Say What You Want About Carnival...

[Texaslandshark]

I totally agree with you (OP). And if I had to pick a couple of the most outstanding features of Carnival, I'd have to say price and cabins and that would include the room stewards. Couldn't be better.

[ilionite65]

Carnival=walmart, is not referring to the cruise line.:D

Its refrencing the style (or lack of) of some of the passengers.

 

You get what you pay for.

[thesmiths]

This will be our 3rd Carnival Cruise......

 

My opinion is if you can't go on a cruise and have fun, don't go on a cruise at all...stay on a land based staycation....

Granted cruises are not for everyone....but how you can not go on any cruise and have a good time is beyond me..

 

I've been blessed that I have traveled alot of the world for my job ( for free).

I'd much rather take a cruise any day of the week.

 

Waking up and wondering where we are today to me..is the best......

 

To answer the original question, we love Carnival, we're coming back....

and bringing our teens again.......and waiting for Carnivals 2014 Alaska cruise to come out and book that as well!

[fergusonvt]

I am looking forward very much to my first cruise on Carnival. I do love NCL but it's all I've been on so I have no comparison. I think there is probably room in my life for more than 1 cruiseline. After 18 or so months on the NCL board I am over here trying to learn as much as possible about Carnival.

 

As for class of people, you are going to find a mixed bag where ever you cruise. Just because some folks have more money than others it doesn't mean they have more class. I never could understand the comparison between Carnival and Wallmart.

[CruiserVette]

Have to say one more thing...I did not start this thread with the intention of discouraging criticisms..esp where they are warranted.

Differences in opinion make the world go round..this would be a VERY boring planet if we all liked the same things and had nothing bad to say.

Have we had some ' not so pleasant' moments on CCL (as well as other lines)...YES! Do I dwell on them...NO!

Will I ALWAYS cruise CCL?..not necessarily..We can afford to cruise other lines but find CCL fits what we want right now with the itineraries we want.

Do I shop at Walmart..yes I DO..do I do ALL my shopping there? NO I don't..

My intention was just to say something nice about my experience today.

I can also assure you that if something needs criticism I will do so..CCL moniters these boards and hopefully is always looking to learn from mistakes and improve..that's just sound business practice.

 

Couldn't have said it better myself!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

..

As for class of people, you are going to find a mixed bag where ever you cruise. Just because some folks have more money than others it doesn't mean they have more class. I never could understand the comparison between Carnival and Wallmart.

 

I think some people use that comment to reference what they feel is the overall assortment of people (presumably similar at both places)... others I think use the comment as a reference to the budget conscious shopper.

 

Being "budget conscious" is certainly not, in my opinion, a cut down -- though some see it as such... and no doubt some people intend it as such.

 

I have NO PROBLEM with WalMart -- in fact I will be shopping there this afternoon. I go there to SAVE $ (so I can cruise more... )! :D

 

We have had lots of great cruises on Carnival (all out of Florida) but I will acknowledge that, particularly on longer sailings, there is a noticeable difference in the makeup of cruisers when you compare Carnival to NCL, and even more so Carnival to Celebrity. Those two lines attract a more diverse international crowd. You'll see many more foreign speaking (not just Spanish speaking) people on those lines. That is due, as far as I can surmise, to the fact that the other lines have a stronger presence in foreign home ports - thus, some of those people are simply more familiar/comfortable with those brands. Additionally, there are likely some foreign travelers (again, when choosing a line for a Caribbean cruise) avoiding Carnival due to its reputation (whether "true" or not).

 

Having said that - I am not attempting to say that the other lines are somehow better than Carnival due to their guest demographics... just different -- nothing wrong with that!

 

Tom

[K1mmyD]

My husband and I are very excited about our next short cruise in May! We looked into NCL and Royal for the cruise this May but they were more expensive. Carnival is a good fit for us, we are looking forward to May 2013 itinerary's opening up on the Breeze!

