An Unhappy Carnival on Celebrity?

[Dizney]

Great input if you are a child. How is your snarky comment in any way valuable?

 

Snarky? :confused:

I wanted to point out that we tried it; didn't like it. I think you might want to evaluate your attitude.

We all have different likes and dislikes. You are free to express your love of Carnival. I'm free to express my love of X, Disney & RCI. You don't have to be disparaging to others when they express an opinion. This is an open forum isn't it?! :rolleyes:

[Oville]

You're right but I have to say we took our first Celebrity cruise almost two years ago. It was the ten night Equinox and it was far from boring. The OP's generalization of the line and it's clientele based on one cruise is lacking in credibility.

 

Actually the OP, for what ever reason, was quoting someone else's review. Guess the OP didn't concur with the other person's analysis of the Reflection and decided to share it here.

[K.T.B.]

My wife and I have always sailed Carnival. (You can see that in my signature.) We have always enjoyed the cruises as well. We're about to embark on our very first Celebrity cruise in about a week. And while we're both really looking forward to it, I have to admit some of the comments made by people on this side of the forum have given me pause and have me wondering IF this is the right choice for us. Comments such as that "Celebrity is the grown-ups cruise line", for an example.

 

Look, I'm 50 years old. I may grow old, but I'll never grow up. No, that does not mean I want to see a belly flop contest, or enter (again) in the hairy chest contest (I came in second), or even enter the cocktail making contest. Yeah, they were fun, but they're not the reason I cruise. I cruise to relax. Sometimes that means doing goofy stuff and sometimes that means sitting by the pool reading a book. One thing I am definitely looking forward to on this cruise is the Star Chefs Cooking Show during the sea day. And then there's the beer tasting..... :)

 

Anyway, I'm going with an open mind and with the expectation of relaxation.

[richstowe]

Snarky? :confused:

I wanted to point out that we tried it; didn't like it. I think you might want to evaluate your attitude.

We all have different likes and dislikes. You are free to express your love of Carnival. I'm free to express my love of X, Disney & RCI. You don't have to be disparaging to others when they express an opinion. This is an open forum isn't it?! :rolleyes:

Well we agree that you don't have to be disparaging to others when they express an opinion.

What we don't agree on is what Carnival has to do with this thread other then as an opportunity for a cheap shot.

[Dizney]

Well we agree that you don't have to be disparaging to others when they express an opinion.

What we don't agree on is what Carnival has to do with this thread other then as an opportunity for a cheap shot.

 

Great! We will agree to disagree about Carnival. :)

Some have made cheap shots. I don't feel my opinion of trying them once and never caring to experience again as being a cheap shot. Perhaps we can agree to disagree in the semantics of my response. :D

[mathgeek1978]

My wife and I have always sailed Carnival. (You can see that in my signature.) We have always enjoyed the cruises as well. We're about to embark on our very first Celebrity cruise in about a week. And while we're both really looking forward to it, I have to admit some of the comments made by people on this side of the forum have given me pause and have me wondering IF this is the right choice for us. Comments such as that "Celebrity is the grown-ups cruise line", for an example.

 

Look, I'm 50 years old. I may grow old, but I'll never grow up. No, that does not mean I want to see a belly flop contest, or enter (again) in the hairy chest contest (I came in second), or even enter the cocktail making contest. Yeah, they were fun, but they're not the reason I cruise. I cruise to relax. Sometimes that means doing goofy stuff and sometimes that means sitting by the pool reading a book. One thing I am definitely looking forward to on this cruise is the Star Chefs Cooking Show during the sea day. And then there's the beer tasting..... :)

 

Anyway, I'm going with an open mind and with the expectation of relaxation.

 

You'll have a great time! If you like crepes, be sure to visit Bistro on Five for probably some of the best crepe ever ($5 per person). "Dancing with the Stripes" is not to be missed. The officers of the ship team up with guests and compete like "Dancing with the stars". If you like to relax quitely by the pool, you'll be relieved to know that there will be NO announcements about bingo or whatever every 20 minutes or so. On Celebrity ships, there's only one announcement a day. And if you like ballroom dancing, there's usually a band playing tango, chacha kind of music at the Rendez Vous lounge on deck 4 in the evening.

