The MAIN reasons we (mostly) avoid Carnival

[sassy~one]

Good Morning Tom! Thanks for the memories. LOL The storm will be gliding right over my island! I do hope all are safe.

[put me on a ship]

I would tend to believe that "stereotype" as well, and is a valid point. There is more "fun" to be had on the mass market lines.

 

We are going to be looking into MSC. I wonder if you might find something you like in their Yacht Club. Not to mention their status match in their loyalty program. Granted... 1 ship so far, but the SeaSide is coming.

 

We're booked in the Yacht Club on the Divina for next May, and got status matched, making us black level on MSC, their highest level. Really looking forward to it!

 

And the Seaside looks amazing!!

Edited October 4, 2016 by put me on a ship

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Good Morning Tom! Thanks for the memories. LOL The storm will be gliding right over my island! I do hope all are safe.

 

Where's your island?? !

 

Tom

[sassy~one]

Tom, off the NC coast. The OBX. They have started to move the fishing fleet today. The storm is showing we could be hit, as a number 2. If that's so we shall stay, but it higher we will go inland. :)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Tom, off the NC coast. The OBX. They have started to move the fishing fleet today. The storm is showing we could be hit, as a number 2. If that's so we shall stay, but it higher we will go inland. :)

 

Best of luck to you (which is what it comes down to... well, that and preparation)!

 

Tom

[cruisin froggy]

And one big reason for me to book a suite on Princess is the separate shower since I injured my leg and its hard getting in and out of a bath tub. And my husband loves the breakfasts in the specialty dining rooms. Ordering from the MDR menu for room service, is another perk we like too.

[BNBR]

I don't think the suite perks are imaginary. On NCL you get Haven Pool area, Haven sundeck, nicer room obviously, Haven Restaurant, priority everything, etc.

 

RCCL you have the Coastal Kitchen which is pretty awesome. The benefits are certainly worth it for many. Those who are budget conscious obviously may not see enough value in it, and these suites and perks are not for them.

 

I agree that Carnival didn't appear to offer much of anything with suite perks so I didn't even consider a suite on our upcoming cruise.

[linbobky]

I don't think the suite perks are imaginary. On NCL you get Haven Pool area, Haven sundeck, nicer room obviously, Haven Restaurant, priority everything, etc.

 

RCCL you have the Coastal Kitchen which is pretty awesome. The benefits are certainly worth it for many. Those who are budget conscious obviously may not see enough value in it, and these suites and perks are not for them.

 

I agree that Carnival didn't appear to offer much of anything with suite perks so I didn't even consider a suite on our upcoming cruise.

 

Mini suites on NCL does not get any perks! it is just a little bigger.:) I am just saying this because someone might book a mini and be disappointed with no perks.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Mini suites on NCL does not get any perks! it is just a little bigger.:) I am just saying this because someone might book a mini and be disappointed with no perks.

 

That also goes for NCL's loyalty program (Latitudes) - see disclaimer about mini-suites:

 

 

 

My favorite perk of these is the free dinner for two in Le Bistro on every sailing for Platinum guests. We're almost there! Much better than the ONCE IN A LIFETIME Steakhouse meal which Carnival awards their guests upon reaching Diamond! :rolleyes:

 

I'd like to see Carnival implement some type of way whereby people could earn extra points! I will say, however, that NCL has made it too easy to get to the top of their program. At least in my opinion.

 

Tom

[patrice1]

I completely understand if you only book suites. For us, suites mean we can't cruise but once every 2 years. So, we book balconies and, being Platinum, are quite happy with our perks. We dislike the snobbish nature of Celebrity we experienced, admittedly, many years ago, but did like NCL and would have stayed with her had their balcony pricing been comparable to CCL.

 

We do have a Vista Suite (4228) booked for our Alaska cruise in 2017, but this is definitely a splurge based on the fact that this is a once in a lifetime cruise and we want to see EVERYTHING! I agree that the perks we get we already have by virtue of our Platinum status, but the perk of having a wrap around view on that cruise is in a class by itself.

