Former Celebrity cruiser considering Carnival

[Miss SeaBee]

I haven't cruised in quite a while.  My new husband and I are looking at Carnival Sunshine out of Charleston.  This is very attractive to us, because we live only about an hour from Charleston.  My previous cruises are mostly Celebrity.   I know not to expect everything on Carnival that Celebrity offers.  I love the Carnival price!  I'm also very open-minded, and not at all picky or a cruise snob.   Any encouraging comments from those of you who have cruised both lines?

[Still Dreaming]

We go from Ncl, celebrity and carnival.   We ventured back to carnival with the Vista, loved it so much we booked the horizan next December.  We are 60 and just sailed the silhouette in February , it was a great cruise but wow!!!  I think we were the young ones😲.

[skipreality]

I guess first it would be helpful to know why you are leaving Celebrity?  If it is price, say no more.  Completely understood.  Our experience, having sailed both lines multiple times, is that you get what you pay for.  I must preface our remarks with a warning about our brutal honesty about calling things the way we see them; which does not mean that is how they really are.  But it is our view, and that is all we really have to give.  So, here we go. 

The most negative thing we found with Carnival is that they seem to attract some cruisers who have saved every dime for the past two years to go on a cruise and then went with Carnival because of the price; and believe that they paid for it, and behave as if their right to have a good time supersedes everyone else's.  And there is some truth to that, but it doesn't mean we have to like it.  The buffets, which we only use once a day or less, is the worst on the seas on Carnival.  Not so much the food prep, but the way folks seem to go through the lines like it is their last meal ever; piling 20 (I am not exaggerating) pieces of bacon or sausage on their plate.  I don't care how much anyone eats, but to have no consideration for the people who are behind you (because of course then the serving dish is empty) is annoying.  There is seemingly a lack of respect for the personal space of others on Carnival.  We have also had many more experiences with people who have been loud, obnoxious, and sloppy drunk on Carnival; and we don't care who gets drunk.  We do care when we get pulled into their reality just by being on the same ship.  There seem to be more unruly or unsupervised children on Carnival.  We have children, but they use manners and exercise consideration of others, or they don't get to be in public.  That simple.  Not the norm on some of the Carnival cruises we have been on.  So we prefer Celebrity primarily for those reasons.

Food- I give the edge to Celebrity, especially BLU, the Aqua Class restaurant.  But there is nothing wrong at all with Carnival food, in our experience.

Common areas- Celebrity seems less crowded, but that may depend on the ship.

Entertainment- both lines offer average programs, and both have some outstanding talent among the performers.

Casino- We like the clientele that frequent the Celebrity casinos better.

Bars- Service and drinks have been overall good on both lines for us.

Staff- Again, good on both lines in our experience.

Cabins- depends on the ship I suppose, but we have had better cabins overall on Celebrity.

Itineraries- Toss up, depending on where you like to go.

On-Board shopping- Toss up, depending on what you like to buy.

Cleanliness- Both lines have been clean on the ships that we have sailed.

Hope this helps!

 

 

Edited February 22, 2019 by skipreality

[Miss SeaBee]

24 minutes ago, Still Dreaming said:

We go from Ncl, celebrity and carnival.   We ventured back to carnival with the Vista, loved it so much we booked the horizan next December.  We are 60 and just sailed the silhouette in February , it was a great cruise but wow!!!  I think we were the young ones😲.

 

Thanks!  I really think I'll be very happy on Sunshine.  And yes, the Celebrity crowd can be skewed a bit older!  The 7 day Caribbean routes aren't usually too elderly 🙂

[Miss SeaBee]

13 minutes ago, skipreality said:

I guess first it would be helpful to know why you are leaving Celebrity?  If it is price, say no more.  Completely understood.  Our experience, having sailed both lines multiple times, is that you get what you pay for.  I must preface our remarks with a warning about our brutal honesty about calling things the way we see them; which does not mean that is how they really are.  But it is our view, and that is all we really have to give.  So, here we go. 