 

Last by not the least, if you are a non-smoker, Celebrity is like a breath of fresh air (pun intended!). No smoking anywhere indoors (including the casino), balcony, and most other places. There are 2 - 3 outdoor smoking areas only.

 

I am, in no way, disparaging Carnival. I've cruised Carnival 6 times before setting foot on Celebrity. But after my first Celebrity cruise, I probably won't go back to Carnival.

 

After your first Celebrity crusie, you may not either... :p:):D

 

Have a wonderful cruise!

[terigo]

For the person that thought that walkers, canes, etc were more to be found on HAL...

We love Celebrity, but found that the demographics on HAL were slightly younger!

[happy cruzer]

Hi, When I see these discussions, I think people forget that the major cruise lines like to provide variety.

 

There are fun things for young adults and for children on most ships. Perhaps more on Carnival, RCL, and NCL.

 

And there are quiet areas, perhaps more on HAL, Princess, and Celebrity.

 

The lines are slightly different but more similar than different. The biggest cruise experience differences probably depend on length of cruise and maybe originating port.

 

Also if a line offers an activity you don't like, just don't participate. The bigger ships have plenty of options and usually at the same time.

 

No reason to belittle anyone's choice or observations.

[Big_G]

Actually the OP, for what ever reason, was quoting someone else's review. Guess the OP didn't concur with the other person's analysis of the Reflection and decided to share it here.

 

My bad. I read the review and was referring to the author and not the OP of this thread. Sorry for the confusion.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[paulajj]

I really don't understand the point of this thread. Someone posted a negative review about Celebrity. So what. Why do you care?

 

And as far as Carnival is concerned, why are you being so snobbish? Does it make you feel better and more superior to think you're too good for it?

 

Why is it ok for you to "just state your opinion about Carnival" but it's not ok for someone to give their opinion on Celebrity.

 

I'm a little disgusted with most of the above.

 

paula

[gek]

Also if a line offers an activity you don't like, just don't participate. The bigger ships have plenty of options and usually at the same time.

 

That just about nails it. Carnival has plenty of unappealing "fun" activities but none are compulsory and there are plenty of other things to do. In some ways Carnival may be better because it provides a better balance between "class" and "crass", although balance is over-rated as far as I'm concerned.

[helpthejuggler]

I am very happy that there is variety and choice. If everyone loved Celebrity the demand would exceed supply and prices rise beyond my budget.

 

To me, belly flop competitions help me to know that cruise line is not what I am seeking.

 

You just have to do a little research to avoid disappointment.

[Bundles917]

Actually the OP, for what ever reason, was quoting someone else's review. Guess the OP didn't concur with the other person's analysis of the Reflection and decided to share it here.

 

Nope to your assumption as to why I shared the review.

 

I stated in my original post that the reviewer did not do due diligence in seeking a cruise line suited to what he/she was seeking. They booked the cruise and assumed it would have belly flop contests, water slides and rock climbing walls (a look at the ship's photos online would have given an evident heads-up that there was no water park or false rock facade atop the ship).

 

If I went to a steakhouse expecting fantastic lobster and escargot but discovered neither were on the menu... my dissatisfaction for the restaurant's lack of my desire for shell fish at the steakhouse is invalid. I'd be foolish to complain, after dining, for it was I to blame for my dissatisfaction because I did not realize the obvious (it's a steakhouse) nor did I investigate the menu before sitting at a table.

 

The true culprit to the reviewer's dissatisfaction was them-self and possibly, dare I say, laziness. An example of what happens far too often on these boards; complaints based on lack of foresight and due diligence.

 

Cruise Critic is a great resource for information. As easily as the reviewer posted his/her reactions here, they could have done prior cruise planning sleuthing at this same outlet of information for cruising and known in advance that Celebrity was not the joy they were seeking.

 

Seek informed of what we desire and when found, happiness will follow.

 

My Best,

Paul

[yankee 7]

Nope to your assumption as to why I shared the review.

 

I stated in my original post that the reviewer did not do due diligence in seeking a cruise line suited to what he/she was seeking. They booked the cruise and assumed it would have belly flop contests, water slides and rock climbing walls (a look at the ship's photos online would have given an evident heads-up that there was no water park or false rock facade atop the ship).