[jimbo5544]

I completely understand if you only book suites. For us, suites mean we can't cruise but once every 2 years. So, we book balconies and, being Platinum, are quite happy with our perks. We dislike the snobbish nature of Celebrity we experienced, admittedly, many years ago, but did like NCL and would have stayed with her had their balcony pricing been comparable to CCL.

 

 

 

We do have a Vista Suite (4228) booked for our Alaska cruise in 2017, but this is definitely a splurge based on the fact that this is a once in a lifetime cruise and we want to see EVERYTHING! I agree that the perks we get we already have by virtue of our Platinum status, but the perk of having a wrap around view on that cruise is in a class by itself.

 

 

You chose wisely on the one you selected. Enjoy!

 

 

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[BigB0882]

Unfortunately I do not think Carnival is heading in the right direction. To be blunt, suite cruisers are not who they are trying to bring in...they seem to still be in the business of just getting warm (alcohol-drinking, casino-playing) bodies on the ship. :(

 

I agree with this.

 

We have sailed almost exclusively with Carnival because they sail out of New Orleans. However, after our recent sailing on Celebrity we realized how far behind in so many areas Carnival is. Carnival has its place, don't get me wrong, and I would go with them every time for a quick get-away but I will no longer drop big bucks on Carnival.

 

We spent much more for our Celebrity cruise up front but we had a drink package and $300 OBC when we stepped on the ship. We get deals from Carnival for gambling but the last time we were on Carnival the casino was so horrible to us that our bill at the end was more than our bill for the Celebrity cruise. :eek: That is no ones fault but our own but we learned an expensive lesson. We would prefer to spend that money on a much better all around experience than spend it in a smoky casino.

 

I don't do suites (hopefully one day) but if I did then Carnival would be out of the running immediately. Their suite perks are just non-existent.

[happy cruzin]

That also goes for NCL's loyalty program (Latitudes) - see disclaimer about mini-suites:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My favorite perk of these is the free dinner for two in Le Bistro on every sailing for Platinum guests. We're almost there! Much better than the ONCE IN A LIFETIME Steakhouse meal which Carnival awards their guests upon reaching Diamond! :rolleyes:

 

 

 

I'd like to see Carnival implement some type of way whereby people could earn extra points! I will say, however, that NCL has made it too easy to get to the top of their program. At least in my opinion.

 

 

 

Tom

 

 

We will get to enjoy the LeBistro perk for the first on the Epic. Looking forward to it!!

 

 

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[happy cruzin]

You chose wisely on the one you selected. Enjoy!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone

 

 

Agreed!!

 

 

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[Mikew0805]

Good morning - and thanks to all for chiming in. :)

 

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On an unrelated note...

 

"AWAY Matthew" is my mantra for this week: :eek:

 

 

Tom

 

Stay safe over there... but please... and I cannot stress this enough... KEEP IT OVER THERE! :D :eek:

[Mikew0805]

We're booked in the Yacht Club on the Divina for next May, and got status matched, making us black level on MSC, their highest level. Really looking forward to it!

 

And the Seaside looks amazing!!

 

Have a great time.. I am wanting to try MSC, and I think 2017 will be the year.

[MMastell]

From my standpoint, Carnival was at its peak with the Spirit class of ships - aft corner suites with huge balconies and a two story Supper Club! Oh yes, the Supper Clubs - with their live music!

 

Tom

 

I have to agree with you on this. That was truly their peak. I enjoyed the service, food, live band and dancing in the David's Supper Clubs. The steakhouses still offer an excellent meal but the choices haven't changed in years. The standard balconies, on newer ships, still beat the other cruise lines hands down but I agree their suite perks are nothing but overall for a JS or VS equivalent, on another line, you will pay much more. An example would be a S1 on a Solstice class ship. Yes, there are deals where they can be close in price but those deals are not the norm.

 

I still think Carnival is the best bang for your cruising buck but it isn't what it once was. I take Carnival for a quick getaway cruise. If I want an interesting itinerary or a more upscale experience, I will go with Celebrity, NCL (dining), Azamara, or Princess.

 

Take care,

Mike

[Micahs Grandad]

As we have been pretty much Caribbean ed out (other than get away from winter cruises) dont think we will do many more Carnival cruises.