The most negative thing we found with Carnival is that they seem to attract some cruisers who have saved every dime for the past two years to go on a cruise and then went with Carnival because of the price; and believe that they paid for it, and behave as if their right to have a good time supersedes everyone else's.  And there is some truth to that, but it doesn't mean we have to like it.  The buffets, which we only use once a day or less, is the worst on the seas on Carnival.  Not so much the food prep, but the way folks seem to go through the lines like it is their last meal ever; piling 20 (I am not exaggerating) pieces of bacon or sausage on their plate.  I don't care how much anyone eats, but to have no consideration for the people who are behind you (because of course then the serving dish is empty) is annoying.  There is seemingly a lack of respect for the personal space of others on Carnival.  We have also had many more experiences with people who have been loud, obnoxious, and sloppy drunk on Carnival; and we don't care who gets drunk.  We do care when we get pulled into their reality just by being on the same ship.  There seem to be more unruly or unsupervised children on Carnival.  We have children, but they use manners and exercise consideration of others, or they don't get to be in public.  That simple.  Not the norm on some of the Carnival cruises we have been on.  So we prefer Celebrity primarily for those reasons.

Food- I give the edge to Celebrity, especially BLU, the Aqua Class restaurant.  But there is nothing wrong at all with Carnival food, in our experience.

Common areas- Celebrity seems less crowded, but that may depend on the ship.

Entertainment- both lines offer average programs, and both have some outstanding talent among the performers.

Casino- We like the clientele that frequent the Celebrity casinos better.

Bars- Service and drinks have been overall good on both lines for us.

Staff- Again, good on both lines in our experience.

Cabins- depends on the ship I suppose, but we have had better cabins overall on Celebrity.

Itineraries- Toss up, depending on where you like to go.

On-Board shopping- Toss up, depending on what you like to buy.

Cleanliness- Both lines have been clean on the ships that we have sailed.

Hope this helps!

Thank you so much for the helpful reply!  You definitely addressed many of my concerns.  Price is definitely a factor.  I am not in the same financial situation I was in my Celebrity days.  But port location is also huge for me.  We live so close to Charleston, it will make for a much easier cruise, and since we won't be flying to Florida and staying overnight pre-cruise, like I used to do, that will also add to our savings.  My husband will be a first time cruiser.  What I hope is that this 5 night cruise will introduce him to cruising.  Then, if he enjoys it as much as I hope he will, we can perhaps do a 7 night Celebrity cruise at some point.  

I'm a little worried about rowdy crowds and drunks.  Rude, inconsiderate people, I've definitely encountered on Celebrity, too. 

I'm prepared for the "getting what I'm paying for" part of it, I think.  I'm adjusting my expectations. 🙂  Thank you soooo much for the response.

 

 

[GUT2407]

Younger crowd, perhaps a bit more boisterous food probably not quiet as good (but that’s so subjective), personally I’ll cruise with pretty much anyone.

[Buck Turgidson]

We've been on Celebrity, Carnival, Cunard, Hal and Princess, we are in our '60's , not picky and had a good time on all cruises. Food the same on all ships to us, We usually pick a ship on west coast to avoid flying.

[dave_k58]

Many more tattoos around the pool areas on Carnival

[Cap'n Ron]

We love Celebrity, but found a lot to like with Carnival.  We decided to start cruising more frequently, and Carnival has worked out well for us.  We get a great value, and we really enjoy what Carnival offers.  The included dining venues like Blue Iguana, Guy's Burgers, the Deli and Pizza really are hard to beat, and we enjoy the Carnival entertainment over Celebrity's.  Overall, I think you will enjoy Carnival, we certainly have!

[CA_Cruzing]

@skipreality, to their post, I think time of year you're cruising changes pax demos. we've sailed Carnival in peak season and off season and have found off season to be more relaxed and laid back.

 

now in peak season (think summer or school's out vacations), Carnival attracts a VERY wide pax demo and some of what skip states is on point, but i don't let it get to me because life is short and i really don't care how much bacon or sausage someone eats.

