Victorious disappointment

[Tapi]

I cannot judge on many of the things listed in the rant. Again, maybe I am lucky. But rain! Please!

 

 

I appreciate everything that you wrote, and you have some wonderful points to live by!

 

 

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[Tapi]

How did you like MSC and how would you compare them to Carnival? I have been considering them because of the loyalty match program.

 

Pat

 

 

We enjoyed it! It has a different vibe than Carnival, being a European cruise line that caters heavily to a very international clientele. The ship was beautiful (think of Swarovski crystal encrusted stairs in the atrium). But even though the ship has a more luxurious look, the product does feel a bit on the budget side (and at those prices, it should!). Some of the shortcomings that have been mentioned about Carnival here were also found on MSC (so so food, subpar stateroom cleaning, etc), but at those prices, it's hard to complain.

 

If you choose to give MSC a try, read about the onboard experience before you go. Entertainment is different since there are so many passengers onboard from different cultures and who speak different languages, so main entertainment tends to be more non verbal (for example, no comedians).

 

Overall, I would rank MSC one tiny notch higher than Carnival simply because the ship was so nice, but otherwise I think that they are a fairly equivalent product in terms of quality. We did meet some Americans riding a shuttle to the beach in St Maarten and they spent the entire ride complaining about MSC and how they'll be going back to Carnival for their next cruise. But based on what they were saying, I could understand why they were not enjoying MSC.

 

 

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[crusinpsychRN]

Got a great rain poncho on Carnival for $2. If it rains in port I use that and don't care if I get wet.

 

Did you say anything to the steward?

[saharaga]

How do you know what she put on her plate? You are taking a broad generalization and trying to apply it to this situation without knowing anything about it. :rolleyes:

 

I never understand why people full their plate with a mountain of food, then take one or two bites, like you, and then stop eating. If you would pick big amounts of what you like and small amounts of the unknown/never tried before food then food wouldn't be wasted. :D I know that is a crazy idea.

[saharaga]

How is a poncho helpful in POURING rain?

 

Your attacking the poster and not reading what they have to say.

What their saying is true .With five cruises under your belt :') you have a lot to learn ;p.

 

OP you do know guest services will give you a free rain poncho don't you ?

[saharaga]

Have you priced a Carnival cruise lately? They are NOT the same price as they used to be.

 

I think that society as a whole has changed and people are expecting a lot more for the same price. We live locally to hersheypark and visit often. Their opening weekend was horrible due to the crowds and at one point the cops were called due to guests fighting with each other.

 

 

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[ryano]

They are NOT the same price as they used to be.

 

I have to agree. My upcoming cruise "starts at" 639.00 for the lowest category inside cabin. Seems I remember seeing those prices for a balcony on Carnival not long ago? Magic is no longer a new ship demanding a higher price.

[amystarfish]

Have you priced a Carnival cruise lately? They are NOT the same price as they used to be.

 

 

I booked a 4 night cruise for two people for less than $600. I can't even go to beach for a weekend for that price and this includes all my food. Still a great value to me!

 

 

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[ryano]

I booked a 4 night cruise for two people for less than $600. I can't even go to beach for a weekend for that price and this includes all my food. Still a great value to me!

 

 

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The short cruises on older ships still seem to be pretty reasonable for sure. Prices for 7 day cruises on newer ships have definitely went up it seems to me.

[spleenstomper]

I checked prices out of New Orleans once we got back last week and the prices are really high right now. New Orleans does seem to have higher prices in general, but this was a bummer to see.

 

And yes, for rain, we go wherever. Lightening is a different story. Heavy panchos work well in heavy rain; we like frog tog pants and rain jackets.

[spleenstomper]

I booked a 4 night cruise for two people for less than $600. I can't even go to beach for a weekend for that price and this includes all my food. Still a great value to me!

 

 

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Was it an interior cabin, out of florida, short cruise, older ship?

