Carnival Newbie- Which ship to pick?

[momof4girls]

Darn, I didn't realize she was moving. Do you know if any large ship (Dream or Vista class) will be replacing her in NOLA? We sailed Breeze out of Galveston, and found the port not to our liking (mostly for flight and transfer costs). :(

 

The Glory is moving there and replacing the Dream. Cruises seem to be more expensive on the Glory compared to when the Dream was in Nola (compared some costs when looking at future sailings). :(:confused:

[grantbob]

And the Valor is also moving to NOLA to replace the Triumph.

[SNJCruisers]

Once again need to reiterate what others have said and choose the Dream. You're lucky that it will be doing 4/5 day cruises since those are usually reserved for the elder ladies of the fleet.

[formerlivaboard]

Ok, one last question, which I probably know the answer to, but I’m gonna ask anyway. Is the Dream worth an extra $150pp over the Valor? I was thinking we would do insides, but my mom and sisters want balconies. Cheapest balcony I can find in the Dream is $599. That seems like a lot for a 4 night cruise!

 

 

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[grandmarnnurse]

If you have sailed only the Oasis, and your mom only Celebrity and Holland America, please DO NOT choose an older Carnival ship, or you all will be greatly disappointed! I would book (from oldest to newest) either the Magic, Breeze, Vista, or Horizon. Nothing older.

 

 

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[Stallion]

The Dream is the same Class as the Breeze and Magic-pretty much the same thing just a couple of years older

[ddloml]

Ok, one last question, which I probably know the answer to, but I’m gonna ask anyway. Is the Dream worth an extra $150pp over the Valor? I was thinking we would do insides, but my mom and sisters want balconies. Cheapest balcony I can find in the Dream is $599. That seems like a lot for a 4 night cruise!

 

 

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The least expensive balcony on Dream would be a cove on deck 2. It’s one of Carnival’s value buys. These are unique because they are so close to the water. Try to stay forward of the midship dining room; you don’t want to be under the galley further back. A balcony is worth the extra cost only if you’re going to use it.

Edited July 9, 2018 by ddloml
Added info

[jasong38501]

Ok, one last question, which I probably know the answer to, but I’m gonna ask anyway. Is the Dream worth an extra $150pp over the Valor? I was thinking we would do insides, but my mom and sisters want balconies. Cheapest balcony I can find in the Dream is $599. That seems like a lot for a 4 night cruise!

 

 

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While I said the Dream earlier, I don't know that I would pay an extra $150 per person plus the additional cost of getting from the airport to the pier in Galveston versus what it would cost on the Valor in New Orleans. On a longer cruise I definitely would, but for a four night cruise I am starting to think the Valor may be a better idea for you.

[formerlivaboard]

While I said the Dream earlier, I don't know that I would pay an extra $150 per person plus the additional cost of getting from the airport to the pier in Galveston versus what it would cost on the Valor in New Orleans. On a longer cruise I definitely would, but for a four night cruise I am starting to think the Valor may be a better idea for you.

 

 

 

I am definitely at the point where I’m overthinking the whole thing. I just feel responsible for ensuring my family is happy. I really want to sail on the Dream. Let’s be honest. What I really want is a 7night on the Horizon! But, given the parameters I’m working with, and the unexpected need to book a balcony, I think I will be happy with what I can get. And the whole point of this cruise is to spend time with my sisters, whom I never see because we live on opposite sides of the country. There. Just talked myself into the Valor! Thanks for your help! [emoji12]

 

 

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[KmomChicago]

I am definitely at the point where I’m overthinking the whole thing. I just feel responsible for ensuring my family is happy. I really want to sail on the Dream. Let’s be honest. What I really want is a 7night on the Horizon! But, given the parameters I’m working with, and the unexpected need to book a balcony, I think I will be happy with what I can get. And the whole point of this cruise is to spend time with my sisters, whom I never see because we live on opposite sides of the country. There. Just talked myself into the Valor! Thanks for your help! [emoji12]

 

 

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Good for you. New Orleans is an easy port and Valor should serve you well on your first Carnival voyage. Hope you all enjoy!!