[BRIFRO]

The Carnival Liberty was just great. It is what is expected and the service factor is great. Please pay for better if you want better. I enjoyed the itinerary & the staff. We had 14 in our group and were mostly satisfied. Remember that extra money can always buy the extras everyday. You can eat @ Harry's everynight, have 3 lobsters etc. it just will cost you... as expected in every other aspect of vacationing. We will carnival again

always best regards, BRIFRO

Okay..we've been on many cruises..and Just My Opinion:

Carnival has the BEST price points and is the BEST value for the $!

Maybe some are more luxurious..maybe some have a little better food or are more elegant... BUT...

I just made some calls regarding a cruise we recently booked.

I spoke to the most friendly, helpful people re: two different concerns..one was a price reduction..one was casino credit.

We have consistently had great experiences with CCL from the organization at embarkation through to debark and in between.

Customer service is still #1 in my book...

I will always choose CCL over other lines!

[mikehn]

Im not understanding the Walmart reference. Walmart is the world's #1 retailer and they rock.

[grozas]

I have been scanning some of the trip reports from many of the up scale cruises including QM2 110 day circum navigation and I am seeing all the same complaints as I see on the Carnival thread. Poorer food, poorer service, less extras, more for-an-additonal fee stuff. I think it's just the state of the cruise industry in general trying to turn a profit. Called increasing Cash flow. When you always sail 100% full there are only so many ways to increase revenue. And cruise lines are just following the blue print developed by the "Walmart" of the vacation industry - Disney Theme Parks.

[MzShelle2U]

I was just boasting about Carnival and how great their prices, service, food and entertainment is. I have gone on just 2 cruises, both with Carnival. Let me tell you, my vacations with them seem to get better and better. I am getting family to join us this time around and I am looking forward to having a blast. Other people ask my opinion on cruise lines but I can only show love for the one that has given me and my family great memories. I am already looking to book my cruise for next year on the Splendor since she's coming to NYC. :rolleyes::D

[helen haywood]

While I understand Cruise Critic's "raison d'etre" is to provide a forum where everyone can make their comments both pro and con.....it does seem that negative reviews of Carnival, be they focused on the ships, the food, the clientele, what have you outweigh the positives like the OPs. So much so that I keep second guessing my upcoming 4th cruise on Legend. So I'm so happy the OP posted these thoughts!!

[richstowe]

While I understand Cruise Critic's "raison d'etre" is to provide a forum where everyone can make their comments both pro and con.....it does seem that negative reviews of Carnival, be they focused on the ships, the food, the clientele, what have you outweigh the positives like the OPs. So much so that I keep second guessing my upcoming 4th cruise on Legend. So I'm so happy the OP posted these thoughts!!

No disrespect (which is what my kids say when they are about to insult me) but seriously,

why would you start second guessing yourself based on what a bunch of strangers on a mass internet site had to say?

 

As another stranger, I believe you will have a great cruise. Have I ever lied to you?:)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

While I understand Cruise Critic's "raison d'etre" is to provide a forum where everyone can make their comments both pro and con.....it does seem that negative reviews of Carnival, be they focused on the ships, the food, the clientele, what have you outweigh the positives like the OPs. So much so that I keep second guessing my upcoming 4th cruise on Legend. So I'm so happy the OP posted these thoughts!!

 

When I first read your post I thought that you were sailing on the Legend for the FOURTH time, and I thought to myself "well, how were her other 3 sailings on the Legend?" - then I came to the conclusion that this will be your fourth cruise over all. Can I also assume that it will be your first on Carnival?

 

We have been on the Legend four times, and are heading back for our fifth in October. The Spirit class ships, of which the Legend is one, are among the most popular -- even though Carnival later abandoned that class in favor of newer builds that cram more people onboard.

 

I think that you'll enjoy your cruise -- and don't miss the Steakhouse (no excuses here -- "just do it"!)!! :)

 

Tom

[WendyVF]

We choose a cruise by itinerary, ship & price. Carnival usually wins on price and while we've never had a "bad" cruise there are some that could have been better. Honestly the worst behavior I have seen from fellow passengers in 18 cruises was on Princess (2 different instances on 1 cruise) and they were sober!

[jimbob70]

My knobby knees will be back again, on the Carnival Dream June 2!

