We strayed to Carnival...NEVER again!

[rudeney]

We have never cruised on CCL, but have enjoyed both DCL and RCCL. We have found DCL and RCCL to be very similar with a family-friendly environment, service-oriented crew, and plenty of activities for all ages. We have friends and family members who have sailed CCL and most say "never again" - even the ones who have been on no other cruises for comparison. I am sure there are other cruise lines that offer a more mature crowd, but we actually like RCCL. It seems to have the right mix of energy and casual atmosphere for us.

 

Like Doug said, we have been in ports with CCL ships and have observed which people board which ship. There were plenty of nice people getting on both ships, but when you saw people who were behaving or dressed in a less than appropriate manner, 2 out of 3 were headed for the CCL ship. I think much of this is due to their marketing strategy. CCL does advertise themselves as the "fun ships". They seem to promote more of a party atmosphere, where RCCL tends to advertise more of a family atmosphere with sporting activities and shore excursions.

 

Personally, I don't ever see myself on a CCL ship. I might try X or HAL, but RCCL just seems to fit our needs best.

[RiotAct]

I believe chocolates on the pillows are also history on CCL now as well.

 

Bill

 

You are correct! No huge loss, as they weren't that good anyway.

[TheGinBoy]

Room service...they only serve a cold continental breakfast.:(

 

I'd go mad without my room service hot breakfast!

 

If you ordered a 2nd entrée, they put it on the table with the first.

 

This has been my experience on all of my RCCL cruises, if I ask for two main courses they come together.

 

Not once did our waiter fill us in on the next days activities, ports, etc like they do on RCCL.

 

Never had this on any of my RCCL cruises, and never really thought to expect it from the waiting staff. They have other things on their minds!

 

Pools....OMG! NO adult-only pool!!!That was pretty much a nightmare. The pools are very small for the size of that ship and kids overtook the pools and hot tubs.

 

Another thing that would drive me mad. I live for the peace and quiet of the solarium on a sea day!

[Havingfun2010]

I found many of your complaints in line with the complaints I have had when I last tried Carnival.

[iltutcruiser]

The last time I took a cruise on Carnival, I assured myself I would never go back. The last straw for me was Meatloaf (bad meatloaf) as an Entree in the MDR. I asked the waiter if it was going to be hog jowls and chitttlins the next day. He did not have a clue.

[Heather1972]

I'm assuming we both sailed on the 8/23/15 Carnival Dream cruise. I'm not loyal to any cruise line. Every ship and experience is going to be different. I certainly wouldn't let the things you mentioned keep me from sailing Carnival again. The only thing that I saw that bothered me was children & men walking around inside with no shirt on. Now that is gross.

[CarnieAddict]

I get a kick out of all of going on about Carnival. Have you people not read any of the reviews on the 2 Quantum class ships? How the pools are so small. 800 sun chairs for 5000 people. Computers charging people for things they didn't purchase. The Bionic Bar not working. Not enough staff. Oh and on the Inaugural cruise on the Quantum there was a malfunction in one of the shows and a performer was kicked in the head. And these are brand new ships not 8 years old like the Dream.

[CarnieAddict]

The last time I took a cruise on Carnival, I assured myself I would never go back. The last straw for me was Meatloaf (bad meatloaf) as an Entree in the MDR. I asked the waiter if it was going to be hog jowls and chitttlins the next day. He did not have a clue.

 

Being rude to the waiter that has no control over the menu. Real classy.

[American Bear]

We have never cruised on CCL, but have enjoyed both DCL and RCCL. We have found DCL and RCCL to be very similar with a family-friendly environment, service-oriented crew, and plenty of activities for all ages. We have friends and family members who have sailed CCL and most say "never again" - even the ones who have been on no other cruises for comparison. I am sure there are other cruise lines that offer a more mature crowd, but we actually like RCCL. It seems to have the right mix of energy and casual atmosphere for us.

 

Like Doug said, we have been in ports with CCL ships and have observed which people board which ship. There were plenty of nice people getting on both ships, but when you saw people who were behaving or dressed in a less than appropriate manner, 2 out of 3 were headed for the CCL ship. I think much of this is due to their marketing strategy. CCL does advertise themselves as the "fun ships". They seem to promote more of a party atmosphere, where RCCL tends to advertise more of a family atmosphere with sporting activities and shore excursions.

 

Personally, I don't ever see myself on a CCL ship. I might try X or HAL, but RCCL just seems to fit our needs best.

 

 

 

My opinion is that CCL has a younger, higher spirited crowd because their cruises are more affordable(cheaper) then RCL, and that's what younger singles, and couples can afford! And those younger people like to party more then older crowds.

Take a HAL cruise, costs more, and you'll be asleep by 10pm with that old crowd!:D

That said, RCL has its share of jerks.:D

Happy cruising.

[CarnieAddict]

You are correct! No huge loss, as they weren't that good anyway.

 

We had chocolates on our bed on our last Carnival cruise. Which was January 2015.

