Considering Carnival--will we be disappointed?

[KKB]

We have done Celebrity our last 4 cruises & have fallen in love.

That being said, we have done RCCL & Princess and would cruise them again in a heartbeat.

(also did DCL...probably not again with kids being young adults now & how expensive they are).

Looking at Xmas cruise & flights to Galveston are very reasonable, and Carnival is by far the best priced cruise.

We have found our cruises to be more alike than different...and we are pretty easy going.

Our son has said NCL is a step down from our other cruises but still good. (my thought is any cruise is a good cruise!)

Thoughts?

[vulcan1971]

There is a reason why Carnival is less expensive than other cruises.

 

And I’d consider NCL a step up (maybe several) from Carnival.

 

If you’ve been happy with Celebrity and RCCL, then think long and hard about Carnival.

 

Everybody has opinions, but hard to give any to you without knowing more about what you like/dislike and other things important to you when you cruise.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[OtherFigment]

Honestly, we've been considering the same too. The Havana area looks not too bad given the reserved pool area, and to your point, the price looks pretty darn good. We might try it on the basis of it's still better than a day at work! Worst thing that happens, we realize that celebrity really is the place for us!

[Fish Lover]

It's been years since I tried Carnival (my first and very last time zI would try it). My son and his wife usually cruise with Celebrity, but took a Carnival cruise out of Galveston recently.

They vowed never to travel on Carnival again. The food was poor, the service was poor, the cabins were less than desirable and the entire vibe was "college party" with activities suited for adult age kids.

I think you will be very disappointed.

[keithm]

We have done Celebrity our last 4 cruises & have fallen in love.

That being said, we have done RCCL & Princess and would cruise them again in a heartbeat.

(also did DCL...probably not again with kids being young adults now & how expensive they are).

Looking at Xmas cruise & flights to Galveston are very reasonable, and Carnival is by far the best priced cruise.

We have found our cruises to be more alike than different...and we are pretty easy going.

Our son has said NCL is a step down from our other cruises but still good. (my thought is any cruise is a good cruise!)

Thoughts?

NCL IS a step down from most lines(unless you opt for the Haven) Carnival is some times called "The double wide at sea". You'll be hammered with constant announcements for revenue enhancement. The food is not very good, unless you spring for a specialty rest. If you want relaxation, you'll likely NOT find it on Carnival. If you like the following: Belly flop competitions/Hairy leg contests/ lots of kids running around with parents who don't give a crap etc. etc. by all means have a blast. If however, you like a bit more style with your cruise, then stick with Celebrity/Princess/HAL or other lines that are considered "premium". It's true, that lots of cutbacks have occurred on Celebrity(the reason we're giving Oceania a few tries) Still, overall, they offer a decent vacation for the money.

[kristinp36]

Can you share more about what you enjoy on your cruises? We have sailed Carnival and RC more then any other lines with a dabble of HAL, Celebrity and NCL.

[panoramaofthepast]

We have done Celebrity our last 4 cruises & have fallen in love.

That being said, we have done RCCL & Princess and would cruise them again in a heartbeat.

(also did DCL...probably not again with kids being young adults now & how expensive they are).

Looking at Xmas cruise & flights to Galveston are very reasonable, and Carnival is by far the best priced cruise.

We have found our cruises to be more alike than different...and we are pretty easy going.

Our son has said NCL is a step down from our other cruises but still good. (my thought is any cruise is a good cruise!)

Thoughts?

I have cruised Carnival out of Galveston, usually when I just want a short get away. The food on Carnival is usually pretty good; the noise - not so much. The music is always too loud for conversation, IMHO. The waiters will stand on tables and dance during dinner, which slows service. A Christmas cruise will mean LOTS of kids, if that is something you want or want to avoid.

You won't be flying into Galveston, you will be flying into Houston. That means at least a 45 - 90 minute drive to get to the port. Rental car agencies in Galveston are not open on the weekend, so you will need to arrange transport to the island.

Full disclosure - after 30+ cruises, Celebrity is my favorite line, followed by HAL, Princess/RC, then Carnival, so my opinion may be skewed!