[jasong38501]

I am definitely at the point where I’m overthinking the whole thing. I just feel responsible for ensuring my family is happy. I really want to sail on the Dream. Let’s be honest. What I really want is a 7night on the Horizon! But, given the parameters I’m working with, and the unexpected need to book a balcony, I think I will be happy with what I can get. And the whole point of this cruise is to spend time with my sisters, whom I never see because we live on opposite sides of the country. There. Just talked myself into the Valor! Thanks for your help! [emoji12]

 

 

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The Valor is the ship that got me hooked on cruising so I think you will have a great time. My one tip about that ship... the aft pool on the Lido deck is just off the buffet. Behind that facing the back of the ship are more tables with great views of the wake. That became our regular spot to sit when eating at the buffet because there always seemed to be tables available and the view was so wonderful! Have a great trip!

[SNJCruisers]

There. Just talked myself into the Valor! Thanks for your help! [emoji12]

Take the money you're saving and make sure to invest in the Cheers program and make sure to check out the Alchemy Bar. It's an even better investment since you're only doing 4 nights. Maybe you'll have such a good time that you can convince one of your sisters to joining you on the 7 day Horizon cruise you want so much.

[momof4girls]

For $150 more a person, I would switch from the Dream to the Valor! Now, if it meant switching from Dream to Sensation, I’d have to give it some serious thought!

 

Enjoy your cruise! My November cruise next year includes my mom, and she’s never cruised before. I have anxiety about whether she’ll enjoy herself or wish she had stayed home!

[formerlivaboard]

For $150 more a person, I would switch from the Dream to the Valor! Now, if it meant switching from Dream to Sensation, I’d have to give it some serious thought!

 

Enjoy your cruise! My November cruise next year includes my mom, and she’s never cruised before. I have anxiety about whether she’ll enjoy herself or wish she had stayed home!

 

 

 

Yes, I have so much anxiety about my family having fun on the cruise. But honestly, I can’t wait. Haven’t had a cruise booked since November, but have this one and a spring break 2020 on the Mariner with my hubby and kids. So excited!

 

 

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[Saint Greg]

Dream or Valor. Dream is my favorite class of ship. I believe Valor will be out of New Orleans at that time which is my favorite port.

[Aubreysmom09]

I am planning a short 4-night Western Caribbean cruise for November 2019. I’ll be sailing with my 2 sisters and my mom. All of us girls are in our late 30’s/early 40’s, and my mom is late 60’s. My mom normally sails Celebrity and Holland America, and I’ve only sailed Oasis of the Seas. My sisters have never sailed before, unless you count the family cruise we went on in the early 90’s on Dolphin Cruise Line. [emoji3]

 

With all of that info, which ship would you choose? Our options are Dream, Paradise, Sensation, or Valor. I’d love any insight you can give!

 

 

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OMG another person that went on Dolphin!! I went in middle school maybe 95-96 it was my first cruise.

 

I've only been on the Valor on that list and we liked her. We felt it was easy to navigate, and not overly big. My husband really liked the serenity deck, but he thought the decor was dated. We also liked how the casino and sports bar was. No issues with food or cleanliness.

[formerlivaboard]

OMG another person that went on Dolphin!! I went in middle school maybe 95-96 it was my first cruise.

 

 

 

I've only been on the Valor on that list and we liked her. We felt it was easy to navigate, and not overly big. My husband really liked the serenity deck, but he thought the decor was dated. We also liked how the casino and sports bar was. No issues with food or cleanliness.

 

 

 

I don’t remember much about Dolphin, but I’m thinking it was a very small ship by today’s standards.

 

Glad to hear you like the Valor! I agree that the decor looks a bit dated, but as long as it’s clean and fun, that’s ok.

