Celebrity cruisers thinking of....Carnival?!

[micmacmissy]

When we cruise without kids, it's a no brainer that we're going to do Celebrity. We like the elegant atmosphere, the live music, the quiet areas.

 

We did Royal once when we took the kids. Now thinking of the next family cruise and came across review of the Carnival Breeze (which I think is their newest ship...I would never consider it otherwise!)

 

It has water slides and water playgrounds and lots of places to eat that I know the kids would like. Question is...am I nuts to even consider it? We are not party people, don't drink much, but think the kids would like this ship. We would definitely NOT going during spring break since I've seen some scary reviews/videos on what Carnival is like during spring break.

 

So Celebrity cruisers who have done both...is this worth considering or am I nuts?

[Cruise a holic]

When we cruise without kids, it's a no brainer that we're going to do Celebrity. We like the elegant atmosphere, the live music, the quiet areas.

 

We did Royal once when we took the kids. Now thinking of the next family cruise and came across review of the Carnival Breeze (which I think is their newest ship...I would never consider it otherwise!)

 

It has water slides and water playgrounds and lots of places to eat that I know the kids would like. Question is...am I nuts to even consider it? We are not party people, don't drink much, but think the kids would like this ship. We would definitely NOT going during spring break since I've seen some scary reviews/videos on what Carnival is like during spring break.

 

So Celebrity cruisers who have done both...is this worth considering or am I nuts?

 

No you aren't nuts. We have done a few of each. We prefer, when it is my DH and I only, Celebrity. We love RC, especially the newer ships, with kids and family. However, we have had positive experience on Carnival albiet not the Breeze, but my brother and his family enjoyed their trip and are loyale Carnival fans. The standard cabins are really nice also. The food and entertainment were also good to very good.

 

I think your family, if the party type would enjoy Carnival. In fact, my teens would not like Celebrity as it is too reserved for their taste.

 

I am also thinking of trying Carnival again in the future as I believe Celebrity is continuing to increase prices.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

Edited April 18, 2014 by Cruise a holic

[4774Papa]

My Step Son and his family did a cruise with their five year old on Disney, they loved it.

[micmacmissy]

My Step Son and his family did a cruise with their five year old on Disney, they loved it.

 

Our kids are a little too old for Disney. I did price out a Disney cruise when they were younger and it was more than double the price than Royal/Celebrity. Can't justify that! They'd rather do a trip to Disneyworld than a Disney cruise...but I hear the Disney cruises are amazing for those who are into it! :)

[micmacmissy]

No you aren't nuts. We have done a few of each. We prefer, when it is my DH and I only, Celebrity. We love RC, especially the newer ships, with kids and family. However, we have had positive experience on Carnival albiet not the Breeze, but my brother and his family enjoyed their trip and are loyale Carnival fans. The standard cabins are really nice also. The food and entertainment were also good to very good.

 

I think your family, if the party type would enjoy Carnival. In fact, my teens would not like Celebrity as it is too reserved for their taste.

 

I am also thinking of trying Carnival again in the future as I believe Celebrity is continuing to increase prices.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

 

Thanks...I'm also thinking they'd love Allure/Oasis (and I would like that better, I think, since I trust the product more). Two balcony oceanviews on them are a good $1,500 more than on Breeze. I'm going to keep watching prices and see what happens...thanks for the info!

[Cruising89143]

I think that it's good to try other lines. It's the only way that you will know if they are a good fit.

 

Also Carnival is not the party line that they once were. That started to change years ago. They are going for the same demographic that RCI and NCL are shooting for. Families.....

 

With that said, I am not a fan of Carnival. I cruised with them for many years and would never step out and try other lines. Once I did I found out that IMHO there are better lines out there for what I like when it comes to cruising. Not saying that Carnival is bad. They're not. Many people still love cruising with them. They just don't offer the things that we are used to that RCI and Celebrity offer.

 

For me the main issue is the ships. I liked the old Fantasy class and the Spirit class is my favorite in their fleet. The Destiny and Conquest class are IMHO the worst designed ships afloat and the Breeze is just a larger version of those ships. Crowding is my major issue. Take a look at the size of the ship verses how many guests the ship holds.

 

I have no idea how the food is today. It used to be pretty good but that is so subjective. I have read that Carnival has cut back on the production shows to a thirty minute shows. More audience participation shows. I'm sure your kids will love the ship. Seems to be plenty to do.

