Why Carnival?

[CruiseControl70]

Hi all,

I have been on two cruises, both with Carnival, and loved them.  I (and my family) love the comedy shows, the music, the fun vibes, and the amazing hospitality of the crew.  Our only complaints arise from limited availability of pool loungers and access to the pool during the daytime.

 

All of that to say -- I am looking to start planning our 2020 family cruise, and some (who are not actually going on the cruise, but I'll at least research their opinions...) have suggested we NOT choose Carnival "to have a better time."  Let me emphasize that we have had great times on Carnival, aside from the pool/lounger access.  But, since I have only cruised on Carnival, I wonder if I am missing something?

 

For those of you that have been on other cruise lines, what was the appeal?  And what brings you back to Carnival?

For those of you that always choose Carnival, what (other than Guy's Burgers because that's a major reason!) brings you back to Carnival?

 

Thanks for any input and opinions!

[jerrya72]

We've always sailed with family that have different income levels and each time we've planned a cruise Carnival has always had the best prices in the time period we were looking.  We'll probably try another line when it's just the wife and I but we've haven't had a bad cruise on Carnival.  

[Doggielover68]

Usually the price brings us back and the fact that we always have an amazing time. 

[RandomUser123]

For me it is the price, very kid friendly and I live within driving distance of Baltimore for my port. 

[bingomamma19]

26 minutes ago, CruiseControl70 said:

Hi all,

I have been on two cruises, both with Carnival, and loved them.  I (and my family) love the comedy shows, the music, the fun vibes, and the amazing hospitality of the crew.  Our only complaints arise from limited availability of pool loungers and access to the pool during the daytime.

 

All of that to say -- I am looking to start planning our 2020 family cruise, and some (who are not actually going on the cruise, but I'll at least research their opinions...) have suggested we NOT choose Carnival "to have a better time."  Let me emphasize that we have had great times on Carnival, aside from the pool/lounger access.  But, since I have only cruised on Carnival, I wonder if I am missing something?

 

For those of you that have been on other cruise lines, what was the appeal?  And what brings you back to Carnival?

For those of you that always choose Carnival, what (other than Guy's Burgers because that's a major reason!) brings you back to Carnival?

 

Thanks for any input and opinions!

The price and all the activities and food options!   We truly love everything about all of our carnival cruises.   

 

We did try a cruise on the RCI Allure of the Seas and didn't like much about that.    We didn't like that the buffet was a level above the pool area...no 24 hr ice cream, everything was very spread out over the ship, too many pay venues for food, the pools and loungers were just as crowded as Carnival.   The only thing that really shined with RCI were the shows...they definitely are a step above Carnivals...but since that is just one thing...we will stick with Carnival.

[PhillyFan33579]

Our first cruise was on Carnival and we had a blast. We booked our next few cruises on Carnival and had a great time every cruise. At that point, my wife and I decided we would continue to cruise on Carnival until we had a less than stellar experience. Twenty-eight cruises later we have had nothing but great cruises on Carnival so we have never felt the urge to try another cruise line. At some point in the future we will cruise on another line. But for the foreseeable future, when our free time is limited due to work, we will stick with Carnival because we know we will have a great time. 

Edited June 7, 2019 by PhillyFan33579

[Erik101]

I’ve sailed on all 3 of the popular lines: carnival, royal Caribbean and Norwegian. When it comes to lounge pool access to chairs, that pretty much exist on all of the lines.  The only one where I found to have an abundant of pool chairs was the Allure of the Seas.  But, actual pool access was the opposite and was super crowded especially during sea days. 

 

Honestly, after taking my first cruise on the Glory more than a decade ago, I had no intentions of returning to carnival but when I learned about the Vista class ships, I had to try it. I’m glad I did.  I was impressed with my experience on the Vista compared to the Glory (I understand lots of changes have been made since my first cruise).  Was it disappointing that the pools were so crowded on popular times? Yeah it was but I always found alternatives to fun! 

 

Loyalty?  Unfortunately I’m not loyal to a particular line. I like trying new ships and lines.  I convinced my family to try Celebrity next year.  I’ve seen YouTube videos of the Edge and it’s a new experience I can’t wait to try. 

