Next serise of carnival cruise ships

[glrounds]

THAT is not positive for passengers.

 

The beauty of Spirit Class......most fully understand after travelling on one, is that you really never feel SARDINED......plenty of well spread out places to visit. Compared to Dream and Freedom in our experience......it's night and day comparison.

 

Increased number of cabins built into Spirit Class type ship? YUK !

 

WELL SAID.

 

From my first cruise on the PRIDE I knew this was going to be my favorite class of Carnival ship. The Aft Lido deck 270 degrees OPEN TO THE SEA (that thing you're cruising on), Adult jacuzzi and pool, beam-wide bar with buffet just through the doors. Entertainment venues spread throughout the ship. Absolutely NO CROWDING anywhere at anytime through the ship was my experience. That's cruisin' to me. This concept was captured in the Aft Lido deck of the SPLENDOR. Would like to see a repeat of that.:)

 

[conchead]

I've only been on 2 classes, Fantasy Class and the Triumph.

I loved the Fantasy,but only liked the Elation and Triumph.

 

I would really like to try a Spirit Class...so many good comments on the layout

and that it doesn't feel crowded.

 

The best change they could make in the buffet area would be to

separate the salad bar area from the rest of the line. Salad making is

like an art to some people, and they take forever to make, then get p.o.'d

when people not getting a salad uses the passing lane.

Fantasy class is like this, Triumph is not. I haven't really checked out enough

deck plans to know which are like what.

[rydan]

sorry

[dclark]

I don't understand why people think the big RCL ships are less profitable, far from it, the are the most profitable cruise ships ever made. With bigger ships, the fix costs per passenger decrease (like entertainment, fuel, some management). In addition, these ships command higher cabin prices.

Of course, they are not building more, but that is because they gobble up cruise demand. Ten years ago, RCL had maybe 8 ships in FL, now they have what, 3 maybe?

CCL also wants to increase profitability by putting more people on a ship, but rather than go with bigger ships with more amenities, they will take existing ship designs, take out public areas and cram more people in there.

As for more spirit class ships, this design is dead, dead, dead!

We were told by the maitre'd on a plat galley tour that spirit class was a unique experiment, a class of luxurious (yep, it looks classy, love that indoor water sculpture!) ships, fancier than existing CCL ships, capable of carribean or AK cruising plus had a higher cruise speed than other ships. He said one problem with the ship is that it used more fuel than CCL liked.If you haven't been on one, try it before they are all gone. They have lots of neat little touches, like the red glass tile funnel and my favorite- the glass stairs leading to the steak house- look under your feet and you can see the atrium 15 floors below, not for the squeemish!

For that matter, the Fantasy class ships probably cost more per passenger for fuel than the rest of the ships, that is mitigated by how all or almost all do short haul cruises.

[jakeHOU97]

Bigger ships with more and larger public areas, but alot less cabins, kind of like the Sunshine will be.

Nuff said.

[blondietink]

Loved both our cruises so far, but will say that we really prefer the Spirit class ship. Not crowded, easy to navigate, lots of things to see/do without running in to everybody else on the ship. Build more Spirit Class please!

[Dave85]

There was a hint of things to come in Host Mach's review of the recent Bloggers Cruise. See Post #208.

 

That remark about jamming in more cabins / people is exactly what I'm afraid of with the direction Carnival is going...

 

I'm booked on the Breeze, so we'll see how that goes.

[skiorcruise]

I decided long ago that I really liked the Spirit Class ships.

 

Then, I divided ships tonage by number of passengers to see what ships had more room per pax. Spirit Class was the winner by far. No wonder I like them.

 

Too many pax in too small a space leads to longer lines, more waits for tables, etc.

 

Just my 2 cents worth.

[jimbo5544]

THAT is not positive for passengers.

 

The beauty of Spirit Class......most fully understand after travelling on one, is that you really never feel SARDINED......plenty of well spread out places to visit. Compared to Dream and Freedom in our experience......it's night and day comparison.

