Carnival?

[heckledtrio]

"both relaxing and having fun"-- that's exactly how I would describe our experiences with Carnival. I've sailed the Imagination twice (both times right before Christmas), the Inspiration once (3-day weekend during the summer) and the Panorama during Christmas itself, and even the 3-day weekend summer cruise did not feel like the reputed crazy "booze cruise" you hear about.

 

You can choose to have fun by partaking of the various activities on board, or you can choose to relax and do your own thing. Port days are some of the best days to stay on the ship-- fewer passengers, and all the quiet and space you want in places like the Serenity Deck, the Atrium/Lobby bar, the Library Bar, etc. The larger, newer ships like the Vista-class ships (Vista, Horizon, Panorama) make better use of space so you can always find a quiet place to escape to, even on sea days. If you end up sailing with Carnival someday, I hope you enjoy your trip! 

[lenquixote66]

20 hours ago, Essiesmom said:

The only way you will know is to try it.  We are in our mid-70's and we do a lot or Carnival, and we hardly drink at all.  We do enjoy the piano bars, though.  And the production shows.  If you could tell us what route/ship you are considering we could be more direct.  EM

We were on a Carnival cruise once when we were in our 50’s and we did not like it because it was too much of a party ship.Friends of ours,older than you only cruise on Carnival.We May try it again one day.

[ldubs]

2 hours ago, leaveitallbehind said:

 

But, as mentioned before, true to both Carnival and RCI, their rise to their ranks was primarily through acquisition - not necessarily through organic growth of any one brand.  And both are quite successful as a result of multiple brands appealing to different demographics. 

 

All good information, however - appreciate it being posted!

 

Sure, but since this is (was 😀) a discussion of the brand, I just thought sharing the rankings at the brand level was pertinent.   BTW, RCI is one brand within the RCCL holding company, but I understood your meaning.  

[MCC retired]

18 hours ago, Aquahound said:

 

I'm pretty sure RCI took the most guests crown away from Carnival years ago.  

 

Also,  I'm not sure what you mean by the "doing something right" comment.  The OP gave criteria of that they're looking and in my opinion, Carnival is not it.  That has nothing to do with whether the cruise line is doing something right or wrong.  It's whether or not what they do is right for the OP.  

 

 Per Wikipedia :

Carnival Cruise Line is an international cruise line with headquarters in Doral, Florida. Its logo is the funnel like the funnels found on their ships, with red, white and blue colors. The funnels are shaped like a whale's tail. Currently, Carnival is the largest cruise line in the world, based on passengers carried annually, and total number of ships in fleet.

 

During my 17 year tenure as a Cruise Specialist TA , I often was approached by clients with the "anything but Carnival" request.

Mostly clients who knew someone , who knew someone , who did not like their one 3 day cruise on Carnival.

Once I got them to give Carnival a try (usually the "Best Bang for the Buck" approach , most were pleased as they did not expect the experience they got.

That is why I say they must be doing something right..

Edited January 9, 2020 by MCC retired

[Aquahound]

13 minutes ago, MCC retired said:

 Per Wikipedia :

Carnival Cruise Line is an international cruise line with headquarters in Doral, Florida. Its logo is the funnel like the funnels found on their ships, with red, white and blue colors. The funnels are shaped like a whale's tail. Currently, Carnival is the largest cruise line in the world, based on passengers carried annually, and total number of ships in fleet.

 

 

I looked further in to it and I think its a potato/potahto thing.  RCI has more berths and is carrying more passengers at any given time.  This is easily seen by tallying the capacities of all ships.   However, Carnival has way more 3/4/5 night cruise itineraries, whereas, RCI has more 8/9/10 night itineraries.  This means CCL is likely carrying more passengers annually due to many more actual cruises. 

 

Either way, I don't really care.  I guess its like politics....believe whichever view fits your opinions better. 

Edited January 9, 2020 by Aquahound

[evandbob]

Perhaps the OP might read the concurrent thread on "Craziest thing you saw on a cruise ship" to help make up their mind.

[leaveitallbehind]

1 hour ago, ldubs said:

 

Sure, but since this is (was 😀) a discussion of the brand, I just thought sharing the rankings at the brand level was pertinent.   BTW, RCI is one brand within the RCCL holding company, but I understood your meaning.  

Actually it is Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. which is the parent company of Royal Caribbean International (the brand), which was formerly (the brand) known as Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. So it is confusing and in a sense we are both correct.😉  I typically just refer to them as RCI in my posts to be safe. 

 

And I also get your point regarding the original discussion - which as many do, strayed (along with my help) a bit off topic.

Edited January 9, 2020 by leaveitallbehind

[ldubs]

2 minutes ago, leaveitallbehind said:

Actually it is Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. which is the parent company of Royal Caribbean International (the brand), which was formerly (the brand)

 

Thanks.  I thought that was precisely what I said.  Whatever the case, it sounds like we are on the same page.  

