruise for ports- and the port is the same regardless of which ship takes you there. (We plan to do Celebrity to the Galapagos next though. That will be pricy...)

[Jana60]

I really need some feedback on this topic. Me and the misses were discussing a cruise that we booked with some friends last night and heard more than I expected in the negative field about Carnival.

BTW, it is the Magic that we booked. AND they told us we should have booked Celebrity. :confused::confused:

 

I have not been on the Magic or Cruised with Celebrity but I have been on 16 past cruises, 8 on Carnival. I don't intend to address whether I or my fellow Carnival Cruisers are "low class" or "poor people" as I don't like that kind of class rhetoric. The facts are that on Carnival the standard inner cabin is 165-185 sq feet as opposed to 110-165 sq feet on Princess, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. Located in even the cheapest inner room on a Carnival ship you will find fluffy white robes at no additional charge for use during the cruise by the cabin occupants. You will be served Lobster on one formal night in the Main Dining room without any additional charges and they won't blink an eyelash if you order 3 of them! Carnival offers good prices for good value. They do tend to attract a more "fun" rock n roll dancing type as opposed to elderly ball room dancing types but it's all a matter of individual preferrence..NOT Class!

[CMHCruiseCouple]

You don't have to be low income/budget to be "low class". You will find this on any cruise line. Carnival is a great VALUE for what you spend vs. other lines. Sure, Celebrity and HAL are nice, but so is Carnival:)

 

The quote is spot on. I have had one cruise on Carnival and several on Princess.

 

My recent cruise on the Ruby Princess found me and others in a MDR near a large table of loud, rude and crass people. This continued to get worse over the first three nights of the cruise. We abandoned the MDR after night 3. (At least one on other person has commented on CC about this large group of drunken louts.) Unfortunately the MDR staff did nothing to stifle these folks - at least in my presence.

 

While an anomaly on Princess, I didn't have this type of experience on the Carnival Pride, either.

 

Class can be measured many ways and is not bounded by income.

 

Cheers!

[cruisenanny]

I have not been on the Magic or Cruised with Celebrity but I have been on 16 past cruises, 8 on Carnival. I am a physician but I don't intend to address whether I or my fellow Carnival Cruisers are "low class" or "poor people" as I don't like that kind of class rhetoric. The facts are that on Carnival the standard inner cabin is 165-185 sq feet as opposed to 110-165 sq feet on Princess, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. Located in even the cheapest inner room on a Carnival ship you will find fluffy white robes at no additional charge for use during the cruise by the cabin occupants. You will be served Lobster on one formal night in the Main Dining room without any additional charges and they won't blink an eyelash if you order 3 of them! Carnival offers good prices for good value. They do tend to attract a more "fun" rock n roll dancing type as opposed to elderly ball room dancing types but it's all a matter of individual preferrence..NOT Class!

Very good points and well said!

[mondello]

I would be carefull with your words. I'm sure somebody on here as family that uses food stamps and would take offense to that. HOWEVER I have been at Brookshires before and WITNESSED a spanish couple in front of me buying food with stamps AND then buying beer/cigarettes with cash. :eek::confused::rolleyes:

Is there something in the air or water down in Texas this week? OP and fellow Texan JP have stirred up 2 of the more lively threads. OP, I am always careful with my words. I typed out a very coherent response to your original post right after you posted and I didn't submit it. My post was getting long-winded and I thought the heck with it. Why waste time trying to convince someone of anything? Your mind should have been made up when you spent so much booking your cruise.

[JoeMissile]

From a cruise lobbyist group:

Cruisers average age is 50 with a household income of $99,000. 65% are college graduates and 24% are post-graduates. 83% are married, 58% work full-time, and 93% are white/Caucasian.

If the average income of people on Carnival ships is below 99K, then by definition, CCL attracts below average income groups of those that cruise.

[kayhold]

It's going to depend on you.

 

I could easily afford to go on a higher end cruise. I don't care to, for many reasons.

 

1) I hate Disney but have a small child. Carnival is very kid oriented.

2) I'm not going for food or entertainment. I want a quiet deck to lay in the sun with my mp3 player or tablet and a movie, while I feel the wind and see the ocean.

3) The ship is just a taxi to take me to a port I want to see.

 

Why would I pay more to do this somewhere else?

From reading other boards here on CC, I gather a lot of the people on higher end lines are a bit snobby. (This is NOT a generalization, I do realize that it doesn't apply to everyone)

I would rather be with a lot of laid back, fun going people than uptights. Uptight is not my style, and I'm more likely to run across that type on a higher end cruise line.

 

My 6 year is just that.. 6. He likes to have fun, and he gets excited and no one is going to give him the side-eye for being a 6 year old on Carnival like they would on Princess or Celebrity.

 

In the event we EVER go on a kidless vacation, which I really doubt, we might try something else, but again, I also doubt that.