Loyals to Royal: What would it take for you to sail on Carnival?

[ryano]

Many of us can't afford DCL. I am limited to school vacation times and most lines are way to expensive. I have not had any issues on either of my CCL cruises and I don't expect to have any on Monday either. If I do encounter issues I will take it up with the correct person and give them an opportunity to improve. I won't come here screeching about how awful Carnival is and I would never set foot on a ship again. I am not a drinker, I don't "party", I travel with my mother and kids and we are definitely not low class as some here have indicated of all CCL cruisers. I find this thread to be full of pompous, self-righteous folks and I would rather travel with some fun-loving people who work hard to be able to afford their vacation.

 

[pinkrosesdeb]

A shotgun..maybe?!

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

Many of us can't afford DCL. I am limited to school vacation times and most lines are way to expensive. I have not had any issues on either of my CCL cruises and I don't expect to have any on Monday either. If I do encounter issues I will take it up with the correct person and give them an opportunity to improve. I won't come here screeching about how awful Carnival is and I would never set foot on a ship again. I am not a drinker, I don't "party", I travel with my mother and kids and we are definitely not low class as some here have indicated of all CCL cruisers. I find this thread to be full of pompous, self-righteous folks and I would rather travel with some fun-loving people who work hard to be able to afford their vacation.

 

I paid the same for both my CCL and DCL cruises, I just cruise a few less days on DC (totally worth it). My cruise coincided with Atlanta spring break (which is a school holiday for some and but I don't know about where you live, if it was yours?) and still had sale rates. (I won't cruise during hurricane summer season for anything on any line.) I work hard for my vacations, that's why it's a let down when the crew is a guilt trip or rude or the service is understaffed and overwhelmed. While we are on the topic, not that I am a huge RCI cheerleader, but we aren't even on the CCL board, so your comments about people 'coming on here screeching about how awful Carnival is' are odd, because it's a critical cruise forum, so that is kind of the point... to have reviews and be our own critics of our cruise experiences.

 

You probably haven't been on other cruise lines. I used to 'cheer' for CCL, that they were as good as RCI (at the time, to me, they were! absolutely.) I definitely won't recommend them after this year though. There is a reason JD Powers customer ratings ranked CCL the lowest in satisfaction. RCI #2, DCL #1. I grew up on RCI, enjoyed my first 2 CCLs (Conquest last year was alright) and this year, I was happy to disembark the unfriendly Dream. I was totally done with cruising, but then a 3 day DCL totally brought me back. It is true that you get what you pay for.

 

I never said that all CCL people are drunk idiots (after all, I cruised them for years!) but it is an atmosphere that in my own personal experiences, is not like the other cruise lines I have been on. We still met really nice people on all of them. I think this last CCL, my biggest complaint came from the CMs and the ridiculous lines every where. Before I ever set foot on CruiseCritic, the whole time I was on the Dream, I told my friends "I've spent this entire ship cruise in lines! Lines to get off, lines to get on, lines to get pizza, lines to buy souvenirs at the gift shop, lines for omelets, lines for icecream cones even, or coffee cups in the buffet..."

 

Just as you feel it is unfair for people to assume that the majority of CCL guests are obnoxious drunk partiers, it is just as unfair to call all unhappy CCL guests who have moved on and label them 'pompous, self righteous folks', who perhaps you may imagine are happy to swim in money ala Scrooge McDuck. We have the same bills you do. That's why we learn that other vacation lines can provide more than a floating bingo hall (and I don't mean that snotty, that is a big part of what it is, and they know it) and I for one, choose not to spend my money on thonged dancers with crack-kills high-kicks writhing on a mechanical bull in the main theater, smokey casinos that the ships are designed to funnel you through to get anywhere, bingo games before shows, cheesey samba ruffled sleeved uncomfortable looking servers in the MDR who don't even have enough time to serve besides 'dance for us', and so on. I don't think that makes me pompous and self righteous. That is the business model CCL chose, but I don't have to fork over my hard earned dollars to be uncomfortable.

 

So maybe that will shed more light on why it is we would not go back. I always thought the ships (while confusing?) were fine. I even liked the oldest one the best. I just do not want to be asked constantly when I go to sing karaoke if I want to order drinks...how about now? can I get you anything? and on and on.