[DarrenM]

22 hours ago, Cruzaholic41 said:

If you truly value quiet and relaxing then I would recommend avoiding Carnival. Even on the 7 day cruises, they jam the word “fun” down your throat every chance they get. Quiet and relaxing are 2 words I would never use to describe Carnival. 

The thought of forced fun just make me want to vomit.

 

I would avoid for this reason alone.

 

One persons fum is another's hell

[Nebr.cruiser]

We're in our seventies.  We've always enjoyed our Carnival cruises, although it has been awhile, mostly because we prefer longer cruises and more exotic ports, when possible.

 

I wouldn't book a cruise shorter than 7 days, probably with any cruise line, or in times when lots of kids will be on board (I like kids, but...) like spring break, but if the right itinerary and price came up, wouldn't hesitate to book Carnival again.

[mammajamma2013]

On 1/8/2020 at 2:40 PM, Firepath said:

I feel like this could be a touchy subject, so hopefully everyone will be nice. I am a new cruiser. Hubs and I are in our 60's. We cruised Disney about 15 yrs. ago, then NCL POA in Hawaii, and this summer will head to Alaska on Celebrity. I am looking ahead to plan for 2021 and/or 2022. In the past we have avoided Carnival as we prefer quiet and relaxing over party atmosphere. References to "booze cruise" makes me cringe. No offense to those who enjoy that, it's just not for us.  If I see a great deal in a location we want to go, if the cruise is at least 7 days, are we likely to enjoy Carnival, or should we avoid at all costs?

My husband and I are mid-to-late 60s and are not partiers. We sailed on Carnival with our extended family (including an eight-year-old and nine-year-old) during Thanksgiving of 2018. So lots of families with lots of kids. Not so much a "booze cruise" but a pretty lively atmosphere.

 

We chose Carnival because of the children, normally we choose according to itinerary and have no interest in the type of entertainment offered with kids in mind.

 

Having said that, I was very pleased with the experience. I'd sail Carnival again if the itinirary worked for us.

[ldubs]

On 1/8/2020 at 3:33 PM, Cruzaholic41 said:

If you truly value quiet and relaxing then I would recommend avoiding Carnival. Even on the 7 day cruises, they jam the word “fun” down your throat every chance they get. Quiet and relaxing are 2 words I would never use to describe Carnival. 

 

I agree that if you want quiet, or even lethargic surroundings Carnival is not a good choice.  I never felt fun was being forced down my throat on Carnival.  Instead, I would say it certainly is much more lively and spirited and I was around folks having fun.     

Edited January 10, 2020 by ldubs

[Cruzaholic41]

On 1/9/2020 at 1:54 PM, DarrenM said:

The thought of forced fun just make me want to vomit.

 

I would avoid for this reason alone.

 

One persons fum is another's hell

“Fun” is Carnival’s catch phrase. They repeat it on the daily announcements, include it on the daily schedules (aka “Fun Times”), and post it all over the ship on billboards. Even one of the main shows has huge F U N letters on the stage. 
 

I’m not saying it’s a bad business practice. It just doesn’t seem to fit what the OP said they want. 
 

 

[cruizergal70]

On 1/8/2020 at 6:33 PM, Cruzaholic41 said:

If you truly value quiet and relaxing then I would recommend avoiding Carnival. Even on the 7 day cruises, they jam the word “fun” down your throat every chance they get. Quiet and relaxing are 2 words I would never use to describe Carnival. 

The thing is, you can always avoid the group activities and find quiet spots away from the crowds. You make it relaxing by making the right choices while on board. No one is required to hang out by the pool during the day as there are quieter deck areas on the sides of the ship. No one is required to do the big sing alongs in the atrium or attend a deck party. They have the adults only Serenity areas on most ships.

 

Your cruise is what you make it.

Edited January 13, 2020 by cruizergal70

[Aquahound]

34 minutes ago, cruizergal70 said:

Your cruise is what you make it.

 

I'd prefer not to book a cruise with the requirement it be what I make of it.  I'd much prefer to pay for a cruise line where it's what they make of it.  

[Nic6318]

On 1/8/2020 at 8:42 PM, Aquahound said:

 

I'm pretty sure RCI took the most guests crown away from Carnival years ago.  

 

Also,  I'm not sure what you mean by the "doing something right" comment.  The OP gave criteria of that they're looking and in my opinion, Carnival is not it.  That has nothing to do with whether the cruise line is doing something right or wrong.  It's whether or not what they do is right for the OP.  

 

 

Hi

 

So MCC did make a fairly common generalization but your comment of not understanding what the "doing something right" meant is fairly obtuse. 

