Trying Carnival again

[tbmrt]

We've cruised most of the major cruiselines and decided to try Carnival this year mainly due to the Dream leaving from New Orleans since we haven't been there. The cost and looking for fun onboard also helped make our decision. We've been to most of the Caribbean ports so this year they aren't as important to us as they were on past cruises.

 

Our last 2 cruises on Celebrity Equinox were surely elegant with delicious food and great service. However, the fun factor onboard was missing, no piano bar, entertainment pretty poor, etc. It was surely a ship to relax on. However, since we are retired and live in FL, we didn't feel a great need to relax. Didn't appreciate the harp/violin type music.

 

Sailaway was a joke with 2 couples on the dance floor on deck and no ambiance...Really missed the excitement of sailing away with other "excited" cruisers!

[ready2cruzagain]

If you are looking for entertainment then I must say that Carnival's entertainment has gone way down hill.

 

Sail away consists of a dj and some line dancing.

 

There were 2 guitar players, 2 duos, a Latin group that played a couple of times, and a band that played a couple of times over 21 days very late at night.

 

The production shows have changed. It is now piped in music, no live band. Instead of 16 dancers they have been reduced to 6 to 8 dancers of which 2 are also singers. There is a lot of interaction with a large screen and animation. On a 7 day cruise, there are 2 different shows.

 

Hasbro game show on a 7 night cruise is the main entertainment. Do a search on CC here to read about that one. IMHO, once you have been, there is never a reason to go back.

Edited February 24, 2016 by ready2cruzagain

[Philly Steve]

Sounds like you're going to have a great time! One of the most spacious staterooms we've ever had was aboard a CCL ship and it's fun to visit a new port.

 

Go with the flow, keep some expectations in check and you may book another soon. :)

Edited February 24, 2016 by Philly Steve

[golfb4cruzing]

You missed the big entertainment. Corn Hole in the Atrium.

[nwo4life]

ready2cruzagain's info is completely incorrect in regards to the Dream. The production shows still have a live band, and Dancing in the Streets is the best show we have ever seen and is one of 3 shows. They also typically have a fly on entertainer one night. The Hasbro show is not on the Dream. Dream also has a band playing in Ocean Plaza every night,

[ready2cruzagain]

ready2cruzagain's info is completely incorrect in regards to the Dream. The production shows still have a live band, and Dancing in the Streets is the best show we have ever seen and is one of 3 shows. They also typically have a fly on entertainer one night. The Hasbro show is not on the Dream. Dream also has a band playing in Ocean Plaza every night,

Glad to hear that. I missed the Dream part. Sorry.

[RuthlessBoss]

If you are looking for entertainment then I must say that Carnival's entertainment has gone way down hill.

 

Sail away consists of a dj and some line dancing.

 

There were 2 guitar players, 2 duos, a Latin group that played a couple of times, and a band that played a couple of times over 21 days very late at night.

 

The production shows have changed. It is now piped in music, no live band. Instead of 16 dancers they have been reduced to 6 to 8 dancers of which 2 are also singers. There is a lot of interaction with a large screen and animation. On a 7 day cruise, there are 2 different shows.

 

Hasbro game show on a 7 night cruise is the main entertainment. Do a search on CC here to read about that one. IMHO, once you have been, there is never a reason to go back.

 

Still sounds more exciting than a "relaxing" cruise on Celebrity, and that's what they were looking for;)

[Frank12]

Still sounds more exciting than a "relaxing" cruise on Celebrity, and that's what they were looking for;)

 

I agree. Plus the Dream is a great ship. I think they will find what they are looking for!

[NIATPAC29]

we've cruised most of the major cruiselines and decided to try carnival this year mainly due to the dream leaving from new orleans since we haven't been there. The cost and looking for fun onboard also helped make our decision. We've been to most of the caribbean ports so this year they aren't as important to us as they were on past cruises.

 

Our last 2 cruises on celebrity equinox were surely elegant with delicious food and great service. However, the fun factor onboard was missing, no piano bar, entertainment pretty poor, etc. It was surely a ship to relax on. However, since we are retired and live in fl, we didn't feel a great need to relax. Didn't appreciate the harp/violin type music.