 

Increased number of cabins built into Spirit Class type ship? YUK !

 

Not yucks for me.... you can always sail the older Spirit class ships

[Captain Carnival]

Bigger ships with more and larger public areas, but alot less cabins, kind of like the Sunshine will be.

Nuff said.

 

Perhaps the redesigned Destiny "Sunshine" will be a blueprint of "new ships" to come however I wonder can this class size of ship fit underneath the Sunshine Skyway (Tampa Bay) Bridge?

[jimbo5544]

Perhaps the redesigned Destiny "Sunshine" will be a blueprint of "new ships" to come however I wonder can this class size of ship fit underneath the Sunshine Skyway (Tampa Bay) Bridge?

Good question, the current Spirit class of ship barely fits.

[jas1178]

Good question, the current Spirit class of ship barely fits.

 

Destiny nor Triumph class will fit under the skyway - they are to tall for Tampa.

[sharecruises]

As a parent with a young child, I'd like to see some place (aside from Camp Carnival) that is toddler friendly. My 2-year old decided he was NOT going to go to Camp Carnival (we finally got him there by the 3rd day) but as a result, I spent a LOT of time in my cabin or riding up and down the elevators. I took him out very early in the morning and late in the afternoon to run around on the lido deck, but we got dirty looks for taking him into the lounges to listen to music (he loves to dance), the promenade outside the casino was just way too tempting (flashing lights and bells = can't keep him OUT of the casino) and the pool decks were just way too crammed full! How about a space (doesn't have to be huge) like the indoor playgrounds at the airport or mall? Somewhere that is contained and child friendly where we can hang out with the little ones that don't go to Camp Carnival. Said place needs to be where we can see the light of day and should have bar service :) Trust me - Most of the moms want a drink too, but it just feels way to depressing to sit alone in the cabin and drink! A splash pad type area for the kids in swim diapers would be nice too since we're not allowed in the pools!

 

 

Whatttt???? Wow....maybe Carnival should just make personal spaces for everyone's likes/dislikes and preferences??

 

IMHO there is plenty of space devoted to kids...if yours doesn't like the Camp Carnival, so be it, why would Carnival waste space on a "play space for toddlers who don't like Camp Carnival and a bar for their Moms"

 

Also the money and effort to have a poopy pool is not well spent......plenty of time for them to swim once they are potty trained. IMHO no responsible parent would even put their baby in such a pool on a ship anyhow

*Or else...pay more, sail Disney where they cater to kids and have a splash area

 

Sorry I don't want to pay more for cruises so that little babies have the "fun" of messing around in a pool for a bit. Now if they want to put it in and charge the parents to use if, I guess that would be ok, but I still think it is pretty much not needed.

 

Unreal

 

What next....a bar devoted to those who like to knit and crochet?? A bar for people who like crossword puzzles?? A bar for civil war buffs??

 

Maybe they can put in a library just for me, complete with a bar...I like mysteries so a mystery book bar just for ME ME ME LOL

[Julz226]

Whatttt???? Wow....maybe Carnival should just make personal spaces for everyone's likes/dislikes and preferences??

 

IMHO there is plenty of space devoted to kids...if yours doesn't like the Camp Carnival, so be it, why would Carnival waste space on a "play space for toddlers who don't like Camp Carnival and a bar for their Moms"

 

Also the money and effort to have a poopy pool is not well spent......plenty of time for them to swim once they are potty trained. IMHO no responsible parent would even put their baby in such a pool on a ship anyhow

*Or else...pay more, sail Disney where they cater to kids and have a splash area

 

Sorry I don't want to pay more for cruises so that little babies have the "fun" of messing around in a pool for a bit. Now if they want to put it in and charge the parents to use if, I guess that would be ok, but I still think it is pretty much not needed.

 

Unreal

 

What next....a bar devoted to those who like to knit and crochet?? A bar for people who like crossword puzzles?? A bar for civil war buffs??