 

Want to see the world which Carnival doesnt do

[texast518]

Come on over to Princess, here's what you get for booking a suite:

 

Suite Services & Amenities

 

 

 

• VIP PRIORITY
  

 

 

 

• Priority Embarkation & Disembarkation at the beginning and end of your cruise
  
• Priority Disembarkation at tender ports
  
• Priority Onboard Shore Excursion Reservations
  
• Priority Specialty Dining Reservations
  

EXCLUSIVE

 

• Exclusive Club Class Dining in the Main Dining Room for dinner each night, plus breakfast and lunch on sea days†
  
• Elite Lounge with complimentary hors d’oeuvres on select ships^
  
• Exclusive Disembarkation Lounge
  

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

 

• The Princess Luxury Bed†
  
• Pillow Menu
  
• Luxurious Jacquard-woven Cotton Linens†
  
• Upgraded Terry Shawl Bathrobes & Slippers
  
• Upgraded Bathroom Amenities including bath salts and soothing gel eye mask
  
• Upgraded Shower & Showerhead
  
• Upgraded Room Service Menu with full breakfast, lunch and dinner offerings
  
• Balcony with Upgraded Patio Furniture (two comfortable loungers, a table and two chairs)
  
• Upgraded Turn Down Service
  

 

COMPLIMENTARY

• Private Portrait Sitting with Onboard Photographer
  
• Same-day Laundry and Professional Cleaning Services
  
• Shoe Polishing Services
  
• Specialty Dining Mimosa Breakfast (Daily)**
  
• Specialty Dining Dinner on embarkation evening
  
• Lotus Spa® Thermal Suite Access on select ships††
  
• Mini-Bar set-up on embarkation day
  
• Premium Evening Canapés upon request
  
• Chef’s “Welcome Goodies” on embarkation day
  
• In-Suite Afternoon Tea Service
  
• Fresh Orchids
  
• Exotic Fruit Bowl on embarkation day, refreshed upon request
  
• Ice Service twice daily
  
• Umbrellas
  
• Premium Stationery and Pens
  

^ Not included on Sun Princess, Sea Princess or Dawn Princess

** Served In-Suite on Sun Princess, Sea Princess and Dawn Princess

† On ships where Club Class Mini-Suite benefits have rolled out

†† Not available on Royal Princess, Regal Princess, Majestic Princess, Golden Princess, Grand Princess, Pacific Princess, Dawn Princess, Sun Princess or Sea Princess

 

Club Class Mini-Suite benefits will debut on board Ruby Princess (Dec 10, 2016) and Emerald Princess (Dec 12,

 

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They use to have free internet but that was discontinued a while back.

 

No butler like NCL & Celebrity.

[jerrymac]

Best of luck to you (which is what it comes down to... well, that and preparation)!

 

Tom

 

Hey Tom and Cheryl, be safe! When Charley hit us as a cat 4, I would not wish on anyone!

Edited October 5, 2016 by jerrymac

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Hey Tom and Cheryl, be safe! When Charley hit us as a cat 4, I would not wish on anyone!

 

Thanks Jerry --

 

I've actually been thinking about you (due to that!) over the last day or two.

 

Fingers crossed that my office on the Indian River will survive... This'll be a doozie. :(

 

Tom

[sjn911]

I surely enjoyed this thread. Lots of good posters with experience and their opinions.

 

Ability to go at last minute can help shopping for some good deals...maybe not at suite but at OV levels with lines who have greater perks, variety and offerings. Flexibility and different desires, sometimes food, sometimes itinerary, sometimes ship..help you keep a lost pf wants and fit them in with budget.

 

I am really ready to move from Guarantee inside or Great 1A on Carnival but still will not knock it..if the right trip and price comes along the "where" and the fancier pre and post hotel room with a view does not have to be a lot fancier to really add something. I got a super redone budget hotel in Old Town San Diego with just a wonderful feel..corner room and vie and just like my own little suite...great size, residential feel, big bed, brand new everything with fridge, micro, iron board, iron, fANCY coffee maker and so much to explore all down the street of Old Town..very fun and cool.