[KKB]

Can you share more about what you enjoy on your cruises? We have sailed Carnival and RC more then any other lines with a dabble of HAL, Celebrity and NCL.

 

We like a lot of activities.

Our typical sea day:

Buffet

Sun on the deck (not necessarily at the pool)

Burgers by the pool

Poker tournament in casino

Trivia

MDR

Show--usually only comedians

"Game shows"

Casino

Dancing in the club to dance music from 70s-today.

(and our kids like most of these activities too)

 

When we go on shore, that is when we like a beach & relax (tho with young adult kids--18, 20, 23--they like a lively beach)

[Denny01]

I agree that no cruise is a bad cruise, in that I’d find enjoyment on anything that takes me to sea. With that said, Carnival is very, very different from Celebrity. We’ve gone on a few Carnival cruises but only because we were with a large social group we were members of, or our family set one up and invited us.....not us selecting Carnival and inviting them. Fun with our group or family, but didn't enjoy much of what Carnival provided. Dining was OK, the same as most chain restaurants, and constant press to spend money with many announcements and what I’d call infomercials.....most ‘programs’ were selling something. The focus for us was the group we went with. We are going on a post-Xmas Cruise with our adult kids and grandkids. A short cruise out of LA to just get away. Will enjoy, but only because we are with our family.

 

There were Congo lines, cannonball contests, hairy chest contests (I don’t join in, hair doesnt grow on steel!), and so on. Big press to drink and party loud. None of which I enjoy, but many (at least those onboard) seem to.

 

OK service and SR was fine for the short cruises we’ve taken, but nothing special. I’d not cruise Carnival unless it was a very short cruise and for a very specific reason of joining a group. My recommendation is to take a look at other options for your family cruise.

 

Den

[kristinp36]

We like a lot of activities.

Our typical sea day:

Buffet - Carnivals is similar to RC

Sun on the deck (not necessarily at the pool) - Carnival has the Serenity area for adults only. No pool in that area but lots of loungers, clam shells, bars, and hot tubs. Sometimes the placement of the Serenity is not ideal (near water slides). On the newer ships they have an upgraded area called the Havana with a more private exp during the day. Open to all guests after 7 pm.

Burgers by the pool - Most ships have Guy's burgers which are my favorite at sea

Poker tournament in casino - no experience here

Trivia - lots of games

MDR - we enjoy Carnivals food. Much better then our 2 experiences on NCL. I will be going on my second Celebrity cruise in a month so I am excited to see if there is a difference. I don't remember my previous Celebrity cruise standing out. There are some nights where staff dance and sing which is liked by some and hated by some. I am indifferent to it. It is fun to see the kids getting up and dancing with staff.

Show--usually only comedians - Some ships have a dedicated comedy club with 2-3 shows a night. Some are adult only. We have enjoyed the comedy on the ships but the rooms fill up early so you usually have to go early, grab a drink and relax.

"Game shows" - they have some Hasboro, Love & Marriage, Quest, etc https://www.carnival.com/onboard/cruise-entertainment

Casino - not much exp here but they do allow smoking

Dancing in the club to dance music from 70s-today. - usually have theme nights.....70's on a 7 night

(and our kids like most of these activities too)

 

When we go on shore, that is when we like a beach & relax (tho with young adult kids--18, 20, 23--they like a lively beach)

 

We like Carnival but it isn't for everyone. We have meet the nicest people on our Carnival cruises....people are friendly. We aren't huge drinkers and tend to not hang on the pool deck much. When we can quiet time we use out balcony. There can be a party atmosphere on the shorter cruises but we have not seen much of that on 7+ day cruises. We are pretty chill so maybe most things don't bother us :D

[Toronto Guy]

I can honestly say I don’t think there is that much difference in the quality between all these brands. Just different experiences and focuses. I’d book it.

[bighairtexan]

I've cruised a fair amount and have done 20 on Carnival. My last one being January of this year and it WILL BE MY LAST! It was on the Breeze out of Galveston. We were in the largest suite they have available and it's a good thing b/c I never spent so much time in my cabin. The MDR was FILTHY (my forearms literally stuck to the table which had neither place mats nor table cloths.