[Saint Greg]

I have only cruised Carnival. It started because Carnival is the only line that cruises out of New Orleans regularly. Now I'm kind of hooked on their alchemy bar and comedy shows. NCL has started sending newer ships to New Orleans in the winter. I almost booked the Breakaway for this past February. But I had enough credit card points for a free Vista cruise. So free Vista won out over paying for the Breakaway. Now my winters are booked with Carnival thorough 2021. 

 

 

Edited June 7, 2019 by Saint Greg

[elcuchio24]

CCL usually had decent prices for the carribean. We like the kids club, and it starts at 2yo which is nice. We sail basically any and all lines and have no particular loyalty to any. Always have fun on CCL!

[TNcruising02]

I've cruised on Disney, Norwegian, Royal, and Carnival.  I prefer Carnival because it offers more of what we enjoy.  My husband and I don't need water slides, rope courses, fancy theater shows, and things like that.  We are happy seeing comedy shows, eating lunch at Guy's or Blue Iguana, using FTTF, washing a load of laundry ourselves mid cruise so we can take carry-ons only, and with the energetic vibe of the ships.

This is not to say that we didn't find the other lines enjoyable.  We've had a lot of fun on all of them and they all definitely have pros. 

Disney was wonderful and top notch, but we aren't cruising with children and characters aren't important to us.  We prefer to spend our money other ways.  It's a great line for people with small children or anyone who really likes Disney.

Norwegian has a wonderful grotto area, we like the relatively "free" perks, and the ships have a nice layout.  The theater shows are the best.

Royal has a lot of good features.  With the layout of the ship, we felt like there is so much room.  The theater shows are better than Carnival's and we really like the ice shows.  The dinner buffet is better than the other lines.

We just happen to really enjoy comedy shows.  We love to relax and watch every single show that isn't a repeat.  Carnival brings in two comedians at the beginning of the cruise and two new ones mid cruise.  The majority of those comedians don't repeat their shows.  We have been able to watch as many as four shows in one night.

Different people find different things enjoyable.  Also, if people are travelling with kids, teens, or elderly people, then that would make a difference.  It's so subjective.  I will say that I am glad I cruised on other lines because those were different experiences.  Now I know what I like the most, so we stick with what we like.  When cruising with others, we have no issue cruising on a different line.

[ALWAYS CRUZIN]

As you can see. We have many under our belt. Carnival the largest cabins and a lot of fun. Always do Carnival for Halloween. The others are boring. Princess to relax same with Celebrity. Hated the Celebrity Edge. Royals Harmony was wonderful. First cruise on a mega ship and loved it. Food was excellent and the variety was awesome. So many thinks to enjoy and do. The ice skating shows, the Broadway shows totally blow away an other cruise line we ever sailed. Our up and coming Carnival cruises this year is only the Magic for Halloween. 2021 Mardi Gras for Halloween and 2021 the Elation and the redone Radiance. Many other cruises between them but on different cruise lines. Became Diamond on Carnival long ago. We certainly enjoy every Carnival cruise we take. I have only one major gripe with carnival. I am a mashed potato lover. Carnival might have them on one day of the cruise. Others, every day lunch and dinner. BooHiss

[tallnthensome]

I sail many lines and if the main cruise of the year on another line has a budget left over I’ll book a cheap cruise on Carnival with the funds. They are never my first choice for the family’s main cruise of the year. I’ll go with price then in this case.  

Edited June 7, 2019 by tallnthensome

[ALWAYS CRUZIN]

12 minutes ago, TNcruising02 said:

I've cruised on Disney, Norwegian, Royal, and Carnival.  I prefer Carnival because it offers more of what we enjoy.  My husband and I don't need water slides, rope courses, fancy theater shows, and things like that.  We are happy seeing comedy shows, eating lunch at Guy's or Blue Iguana, using FTTF, washing a load of laundry ourselves mid cruise so we can take carry-ons only, and with the energetic vibe of the ships.

This is not to say that we didn't find the other lines enjoyable.  We've had a lot of fun on all of them and they all definitely have pros. 

