Trying out Carnival

[sapete]

DW thought we should do something special for my birthday in January. Since New Orleans is one of my favorite cities were combining a Big Easy trip with a 5 day Western Caribbean on the Carnival Triumph. We're booked in a Grand Suite which looks almost identical with a Neptune. I'll let you know what I think when we come back.

[jabcruiser]

Hope you like it. We did several Carnival cruises before changing over to HAL couple years ago. Have always thought Carnival gets a bad rap. We always enjoyed our Carnival cruises but like HAL because the food is overall much better IMO and other reasons. But have had some excellent and delicious meals on Carnival. Especially the Steak House which has HAL Pinnacle beat by a mile - you must try it, a real experience. Also the pizza is way better on Carnival. My DH about lived on it one cruise.

Also, the veranda cabins I believe are larger on Carnival or at least seems so to me. HAL regular verandas seem confined compared to similar ones we had on Carnival. Both lines have their strong points so enjoy and have a great time. We loved leaving from NO many years ago.

Jane

[kazu]

Hope you have a great time :)

 

Looking forward to your report when you return :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

Looking forward to your report when you get back.

Have a Happy Birthday.

[saltshell]

Carnival is usually about who you cruise with and that depends on the time of year and length of cruise. There are things that I like about Carnival other than the price. Sea day brunch is nice as is the taste bar. They have good casinos, BonVoyage.

[kacurl]

We were nervous when we first went with carnival to Hawaii a few years ago. It was great as was another b to b we did with them to

Caribbean. Have fun!!!!!

[kacurl]

We were nervous when we first went with carnival to Hawaii a few years ago. It was great as was another b to b we did with them I Caribbean. Have fun!!!!!

[JPH814]

Having sailed a range of cruise lines from Carnival to Seabourne and Cunard and several in between, I can say I have never been on a bad cruise. You do need to adjust your expectations - in terms of service, foods, environment and fellow passengers. Once you do that, just have fun.

 

 

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[Herfnerd]

We've sailed Carnival and enjoyed them very much. Looking forward to our HAL Alaskan cruise next year - I'm sure we'll find them just as enjoyable.....

[colonialinnkeeper]

Cousins doing this trip over the holidays. Will look forward to your review.

[JimAOk1945]

DW thought we should do something special for my birthday in January. Since New Orleans is one of my favorite cities were combining a Big Easy trip with a 5 day Western Caribbean on the Carnival Triumph. We're booked in a Grand Suite which looks almost identical with a Neptune. I'll let you know what I think when we come back.

We were in a Carnival grand suite a few years ago and found it to be very comfortable. My wife liked the separate dressing room adjacent to the bathroom. Just be aware that you will not have the perks that come with a Neptune suite. We enjoyed all of our Carnival cruises, but prefer the perks that come with full suites on HAL and Royal Caribbean. You're going on a cruise so, have a great time and Happy Birthday. [emoji320] [emoji322] [emoji2]

 

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Edited October 6, 2016 by JimAOk1945

[jmps]

We usually sail with HAL or Celebrity but have taken one Carnival Cruise. We had a good time on the Carnival cruise. The two things we found different were the food choices and decor. They had more "comfort" items like fried chicken on the menu. The everyday items were of a lower quality like lower cuts of steak. But there were choices we found good each night. The decor of the ship was off putting. It was done in purple and used urns big and small everywhere.

 

We didn't find any wet tee shirt contests or drunkenness of the past stereotype for Carnival at all. The service was the same level as what we are used to. It isn't our first choice but we would certainly go with them again. You should have a great time especially in a suite.

[summersigh]

Carnival is usually about who you cruise with and that depends on the time of year and length of cruise. There are things that I like about Carnival other than the price. Sea day brunch is nice as is the taste bar. They have good casinos, BonVoyage.

Based on itineraries we've sailed both CCL and HAL. There is a different vibe on CCL - not bad (except for the "hairy chest contest :D) - just different :) The passengers are, as a whole, younger than on HAL. The dress code is more relaxed. For example, on the gala nights my DH was in khaki pants, a collared button up cotton shirt and loafers. He was in the majority.

 

We also prefer the food on HAL but CC wasn't necessarily bad. We really like the Seaday Brunch and liked Guy's Burgers at lunch.

 

The service we've experienced on CCL was very good - cabin staff and MDR staff were every bit as good as HAL.

 

Even if you find you prefer HAL you will have a good time on CCL.

Edited October 6, 2016 by summersigh

[Viesczy]

You'll have a great time!

 

CCL negative rep is as incorrect as HAL's "God's waiting room" rep.

 

We always look to CCL when we want to something short and "regular".

 

We look to HAL & Princess when we want to d something longer (9+ days) and more "exotic".

 

The "worst" thing is that most CCL ships have a good 800 more pax on them as compared to the largest HAL ships, but honestly it doesn't feel "crowded" to me.

 

Again, you're going to have a great time!

[Taters]

We have a great time on all of our cruises. We find the lines more alike than different. I like the size of the cabins on Carnival as compared to other lines, and the service is usually quite good. The food was quite good on our most recent Miracle and Legend sailings. I love the adults only Serenity area.

 

Have fun!

[iancal]

We have done two Carnival cruises.

 

We were very nervous when we booked our first. Lots of talk about the walmart of cruise lines, etc. etc., poor food, packed with drunks.

 

On both occasions we chose our itinerary, ship, and date carefully so as to avoid prime vacation time. Both cruises were very good. Food in the MDR was as good as we have had on other lines. Balcony cabin (both times) was excellent and the service could not have been better.

 

No slobs, no drunks, good food, great service, and we met some interesting people. This was fortunately our experience on both cruises.