[CarnieAddict]

My opinion is that CCL has a younger, higher spirited crowd because their cruises are more affordable(cheaper) then RCL, and that's what younger singles, and couples can afford! And those younger people like to party more then older crowds.

Take a HAL cruise, costs more, and you'll be asleep by 10pm with that old crowd!:D

That said, RCL has its share of jerks.:D

Happy cruising.

 

That is not a true comment. I'm 42 and I was considered young on my last Carnival cruise. There is a mixture of ages on Carnival.

[Big_G]

I get a kick out of all of going on about Carnival. Have you people not read any of the reviews on the 2 Quantum class ships? How the pools are so small. 800 sun chairs for 5000 people. Computers charging people for things they didn't purchase. The Bionic Bar not working. Not enough staff. Oh and on the Inaugural cruise on the Quantum there was a malfunction in one of the shows and a performer was kicked in the head. And these are brand new ships not 8 years old like the Dream.

 

At least they have first hand knowledge of what they speak. Tried any other cruise lines lately? :rolleyes:

[DT1304]

Interesting to read your review.

 

I had only been on 2 cruises before (Both on Radiance) and decided to go on a Carnival cruise because it sailed out of Australia mid year. (RCCL has left Australian waters by then)

 

I have to say that your comments about the food, general service etc are spot on. I could not believe the difference in the level of service received from the staff on the two cruise lines, not the inferior quality of the food. (IMO)

 

And as for entertainment, I found that if you enjoy trivia then you were all good with carnival, because there was 60's music trivia, 70's music trivia, 80's music trivia, tv trivia, general trivia, and when you were tired of all these, you could always go for a trivia night! :eek:

 

Anyway, I did my one and only Carnival cruise, and am looking forward to getting back on RCCL in December for a Christmas and New Years cruise.

[NOSaints1]

Never had a bad experience on Carnival, Guys burger outstanding, blue iguana cantina excellent, the CMC in the MDR delicious. On here I don't believe anybody ever says about any ship, most have one bad experience and complain about the whole thing. We're going on AOS and yes it is a different cruiseline, it's not because we don't like sailing on Carnival. You mean to tell me that RC, hasn't had cutbacks to anything, some people say the drink prices are going up and the food is declining. RC has a better buffet and Carnival has a better MDR food.

[pspercy]

In December 2013 we did a five nighter out of Galveston on Carnival Triumph mostly because price was unbeatable (last minute booking) and also because RCL doesn't offer short trips there.

 

We had few complaints, mostly due to unnecessary loudness outside in pool area - the big screen showing loud obnoxious trash on a pleasant morning coming in to Cozumel, eventually it was turned off when the ship next door complained. Main pool area otherwise great, two bars, Guy's Burgers and TexMex place all right there.

 

Ship's interior decor a bit strange as was getting around (one MDR midships forcing detours).

 

Food in MDR was about the same if not better than Royal, served hot and quickly. Bar service in MDR better than Royal ever dreamed of. Shows were poor. Casino large and had a live band which was fun. Bar service excellent all around. Cabin (8F) large and stewards were invisible but effective. Crew friendly and pleasant. Brunch on sea day back to Galveston very good indeed, they had eggs and filet mignon on the menu and that is exactly what you got, a real 4oz filet with your eggs. Yum.

 

We'd do it again for the right price, we had a good time and for anyone interested in Mayan ruins in the Yucatan, Progreso is a far better port than Coz.

Edited September 1, 2015 by pspercy

[BopRN]

The last time I took a cruise on Carnival, I assured myself I would never go back. The last straw for me was Meatloaf (bad meatloaf) as an Entree in the MDR. I asked the waiter if it was going to be hog jowls and chitttlins the next day. He did not have a clue.

 

Interesting that you mention this, because we thought this was odd as well. Every night they offered a different "comfort food" entrée....

Meatloaf, Southern Fried Chicken and Gravy, Beef Stroganoff, Fried Shrimp & fries, etc.

When I am cruising, this didn't appeal to me at all, but might to others. I did get the Fried Chix and Beef Stroganoff because, to be honest, there was nothing else on the regular menu that I wanted either. Chix was dry and stroganoff was just OK. My husband got the Shrimp & Fries one night...it came with NO cocktail sauce or anything to dip it in. When my hubby asked for cocktail sauce, the waiter looked at him like he had 3 heads! They sent somebody downstairs to the kitchen...by the time it arrived, my hubby had eaten all the shrimp. Grrr!

[NOSaints1]

Did you get the Chocolate melting Cake?

[cruisecraze96]

Seriously? How many people know within 24 hours of getting on the ship that their cruise is so bad they want to go home?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I believe chocolates on the pillows are also history on CCL now as well.