 

 

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[grandmarnnurse]

Yes, I have so much anxiety about my family having fun on the cruise. But honestly, I can’t wait. Haven’t had a cruise booked since November, but have this one and a spring break 2020 on the Mariner with my hubby and kids. So excited!

 

 

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Last year I tried to get the family together for a cruise, and created so much anxiety for myself. I kept hounding those dragging their feet to book before no cabins left, and then those that booked, canceled by day 90. The one family left to join us did have a great time, but her hubby is a fussy sort of fellow (the type that only stays in luxury hotels such as the Ritz Carlton), and I wasn’t sure how he would handle sharing a family ocean view with their 3 children. I was a wreck by the time we left! Well, I have booked a cruise for our 50th Anniversary for April 2020. I gave the kids the info, but that’s it. I’m done. I’m not ruining this special celebration with worry. I’m done trying to convince and push. So much so, the hubby and I are driving to the town we were married in 50 years ago to have the JP renew our vows, and we aren’t telling anyone to come. Just the two of us, as it was in 1970 when we eloped.

[momof4girls]

Last year I tried to get the family together for a cruise, and created so much anxiety for myself. I kept hounding those dragging their feet to book before no cabins left, and then those that booked, canceled by day 90. The one family left to join us did have a great time, but her hubby is a fussy sort of fellow (the type that only stays in luxury hotels such as the Ritz Carlton), and I wasn’t sure how he would handle sharing a family ocean view with their 3 children. I was a wreck by the time we left! Well, I have booked a cruise for our 50th Anniversary for April 2020. I gave the kids the info, but that’s it. I’m done. I’m not ruining this special celebration with worry. I’m done trying to convince and push. So much so, the hubby and I are driving to the town we were married in 50 years ago to have the JP renew our vows, and we aren’t telling anyone to come. Just the two of us, as it was in 1970 when we eloped.

 

Oh my goodness!! Now I'm curious, did that hubby enjoy the cruise?? I had a family vacation planned for our Magic cruise (by family vacation I mean myself, hubby, and our four girls). It was my girls first cruise, and I was 'over the moon' excited for them. I also figured it was the last family vacation before my oldest daughter got married. Well, when my dad heard about our vacation, he invited himself and my stepmom. Then he invited my stepsister and her family, my stepbrother and his family, and my stepmom's parents. After all of them were invited, my sister called to tell me she might as well join us since everyone else was. It completely changed the dynamics of the vacation, and all I heard from him and his in-laws was how bad Carnival was (they are Holland America cruisers). NIGHTMARE! At least I know he'll never join us on another cruise again! ;p;p

 

OP: Sorry to hijack:halo:

[grandmarnnurse]

Oh my goodness!! Now I'm curious, did that hubby enjoy the cruise?? I had a family vacation planned for our Magic cruise (by family vacation I mean myself, hubby, and our four girls). It was my girls first cruise, and I was 'over the moon' excited for them. I also figured it was the last family vacation before my oldest daughter got married. Well, when my dad heard about our vacation, he invited himself and my stepmom. Then he invited my stepsister and her family, my stepbrother and his family, and my stepmom's parents. After all of them were invited, my sister called to tell me she might as well join us since everyone else was. It completely changed the dynamics of the vacation, and all I heard from him and his in-laws was how bad Carnival was (they are Holland America cruisers). NIGHTMARE! At least I know he'll never join us on another cruise again! ;p;p

 

OP: Sorry to hijack:halo:

Actually, my daughter’s hubby loved cruising! He wished he had a bigger cabin (although they had a rather large cabin) but he survived it. Lol! My hubby and I love cruising, but found trying to please everyone else was not worth it. They can come if they want, but I’m not pushing it.