 

I think just like many people here are not snobs and just have different budgets and priorities...and different special things that make it for them. It is nice to do ones' best to remain open for change and better but still go after the "most" of what you want...when you have to be leaner...you can do smart things to make it fancy...SPA MASSAGE..Hot tubs on off time etc.

 

 

Have a friend who is definitely not a snob and has totally earned her now luxury travel as a TA. She now is Crystal alot ( her absolute favorite) and other luxury and one step below that on premium lines and river cruises sometimes. She has made wonderful wonderful friends in So Cal where she lives and has built her clientèle and her thing is Bridge and she has fun fun fun, and also dining and she has non stuffy people that have a blast on dining and joking with head chefs, waiters, butlers etc. They get to know on mostly Crystal but Seabourn, Cunard etc. She branches out now and then to learn new but her favorite all time is Crystal and she is absolutely not a snob....or boring and has a photographic memory for people, names, cabin numbers, history and geography. She found she liked bridge cruising and enjoys gambling too..so I just want to encourage friends who can afford here...I think you will love Crystal and be surprised.

 

I also totally back getting the most out of Carnival..so mush is what you do and add on..your ability with people and making plans for so many things traveling...so many wonderful perks like on a Europe cruise on Vista we have been reading about..superb trips.

 

I just want an outside at least next time on something other that Carnival but who knows what I will do..I know i can make an inside guarantee good and add a few perks for self on carnival and be ok..just want different and more especially in entertainment. If you can get a good deal on a Princess Jr Suite...they are awesome rooms..not as many perks but so much room you can buy your Beverage plan or set up and have a real tub and dressing room area, bedroom area, sit down area, and bigger balcony. I love sharing this on the then new Star Princess and all their perks. So many bars and different music venues, better shows and really nice lido food and room service and main restaurant food on my trip. But lol getting off some very spoiled types said only Crystal..lol..I do not see that here..only opinions..and there are snobs at any level entry to elevated luxury...snobs and "crankies".

 

Bad beds do bother me..whatever I do if beds are a warning I will pre-arrange somehow egg crate doubled on a single bed or with a bottom comforter on a double and then toss it. I had heard recently they were all better beds..of course in suites better. The new bed in the mini suite on the then new Star Princess 2002 was ok cause brand new but soon was caved in I am sure..I hear they are all better now. Not happy about the Royal bed report here.

 

As we go along we do deserve to be spoiled and get what we want..but nice to also see the glass half full things and i think with Vista class reports.. and new deals on Breeze class...good new experiences can still be had on Carnival..especially for port intensive cruises...or trying different eating venues and Spa thermal offerings.

 

Special hellos to all I know here....Sarah

Edited October 6, 2016 by sjn911

[sjn911]

PS..hoping all are doing ok in storm and taking safety first...rough rough is mother nature sometimes. Sending good thoughts.

[jimbo5544]

PS..hoping all are doing ok in storm and taking safety first...rough rough is mother nature sometimes. Sending good thoughts.

 

 

Echo those comments......

 

 

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[tartisst]

I searched a random date next month for the Celebrity Reflection (their newest ship) sailing on a 7-night eastern route from Miami.

 

Here's what came up for a suite -- and not a bad deal given what it includes (the listed perks) as well as having a butler, a dedicated suite restaurant (Luminae), and Michael's Club access - with nightly snacks and open bar...

 

 

Tom

That suite rate on Celebrity is slightly more than we are paying for our balcony on the Conquest from 12/23/16 to 12/31/16. Of course our cruise is 8 days and over the Christmas holiday. We are celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary next August, without our children, and I'd love to see what Celebrity offers.

 

We have been loyal to Carnival for years, mainly because we had younger children. As they've gotten older (now 11 and 15), we put them in an inside cabin directly across from our balcony.

 

Quality and offerings have dipped some over the years, but the ports, excursions and experiences are the same no matter where you sleep on the ship.

 

I look forward to trying a few other lines as our sons get older and move on to college and out of our home! Lol

Edited October 6, 2016 by tartisst