One of the waiters even complained to us (we were kind of staring at each other, like "he's really saying this??) about how they all have more tables to wait on and how they can't get to know the passengers and banter with them (we were in Select/My Time). Then I think based on our looks he backpeddaled to say how "I am very grateful that I have a good quality of life at home thanks to Carnival. But it's just not the same."

 

I also always was of the opinion that it makes NO DIFFERENCE to me what people wear in the MDR. I always THOUGHT it would have no impact on my dinner. WRONG! Sitting catty corner from a man w/ sweaty armpit hair poking out of his tank top as he was constantly adjusting his baseball cap DID impact my dining enjoyment.

 

Oddly there were way more suits in the MDR on "formal" night than you'd see on Celebrity or RCI on "chic" or whatever it's called on various lines. I was also laughing about how many baseball caps (worn forward and backwards) were worn w/ their suits. My B/F is kind of a blue collar guy and even HE was commenting. The baseball caps didn't affect my dining like the dirty tables or sweaty armpits.

Service was hit or miss. Some stars and some duds. Disembarkation was a cluster.

 

HOWEVER based on your list, Carnival might not be as heinous for you. They have excellent burgers and Mexican food by the pool. Trivia. A dedicated comedy club, game shows, poker tournaments... basically EVERYTHING you have on your list you can find on a Carnival cruise out of Galveston.

As for me after 20 Carnival (I'm also E+ on Celebrity and Plat on Princess etc) ... there will never be a 21st. BLEAAHHHH.

[Georgia_Peaches]

Since cruising is subjective and very personal in terms of what individuals are looking for, I think you should just try it and see for yourself. Even if you decide that Carnival isn't for you, you'll have had fun finding out, right?

 

My first cruise ever was on Carnival back in 1992. I've sailed Carnival several times since. My preference is Celebrity but I can only say that because I've given several other lines (RCCL...like it, NCL...had fun, and Disney..never again) a shot for comparison.

 

CM

[KKB]

We like Carnival but it isn't for everyone. We have meet the nicest people on our Carnival cruises....people are friendly. We aren't huge drinkers and tend to not hang on the pool deck much. When we can quiet time we use out balcony. There can be a party atmosphere on the shorter cruises but we have not seen much of that on 7+ day cruises. We are pretty chill so maybe most things don't bother us :D

 

We are looking at Freedom or Vista over Xmas; would anticipate kids. Like the large ship; I found daily planners & it looks like there are MANY MANY choices of activities.

 

Our purpose is a vacation with the young adult kids; we realize it is getting harder & harder to find a week we are all available. Xmas/New Years might be it until all are out of college. Means everything is costlier. But Galveston flights were very reasonable (I suggested driving but DH said NOPE)

 

We have booked NCL for New Years next year out of MIA.

 

I think if we go in with the expectation that it will be different & we just want to hang out together we should be OK.

 

(Vegas--yeah I love Aria, Cosmo & Cromwell, but usually Ballys or LINQ is comped...and they are fine! Food wise we have always been happy with MDR; DD & I appreciate good food but the boys would probably eat bar food every night given the opportunity!)

[ambrtonj]

I have cruised a couple of times on RCCL and five times on Celebrity, but I have a Carnival cruise to Cuba scheduled due to the embarkation port and to some extent the cost of the cruise. I don't plan on making a comparison between the two lines. I hope to make the best of the circumstances as they present themselves.

 

The DW and I can usually enjoy ourselves wherever we find ourselves. DW is the one with the personality and I am lucky enough to be able to just tag along. I'm sure we'll meet some very interesting people and there will be things that I just don't understand but then again I find myself in that position when I turn on the news or even read some of the comments here...

[KKB]

Since cruising is subjective and very personal in terms of what individuals are looking for, I think you should just try it and see for yourself. Even if you decide that Carnival isn't for you, you'll have had fun finding out, right?

 

My first cruise ever was on Carnival back in 1992. I've sailed Carnival several times since. My preference is Celebrity but I can only say that because I've given several other lines (RCCL...like it, NCL...had fun, and Disney..never again) a shot for comparison.