[GaryfmCol]

We have cruised Carnival a few times.

Nothing special.

I am a Diamond Plus at R.C.C.L. and, Elite at Celebrity.

They recognize me with perks and, Carnival does not.

I much prefer R.C.C.L. ships and, Celebrity ships also.

Not worth cruising for us at Carnival...

If I have the $$$ for a cruise, why not stay where we are recognized? :cool:

[Desertbelle]

I have sailed on Carnival twice and those cruises were not cheaper than what I expect to pay on RCL or on our two Princess cruises. I have had some incredible deals on both RCL and Celebrity, so it would seem to me that cost shouldn't come into play.

 

 

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[tlatrice]

I paid the same for both my CCL and DCL cruises, I just cruise a few less days on DC (totally worth it). My cruise coincided with Atlanta spring break (which is a school holiday for some and but I don't know about where you live, if it was yours?) and still had sale rates. (I won't cruise during hurricane summer season for anything on any line.) I work hard for my vacations, that's why it's a let down when the crew is a guilt trip or rude or the service is understaffed and overwhelmed. While we are on the topic, not that I am a huge RCI cheerleader, but we aren't even on the CCL board, so your comments about people 'coming on here screeching about how awful Carnival is' are odd, because it's a critical cruise forum, so that is kind of the point... to have reviews and be our own critics of our cruise experiences.

 

You probably haven't been on other cruise lines. I used to 'cheer' for CCL, that they were as good as RCI (at the time, to me, they were! absolutely.) I definitely won't recommend them after this year though. There is a reason JD Powers customer ratings ranked CCL the lowest in satisfaction. RCI #2, DCL #1. I grew up on RCI, enjoyed my first 2 CCLs (Conquest last year was alright) and this year, I was happy to disembark the unfriendly Dream. I was totally done with cruising, but then a 3 day DCL totally brought me back. It is true that you get what you pay for.

 

I never said that all CCL people are drunk idiots (after all, I cruised them for years!) but it is an atmosphere that in my own personal experiences, is not like the other cruise lines I have been on. We still met really nice people on all of them. I think this last CCL, my biggest complaint came from the CMs and the ridiculous lines every where. Before I ever set foot on CruiseCritic, the whole time I was on the Dream, I told my friends "I've spent this entire ship cruise in lines! Lines to get off, lines to get on, lines to get pizza, lines to buy souvenirs at the gift shop, lines for omelets, lines for icecream cones even, or coffee cups in the buffet..."

 

Just as you feel it is unfair for people to assume that the majority of CCL guests are obnoxious drunk partiers, it is just as unfair to call all unhappy CCL guests who have moved on and label them 'pompous, self righteous folks', who perhaps you may imagine are happy to swim in money ala Scrooge McDuck. We have the same bills you do. That's why we learn that other vacation lines can provide more than a floating bingo hall (and I don't mean that snotty, that is a big part of what it is, and they know it) and I for one, choose not to spend my money on thonged dancers with crack-kills high-kicks writhing on a mechanical bull in the main theater, smokey casinos that the ships are designed to funnel you through to get anywhere, bingo games before shows, cheesey samba ruffled sleeved uncomfortable looking servers in the MDR who don't even have enough time to serve besides 'dance for us', and so on. I don't think that makes me pompous and self righteous. That is the business model CCL chose, but I don't have to fork over my hard earned dollars to be uncomfortable.

 

So maybe that will shed more light on why it is we would not go back. I always thought the ships (while confusing?) were fine. I even liked the oldest one the best. I just do not want to be asked constantly when I go to sing karaoke if I want to order drinks...how about now? can I get you anything? and on and on.

 

 

 

Exactly! And what makes her think the people who refuse to cruise CCL DON'T work hard to be able to afford their vacation? I know I do!

[Cruising89143]

Many of us can't afford DCL. I am limited to school vacation times and most lines are way to expensive. I have not had any issues on either of my CCL cruises and I don't expect to have any on Monday either. If I do encounter issues I will take it up with the correct person and give them an opportunity to improve. I won't come here screeching about how awful Carnival is and I would never set foot on a ship again. I am not a drinker, I don't "party", I travel with my mother and kids and we are definitely not low class as some here have indicated of all CCL cruisers. I find this thread to be full of pompous, self-righteous folks and I would rather travel with some fun-loving people who work hard to be able to afford their vacation.