 

as for tattoos or not, we have friends well of and regular-joes, and both have tats. beauty is in the eye of the beholder. judging one for tats or no tats is kinda ridiculous. we became friends with a full-sleeve tatted guy and his gf on a Nov cruise to ABC. he's a glass blower, self employed and sells his wares the world over. and gf, she was a top sales rep at Carnival.

 

so if you cruise with an open mind, are a fun seeking person, and enjoy diverse crowds, then Carnival will be just fine.

 

if you're seeking a more elevated and homogeneous experience, Carnival might not be all that.

 

as for food, we've never been disappointed on Carnival. but then again i'm happy to have 7-8 days off from cooking/shopping and prepping as i do all the cooking at home.

 

and my upcoming cruise is at $80 pp/pd for an interior spa cabin. i can't stay in my own home for a week at that price. so yeah, sign me up for a cruise. 4 days on boat, 3 on land and we'll have a great time in "dangerous" mexico. 

 

hey, pass me the tequila! that extra anejo stuff aged 5 years in a barrel, please!

 

 

[webzila]

1 hour ago, dave_k58 said:

Many more tattoos around the pool areas on Carnival

 

Is that a negative?

[sayvan]

We have sailed Carnival, Royal, Celebrity, NCL, Princess and Holland America. We liked them all and approach them for what they are with respect to Itinerary .  We have over 28 cruises now and the majority have been on Carnival and Celebrity. We just came off the Carnival Horizon about two weeks ago and I have to say it was one of the best cruises we have ever had. The food was fabulous and yes I mean in the main dining room, specialty restaurants and buffet.  Food is subjective of course but like I said, best we have ever experienced. I also think your cruise success really depends on your attitude. You cant walk in worrying or thinking about a comparison. Your on a different or new line and its going to be well different or new! Go in and have a good time and I am sure you will walk away loving it! After all... you're not at work! 

[scpirate]

2 hours ago, skipreality said:

I guess first it would be helpful to know why you are leaving Celebrity?  If it is price, say no more.  Completely understood.  Our experience, having sailed both lines multiple times, is that you get what you pay for.  I must preface our remarks with a warning about our brutal honesty about calling things the way we see them; which does not mean that is how they really are.  But it is our view, and that is all we really have to give.  So, here we go. 

The most negative thing we found with Carnival is that they seem to attract some cruisers who have saved every dime for the past two years to go on a cruise and then went with Carnival because of the price; and believe that they paid for it, and behave as if their right to have a good time supersedes everyone else's.  And there is some truth to that, but it doesn't mean we have to like it.  The buffets, which we only use once a day or less, is the worst on the seas on Carnival.  Not so much the food prep, but the way folks seem to go through the lines like it is their last meal ever; piling 20 (I am not exaggerating) pieces of bacon or sausage on their plate.  I don't care how much anyone eats, but to have no consideration for the people who are behind you (because of course then the serving dish is empty) is annoying.  There is seemingly a lack of respect for the personal space of others on Carnival.  We have also had many more experiences with people who have been loud, obnoxious, and sloppy drunk on Carnival; and we don't care who gets drunk.  We do care when we get pulled into their reality just by being on the same ship.  There seem to be more unruly or unsupervised children on Carnival.  We have children, but they use manners and exercise consideration of others, or they don't get to be in public.  That simple.  Not the norm on some of the Carnival cruises we have been on.  So we prefer Celebrity primarily for those reasons.

Food- I give the edge to Celebrity, especially BLU, the Aqua Class restaurant.  But there is nothing wrong at all with Carnival food, in our experience.

Common areas- Celebrity seems less crowded, but that may depend on the ship.

Entertainment- both lines offer average programs, and both have some outstanding talent among the performers.

Casino- We like the clientele that frequent the Celebrity casinos better.

Bars- Service and drinks have been overall good on both lines for us.

Staff- Again, good on both lines in our experience.

Cabins- depends on the ship I suppose, but we have had better cabins overall on Celebrity.

Itineraries- Toss up, depending on where you like to go.

On-Board shopping- Toss up, depending on what you like to buy.

Cleanliness- Both lines have been clean on the ships that we have sailed.