 

If I went to a steakhouse expecting fantastic lobster and escargot but discovered neither were on the menu... my dissatisfaction for the restaurant's lack of my desire for shell fish at the steakhouse is invalid. I'd be foolish to complain, after dining, for it was I to blame for my dissatisfaction because I did not realize the obvious (it's a steakhouse) nor did I investigate the menu before sitting at a table.

 

The true culprit to the reviewer's dissatisfaction was them-self and possibly, dare I say, laziness. An example of what happens far too often on these boards; complaints based on lack of foresight and due diligence.

 

Cruise Critic is a great resource for information. As easily as the reviewer posted his/her reactions here, they could have done prior cruise planning sleuthing at this same outlet of information for cruising and known in advance that Celebrity was not the joy they were seeking.

 

Seek informed of what we desire and when found, happiness will follow.

 

My Best,

Paul

 

I totally agree.....When I read that review my 1st thought was why did this person cruise on X? He should have researched and picked the line that suited his needs and demands.

 

I cruised once on Carnival and there were a lot of very happy people having a lot of fun. I made the best of it, but have not cruised Carnival since. Not because it is inadequate or lacking.....just because I have other needs for my cruising experience that have been much better met via X.

 

Through research, friends, and CC, I saw that X was ideally suited to what I wanted out of a cruise. Whenever I make a major purchase of any kind (and a cruise is certainly a major purchase), I research, read reviews and then decide.

 

Again, Carnival is a great line for people who want that experience....it is not for people that do not. The same can be said for X or any other line.

[Dizney]

I totally agree.....When I read that review my 1st thought was why did this person cruise on X? He should have researched and picked the line that suited his needs and demands.

 

I cruised once on Carnival and there were a lot of very happy people having a lot of fun. I made the best of it, but have not cruised Carnival since. Not because it is inadequate or lacking.....just because I have other needs for my cruising experience that have been much better met via X.

 

Through research, friends, and CC, I saw that X was ideally suited to what I wanted out of a cruise. Whenever I make a major purchase of any kind (and a cruise is certainly a major purchase), I research, read reviews and then decide.

 

Again, Carnival is a great line for people who want that experience....it is not for people that do not. The same can be said for X or any other line.

 

Exactly the point I was trying to make with fewer words. Different strokes for different folks.

[clipper110A]

Am amused by age demographic painters who decide in one brush stroke that based on their cruise experience, X is for 75+ , etc... They do not have the data that the company maintains, as they are not on every ship in every market all the time. ALOT depends on market, time of year, group booking demographics, departure port etc... It IS probably safe to say, that X may generally attract a more mature crowd than Carnival.

 

Important to do research about cruise lines, and while we would never sail Carnival, NCL, etc..because we are not interested in the product offered, am a bit perplexed (but not surprised) that this reviewer is being insulted on this thread. He wrote a "review". That is his perspective. Granted X does not offer what he was seeking, and maybe reviewer could have done more research, but that does not warrant insults because he gave a review from his perspective. Brochures/websites can be a little more generic in their marketing focus because they want to appeal to as many people as possible. I do not ever remember seeing a brochure that specifically lists the onboard activities.

 

With 100 plus on X, started with them in 1993, hit every ship in their historical fleet including Xpedition, our perspective is that Celebrity has become a bit "Walmartish" also in multiple degradations of quality soft product offerings that are no longer present on board as well as general deterioration in comportment of passengers and horrific treatment of the crew we have observed. So even that is relative.

[Beachdude]

The passenger mix has a lot to do with the time of year one chooses to cruise..

 

I agree. Part of Carnivals business plan is to corner the market on the Carribean cruises. They are doing that by making those cruises affordable to people who don' t typically do cruise vacations. However, if you were to cruise on a non-Carribean cruise with Carnival, you will likely have a different passenger mix. We noticed this on a Carnival Alaska cruise.

 

That might be a good marketing plan because it could pull in new cruisers into Carnivals more expensive cruises. On the other hand, we cruised Carnival a lot and now we don't. Not sure if there is a balance.

 

Burt

[teajak]

I am 84 and my husband is 86,we cruise 4 to 5 times a year mostly on Celebrity.Due to an error of surgery I must use a walker for balance.We enjoy the happy hour,the casino,the music,just about everything on a Celebrity cruise.We met a young 50' couple on our last Equinox cruise and all 4 of us had so much fun we booked a cruise for Dec. with them.Would someone,anyone please tell me how we,or others like us,make or break a cruise? Don't forget old age isn't contagious you will get it all on your own if you are lucky.I know I have used that quote of an older lady on a cruise ship before on these boards but it is the best line I have ever heard for the old age complainers.