 

Interesting comments. From the look of your sig line Carnival is the only line that you have cruised. First this is not the Carnival board so you can't expect everyone to love Carnival. Second many of us have cruised Carnival along with other lines so we have a good idea of what we like and dislike. If you have an issue with what has been posted then maybe you're better off staying on the Carnival board. Sometimes I think some are a little too sensitive. We are talking about cruise lines and not family members.

[BlancaNoir]

I wanted to say "Never!" but that is not true. I'd sail Carnival again:

 

1. If they built a new ship that seemed awesome. The newer Carnival ships seem ok but nothing about them makes me want to scream "YES! YES YES!" Especially when some of the newer ships on other lines (NCL, Royal, Disney, Celebrity) are so enticing!

 

OR

 

2. They had a decent ship sailing west coast of U.S. Like maybe if one of their newer ships was on the west coast I would consider carnival.

 

Lower costs wouldn't bring on a carnival ship because to me the problem with them is that they give (me) a low cost experience. Kind of loud, tacky, sticky, obnoxious...like you get what you pay for.

[Tapi]

Went on a Carnival Cruise 15 - 20 years ago NEVER AGAIN . . . . you couldn't pay me to get on one of their ships!

 

Would you agree that A LOT has changed at Royal Caribbean since the Song of Norway was retired (18 years ago)? Well, a lot has changed at Carnival as well.

 

For the record, my first Carnival cruise was aboard the Tropicale in 1994. It ranks at the top of my "worst cruises I've ever taken" list. I was ready to get off the ship in St. Thomas and fly home.

 

Fast forward 19 years to 2013. Not only did I give Carnival another try, but I became Platinum on them (13 cruises and counting). Not every cruise has been great, some have been wonderful, and others have rivaled that first cruise on the Tropicale. But I would've definitely missed out on some memorable experiences had I chosen to never sail on Carnival ever again.

 

I'm fully aware that Carnival is not everyone's cup of tea, and some people don't want to "risk it" to save a few bucks. But I don't sail on them expecting anything more than an inexpensive way to enjoy the basic pleasures of cruising. And they do deliver that.

[esper10]

We have cruised Carnival a few times. We live in California and Carnival is a very convenient way for a cruise without the hassle of air port, hotel....We did enjoy the times we cruise with Carnival, but again if we have to fly we go RCL or Celebrity.

[Charles4515]

Lower costs wouldn't bring on a carnival ship because to me the problem with them is that they give (me) a low cost experience. Kind of loud, tacky, sticky, obnoxious...like you get what you pay for.

 

I think that is pretty accurate. Plus with all the issues they have had recently which indicate poor maintenance of their fleet. No thanks.

 

On the Carnival boards a bunch of carnival fans were posting how it would be fine with them if they cruised on the ships with issues because it was better tna being at work. Plus the free cruise. Gee no power and sewage all over better than where they work? I have nothing in common with them then. While I enjoy my vacations my work, and I am only a working man is not hellish like theirs must be. And if the cost is a factor I would just wait longer inbetween cruise rather than spend on an experience I don't want.

[Cruising89143]

I think that is pretty accurate. Plus with all the issues they have had recently which indicate poor maintenance of their fleet. No thanks.

 

On the Carnival boards a bunch of carnival fans were posting how it would be fine with them if they cruised on the ships with issues because it was better tna being at work. Plus the free cruise. Gee no power and sewage all over better than where they work? I have nothing in common with them then. While I enjoy my vacations my work, and I am only a working man is not hellish like theirs must be. And if the cost is a factor I would just wait longer inbetween cruise rather than spend on an experience I don't want.

 

There is currently an interesting thread on the Carnival board. Some of the comments will make you shake your head. Some comments are amusing.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1920190

[alreadypacked]

Interesting thread!

[alreadypacked]

From my signature, I have obviously cruised on Carnival. My brother suggested a cruise on the Miracle a few years ago and off we went. I think they had a good product four years ago. Many of RCI's ships were even then bigger and seemed to offer more, but we still had a good time. Some people even prefer smaller ships. The cabin attendants and the waiter staff were very good.