 

Maybe they can put in a library just for me, complete with a bar...I like mysteries so a mystery book bar just for ME ME ME LOL

 

 

 

Wow! Crabby much? Just a guess that you don't have kids. Tons of room for singles, couples and empty-nesters to hang out. Do you mind if my toddler hangs out with you too?

 

I'm curious what other space aside from Camp Carnival is devoted to kids? The piano bar? The disco? The casino? The theater? It was a legitimate question and I'm entitled for my turn to answer too. I didn't ask to put him in a pool. I'm just sayin' that drinking alone in my cabin with a two year old pretty much sucks.

 

I wanted to keep him out of the way of the other passengers but next time I'll just let him run amok in the casino or the library or the lounges or jump around on the lido deck. After all, Carnival does want to me known as a family cruise line, so I guess by your logic I should just let my family (toddlers included) make themselves at home in the general public spaces, since we are all supposed to hang out in the same space.

 

I would have hung out with him up in Camp Carnival, but parents were not allowed there - so where do you suggest we spend our time?

[sharecruises]

Wow! Crabby much? Just a guess that you don't have kids. Tons of room for singles, couples and empty-nesters to hang out. Do you mind if my toddler hangs out with you too?

 

I'm curious what other space aside from Camp Carnival is devoted to kids? The piano bar? The disco? The casino? The theater? It was a legitimate question and I'm entitled for my turn to answer too. I didn't ask to put him in a pool. I'm just sayin' that drinking alone in my cabin with a two year old pretty much sucks.

 

I wanted to keep him out of the way of the other passengers but next time I'll just let him run amok in the casino or the library or the lounges or jump around on the lido deck. After all, Carnival does want to me known as a family cruise line, so I guess by your logic I should just let my family (toddlers included) make themselves at home in the general public spaces, since we are all supposed to hang out in the same space.

 

I would have hung out with him up in Camp Carnival, but parents were not allowed there - so where do you suggest we spend our time?

 

 

Crabby?? NO...just really don't understand people who seem to think that cruiseships will be built to suit their "personal needs".

 

It sucks that you had this problem but really most kids seem to like Camp Carnival...why would they build a space for "toddlers who don't like Camp Carnival"??

 

Carnival has lots of kids who seem to enjoy their programs. They do devote space to them ...they have lots of stuff for kids.

 

Maybe ask them to let you bring your kid into Camp Carnival..but not a whole bar just for bored moms whose kids don't like the Camp

[conchead]

Wow! Crabby much? Just a guess that you don't have kids. Tons of room for singles, couples and empty-nesters to hang out. Do you mind if my toddler hangs out with you too?

 

I'm curious what other space aside from Camp Carnival is devoted to kids? The piano bar? The disco? The casino? The theater? It was a legitimate question and I'm entitled for my turn to answer too. I didn't ask to put him in a pool. I'm just sayin' that drinking alone in my cabin with a two year old pretty much sucks.

 

I wanted to keep him out of the way of the other passengers but next time I'll just let him run amok in the casino or the library or the lounges or jump around on the lido deck. After all, Carnival does want to me known as a family cruise line, so I guess by your logic I should just let my family (toddlers included) make themselves at home in the general public spaces, since we are all supposed to hang out in the same space.

 

I would have hung out with him up in Camp Carnival, but parents were not allowed there - so where do you suggest we spend our time?

 

I agree.

A safe place for kids to play, where parents could relax at the same time

sounds like a good idea.

I know its not the same thing, but the idea is similar to the play area at McDonalds.

Parents can watch the kids play, while eating or drinking or whatever.

It wouldn't have to be a huge area, but where you could see the sun, feel the breeze

and not trapped inside.

[maxxedout2]

Finally cruised on the Miracle last month...terrific size and layout.

 

Now the Miracle is leaving FL.

 

Cruised on the Glory and the crazy dead ends...deck 3 center

elevators. I dunno, if you want to feel claustrophobia sometime

go there. And the crazy promenade deck dead ends at crew only doors.