 

As far as the Oasis and Allure. Nothing IMHO can top those two ships. Incredible. The entertainment is outstanding.

 

Good luck on your choice.

 

By the way, I suggest taking the time to read this review on the Breeze from last July. This is from a long time Cruise Critic member who cruises all of the lines and has been on many cruises. His reviews are always straight forward and I enjoy reading.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1793166&highlight=eroller

Edited April 18, 2014 by cruisingator2

[Cruise a holic]

Thanks...I'm also thinking they'd love Allure/Oasis (and I would like that better, I think, since I trust the product more). Two balcony oceanviews on them are a good $1,500 more than on Breeze. I'm going to keep watching prices and see what happens...thanks for the info!

If you can do Allure or Oasis great. We took the Central Park View and had two connecting cabins We loved the location and view! Very cost effective. Have done Disney, enjoyed, but not great. A nice experience for kids under ten.

 

Disney very overpriced, IMO RC oasis and allure a better choice. From what I have heard from previous passengers, many do not like NCL

Edited April 18, 2014 by Cruise a holic

[terigo]

We usually take 2 cruises a year. One is our upscale "go somewhere exotic" cruise and one is our "take a one-week break" out of Florida cruise. We often choose Carnival for the latter, and must say that we have never been disappointed in the service, food, cabins, or entertainment.

I agree that the "party hearty" reputation the cruiseline has is not warranted. Yes, there are a ton of activities, but this is not a bad thing at all...especially great for the kids.

About the only negatives to Carnival are the smoking policies and the fact that it seems the passengers have no idea what formal wear is... and for some, that might not be a negative.

We love Celebrity and Carnival. I still don't understand why people denigrate Carnival as much as they do, but I assume it is because they have never sailed on one of their ships.

[matondo]

I took my first Carnival cruise last year. I really enjoyed myself. The food was good, not great but good works for me. The cabin was spotless. All of the staff were very friendly.

 

My previous cruises include HAL and Disney. In a nutshell, I would say Carnival felt more like the beer crowd and HAL the wine crowd but that is purely my perspective. One is not necessarily better than the other just different.

 

The water slides on Carnival are wonderful and I think you children would enjoy them. My suggestion give it a go and go on at least a 5-7 night cruise to avoid some of the hard core partiers.

 

I am looking forward to my first Celebrity cruise!

[vermonter16]

I like Carnival. DH and I have taken 4 cruises on them. However, I don't like the Dream which I believe is the sister ship of the Breeze. I felt like they put way too many people on it and DH and I seemed to spend most of our time waiting in line for food. Dinners were excellent but we just felt like a bunch of cattle. Wherever we went it was literally wall to wall people. But - you may love it and I'm sure your kids will think it's awesome. It certainly wasn't a bad cruise for us, we did enjoy it, we just wouldn't do that particular ship again.

[Beachdude]

We have TA friend who says that Carnival is bending over backwards providing really good services trying to get their good name back. We used to cruise Carnival a lot with our kids because it was 2nd only to Disney for being a family friendly cruise line. We are Carnival Platinum members, but because their quality start falling, we haven't cruised them in three years. But from what I am hearing from the TA and friends who are cruising Carnival, I think we will give them a try again. It's hard to be their prices.

 

Burt

[J&B in GA]

We have sailed on 3 Carnival cruises, twice on the Magic, sister ship to the Breeze. As the Breeze is newer, it was outfitted with the latest ammenities which include Guy's Burger Joint, the Blue Iguana Bar, and Hasbro the Game show one night which as someone mentioned is an interactive show featuring large versions of some of Hasbro's board games.

 

Enjoyed all three, but not at all the same experience as either Princess or Celebrity. As others have mentioned the water park is great for the kids, some interesting venues for adults are Serenity (Adults only retreat with over sized loungers, and a couple hammocks, which are always taken ;)). We also enjoyed the Red Frog pub and the singing/dancing waiters in the MDR. On our Carnival cruises we had the pleasure of enjoying Ken Byrne, the singing Matre 'D. He has a wonderful tenor voice and sings during dinner service, but since he is Carnival's Senior Matre 'D, he might not be on the Breeze. Don't know when you plan to cruise, but I believe his next assignment is on the Carnival Miracle sailing to Alaska this summer which will also have Carnival's Senior CD and Brand Ambassador, John Heald.