 

Sailaway was a joke with 2 couples on the dance floor on deck and no ambiance...really missed the excitement of sailing away with other "excited" cruisers!

you will like carnival. They are the most fun ships at sea. We are in our late 50's and sail carn 90% of the time !

[NIATPAC29]

if you are looking for entertainment then i must say that carnival's entertainment has gone way down hill.

 

Sail away consists of a dj and some line dancing.

 

There were 2 guitar players, 2 duos, a latin group that played a couple of times, and a band that played a couple of times over 21 days very late at night.

 

The production shows have changed. It is now piped in music, no live band. Instead of 16 dancers they have been reduced to 6 to 8 dancers of which 2 are also singers. There is a lot of interaction with a large screen and animation. On a 7 day cruise, there are 2 different shows.

 

Hasbro game show on a 7 night cruise is the main entertainment. Do a search on cc here to read about that one. Imho, once you have been, there is never a reason to go back.

its called reading comprehension---give it a try ok

[jimbo5544]

ready2cruzagain's info is completely incorrect in regards to the Dream. The production shows still have a live band, and Dancing in the Streets is the best show we have ever seen and is one of 3 shows. They also typically have a fly on entertainer one night. The Hasbro show is not on the Dream. Dream also has a band playing in Ocean Plaza every night,

Hope the Op reads this instead of some of the other posts.......

[ABQrobin]

We like the atmosphere of the Carnival ships! It is much younger, dancing out on the decks is with 100+ people, music is current, not golden oldies. We also like that there are diffferent types of music at each of the venues on the ships... country, rock, oldies, disco, pop, etc. Whatever you like, you can find somewhere.

[Decpl]

Were in the same boat, we Loved the Equinox, and Reflection and like Princess but wanted to try something new, we're doing the Liberty in 10 days. Love the itinerary . We love comedy shows and bar acts. We are not much on sailaways, been through plenty of them. We enjoy sitting on balcony with a adult beverage in hand and relaxing from the travel day. Looking forward to trying the Liberty.

 

Jand K

[mimxmom]

FWIW....There are some reports of live Caribbean music on Lido for sail way. Our 7 day cruise had 4 different shows (not 2). There were also four comedians throughout the 7 day cruise. The Hasbro game nights are not for everyone but some enjoy them. Also, the Dive In movies are fun! So while entertainment is not the same as it used to be, times change and there is still much to enjoy on a Carnival cruise for the young and young at heart!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

[BenjiRodney]

I think the new Playlist shows are great. Epic Rock, Diva's, The Brits, Latin Nights, 88 Keys, Studio VIP. Liked them all. Have found plenty of live music round the decks of the ships.

[cruisin4fun323]

Hubby and I feel your pain, we have cruised Celebrity and although they have amazing food, service and snacks in the casino at night that you can't compare, the feel of the cruise is different. For us there is nothing like a Carnival Cruise. Fun around every corner. Excitement the moment you board the ship! Celebrity is amazing don't get me wrong, we also tried the Princess cruise but ended up coming right back to Carnival. Its the FUNSHIP of all ships!!

 

Whatever made you stop going on Carnival, just remember... don't sweat the small stuff, enjoy the cruise and dance like no one is watching, sing like no one is listening and of course eat like no one cares!!! You only live once!! Last but not least.. you will more than likely never see anyone from the ship ever again in life so cut loose and feel free to live the dream!!!

Edited February 25, 2016 by cruisin4fun323

[smyliecruising]

Awesome! I love traveling on Carnival. My fellow travelers are always so friendly and fun!

[going2cruz]

We've cruised most of the major cruiselines and decided to try Carnival this year mainly due to the Dream leaving from New Orleans since we haven't been there. The cost and looking for fun onboard also helped make our decision. We've been to most of the Caribbean ports so this year they aren't as important to us as they were on past cruises.

 

Our last 2 cruises on Celebrity Equinox were surely elegant with delicious food and great service. However, the fun factor onboard was missing, no piano bar, entertainment pretty poor, etc. It was surely a ship to relax on. However, since we are retired and live in FL, we didn't feel a great need to relax. Didn't appreciate the harp/violin type music.

 

Sailaway was a joke with 2 couples on the dance floor on deck and no ambiance...Really missed the excitement of sailing away with other "excited" cruisers!