[saharaga]

Absolutely agree. I have been trying to book the Magic but for the weeks we can cruise, it's higher than the Vista. :eek:

 

I have to agree. My upcoming cruise "starts at" 639.00 for the lowest category inside cabin. Seems I remember seeing those prices for a balcony on Carnival not long ago? Magic is no longer a new ship demanding a higher price.

[saharaga]

This is true. We've been booking short cruises and oceanview cabins to keep up our cruising habit.

 

The short cruises on older ships still seem to be pretty reasonable for sure. Prices for 7 day cruises on newer ships have definitely went up it seems to me.

[siestakeys04]

Another review of the same cruise?

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2490893

 

Totally different experience of course. I will be sailing on the Victory in July, I've heard it a few times about food choices on this ship but if I lose weight on there good for me :')

[HolyCityGamecock]

Just back from a 4 night cruise aboard the Carnival Victory. We sailed during the week of April 17th. We hadn't sailed in a few years. We'd done the same itinerary before but on a different Carnival ship.

 

The cruise wasn't awful, just disappointing. It started with the lifeboat drill. The crew wasn't ready to handle it. Major chaos with people shoving each other. A fight even broke out with people screaming at each other and the crew just stood there and watched with a smirk. Other passengers had to step in and break the fight.

 

Stormed in Key West so that was a bust. We couldn't get off the ship. Now, before someone says that the cruise line can't control the weather, I'm fully aware of that. What the cruise line can control is what they do as a response to bad weather and what activities they have available for passengers that don't involve being outdoors. Many activities were canceled and people were just roaming around a claustrophobically full ship. No music, no activities in the lounges. With a little of creativity they could've moved some of the entertainment to indoor venues but that wasn't the case. Casino was obviously closed until we left port which left little to do besides sitting at a bar drinking (which may be super fun for some but not for all 3,000 passengers onboard).

 

Food wasn't great. It was plentiful and there were a few good things, but many things left me feeling grossed out. More than once I found myself leaving most of my plate almost full after a bite or two. I actually got on the scale when I got home and I lost weight (I guess something good came out of this!) I know I shouldn't expect upscale cusine, but at a minimum I expect food that doesn't leave me wondering if I may get sick.

 

Our cabin, an oceanview in the Riviera deck was nice but poorly cleaned. Trash was left under the vanity and we found someone else's bathing suit still hanging in the shower. There were used Q tips behind the door when we walked in and we actually left them there to see how long it would take before the steward noticed. By day 3 they were still there so we picked them up and threw them in the trash.

 

On our last Carnival cruise we had fun, and I enjoyed it very much. We made some good friends that we still keep in touch with via Facebook. Not so much this time. Many fellow cruisers were poorly behaved and this affected our enjoyment. Lots of people who either don't get out much or have never taken the time to learn some manners and courtesy and who didn't care much about screaming profanities even in the presences of small children at dinner. Now I'm all about having fun and letting go of inhibitions, but I'm also about having some sort of restraint and respect for others people's vacation.

 

I messaged some of the friends that we met on our previous cruise and 2 said that they've sailed again on Carnival but will not do so again. They've had similar experiences as ours and refuse to be lured back with Carnival's affordable prices and fun advertisement. I feel the same way.

 

We got off the ship glad that we took a vacation, but at the same time feeling disappointed and wishing that the experience had been a bit better. I think that Carnival still offers a lot for the money, but maybe they've taken the experience a bit too far down for many cruisers.

 

We are not rich or sophisticated people, and even though this was one of the cheapest cruises that we could find, we still had to work hard to afford it. We didn't expect luxury (or cared for it), but I don't think that the things that we were expecting were unrealistic.

 

We were on the same ship, on the same dates. Ill match point for point with you, and give my experiences.

 

1. Lifeboat Drill. It really didnt seem that long, and everyone was very orderly. At least where I was. Even the lifeboat "instructor" was very funny and advertising his band in the casino lounge. It could have been worse, but it wasnt.