 

Whatever you decide, I think you will enjoy the Carnival product, definitely less formal than Celebrity. Don't recall seeing anyone in a Tux on elegant nights.

[miched]

We have sailed Carnival many times. Enjoyed all of those cruises but cost wise they may not be much cheaper than Celebrity on a cat per cat basis.

 

The only negative that I have is the smoking atmosphere.

 

🚢🌅

[OCruisers]

While I don't think you are nuts to consider it, just not sure WHY you're considering Carnival. :confused:

My grandchildren's favorite cruse line was Celebrity when they were young and it's still their favorite cruise line now that they are in their late teens. :)

LuLu

~~~

[micmacmissy]

Dinners were excellent but we just felt like a bunch of cattle. Wherever we went it was literally wall to wall people.

 

This is enough to scare me away. I am NOT a crowd person...and I hate feeling stressed on vacation!

 

I just looked up the space to passenger ratio for Carnival vs. Celebrity... :eek:

[micmacmissy]

While I don't think you are nuts to consider it, just not sure WHY you're considering Carnival. :confused:

My grandchildren's favorite cruse line was Celebrity when they were young and it's still their favorite cruise line now that they are in their late teens. :)

LuLu

~~~

 

You know, I think you may be 100% correct. After pricing it out, Carnival isn't cheaper at all. And while the kids loved Royal, one pass on mini golf and rock wall and they were done. While I do think they'd love the water slides, that isn't enough to sell me...I'm now leaning toward Oasis/Allure...I know they'd love exploring that ship (and I want to experience it, too!).

Edited April 18, 2014 by micmacmissy

[UniPac]

As I have never sailed on Carnival I would not try it because of one reason: loud music. Each time we met a Carnival ship at any port they were playing loud music on deck. Loud enough to hear it quite far away. And not only for sail-away.

I like sea days or staying on the ship/returning early to relax on deck. Can't imagine that with such loud music.

 

Lots of ppl here are complaining about the level of music at Celebrity ships. Carnival seems to be MUCH worse.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[momofmeg]

The 7 day cruises do not have the party lovers so much and more kids. However, the ships will not have the subdued elegant luxurious feel Celebrity ships have. Carnival ships have more of a Vegas flashy feel. A decent value, and yes Carnival food is good, but you may be disappointed unless you lower your expectations. Don't expect as much and you may actually enjoy your cruise.

Edited April 18, 2014 by momofmeg

[OCruisers]

You know, I think you may be 100% correct. After pricing it out, Carnival isn't cheaper at all. And while the kids loved Royal, one pass on mini golf and rock wall and they were done. While I do think they'd love the water slides, that isn't enough to sell me...I'm now leaning toward Oasis/Allure...I know they'd love exploring that ship (and I want to experience it, too!).

 

Really think you'd be happy with Oasis/Allure for a cruise with the children. We gave it a try just to see for ourselves and had a good time.

It's a different cruising experience -- a floating resort (I mean that in a nice way) with so much to do and see.