 

I am glad to see that even you, at least went on one Carnival cruise to see for yourself whether it was something you would enjoy. It is annoying when people with absolutely no experience with a product are willing to suggest what other people would like. Unless you actually know these people you would have no more clue of what they may like any more than I do. Their only way of finding out would be as you did, by trying something different. 

 

I am glad that the OP said that they would at least consider Carnival. Like anything else, when you try something new, you might find you like it. 

[cruizergal70]

16 hours ago, Aquahound said:

 

I'd prefer not to book a cruise with the requirement it be what I make of it.  I'd much prefer to pay for a cruise line where it's what they make of it.  

So, in order for you to relax, you require the entire ship and activities to be quiet and still? You expect all the other passengers to enjoy relaxing the way you do?

 

Bottom line is that if one wants to relax on any cruise line, they will be able to do that. No activities or fun is forced upon anyone.

[2wheelin]

It is very easy to find quiet and calm on any ship. Not so easy to find more lively activity on ships that are basically low key.

Just returned from Carnival Caribbean cruise and barely even met the “fun squad”. We had family on this trip and spent lots of time with them while avoiding the crowds—except for the deck party dancing. Did not partake of the activities we usually do when we are alone. We are in our 70s and I think the OP would have a great time on Carnival if they want to.

[Aquahound]

4 hours ago, cruizergal70 said:

So, in order for you to relax, you require the entire ship and activities to be quiet and still? You expect all the other passengers to enjoy relaxing the way you do?

 

That's not at all what I said.  I'll try typing it a little slower this time.  If high energy and fun is my main criteria, I should book a line that is known for it, such as Carnival.  If quiet and relaxing is my main criteria, I should book a more subtle line like HAL or Celebrity.  Of course relaxation is possible on Carnival and of course fun is possible on HAL.  But why should someone book a line that is not known for their main criteria and have to go looking for it.  Make sense? 

[Warm Breezes]

To be quite honest I don't see much of a difference in the demographics and/or party atmosphere between NCL and CCL especially on 7 + day cruises.  

[cruizergal70]

On 1/13/2020 at 7:41 PM, Aquahound said:

 

That's not at all what I said.  I'll try typing it a little slower this time.  If high energy and fun is my main criteria, I should book a line that is known for it, such as Carnival.  If quiet and relaxing is my main criteria, I should book a more subtle line like HAL or Celebrity.  Of course relaxation is possible on Carnival and of course fun is possible on HAL.  But why should someone book a line that is not known for their main criteria and have to go looking for it.  Make sense? 

I still don't get it. You are making it sound like people can't relax on a Carnival ship.  That's silly. 

 

So, if someone booked Celebrity, specifically,  what would be so relaxing and different? 

[Aquahound]

13 minutes ago, cruizergal70 said:

I still don't get it. You are making it sound like people can't relax on a Carnival ship.  That's silly. 

 

So, if someone booked Celebrity, specifically,  what would be so relaxing and different? 

 

Go back and read my post again, specifically the 5th sentence.  You're once again totally missing the point. 

 

You're kidding with that second question, right?  Just look at the slogans….

Celebrity - "Modern Luxury Lives Here"

Carnival - "Fun For All, All For Fun"

Which one do you think is more for relaxing and which one do you think is more for partying? 

[2wheelin]

When the point is ridiculous, it’s better to miss it.

Slogans are just advertising hype. Better to ignore them as well.

Plenty easy to find low key activities on Carnival without wasting a lot of time on it. No need to change lines for you “main” criteria.

[Cruzaholic41]

2 hours ago, 2wheelin said:

When the point is ridiculous, it’s better to miss it.

Slogans are just advertising hype. Better to ignore them as well.

Plenty easy to find low key activities on Carnival without wasting a lot of time on it. No need to change lines for you “main” criteria.

That sounds like sacrificing and it doesn’t make any sense. I prefer a pool deck that doesn't have raunchy hairy chest/legs/whatever contests and loud rap music blasted from the Jumbotron. According to you, I should sacrifice, book Carnival, and go looking for a quiet spot other than where I’d prefer to be. No sense whatsoever. 

[2wheelin]

9 hours ago, Cruzaholic41 said:

That sounds like sacrificing and it doesn’t make any sense. I prefer a pool deck that doesn't have raunchy hairy chest/legs/whatever contests and loud rap music blasted from the Jumbotron. According to you, I should sacrifice, book Carnival, and go looking for a quiet spot other than where I’d prefer to be. No sense whatsoever. 

That’s not what I said but I have not been on a carnival ship that did not have a quiet pool deck in addition to the loud one. It’s all about how many choices you have on each cruise line.

The point being made is that the OP did not have to eliminate Carnival if they wanted a low key vacation.