 

Since then the entertainment has gone downhill a lot on Carnival. The passengers too often are the entertainment. The dead in the water problems they have had with two ships is also a consideration. Right now my brother has not gone back to Carnival and is booked for two RCI cruises with us.

 

I won't say never for cruising on Carnival again, but just not right now.

 

This!

 

I have 14 cruises on Carnival. I don't hate them, but their product (food and entertainment) has changed--and not for the better.

 

Had been on Royal and Princess years ago, and since 2011, we have been returning to other lines again--NCL, Celebrity, and Princess again.

 

We desire better food and entertainment, though the Carnival standard inside and ocean view cabin sizes (and bathrooms) are hard to beat.

 

Princess standard balcony room = small!

Princess balcony room shower and bathroom in general = really small!

 

NCL - We went on an older ship (really really small room and smallest bathroom I've ever seen at sea--DH showered in the spa everyday) but we are open to trying one of their newer ships (Not Epic, though). MDR dinner not very good--ended up paying for specialty dining venues several nights.

 

Celebrity (Solstice class), seems to be our favorite so far: Standard balcony cabins are really nice in our opinion. Only thing I'd prefer is a hand-held shower head. And their MDR food was far superior to Carnival and Princess.

[Able Seaman H]

As long time (D+) RCI cruisers we are making the switch this Christmas / New Year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We're taking a Seabourn cruise !

[Aquahound]

Sometimes I think some are a little too sensitive. We are talking about cruise lines and not family members.

 

Now, THERE'S the understatement of the day! ;)

[sellwingri]

We went on a short 5 day Carnival cruise to Canada in June and the trip itself was wonderful. However, the layout of the Carnival Glory made no sense. On several floors, you couldn't walk from one end to the other. You had to go up or down and then go forward.

 

We tried the MDR on day 1 and 2 but the food was so bad that we ended up in the steakhouse on day 3 and 4. AT $35 per person, it was good.

 

The room, a standard balcony, was very nice and a bit bigger than RCCL. But other than that, there's no comparison.

 

We got this cruise at the last minute for practically nothing and for the same price at the last minute, we'd probably do it again. BUT when I'm planning a cruise in the future, it will be RCCL.

 

5 months until our AOS Southern Caribbean cruise, not that I'm counting.

[nbsjcruiser]

For me it would be a brand new ship designed along the lines of an NCL ship. No Gaudy 1970's orange crap, a new menu that looked good, a commitment to service and a good price.

 

Asking a lot, but there ya go.

[cocacola86]

What would it take me to switch to Royal from Carnival.

 

 

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[cocacola86]

Carnival has great service, great food , better prices to the same destinations.

 

 

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[janetz]

Carnival has great service, great food , better prices to the same destinations.

 

 

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OMG another Breeze!!!!! With another name, again! :p

[clean1owner]

For me it would be a brand new ship designed along the lines of an NCL ship. No Gaudy 1970's orange crap, a new menu that looked good, a commitment to service and a good price.

 

Asking a lot, but there ya go.

 

 

But then you would just have another NCL ship.

 

There is a reason cruise lines have differences.

[Charles4515]

Carnival has great service, great food , better prices to the same destinations.

 

 

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Great service? Get real! Great food? Get real! The service is about the least of the mass market lines. The food is okay but not great food. And the waiters are made to sing and dance too much. The ships are tacky, over furnished, odd color combinations. No thanks about better prices. I will pay the extra $100 for a better experience.

[foxesden1]

Not having a ship o. The west coast is why we sail both.

[CrazyCanuckCruzer]

DH and I's first cruise was on Carnival Miracle. It was awesome! We've also cruised Holland America and NCL. In three weeks, we will be on Allure and are so looking forward to it (first time on RCL)! We've had an excellent time on all our cruises! We usually book for the itinerary and cost. I believe there is good and bad on all lines. It's just that some 'bad' experiences seem to be reported more on CCL. After this coming cruise on RCL, we will have 12 cruises under our belt. All said, we've had nothing bad to say about any of our cruises. Except that the entertainment on HAL was sorely lacking after 9:00pm. This was a 16-day Mediterranean/Transatlantic and it got kind of boring in the evenings. But everything else was top notch.