 

2. Key West - I, and many, many others, got off the ship and did activities. We walked to Hemingway's House. We had drinks at Sloppy Joes. It rained, big deal. Thats when you put on a poncho and walk to wherever. It didnt stop us from having a great time.

 

3. The food was fine. Honestly, I prefered the buffet food overall over the MDR food, but nothing was actively bad. Everything we ate (which was A LOT), tasted very good. The Seafood Shack was great.

 

4. Everyone we encountered was friendly to us. Our neighbors down the hall were a little rowdy on the first day, and embarkation morning, but it was basically excitement and disappointment of getting on/leaving the ship. Everyone, including the staff, had a smile on their face (except for one bartender, but it happens).

 

I couldnt have been happier, but its funny to see two different opinions. I think it boils down to having a positive mind over a negative one when entering a cruise ship. We looked at the good in things and took advantage. Seems like you saw any negative things you wanted to see. Too bad.

[HolyCityGamecock]

Totally different experience of course. I will be sailing on the Victory in July, I've heard it a few times about food choices on this ship but if I lose weight on there good for me :')

 

I dont understand why people have to "stay on the boat" when it rains. I mean, my God, they must have Ombrophobia. Ridiculous.

[HolyCityGamecock]

By choice. It was storming. Pouring rain. The people we saw get off the ship would run to the nearest awning, and just stand there drenched. We had planned on walking around town, going to the Southernmost Point and climb up the lighthouse. It wasn't meant to be.

 

We put on ponchos and walked everywhere along with a ton of other people. I dont know how hard that is to do?

[HolyCityGamecock]

My wife and I were on that ship on that sailing. We had a great time. We got off in Key West, rode a trolley to the Butterfly Conservatory (or whatever it is called). We were on the port side forward for the muster. Didn't see a fight. Not saying it did not happen. Our room was perfect. Our steward was awesome. Matey was great. The fun staff were wonderful (free hugs, purple hair, and all). The shows were a bit racy for our tastes (butts galore). The one comedy show we went to was a bit flat (perhaps it didn't strike a cord with my interests). All in all we had a great time. Honestly, I have never been on a bad cruise. Perhaps I am easy to please. Perhaps I am lucky. Don't know. Don't care. I plan on making the best of whatever is in front of me. Oh... I almost forgot. I saw someone not dressed perfect for elegant night and it made my food taste bad. Sorry... had to. :-) Cheeeeeeeeeerio

 

Cheeeeeeerrrrriooooo! You, like us, didnt go in with a negative attitude. I think that is clear.

[tandemcruzr]

Is it just me. Or does it seem most of the bad reviews come from older ships and shorter cruises? I hope my Breeze cruise of 7 days will be better......

 

I think the behavior key is shorter cruises during "Spring Break" season. Your 7 day cruise will probably be a different experience.

 

We have sailed several 5 day 4 day back 2 backs but not during Spring Break and have not experienced any of the behavior the OP experienced.

[sprint180]

Sorry your trip didn't live up to your expectations. It is so disappointing when things don't go as well as planned. Especially when you save forever to do it. I know the feeling. Maybe save up for a longer cruise

 

 

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[easyboy]

We were on the same ship, on the same dates. Ill match point for point with you, and give my experiences.

 

 

 

1. Lifeboat Drill. It really didnt seem that long, and everyone was very orderly. At least where I was. Even the lifeboat "instructor" was very funny and advertising his band in the casino lounge. It could have been worse, but it wasnt.

 

 

 

2. Key West - I, and many, many others, got off the ship and did activities. We walked to Hemingway's House. We had drinks at Sloppy Joes. It rained, big deal. Thats when you put on a poncho and walk to wherever. It didnt stop us from having a great time.

 

 

 

3. The food was fine. Honestly, I prefered the buffet food overall over the MDR food, but nothing was actively bad. Everything we ate (which was A LOT), tasted very good. The Seafood Shack was great.