[K.T.B.]

Am amused by age demographic painters who decide in one brush stroke that based on their cruise experience, X is for 75+ , etc... They do not have the data that the company maintains, as they are not on every ship in every market all the time. ALOT depends on market, time of year, group booking demographics, departure port etc... It IS probably safe to say, that X may generally attract a more mature crowd than Carnival.

 

Important to do research about cruise lines, and while we would never sail Carnival, NCL, etc..because we are not interested in the product offered, am a bit perplexed (but not surprised) that this reviewer is being insulted on this thread. He wrote a "review". That is his perspective. Granted X does not offer what he was seeking, and maybe reviewer could have done more research, but that does not warrant insults because he gave a review from his perspective. Brochures/websites can be a little more generic in their marketing focus because they want to appeal to as many people as possible. I do not ever remember seeing a brochure that specifically lists the onboard activities.

 

With 100 plus on X, started with them in 1993, hit every ship in their historical fleet including Xpedition, our perspective is that Celebrity has become a bit "Walmartish" also in multiple degradations of quality soft product offerings that are no longer present on board as well as general deterioration in comportment of passengers and horrific treatment of the crew we have observed. So even that is relative.

 

It's funny, if I was to judge Carnivakl purely on one cruise, say, the Alaska cruise I took back in 2006, I would be calling people crazy for saying it's a cruiseline that has all these fun & wacky activities. It was a very sedate cruise. I'd also be saying that its age demographics would be in the upper 50's to low 60's as well.

 

However, if I was to judge Carnival on my last cuise, it would be very different. Lots of families, a lot more activities for kids, and a more "upbeat" tempo.

 

Every cruise you take is different, especially if you cruise at different times of the year. if you're one of those who can only cruise on certain months, you'll come across the same types of people constantly then. Every single cruise I have taken has been different. Only once did I encounter the "party boat" that people accuse Carnival of being, and that's because we cruised during spring break and that didn't bother us because we wanted that type of vacation then.

 

Anyway, my only concern with Celebrity is the people. Some of the comments I have seen on this forum have come across with a rather "snooty" attitude. But I am not going to judge a whole cruieline and every single passenger based on a few who feel they're better than others and like to point it out a lot. (NOTE: I am not directing this at anyone in this thread.)

 

When I return from my cruise, I will do a review. If I had a great time, I'll say so; if not, I will also say so. I'm really looking forward to it, so hopefully I won't disappointed! :)

[H2OH!]

My wife and I have always sailed Carnival. (You can see that in my signature.) We have always enjoyed the cruises as well. We're about to embark on our very first Celebrity cruise in about a week. And while we're both really looking forward to it, I have to admit some of the comments made by people on this side of the forum have given me pause and have me wondering IF this is the right choice for us. Comments such as that "Celebrity is the grown-ups cruise line", for an example.

 

Look, I'm 50 years old. I may grow old, but I'll never grow up. No, that does not mean I want to see a belly flop contest, or enter (again) in the hairy chest contest (I came in second), or even enter the cocktail making contest. Yeah, they were fun, but they're not the reason I cruise. I cruise to relax. Sometimes that means doing goofy stuff and sometimes that means sitting by the pool reading a book. One thing I am definitely looking forward to on this cruise is the Star Chefs Cooking Show during the sea day. And then there's the beer tasting..... :)

 

Anyway, I'm going with an open mind and with the expectation of relaxation.

 

Hello my fellow "Chicagoan!" DH and I started cruising with celebrity in our late 30's early 40's...DH is now 50 and is our favorite line. dont be put off by comments here as everyone has an opinion.

 

We have cruised on carnival and rci as well as celebrity and have loved every one of our cruises. we stick with celebrity (we are elite) because we love the non-smoking policy, less children and the minimal/no announcements. We love that it is quieter given our jobs keep us moving at a frenetic pace. While I always enjoy a good belly-flop contest or QUEST on RCI (my husband and our group won Quest in 2007:D)...overall we love the peace and serene atmosphere of celebrity. to us it feels more elegant and we feel more pampered on celebrity. it is more relaxing to us. others see it differently...to each his own.