 

Depending on who you believe I'm either a happy camper or a glutton for punishment!

 

jt

[BenjiRodney]

I have done 6 all on Carnival, cruise number 7 will be my first on another line Royal to Alaska in 84 days and then back to Carnival for the Victory out of San Juan again, can't wait.

[elgato2]

Helen..we've been on the Legend before and it is a wonderful ship..don't let people's opinion sway you one way or the other..everyone is different.

As you can tell by my signature, we've been on several CCL cruises and have NEVER seen drunken, obnoxious behavior.

I'm not saying it doesn't exist ..just that we've not been witness to it. Keep in mind also..it's a big ship..You can always find someplace to go away from noise and behavior if you find it objectionable. There is always so much to do!

To be honest, up til 2004, we did not cruise CCL, partly because of all the terrible things we heard and we found other itineraries/ships more to our convenience. We accompanied another couple aboard the Glory that year and have been hooked ever since.

Go and have a great time!!

[cathhduh]

have a carnival cruise planned (not booked) but planned for 2013 for my 21st birthday!

i cant wait, having traveled on carnival only once before when i was 17, and NCL every other time, im very excited to be going back to carnival again!

 

this thread is making me very impatient! i cant even book until july! :mad:

 

carnival is excellent, dont see why people make such a big fuss over the party atmosphere, it is the "fun ship" for a reason, because you will have a good time no matter how old you are and what you are into! (unless you go looking for problesms :rolleyes: )

[elgato2]

Just want to clear up one thing about MY Walmart reference...

I admire any company that turns huge profits with good business practices, based on solid customer service, providing an affordable product at a reasonable price.

I place Walmart and Carnival in the same catagory..that is all..nothing to do with style, class of people..etc...

I absolutely do not judge others...People are people as far as I'm concerned and I don't consider my self 'better' (or worse) than ANYONE on this planet.

If what cruise line you choose defines you..you need to grow up!

[swedish weave]

I find it hard to understand why some relate WalMart comments to negativism. I put a different twist onto that. WalMart and Carnival are both at the top of the charts for business success, and they have done it by providing value for dollars !!

 

For those who think they are insulting others by comparing the people who cruise certain lines with Wal Mart comments --- You have my sympathy for not understanding economics.

 

Both Carnival and Walmart provide quality at a good price !!!

[cathhduh]

While I understand Cruise Critic's "raison d'etre" is to provide a forum where everyone can make their comments both pro and con.....it does seem that negative reviews of Carnival, be they focused on the ships, the food, the clientele, what have you outweigh the positives like the OPs. So much so that I keep second guessing my upcoming 4th cruise on Legend. So I'm so happy the OP posted these thoughts!!

 

while the negative things said about any cruise line can be hard to ignore, you listen to them all, what cruise line does that leave you sailing with? it leaves vacationing on land!

 

just know that my only cruise on carnival (so far) was excellent, we traveled with 34 members of my family, some of them couldnt make it, and everyone from ages 3- 70(maybe, who knows how old my nana actually is, if you ask her shes still 25!) had an excellent time! my aunt was actually a little overwhelmed by how much there was to do each since that was her first cruise!

 

go into your cruise with positive thoughts!

[craftykitty]

My wife and I have only been of 5 cruises, our 6th will be at the end of April and they have all been on Carnival. We have always had a great time. Unless something unforseen happens we will always stay with Carnival. Our PVP, the people at the port when we board and the employees on the ship have always been super!!!

 

This has been my experience as well. Until there is a reason to pay more for something comparable, I'll be on the "Fun Ships".

[livsmom]

Wait are there other cruise lines besides Carnival? LOL! :p

[geoherb]

We had a good time on our Fantasy cruise this month. But to be honest, Carnival is not going to be our top choice of cruise lines. I'd rather spend a little bit more to cruise on Princess, HAL, or Celebrity--even taking an inside cabin if that's what we can afford rather than a balcony at the same price on a Carnival ship.

 

On the other hand, Carnival sails out of Charleston and Norfolk--two ports we can drive to on the day of a cruise--and coupled with great prices, we will be back.