[formerlivaboard]

Last year I tried to get the family together for a cruise, and created so much anxiety for myself. I kept hounding those dragging their feet to book before no cabins left, and then those that booked, canceled by day 90. The one family left to join us did have a great time, but her hubby is a fussy sort of fellow (the type that only stays in luxury hotels such as the Ritz Carlton), and I wasn’t sure how he would handle sharing a family ocean view with their 3 children. I was a wreck by the time we left! Well, I have booked a cruise for our 50th Anniversary for April 2020. I gave the kids the info, but that’s it. I’m done. I’m not ruining this special celebration with worry. I’m done trying to convince and push. So much so, the hubby and I are driving to the town we were married in 50 years ago to have the JP renew our vows, and we aren’t telling anyone to come. Just the two of us, as it was in 1970 when we eloped.

 

 

 

Wow! That does sound like a lot of stress. You are probably going to enjoy renewing your vows without all the drama! Congrats on 50 years!

 

 

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[formerlivaboard]

Oh my goodness!! Now I'm curious, did that hubby enjoy the cruise?? I had a family vacation planned for our Magic cruise (by family vacation I mean myself, hubby, and our four girls). It was my girls first cruise, and I was 'over the moon' excited for them. I also figured it was the last family vacation before my oldest daughter got married. Well, when my dad heard about our vacation, he invited himself and my stepmom. Then he invited my stepsister and her family, my stepbrother and his family, and my stepmom's parents. After all of them were invited, my sister called to tell me she might as well join us since everyone else was. It completely changed the dynamics of the vacation, and all I heard from him and his in-laws was how bad Carnival was (they are Holland America cruisers). NIGHTMARE! At least I know he'll never join us on another cruise again! ;p;p

 

 

 

OP: Sorry to hijack:halo:

 

 

 

Oh my goodness! Sounds like a big mess. I’m sure you were wishing it had just been you and your girls to start with. My hubby complained about the food on the Oasis almost the whole time we were sailing. It drove me nuts! I was just so happy to be there and to get away with him, that I didn’t care if the food wasn’t spectacular! People’s attitudes can really put a damper on things.

 

 

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[KmomChicago]

Oh my goodness! Sounds like a big mess. I’m sure you were wishing it had just been you and your girls to start with. My hubby complained about the food on the Oasis almost the whole time we were sailing. It drove me nuts! I was just so happy to be there and to get away with him, that I didn’t care if the food wasn’t spectacular! People’s attitudes can really put a damper on things.

 

 

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Wow. We are all so different. We were blown away by the food on Oasis-and we only ate included meals, and only one dinner and one lunch were in the main dining room. Loved Park Cafe, Solarium Bistro, windjammer. Liked the Dog House for lunch and JR for breakfast, also Promenade Cafe. Didn't mind wipe out cafe, the little cafe in the spa, or sorrentos though they were our least favorites. Desserts were hit or miss but we were so stuffed we should have been passing on dessert anyway.

[grandmarnnurse]

Oh my goodness! Sounds like a big mess. I’m sure you were wishing it had just been you and your girls to start with. My hubby complained about the food on the Oasis almost the whole time we were sailing. It drove me nuts! I was just so happy to be there and to get away with him, that I didn’t care if the food wasn’t spectacular! People’s attitudes can really put a damper on things.

 

 

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Although my hubby is pretty happy once he gets on the ship, he HATES the whole process to get there. Granted, it IS a hassle flying from Buffalo in the winter, and the cost is often absurd, but it is what it is. But he really hates embarkation. He hates waiting in long lines, and becomes the ultimate grouch. That is why, for my next cruise on the Breeze, I’m trying desperately to snag a FTTF as a surprise anniversary gift to him. I just can’t tell him what I paid, as he will have a fit! As a retired couple on a strict budget, we only book inside cabins to save money, and he would look upon the FTTF cost as frivolous. Hoping if it is in the form of a gift, I don’t have to disclose the price! Lol!

[skiorcruise]

I would ask what are you looking for on a cruise ship? I want more room, hate lines, etc. If you take the ship's tonnage (tons of water displaced by the ship) divided by the number of passengers at full capacity, you get a number that is roughly space per passenger. By this measure, a spirit class ship is better than any of the newer "better" ships.

 

Give me a spirit class ship any time.