Hope this helps!

 

 

Not true carnival has the bacon police but it is true carnival food is crap compared to celebrity.its cheaper.we are 2 hours from Charleston and never sailed from there because sailing out of Florida is cheaper for the same itinerary but a longer drive.for me msc is a better choice.i do have a cruise to Cuba on carnival coming up but I'm pretty much through with carnival.then I'm back on msc.i prefer celebrity but I'm retired and my money is short.

[skipreality]

We missed the bacon police!  And the French fry police! Funny.

[MaryZ]

Yikes!  I am not so sure I agree with brutal honesty regarding carnival vs celebrity but I will make an attempt.

First, to establish cruising history...we are elite on Celebrity and were Platinum in the 90's on Carnival.  Plat + on NCL and have sailed 56 times so far. 

We just recently (past 18 months) tried carnival again.  We still like it.

 

Ok, so for the "save every dime for a vacation and then have a good time crowd"  I have found that possibly that might be true...but it certainly isn't in  a bad way.  What I do notice about Carnival cruisers is they take their formal nights quite seriously.  We do country club casual on all cruises so the fact that people on Carnival are all dressed up in gowns and suits and their kids are all kinds of glamorous amazes me.    I mean I have pictures of us and our children like that but that was way back in the 90's when cruises were  de rigueur about being dressed for dinner every night. 
They also have great attendance at all their deck parties and inside parties.  I simply can't say the same for Celebrity...lots of people on their ships seem to go to bed early.

Casino...Major difference.  Anyone who has sailed Celebrity would mention it.  NO SMOKING.  There is no absolutely never ever any smoking in a Celebrity casino.  It's heavenly.  Now Carnival...yucky.  Smoking everywhere.  It's like being in an ashtray. (you might guess...I dont' smoke)

 

Drinkers....ehhh not much difference.  Mostly Celebrity people have free drink packages that come with their cabin so they are just as good at getting drunk as Carnival people are. 

Pools...Carnival is definitely more chaos.  Celebrity is quieter. 

Entertainment...Carnival has comedy.  Celebrity has people that believe they are comedians.  Quality of actual dancers is better on Celebrity as are their singers.

 

Music...more variety on Celebrity.  More dancing party music on Carnival.

 

Food...Carnival has more easy to eat, I'd love to have it, even tho I know it's not healthy for me kind of food.  Celebrity has more healthy food choices.   Both are good for what they offer.  I love the Iguana taco stand on carnival.  But I love the aquaspa cafe food more on Celebrity.  I have issues with cheeseburgers on both lines. 

Cabins...I'd have to give that to Celebrity.  But...if you take an inside, take Carnival.  Better choice since their cabins are larger for inside than Celebrity.  But if you are into the suite life...then take NCL hehehe

 

Bars...Celebrity's martini bars are hands down the most fun.  Carnival's bars are good.

 

Cleanliness....New ships...awesome.  Old ships..not so much  Both lines.

 

Onboard shopping...dont' do that so I can't help you out there.  Anything I can buy on a cruise ship I can buy better anywhere else. (sing that in your head)

 

Kids...definitely if you aren't into kids go to Celebrity.  We like kids, so not an issue for us.  We however do not like parents who let their 5-9 yr olds wander around a ship alone.  So if you are that parent and I find your kid crying because they dont' know where they are or where you are I will be filing a cps report online about your shi**y parenting.  And reporting you on the ship.   It's a city folks...when there are 5,000 people onboard a ship, it's a city.  Not your backyard. 

 

Tattoos...I don't have any.  I am terrified of needles.  I admire other people's works of art on their bodies and some I see I can't believe that person did that.   Not sure which line I see the most on.  Probably NCL.