Disney was wonderful and top notch, but we aren't cruising with children and characters aren't important to us.  We prefer to spend our money other ways.  It's a great line for people with small children or anyone who really likes Disney.

Norwegian has a wonderful grotto area, we like the relatively "free" perks, and the ships have a nice layout.  The theater shows are the best.

Royal has a lot of good features.  With the layout of the ship, we felt like there is so much room.  The theater shows are better than Carnival's and we really like the ice shows.  The dinner buffet is better than the other lines.

We just happen to really enjoy comedy shows.  We love to relax and watch every single show that isn't a repeat.  Carnival brings in two comedians at the beginning of the cruise and two new ones mid cruise.  The majority of those comedians don't repeat their shows.  We have been able to watch as many as four shows in one night.

Different people find different things enjoyable.  Also, if people are travelling with kids, teens, or elderly people, then that would make a difference.  It's so subjective.  I will say that I am glad I cruised on other lines because those were different experiences.  Now I know what I like the most, so we stick with what we like.  When cruising with others, we have no issue cruising on a different line.

A quick reply to your NCL FREE perks. They are really not free. You must pay the gratuities for them and that is not inexpensive. No other cruise line offers FREE perks and then you pay additional for the gratuities. I understand that FREE on other cruise lines you are actually paying for them ion the cost of the cruise, but not anything extra. As usual. The bottom line is all that counts.

[jimbo5544]

54 minutes ago, Saint Greg said:

I have only cruised Carnival. It started because Carnival is the only line that cruises out of New Orleans regularly. Now I'm kind of hooked on their alchemy bar and comedy shows. NCL has started sending newer ships to New Orleans in the winter. I almost booked the Breakaway for this past February. But I had enough credit card points for a free Vista cruise. So free Vista won out over paying for the Breakaway. Now my winters are booked with Carnival thorough 2021. 

 

 

Can I ask a off thread question, can you tell me what software you used for your blog?

[jimbo5544]

We have cruised five cruise lines and mostly on Carnival.  All have way more common features than differences.  For us, what sets Carnival at the top of the list is their people and the FUN they put in everything they do, from the top to the bottom.  

[Saint Greg]

34 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

Can I ask a off thread question, can you tell me what software you used for your blog?

 

Wordpress

[Bowman1]

We have had multiple sailings on 7 different cruise lines - each line has its pros and cons

 

We continue to sail with Carnival for the following reasons:

- Entertainment Staff - the cruise directors on Carnival are more engaging than other lines

- Trivia

- Comedy

- Number of free specialty food venues

- Dive in movies

- Ships on a Stick

- Alchemy Bar

- Self serve laundry

- Overall ship vibe (the crew really works to make everything Fun)

- Overall value

 

If you really love cruising, you may want to try some others ships, then decide for yourself (everyone is different)

[mek]

3 hours ago, CruiseControl70 said:

Hi all,

I have been on two cruises, both with Carnival, and loved them.  I (and my family) love the comedy shows, the music, the fun vibes, and the amazing hospitality of the crew.  Our only complaints arise from limited availability of pool loungers and access to the pool during the daytime.

 

All of that to say -- I am looking to start planning our 2020 family cruise, and some (who are not actually going on the cruise, but I'll at least research their opinions...) have suggested we NOT choose Carnival "to have a better time."  Let me emphasize that we have had great times on Carnival, aside from the pool/lounger access.  But, since I have only cruised on Carnival, I wonder if I am missing something?

 

For those of you that have been on other cruise lines, what was the appeal?  And what brings you back to Carnival?

For those of you that always choose Carnival, what (other than Guy's Burgers because that's a major reason!) brings you back to Carnival?

 

Thanks for any input and opinions!

All you are missing is the experience of going on another line and possibly finding something you like better or not.  I enjoy variety, so I cruise on multiple lines and always have a great time. I've never found a perfect line - each one has it good and not so good points.  I'd rather try something different than to never find out what's out there.

Edited June 7, 2019 by mek

[evandbob]

I will continue to sail Carnival but mainly on casino fares or extraordinary itineraries, like the 9 day Norway fjords we have booked for June 2020.