 

CM

 

LOL--we did like DCL (we were traveling with 26 family members) Disney knows service BUT the cost is off putting plus no casino...and DEAD night life (it was an Xmas cruise)

[KKB]

I have cruised a couple of times on RCCL and five times on Celebrity, but I have a Carnival cruise to Cuba scheduled due to the embarkation port and to some extent the cost of the cruise. I don't plan on making a comparison between the two lines. I hope to make the best of the circumstances as they present themselves.

 

The DW and I can usually enjoy ourselves wherever we find ourselves. DW is the one with the personality and I am lucky enough to be able to just tag along. I'm sure we'll meet some very interesting people and there will be things that I just don't understand but then again I find myself in that position when I turn on the news or even read some of the comments here...

 

I'd say that is our attitude as well; no other cruises/embarkation ports are within the budget so any cruise is better than no cruise!

[kristinp36]

We are looking at Freedom or Vista over Xmas; would anticipate kids. Like the large ship; I found daily planners & it looks like there are MANY MANY choices of activities.

 

Our purpose is a vacation with the young adult kids; we realize it is getting harder & harder to find a week we are all available. Xmas/New Years might be it until all are out of college. Means everything is costlier. But Galveston flights were very reasonable (I suggested driving but DH said NOPE)

 

We have booked NCL for New Years next year out of MIA.

 

I think if we go in with the expectation that it will be different & we just want to hang out together we should be OK.

 

(Vegas--yeah I love Aria, Cosmo & Cromwell, but usually Ballys or LINQ is comped...and they are fine! Food wise we have always been happy with MDR; DD & I appreciate good food but the boys would probably eat bar food every night given the opportunity!)

 

Vista is the newest ship with the most bells and whistles. As with any cruise line some of those bell and whistles come with up charges. I am 45 and my husband is 59 we are both happy on Carnival. It will definitely be different then Celebrity and closer to RC. We find the staff and guests on Carnival to be friendlier then on RC. My first NCL cruise was bad with almost inedible food but we decided to give them another chance in case it was a fluke. It was...our 2nd NCL cruise had much better food but still not as good as Carnival or RC.

[clskinsfan]

I have cruised Carnival a couple of times. It is A LOT of fun. Just be prepared for a bit of rowdiness and go with the flow. There will be kids....TONS of kids. I have never taken a Celebrity cruise, my first is next May, but we are ready for a more laid back experience at this point. I hope it isnt too laid back though :)

[Essiesmom]

We are platinum on Princess, three star on HAL, Elite on Celebrity, Gold on Cunard - and platinum on Carnival. We like the food. WE like the piano bars. We like the price. We avod the areas we don't like. In our 70s, we don't do pools or beaches (except HMC). Also love the pool at Grand Turk. Also like they sail from ports we can drive to. Go, expecting to have a good time. Don't go expecting it to be Princess lite, or Celebrity lite...Oh, and we like the singing/dancing waiters. EM

[vulcan1971]

NCL IS a step down from most lines(unless you opt for the Haven) Carnival is some times called "The double wide at sea". You'll be hammered with constant announcements for revenue enhancement. The food is not very good, unless you spring for a specialty rest. If you want relaxation, you'll likely NOT find it on Carnival. If you like the following: Belly flop competitions/Hairy leg contests/ lots of kids running around with parents who don't give a crap etc. etc. by all means have a blast. If however, you like a bit more style with your cruise, then stick with Celebrity/Princess/HAL or other lines that are considered "premium". It's true, that lots of cutbacks have occurred on Celebrity(the reason we're giving Oceania a few tries) Still, overall, they offer a decent vacation for the money.

 

keithm - just to be clear, when I said NCL was a step up, I said that in reference or comparison to Carnival. I think that the whole of NCL is better than Carnival; however, the Haven on NCL is much nicer and comparable to Suite Class on Celebrity.

[Duanerice1]

You'll have a blast. We cut our teeth on the weekend Carnival cruises out of Miami. Used to go a few times a year. Once we stepped up to 7 days and longer we started with Celebrity and never looked back.