 

 

 

Bill

 

 

Actually my last cruise with carnival I came very close to doing this. My fault for not looking at the map closely and I had a horrid room location, check in was miserable, our cards didn't work, etc. Worse part was this was my husband's first cruise so I was already stressed because I could tell he did not want to be there. We had 4 staterooms total with all family so I just couldn't walk out, but if it was just us I would have got off at the first port. We made the most of it but my husband counted down the days to get off so it just was not fun.

 

At least next trip will be me and the kids on the Allure, daddy is going to stay back since it was not his thing.

[LMaxwell]

Interesting that you mention this, because we thought this was odd as well. Every night they offered a different "comfort food" entrée....

Meatloaf, Southern Fried Chicken and Gravy, Beef Stroganoff, Fried Shrimp & fries, etc.

When I am cruising, this didn't appeal to me at all, but might to others. I did get the Fried Chix and Beef Stroganoff because, to be honest, there was nothing else on the regular menu that I wanted either. Chix was dry and stroganoff was just OK. My husband got the Shrimp & Fries one night...it came with NO cocktail sauce or anything to dip it in. When my hubby asked for cocktail sauce, the waiter looked at him like he had 3 heads! They sent somebody downstairs to the kitchen...by the time it arrived, my hubby had eaten all the shrimp. Grrr!

Yeah not the style of food I want either but it does make me wonder if when people say Carnival food is better than Royals is it because so much of Carnival food is fried and / or more familiar to the guests and perhaps Royal is more "fancy" to some?

 

I'm booked for a Carnival cruise soon. I will be honest, I am a bit concerned over loud obnoxious music on the pool deck and perhaps a bit too much of a sports bar during football season vibe on the ship. I'm not against music or having fun, just don't like it cranked up to 11 and IN MY FACE. But the itinerary is better than Royals. The room is significantly better than Royal, and the price is much lower. If I get what I pay for (good value) I will be happy. If I get a subpar experience I will live and learn

[TPCRUISER2]

LMAXWELL: Come back and give us your Carnival review please!

[LMaxwell]

LMAXWELL: Come back and give us your Carnival review please!

I will. I am going on NCL Sky for a 4 day then 8 weeks later going on Carnival Victory for 4 days. I was on Majesty of the Seas last year so I will have some good impressions of what is what on the current shorter cruise Miami market. Well until Victory and Majesty leave soon.

[CarnieAddict]

QUOTE=Big_G;47613968]At least they have first hand knowledge of what they speak. Tried any other cruise lines lately? :rolleyes:

 

First hand knowledge of what they speak? Im lost. No I havent tried any other cruise line yet. I was actually thinking about Anthem of the Seas in February 2017 dispite all bad reviews. But now I'm not so sure.

[CarnieAddict]

Anyways I will find out September 28th what RCI food is like. Saranade of the Seas is in Charlottetown PEI and my travel agent is taking my wife and I aboard for a tour and lunch. So if I have complaints you will see me back. Or maybe on Anthem.

[big al]

My opinion is that CCL has a younger, higher spirited crowd because their cruises are more affordable(cheaper) then RCL, and that's what younger singles, and couples can afford! And those younger people like to party more then older crowds.

Take a HAL cruise, costs more, and you'll be asleep by 10pm with that old crowd!:D

That said, RCL has its share of jerks.:D

Happy cruising.

 

That is not a true comment. I'm 42 and I was considered young on my last Carnival cruise. There is a mixture of ages on Carnival.

 

Cruise agent here..Carnival has the youngest average age for a passenger at 40, RCI is 44, Princess 48 & HAL 52 FYI...some agents have remarked that CCL is known for being the "Walmart" of cruising..I have done 6 CCL, 13 RCI ( Diamond), 5 NCL, 2 Disney, 2 Princess, and 1 each for Celebrity & HAL, 1 Celebration CL...all have pluses & minuses..yes, CCL is cheaper than most, hence more young people & more partying ( "spirited") ...they also have very good itineraries, and the newer ships coming out ( like the Vista in 2016) look very nice..I believe there is a cruise line for everyone's taste...MSC has very cool new ships ( The Seaside ships look fantastic!) coming in 2017/18 and the Divina in Miami is gorgeous & amazing prices..Costa also will have a few 180,000 ton ships by 2019/20..I have never cruised on the last 2 mentioned but plan to..variety is the spice of life..you don't go to only one restaurant do you? DO your research here on CC, ask questions, and when you read reviews remember that is ONE person's take & experience...BTW, the CCL Breeze consistently gets rave reviews....

 

Big Al

[fungirl28]

I tried Carnival once and I missed being on Royal. We picked the cruise because the price was amazing! I had a fun cruise and enjoyed myself but it is the little things that will make the difference. I did not like the food at all and I basically had pastrami sandwiches everyday from the deli(I am not fond of pastrami but the buffet offerings did nothing for me either). The stateroom attendant walked into our room without knocking twice during the week we were there. We were not late getting up either so we weren't holding them up. The fact that you left the pool and had to walk through the buffet wet was also gross. It was an older ship (Destiny) and a 8 years ago but I am still very wary of taking Carnival again.