 

you will have wonderful time. enjoy! :)

[Nova24]

I am 84 and my husband is 86,we cruise 4 to 5 times a year mostly on Celebrity.Due to an error of surgery I must use a walker for balance.We enjoy the happy hour,the casino,the music,just about everything on a Celebrity cruise.We met a young 50' couple on our last Equinox cruise and all 4 of us had so much fun we booked a cruise for Dec. with them.Would someone,anyone please tell me how we,or others like us,make or break a cruise? Don't forget old age isn't contagious you will get it all on your own if you are lucky.I know I have used that quote of an older lady on a cruise ship before on these boards but it is the best line I have ever heard for the old age complainers.

 

Bravo! I am "only" 43, but I hope to be cruising when I am 84.

 

My wife and I enjoy Celebrity's atmosphere and don't need endless games and waterslides to keep us occupied.

 

The only non-Celebrity Cruise we have taken was on the Enchantment of the Seas and I did miss the basketball court.

[Andy]

I am 84 and my husband is 86,we cruise 4 to 5 times a year mostly on Celebrity.Due to an error of surgery I must use a walker for balance.We enjoy the happy hour,the casino,the music,just about everything on a Celebrity cruise.We met a young 50' couple on our last Equinox cruise and all 4 of us had so much fun we booked a cruise for Dec. with them.Would someone,anyone please tell me how we,or others like us,make or break a cruise? Don't forget old age isn't contagious you will get it all on your own if you are lucky.I know I have used that quote of an older lady on a cruise ship before on these boards but it is the best line I have ever heard for the old age complainers.

 

Hi Teajak,

 

I couldnt agree more. As you are probably aware, I always sail with Seniors, and love sailing with folks of all ages. Our dear Senior friends deserve our respect, and always have such wonderful stories/insights to share. It is one of the many beautiful things about Cruising.

[dgparent]

My wife and I are in our 40's we like to "party" i.e drink beer all day on the ship listen to good music and hit the casino, we were on Carnival last year and did none of the stuff the OP referred to. We like to sit by the bar and talk to other couples and make our own fun, we don't need gimics to have fun. One thing I did like was the piano bar on Carnival the guy had a contest sort of like name that tune, he gave a hint and played a few bars from a song from the 60's or 70's and you wrote down the song and artist, that was fun.

[tlund]

I am 84 and my husband is 86,we cruise 4 to 5 times a year mostly on Celebrity.Due to an error of surgery I must use a walker for balance.We enjoy the happy hour,the casino,the music,just about everything on a Celebrity cruise.We met a young 50' couple on our last Equinox cruise and all 4 of us had so much fun we booked a cruise for Dec. with them.Would someone,anyone please tell me how we,or others like us,make or break a cruise? Don't forget old age isn't contagious you will get it all on your own if you are lucky.I know I have used that quote of an older lady on a cruise ship before on these boards but it is the best line I have ever heard for the old age complainers.

 

If you would have read my post, I indicated that I have no problem socializing with seniors. What will make or break a cruise is the rude actions of the others on the ship. I never saw more "seniors" who acted as if they were entitled to do whatever they want, push wherever they wanted and treat the crew with disrespect. I understand that some seniors need some extra help getting around, etc. and I am more than respectful and helpful in that regard, however, if you want respect, you have to give respect. I didn't see a lot of that on behalf of the older crowd.

 

I, too, hope to be cruising at your age. I, will, however, be cognizant of those around me as well.

[miched]

We sail on many different lines. Not really much difference between them as they offer bascially the same things. Some lines just offer more of certain activities, and features.

 

They all have the same art auction, spa services, free seminars (infomericials) and etc. They all offer trivia games, bingo, movies, game shows, and etc. Some lines offer more craziness than others.

 

Difference is atmosphere, policies, passengers, and quality. Problem is sometimes those things are missing, lacking or not enforced.

 

Don't expect a ice skating show if the ship doesn't have a rink. Don't expect a five or six star experience when paying a 2 star price because the amosphere will not be there.

 

All in all every cruise line wants you to enjoy yourself. They all have something to offer and you should select one according to where you fit.

 

I cannot honestly say that I have ever been on a bad cruise, some just better than others, have also been on some that were disappointing but still enjoyed them.

 

 

.