 

People....I find most people are friendly on all cruise lines.  But...when people are getting a ship on a stick...I just think those people are a lot more outgoing than people not walking on the lawn are (yep, get that..a lawn on a cruise ship with signs that say I need to rest so please don't walk on me) 

Buffets and specialty restaurants....equally bad and good at the same time.  Carnival has on their new ships some kind of weird slippery floor in their buffets.  I think it might be part of their entertainment scheme.  Watch people slip and slide with plates of food in their hands.
Carnival seems to have longer lines in their buffet.  Celebrity's buffet has a nicer esthetic about it.   Buffet food is better on Celebrity I think.
Main dining...ok on Carnival.  Better on Celebrity.  Specialty Dining..we liked the JiJi Asian on Carnival.   not super fond of specialty dining on Celebrity but love their coffee place.  Tuscan Grille would probably be our favorite on Celebrity. 

 

I think you'll have a great time on Carnival.  Enjoy your vacation!

 

[Saint Greg]

You’re a celebrity? Who are you?

[MJSailors]

To the OP

You may  want to read some postings about cruises on the Sunshine on the Carnival forum and CC reviews of the Sunshine to give you some insights to the quality of cruises on the ship as well as passenger characteristics.

[KmomChicago]

I have been on both Celebrity and Carnival as well as other lines and I am absolutely in favor of your plan.  For the port convenience you almost gotta try it once. There’s only been a Fantasy class ship in Charleston for some time so Sunshine is a bit of an upgrade. Certainly if I lived there I would seize that opportunity.

 

Carnival is is successful for the same reason as Walmart and McDonalds. Products your average consumer wants with consistent reasonable levels of satisfaction and value at an affordable price point. You will be traveling with people who appreciate that.

 

Many of those people could technically afford more but see no point as they also appreciate this same value.  Many will be on their first and only cruise. Some won’t like it enough to return and others are not in a position to do so. It’s a diverse cross section of American society and nothing exclusive about it.

 

Carnival offers a lot to like. Lots of daily activity, friendly crew, plenty of food options. I personally am a fan of the self service laundromat so I can pack less stuff.  If you like cruising and understand each cruise is its own unique experience and not a carbon copy of your idealized perfect custom cruise down to the nth detail, it should be a great experience. 

 

If if you have a Celebrity budget you might be able to afford a lot of Carnival upgrades like a better cabin, Chefs Table or other specialty dining, fancier shore excursions, more spa treatments, etc. There are plenty of ways to be more pampered as well as to be in a somewhat more exclusive group of passengers on Carnival if it would put the trip at a level that meets your needs.

Edited February 23, 2019 by KmomChicago

[Miss SeaBee]

10 hours ago, Cap'n Ron said:

We love Celebrity, but found a lot to like with Carnival.  We decided to start cruising more frequently, and Carnival has worked out well for us.  We get a great value, and we really enjoy what Carnival offers.  The included dining venues like Blue Iguana, Guy's Burgers, the Deli and Pizza really are hard to beat, and we enjoy the Carnival entertainment over Celebrity's.  Overall, I think you will enjoy Carnival, we certainly have!

 

I also think my husband will enjoy the more casual Carnival atmosphere.  I’m afraid he would find Celebrity a little too stuffy.  And he definitely will enjoy the more casual food, like burgers and pizza. 😊

[Miss SeaBee]

7 hours ago, Saint Greg said:

You’re a celebrity? Who are you?

Lol, I said former.  You wouldn’t recognize me, now,

[Miss SeaBee]

47 minutes ago, KmomChicago said:

I have been on both Celebrity and Carnival as well as other lines and I am absolutely in favor of your plan.  For the port convenience you almost gotta try it once. There’s only been a Fantasy class ship in Charleston for some time so Sunshine is a bit of an upgrade. Certainly if I lived there I would seize that opportunity.

 

Carnival is is successful for the same reason as Walmart and McDonalds. Products your average consumer wants with consistent reasonable levels of satisfaction and value at an affordable price point. You will be traveling with people who appreciate that.

 

Many of those people could technically afford more but see no point as they also appreciate this same value.  Many will be on their first and only cruise. Some won’t like it enough to return and others are not in a position to do so. It’s a diverse cross section of American society and nothing exclusive about it.

 

Carnival offers a lot to like. Lots of daily activity, friendly crew, plenty of food options. I personally am a fan of the self service laundromat so I can pack less stuff.  If you like cruising and understand each cruise is its own unique experience and not a carbon copy of your idealized perfect custom cruise down to the nth detail, it should be a great experience. 