 

But, we've been on 2 Carnival cruises in the last 6 years. One was on the Glory and the last was on the Breeze. Glory was OK and Breeze was very nice.

 

The Breeze was just a lot more active than Celebrity but not too bad. Of course we never go to the pool so that might help. I like the dedicated comedy club, the pool food, Guy's Burgers and Blue Iguana, great for breakfast burritos :). We had a spa balcony and loved the spa area - so much better than Celebrity. Heck, i loved the water slides and I'm 61. Food was good too.

 

Overall it was fun. I'd take one again if the price was right. Actually booked one a few months ago but also checked Celebrity and the deal was too good to pass up so I canceled Carnival.

[Travelcat2]

IMO, Carnival has the reputation as being the worst cruises at sea (unless you like partying, being drunk, too many children that are out of control, poor food, etc. In fact, Carnival is usually the butt of many jokes amongst cruisers. To add to this, Christmas cruises have the more children than during the rest of the year. We did one Christmas cruise and would never do it again.

 

Although our background is sailing on luxury and premium plus cruise lines, we sailed on the christening cruise of NCL's Bliss and it was a lot of fun (beautiful ship, great food in the Haven). However, it was a special cruise with "only" 2,000 passengers (the ship holds 4,000). The cruise after we disembarked had 900 children (cannot even imagine that).

 

We selected Celebrity for our first premium cruise based on ratings and friends that cruise Celebrity. We have booked a Royal suite on a West Coast itinerary next month. The ship is full. IF the cruise is "fun" and the food is good, we may sail with them again. So far, our first impression of Celebrity is mixed. Our Celebrity contract person was wonderful but did not follow through with luggage tags. Then we received a call asking for our alcohol, mini suite and bed options. Again, the person was lovely. And, once again, I requested luggage tags (still no luggage tags and we leave a week from Sunday).

[vulcan1971]

We selected Celebrity for our first premium cruise based on ratings and friends that cruise Celebrity. We have booked a Royal suite on a West Coast itinerary next month. The ship is full. IF the cruise is "fun" and the food is good, we may sail with them again. So far, our first impression of Celebrity is mixed. Our Celebrity contract person was wonderful but did not follow through with luggage tags. Then we received a call asking for our alcohol, mini suite and bed options. Again, the person was lovely. And, once again, I requested luggage tags (still no luggage tags and we leave a week from Sunday).

 

Travelcat2 - If you enjoyed your Haven experience, I'm sure you will fully enjoy your Royal Suite experience on Celebrity. The food in your private restaurant Luminae is lovely. You will have unlimited free specialty restaurant dining privileges. You will be well looked after by your butler and your concierge in Michael's Club.

 

Regarding luggage tags, it is not a big deal. Upon arriving at the port, just let the porter helping you know your room number and they will whip out some blank tags and take care of you.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[Hlitner]

I will not give you any advice as to whether you should book Carnival...but will tell you a true story from about 23years ago. We had promised our then 13 year old a Christmas cruise and had booked in on Regency Cruise Lines. At the time we had cruised on about a dozen lines and were pretty experienced. In November of that year, Regency went bankrupt and I heard about it on the radio while at work. I immediately called my cruise agent (who already was aware of the bankruptcy) and told us to book us on ANY Xmas cruise...explaining that we had promised our DD. A few minutes later she called back and said the only option was on Carnival. I reluctantly agreed since it was the only way I could keep my word to DD who loved to cruise from the age 5.

 

When we boarded our Carnival ship I had low expectations. That evening while standing at a bar we met another large family. Their patriarch told us that he and his DW normally cruises on Seabourn...but once a year would do Carnival at holiday time because it was fun with the family. It turned out he was right and we loved the cruise. Since that time we have done 2 more Carnival cruises (out of over 100 cruises) and enjoyed them. Carnival is not our normal style, but for those that can adapt it can be lots of fun and something different from many other lines. Given that Celebrity has been rapidly heading downhill under their current management team... perhaps Carnival is not even much of a step down. If you do it keep an open mind. Yes, you will likely have to put up with too many PA announcements, hairy leg contests, spoon diving, etc.. but such is life.

 

Hank