 

Otherwise, we're content to try new lines and different ships....we were quite intrigued with Holland America's 44 day cruise from FLL all around South America ending in San Diego, but had to settle for a 14 day So. Amer. around Cape Horn instead.  We'll try RCCL just to experience the Symphony and see if the mega ship is hype or really enjoyable.

 

I've gotten way past irritated about Carnival's CDs shilling incessantly. I don't care about hairy chest or legs contests or midnight chocolate buffets.  In addition to other differences amongst the lines, many already mentioned, sometimes I find different excursions offered.  Lastly, there is something to be said for the wow factor of cruising a new lines latest build, a feeling for me that surpasses the familiarity of cruising a previously sailed vessel.

 

There is enough variety and plenty of the same old ships to satisfy all parts of the cruising spectrum.  IOW, whatever floats your boat!

Edited June 7, 2019 by evandbob

[jimbo5544]

2 hours ago, Saint Greg said:

 

Wordpress

It is a very nice site, good work.  

[keywest1]

We have cruised 8 times on Carnival, then took a break and cruised twice on RCCL and twice on NCL.  RCCL is our current favorite, with Carnival a close second.  We would be Platinum now had we stayed with Carnival, but there were bargains to be had on the other two lines when we booked them.  Now we are finding the best deals with Carnival again.

IMO, there are more similarities than differences between all three.  One thing we did miss with RCCL and NCL was dive-in movies.  Our next two cruises are on the Glory and the Magic, then we'll see who has the best deal or itinerary next time.

 

[JerseyGirlJen]

I know what I’m getting in Carnival...a guaranteed great vacation. Price is extremely important, and I like that I feel that I get a good deal with them.  I like that almost everything is included with your cruise fare, (food wise) but I’ve researched other lines and they have more fee restaurants, so I think having so many would make me feel as though I’m missing out somehow. 

 

I like the regular activities, Waterworks, shows, Serenity, etc. but I really like that Carnival does not have a snobby crowd...most of the Carnival crowd are low key and laid back kind of people. (I live in a town that is, unfortunately , known for its snobbery, and I really can’t stand people like that so I love to get away from it whenever possible 😂😂)

[idon'tcruiseenough]

I typically go with the best price.  Last summer and this summer, our family cruise was on Royal because the kids were "free" (I had to pay port charges). 

 

I like some things about Carnival better than Royal and some things about Royal better than Carnival.  For me, I'd rather spend more days on a ship rather than pay more for a specific line and have to go less. 

 

I also tend to cruise primarily out of Galveston. Between school dates for my kids and not wanting to fly with 4 kids (due to budget and toddler), I'm limited on my cruise options.  

[jetsfan]

We like to vacation 4 to 5 times a year. The price of Carnival allows us to do that. We don't care for rope courses, racetracks or shows. We can take the train and see a Broadway play any day of the year. We are Platinum, and although the perks are minimal, they serve our purpose.  The laundry perk is the best.

 

We did try NCL and like it a lot. I think their shows are better. The comedy shows on Carnival are outstanding. We have cruised Princess but it was a little to quiet for our taste. We don't do pools, as they gross us out. Sitting by the pool is annoying so that area is a non issue. We will find a shaded spot on a top deck to read, people watch, and enjoy the beautiful view. 

 

I think the staff on Carnival are the best, but have not ever had anyone on any ship be less than helpful. We truly are easy to please. We don't look for things to be wrong. We don't care about chipped tiles, a worn rug, or a foggy window.

 

We do enjoy dressing up, but we can do that no matter what line we are on.  To each their own. Anytime dining on all lines is a great thing.

 

We have not cruised RCL yet, but have a 5 day extended family cruise to Bermuda in 2020. I am looking forward to that.

 

 

 

 

[Ellaleah]

I have been in Holland, Carnival, and  NCL once, Princess twice, and RCL 3 times.  I think that RCL shows are excellent and much better than what I saw on my 1 Carnival.  The MDR food on Carnival was much better than all I mentioned except Holland.  My Carnival is the only one that I took the kids and grandkids.  I am planning another on Carnival for them.  I asked if food or entertainment was more important to them and they chose food.