 

We’re doing the same not sure why but you’ve been away a lot longer. We liked Carnival for some of the same reasons but I have to say the last few Carnival cruises you could really feel it changing.

 

I have to say we found Celebrity much much more economical when you get the unlimited drink package and pre-paid gratuities thrown in. We really feel were way over paying for our coming April trip on Carnival.

Edited February 25, 2016 by going2cruz

[jimbo5544]

We’re doing the same not sure why but you’ve been away a lot longer. We liked Carnival for some of the same reasons but I have to say the last few Carnival cruises you could really feel it changing.

 

I have to say we found Celebrity much much more economical when you get the unlimited drink package and pre-paid gratuities thrown in. We really feel were way over paying for our coming April trip on Carnival.

 

Trying to understand your over paying comment (Celebrity has been a price leader lately and their bookings are down significantly - have no idea why). Is your feeling based on everything or specifically the drink package (comparison)?

[golfb4cruzing]

We are. Coming back after 4 years with Princess. If Princess hadn't started pulling out in early April, we'd never come back. But this trip is a group thing. Non stop announcements, Bingo, $10 crap, drinks. Food is so so and no 24 Hr food venue. No thanks room service or pizza. I am excited about our October trip on Princess. I hope I'm surprised on the Conquest but I doubt it. 3 out of last 4 weeks they were still in safety talk at Sailaway. That's a fail.

[jimbo5544]

We are. Coming back after 4 years with Princess. If Princess hadn't started pulling out in early April, we'd never come back. But this trip is a group thing. Non stop announcements, Bingo, $10 crap, drinks. Food is so so and no 24 Hr food venue. No thanks room service or pizza. I am excited about our October trip on Princess. I hope I'm surprised on the Conquest but I doubt it. 3 out of last 4 weeks they were still in safety talk at Sailaway. That's a fail.

 

Well at least you are going in with an open mind set!:eek:;)

[golfb4cruzing]

Well at least you are going in with an open mind set!:eek:;)

 

Yup. Always walking around with that half full glass.

[jimbo5544]

Yup. Always walking around with that half full glass.

 

Actually rings true with what my wife says about me......:)

[going2cruz]

Trying to understand your over paying comment (Celebrity has been a price leader lately and their bookings are down significantly - have no idea why). Is your feeling based on everything or specifically the drink package (comparison)?

 

 

Here go's....looking at booking eastern Caribbean April 2017 in next few days...we've been doing April for years so I'm not just picking a specific month to make a point.

 

Celebrity Grand Slam offer that the travel agent is offering, so we pick three perks get them all, Alcohol package no drink limit free ( Add $402 to Carnival 15 drink limit ) perk 2 is pre-paid gratuities ( add $192.00 to carnival ) perk 3 on board credit ( add $50 to carnival ) so for one person grand slam deal saves me $644.

 

Eastern Caribbean Cruise Prices April 2017 leaving off port fees they equal out on both sides

 

Carnival Inside Room $739

Onboard Expense $644

Total Per Person $1383.

 

Celebrity Ocean View $949.00

on board Expense $0.00 ( Grand Slam Deal )

Total per person $949.00

 

Saving Per Person $434

 

Saving per cabin X2 = $868

 

Even with my investor credit no way I'll be booking Carnival.

Edited February 26, 2016 by going2cruz

[jimbo5544]

Here go's....looking at booking eastern Caribbean April 2017 in next few days...we've been doing April for years so I'm not just picking a specific month to make a point.

 

Celebrity Grand Slam offer that the travel agent is offering, so we pick three perks get them all, Alcohol package no drink limit free ( Add $402 to Carnival 15 drink limit ) perk 2 is pre-paid gratuities ( add $192.00 to carnival ) perk 3 on board credit ( add $50 to carnival ) so for one person grand slam deal saves me $644.

 

Eastern Caribbean Cruise Prices April 2017 leaving off port fees they equal out on both sides

 

Carnival Inside Room $739

Onboard Expense $644

Total Per Person $1383.

 

Celebrity Ocean View $949.00

on board Expense $0.00 ( Grand Slam Deal )

Total per person $949.00

 

Saving Per Person $434

 

Saving per cabin X2 = $868

 

Even with my investor credit no way I'll be booking Carnival.

 

So the difference is in relation to the package, not the cruise fare. Got it thanks the reply.