 

 

 

4. Everyone we encountered was friendly to us. Our neighbors down the hall were a little rowdy on the first day, and embarkation morning, but it was basically excitement and disappointment of getting on/leaving the ship. Everyone, including the staff, had a smile on their face (except for one bartender, but it happens).

 

 

 

I couldnt have been happier, but its funny to see two different opinions. I think it boils down to having a positive mind over a negative one when entering a cruise ship. We looked at the good in things and took advantage. Seems like you saw any negative things you wanted to see. Too bad.

 

 

Glad you enjoyed your cruise!

 

 

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[HolyCityGamecock]

On our Valor cruise last year it poured rain in Nassau. We stayed on the ship, which we do often in port, and enjoyed the quiet. Later that day we met a couple who threw on ponchos and explored Nassau in the driving rain. He said they had a great time and the rain even let up after a couple of hours. That's the spirit!

 

 

 

I've been on a lot of booze cruises. The first night is always loud and rowdy. I almost get pleasure out of seeing all the poor bastages in the buffet the next morning nursing their hangovers. Day 2 is usually a lot quieter! ;p

 

 

I can tell you, this trip wasn't a booze cruise.

 

 

First cruise: Carnival Victory, 4/17/2017

[Yvonne]

OP, sorry you didn't have a great cruise. Not sure a longer cruise would have been any better for you though. We were on the Dream in January and it will be our last cruise with Carnival for at least a few years, maybe longer. I, too, lost weight on the cruise. Dinner in the MDR (we had Anytime Dining) was mostly fine, but the buffet was such a disappointment. Very little there that even looked appetizing, and quite often something that did look good didn't taste that way so I would only take a bite or two and did as you did, leave it. I wasn't about to eat something I didn't think tasted good, whether it was "off" or I just didn't like it. I was even disappointed with the deli. Our prior Carnival cruise, on the Paradise, I enjoyed the food in the deli several times. On the Dream I had one grilled cheese sandwich and it wasn't good. The crew member slapped a couple slices of American cheese onto the bread and stuck it into the panini press. No choice of cheese was given, nor any condiments. It was dry and tasteless. I did not finish it. That was the first time I've ever lost weight on a cruise. I usually gain 5 pounds!

 

Did you decrease the room steward's tip? I certainly would have if someone else's bathing suit was still hanging in the bathroom and used Q-tips on the floor for 3 days. Wow! Not acceptable at all.

 

We had "Booze Cruisers" on the Dream (out of New Orleans) and they were so annoying for the first 3 days. It must have been a large group of them as they were everywhere, and just so loud and obnoxious and drunk all the time. Some of them were escorted out of the comedy club, and we noticed security watching them closely at other venues. I'm not sure if they had to be warned about their behavior or what, but they finally did calm down and weren't bothersome the last few days of the cruise.

 

Our next cruise will most likely be back on Royal Caribbean (yes, I know, things happen on that cruise line too, can happen on any of them really, just depends on the people cruising) as I would love to try the Allure or Oasis. Celebrity looks very nice too, and Princess. An Alaskan cruise would probably be on one of those. I'd like to try Norwegian and Holland America sometime as well.

 

We were a bit disappointed with our Carnival Conquest cruise, and definitely with the Dream cruise so we're moving on to other lines.

[crusinpsychRN]

I don't think the OP went with a bad attitude. Just a different experience from others. To me the buffet food is usually gross and not hot.

 

Never much to do on the ship when in port.

[Isasprings]

Would love to take your suggestions but these options may be too expensive for us. We understand that with our budget we may not be able to take longer cruises on fancier cruise lines, but at the same time we feel that common decency should be expected no matter how short or affordable a cruise may be. But I guess I may be fantasizing.

I think you just had bad luck. Because I live in Miami and I had talked a lot of 4 days cruise and all of them were great.

On May 15 we are going for the first

time on the Victory.