 

If if you have a Celebrity budget you might be able to afford a lot of Carnival upgrades like a better cabin, Chefs Table or other specialty dining, fancier shore excursions, more spa treatments, etc. There are plenty of ways to be more pampered as well as to be in a somewhat more exclusive group of passengers on Carnival if it would put the trip at a level that meets your needs.

 

Thank you!  This was very helpful!  I’m looking forward to the experience of just parking and walking on the ship.  The convenience factor is huge for me!  When cruising out of Florida, I usually flew in day before.  That adds extra days I can’t really afford to take off in my job.  Also, I am not really a Cekebrity budget, anymore.  I divorced my former Celebrity budget, happily.  So, at this point, I’d rather try a Carnival cruise than to have no cruise at all. 😊

[KmomChicago]

4 minutes ago, Greensuz said:

 

Thank you!  This was very helpful!  I’m looking forward to the experience of just parking and walking on the ship.  The convenience factor is huge for me!  When cruising out of Florida, I usually flew in day before.  That adds extra days I can’t really afford to take off in my job.  Also, I am not really a Cekebrity budget, anymore.  I divorced my former Celebrity budget, happily.  So, at this point, I’d rather try a Carnival cruise than to have no cruise at all. 😊

 

It’s a great deal for the budget. I predict you’ll love it and want to do it again later.  To tell the truth, I like Carnival better than Celebrity anyway. It’s more fun and I feel more comfortable in the relaxed atmosphere. I like the food. Cabins are a nice size.  I prefer to lounge around in elastic waist shorts or frumpy sundresses on vacation rather than try to measure up to tailored Beautiful People.  

[Saint Greg]

2 hours ago, Greensuz said:

Lol, I said former.  You wouldn’t recognize me, now,

 

Who were you?

[Cruisegirl6]

Thanks for those who compared Celebrity to Carnival.  I been on 83 maybe 84 cruises and just considering trying Celebrity but just didn't do it yet...I always heard the crowd on Celebrity is stuffy, that people go to sleep earlier so at night its pretty much "dead" and heard the casinos if they don't meet a quota they will close it late in the evening....do you find this to have some truth?

 

For those of you comparing Celebrity vs Carnival which celebrity ships are you comparing it to?

 

I won't go into detail what I think about Carnival because some people here can be real nasty and honestly, I am not a person who wants or likes to argue with anybody, with this being said, YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!  

 

My advice, you can't compare the newer larger ships to Carnivals older ships, there is a huge difference in the food variety/quality/selection especially speaking about the lunch buffet.  I find the older smaller ships to be  very lacking and unappealing in the buffets and the MDR eh...for instance, we just got off the Elation two weeks ago, the best thing in the lunch buffet was the deli, now go figure that!!!  Again, I am beating around the bush to keep things on a positive tone.  The only thing you get to eat past 11pm on Carnival is pizza, yep, that is all oh wait they do have a Caesar salad if you ask for it, but that is all.  (Who wants to sit in their stateroom waiting for room service??)

I tried Guys Burgers again to give it one more try and found the consistency of the burger to remind me of opening up a can of wet cat food and the fries soaked in oil, yuck!!!!  Iguana Cantina used to be good but the quality of the meat well I won't go there either but you get the point.

 

Carnival does offer better comedy shows and nightly comedy and their steakhouse is our most favorite specialty restaurant and we will dine there every night to get an overall excellent experience.  They also have a live band usually playing outside the casino and play till around midnight, which we love. 

 

We are booked on the Mardi Gras for its first sailing out of Port Canaveral, and I feel because she is new she probably be the best choice to choose on a Carnival ship, then comes Horizon and Vista....my opinion.

 

 

[beacha]

We are empty nesters in our 60s. We loved the Sunshine so much, we sailed her 2 years in a row. Serenity was the best! I have always enjoyed our Carnival cruises. We have sailed on Holland and Royal , also. Enjoy your vacation.