LuLu

~~~

[momofmeg]

As I have never sailed on Carnival I would not try it because of one reason: loud music. Each time we met a Carnival ship at any port they were playing loud music on deck. Loud enough to hear it quite far away. And not only for sail-away.

I like sea days or staying on the ship/returning early to relax on deck. Can't imagine that with such loud music.

 

Lots of ppl here are complaining about the level of music at Celebrity ships. Carnival seems to be MUCH worse.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

 

We took RCI Sovereign of the Seas a couple of times from Pt. Canaveral. In Nassau we always docked near a Disney ship, which had very loud music! it made me gnat to try Disney-lol! and we did! I enjoyed the cruise okay, but decided for the extra cost I would not go back again unless my daughter made me a grandmother one day.

 

It has been nearly 10 years since that Disney cruise-lol! I have a feeling now that would not attract me as I like things more subdued now. That is the same reason it has been over 10 years since I was on Carnival. I am just too old to enjoy Carnival now. Lol!

 

However, if I did go on Carnival again, it would be a 7 day, not one of the shorter party cruises. There is one 8 day itinerary they offer that I really like a sit is ports in the southern Caribbean. I think it is on the Breeze too, the ship the OP is considering. They alternate a 8 day southern Caribbean with a 6 day eastern Caribbean. ( I think) I would not do the 6 day, but I would the 8 day.

[Bailey & Sophie]

We have sailed Carnival many times. Enjoyed all of those cruises but cost wise they may not be much cheaper than Celebrity on a cat per cat basis.

 

The only negative that I have is the smoking atmosphere.

 

🚢🌅

Ditto on the smoking thing. We so appreciate Celebrity's nearly total ban on the smoking!

[AmberTeka]

I like Carnival. DH and I have taken 4 cruises on them. However, I don't like the Dream which I believe is the sister ship of the Breeze. I felt like they put way too many people on it and DH and I seemed to spend most of our time waiting in line for food. Dinners were excellent but we just felt like a bunch of cattle. Wherever we went it was literally wall to wall people. But - you may love it and I'm sure your kids will think it's awesome. It certainly wasn't a bad cruise for us, we did enjoy it, we just wouldn't do that particular ship again.

 

Now this is how two people who like to cruise, are both nice people can disagree on ships.

 

I have sailed both the Breeze and the Dream.The Dream four times. I love that ship. It is close to my home, it is squeaky clean, and I am a huge clean fan, the casino is large and has a good variety of things to lose your money doing, I like the shows ( the ones currently playing..."8 More Seconds" is great. county music done right. Great fiddle playing as in Rocky Top and The Devil went down to Georgia. Great dancers. 'Dancing in the street"

with flown in acrobats. And Divas. That one I did not see. Comedy shoes...family and adult...Bingo..Trivia..( lots of trivia which I enjoy) Always something to do.

 

Food is not bad. Some is very good. The Grill is very good. The Pizza is very, very good.

 

The Breeze is new. Lovely. Clean to a fault. More restaurants....and Italian Restaurant..The SteakHouse ( and Carnival has the best Steakhouses at SEa. We have dined in them on every line but RCI and Carnival......the best. Plus Guy Flay's burgers. Good.French fries really good. A hot dog stand. Mexican at Blue Iguana. Indian at the Tandor Grill. ( My vegan daughter loved that)...I didn't like the Activities Staff. Which was odd. That never happened in over 20 cruises.

Your Kids will not be able to complain that there is nothing to do on The Breeze or the Dream. and neither will you.

[Stateroom_Sailor]

Don't expect as much and you may actually enjoy your cruise.

 

I agree. We're not Celebrity cruisers yet, so I can't compare from experience, but if you take it for what it is you'll be fine. It's like spending a week in Vegas, it will never measure up to a resort in the mountains.

 

The fall is a good time to go on Carnival, average age is probably late 30's for a 7 day cruise, but that might not work for your kids.

 

I liked Carnival's MDR food better than RCL, they've got some good standup comedians, and the passengers are quickly relaxed, friendly and outgoing. Conversation can be more small talk, you might not add as many friends to your phone book, but you also don't have that minority of frowned face passengers who look like they chose the wrong cruise line.

[cindygad]

We prefer Celebrity for ourselves. If I was taking children it would be RCCL or Carnival. My kids loved the childrens program on Carnival. We found the food to be pretty good and entertainment very good. Yes it is a different experience but we still had fun.

[momofmeg]

I agree. We're not Celebrity cruisers yet, so I can't compare from experience, but if you take it for what it is you'll be fine. It's like spending a week in Vegas, it will never measure up to a resort in the mountains.

 

The fall is a good time to go on Carnival, average age is probably late 30's for a 7 day cruise, but that might not work for your kids.

 

I liked Carnival's MDR food better than RCL, they've got some good standup comedians, and the passengers are quickly relaxed, friendly and outgoing. Conversation can be more small talk, you might not add as many friends to your phone book, but you also don't have that minority of frowned face passengers who look like they chose the wrong cruise line.

 

Or booking a Days Inn verus a Hilton.

 

I agree too that their food is better than RCI, or at least it was 10 years ago. However, I really do not pick by who has the best food as I have to watch what I eat. Besides, I feel Celebrity's main diningroom food is as good and probably better than Carnival. Carnival is all about value for your dollar with a little over the top glitz. As I said, I would cruise Carnival for a specific itinerary as long as I had at least a balcony room so I would have a place to chill when it got too much for me.