 

Miracle was nice.

 

:cool::cool:

[2 cruzen]

agree - we like the Miracle and Spirit ships. Only other ship has been the Glory both before and after the dry dock. Like the improvements, but not the crazy way you have to go up to go down to the dining room.

 

Did a forum search and came across this thread but what I was looking for was if anyone knows where I can find the different ships and the class they belong to.

 

don't mean to hijack, hoping its close enough to the subject...thanks in advance:o

[Hugh0906]

This morning I was thinking I wish I would have sailed on the Triumph from NOLA. I want to do that trip down the river on a balcony.

 

Later I stumbled across this. New name of a costa rebuild of a ship from the Fantasy age.

 

They added 86 balconies to it some on top in the front and some mid ship.

 

It looks pretty good to me.

 

I could see Carnival doing this to Fantasy class ships.

 

Hugh in Dallas.

[sail2sea]

I think they'll redo some ships ALA DESTINY.

 

The Conquest Class is badly in need of some reconfiguring. Terrible layout of entertainment venues. ENTIRE Lido Deck enclosed in glass and steel. Ridiculous . . . why even bother going to sea, nobody can experience it.:(

 

If it weren't for the SPIRIT class and the SPLENDOR and newer ships, I'd have left Carnival long ago.:rolleyes:

 

 

Agree. Can't stand the Conquest class. For me Dream class is Carnival's saving grace. Nice lanai and large open aft deck. My cruising friends like Spirit class but I fear it will turn out to be too small for my liking. I am glad Splendor is coming to East Coast so I can give it a try.

 

I hear thats not the case. (and was a worry of mine) Which RCI ship were you no to experience what you did?

 

Agree with you too. Have no idea what the other guy was talking about. Royal ships generally have very open and airy top decks. Even Oasis/Allure, while lack an open promenade, have open lido decks from front to stern. Every other Royal ship has an open promenade and an open lido deck from front to back. Norwegian's Epic is a bit closed in but that ship is by no means trying to compete as a traditional cruise ship.

[mamaskittles]

Crabby?? NO...just really don't understand people who seem to think that cruiseships will be built to suit their "personal needs".

 

It sucks that you had this problem but really most kids seem to like Camp Carnival...why would they build a space for "toddlers who don't like Camp Carnival"??

 

Carnival has lots of kids who seem to enjoy their programs. They do devote space to them ...they have lots of stuff for kids.

 

Maybe ask them to let you bring your kid into Camp Carnival..but not a whole bar just for bored moms whose kids don't like the Camp

Hey julz226 don't worry about the above poster she has lost mind. Perhaps you should try NCL. We were on the Spirit last year with my then 14 month granddaughter. :)They have a kids zone at the back that has a lovely splash pool, and toddler play area. My granddaughter had a blast!!

I am sure the above poster would agree that famlies and newbies and those who do not like changes should find other lines.

And I am sure Carnival appreciates her efforts to discourage all of the above NOT to spend money cruising Carnival.:D

Or perhaps.....Carnival would like suggestions from their target demographic on how to improve the cruise experience hmmmmmmm.:eek:

[quickrate]

I've only been on 2 classes, Fantasy Class and the Triumph.

I loved the Fantasy,but only liked the Elation and Triumph.

 

I would really like to try a Spirit Class...so many good comments on the layout

and that it doesn't feel crowded.

 

The best change they could make in the buffet area would be to

separate the salad bar area from the rest of the line. Salad making is

like an art to some people, and they take forever to make, then get p.o.'d

when people not getting a salad uses the passing lane.

Fantasy class is like this, Triumph is not. I haven't really checked out enough

deck plans to know which are like what.

The Spirit class ships are like that. It makes me sad that the only one left in Fl. will be the Legend which we have cruised numerous times as well as the Miracle and the Spirit. I actually at this point am having a hard time deciding on another cruise as I don't like the layout on the bigger ships and miss the balconies on the Fantasy class ships.

Pat