That did it for me

[newmexicoNita]

you ask for opinions and then bash people who answer honestly. If I won a Carnival cruise I would not go, but I'd sell it to one of you who would go and pay the difference to go on RCL or X or Princess or HAL. My experience on the Tropicale was so bad I wouldn't give Carnivale a second chance. The people were rude, they hogged seats at the pools and shows and Carnivale did not have a "no saving seats policy" like other cruise lines. I went to do my laundry in the laundermat and everything was stolen. If we didn't like the dinner we ordered we didn't get anything else. When i walked down a corridor the staff would literally push me to get by, very rude. I saw so much drinking and drunkeness which I've never seen on the other lines I've sailed. It's experiences that go into forming an opinion and my opinion is not favorable to Carnival.

It sounds like there are a whole lot of TA's on this board. Would the tA's please identify themselves, I'm curious. Would a TA's experience differ from a full fare passenger?

the Tropicale is not a typical newer Carnival ship and not all TAs even use their discounts. Most of the time we can only book 30 days out, our rates are good, but not as good as some think and we can't just cruise on any sailing. I for one have never used my discount. When I sail, most of the time the cruise line I choose doesn't know I am a TA. If they do, it's a slip up because of something I may have said along the way. I am sure other TAs will give you a similar answer. You certainly have a right to voice your opinion. Some of the responses haven't been to your comments, though they were a little blunt, it is in response to the snob statements. I am sure others would agree with you, that is why there are so many lines, each doing fairly well right now. I have to assume you were on the Tropicale quite awhile ago. I might also mention the shorter cruises do attract a little different crowd as a rule. The chair hogging is a joke. I have yet (20 cruises) seen one where chair hogging is not an everyday practice. Yes, on Celebrity as well as other lines. NOne of us like it, all lines have the policy, none enforce it. NMnita

[cruisePRN]

Thanks for the information. I did do the tropicale many years ago and it stopped me from ever booking on carnival again. I didn't do the short cruise, I did the 7 nights Mexican Riviera. That year I went on Song of Norway an RCL ship of the same size and it was like day and night. I am two cruises away from Diamond plus on RCl and am getting Elite status for X when I sail her in Sept. The carnival crowd seems to be more party oriented and drinkers. I am more interested in ports and lectures and learning experiences.

I was under the misconception you TA's got a better deal to cruise then what you described.

As for the poster you think is a snob, although she may be a snob it's her right to be one. When asked what you think about something you should be able to state it. On a board like this where you stay anonomous the info can be brutally honest. Things people would not say to your face they will post on a board. That is one reason I find the information on the board so good, honesty without reprocussions.

[newmexicoNita]

Thanks for the information. I did do the tropicale many years ago and it stopped me from ever booking on carnival again. I didn't do the short cruise, I did the 7 nights Mexican Riviera. That year I went on Song of Norway an RCL ship of the same size and it was like day and night. I am two cruises away from Diamond plus on RCl and am getting Elite status for X when I sail her in Sept. The carnival crowd seems to be more party oriented and drinkers. I am more interested in ports and lectures and learning experiences.

I was under the misconception you TA's got a better deal to cruise then what you described.

As for the poster you think is a snob, although she may be a snob it's her right to be one. When asked what you think about something you should be able to state it. On a board like this where you stay anonomous the info can be brutally honest. Things people would not say to your face they will post on a board. That is one reason I find the information on the board so good, honesty without reprocussions.

karyn, I do like your last statement; my DD and I always laughing about what I say on these threads and what I am like in person. No way would I spout off like I do: LOL as for the Tropicale, again the newer ships are very different. Let me add, I am not a strong supporter of Carnival, but I do think it gets a bum rap. The snob issue; some people are nice snobs, some are not, to make comments about trailer trash (not quite her words) is carrying things too far. My father, who was highly educated and had a certain amount of money to go along with his education had friends in all walks of life and always taught us, it's the person, not the money or even the education that matters. His hunting and fishing buds were from all walks of life, from retired meter readers to doctors. Obviously you have found your nitch in cruising and there are many who have, but to put down those who choose something else is taking things a step too far.

 

Charging the subject: TA rates: recently I checked rates for a particular cruise: 7 days, agency rate $65 per day; sounds good; now add port charges and taxes, for an inside cabin, not that good. I was able to book the same cruise using another discount I have for $750.00 balcony including taxes. Which do you think I choose? For about 100.00 more I went from inside to balcony and was upgraded to the top balcony catagory. NMNita

[cruisePRN]

karyn, I do like your last statement; my DD and I always laughing about what I say on these threads and what I am like in person. No way would I spout off like I do: LOL as for the Tropicale, again the newer ships are very different. Let me add, I am not a strong supporter of Carnival, but I do think it gets a bum rap. The snob issue; some people are nice snobs, some are not, to make comments about trailer trash (not quite her words) is carrying things too far. My father, who was highly educated and had a certain amount of money to go along with his education had friends in all walks of life and always taught us, it's the person, not the money or even the education that matters. His hunting and fishing buds were from all walks of life, from retired meter readers to doctors. Obviously you have found your nitch in cruising and there are many who have, but to put down those who choose something else is taking things a step too far.

 

You make sense on this one. The cruise I did last january was for fun with friends to Bahamas and the other was X's expedition for the small ship experience with learning and nature. I like all kinds of cruising, no beds to make or laundry to do and NO COOKING or doing the dishes. All of my cruising has been great with the carnival exception. I'm not hard to please really. I'm booked to go to Antartic on Marco Polo. If Celebrity's expedition did this itinary I'd have been booked on that. I'm getting mixed reviews on this ship but it's the Antartic I'm looking forward to not the food!

I also find if you avoid spring break and peak summer months there are very few children onboard.

[Cruise or Lose!]

OK, hold on just a minute.

 

At no time did I refer to Carnival pax as "trailer trash" or assert that I preferred the company of the "upper middle class". I just find it odd that people would come to a Celebrity board and go on and on about Carnival.

 

There is clearly a difference in quality. Carnival appeals to the party crowd. That is their choice. My choice, being a non-drinker, is to select ships and lines that, yes, have occasional problems controlling their pax, but do not OPENLY ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE a lifestyle for which I have great disdain.

 

I have cruised Carnival, HAL and Celebrity. One of my travelling companions has also cruised NCL, another has cruised RCI. There is a difference. It is up to each of us to choose the lines with which we feel most comfortable. For me those lines are HAL and Celebrity, and the people I travel with concur with me. There is a different atmosphere and, I'm afraid, a different class of pax.

 

I also, quite frankly, choose Celebrity and HAL because they do not let familiies with children dictate their activities or their itineraries. Will I be flamed for that last statement? Probably. It's what I believe.

[newmexicoNita]

You make sense on this one. The cruise I did last january was for fun with friends to Bahamas and the other was X's expedition for the small ship experience with learning and nature. I like all kinds of cruising, no beds to make or laundry to do and NO COOKING or doing the dishes. All of my cruising has been great with the carnival exception. I'm not hard to please really. I'm booked to go to Antartic on Marco Polo. If Celebrity's expedition did this itinary I'd have been booked on that. I'm getting mixed reviews on this ship but it's the Antartic I'm looking forward to not the food!

I also find if you avoid spring break and peak summer months there are very few children onboard.

ok, just an fYI, I just had 4 clients that did the Marco Polo experience; they said that it was worth everything just for the outstanding experience. THey sent me pictures and I wanted to go the next day. That being said, I am sure your TA or whomever has informed you the ship leaves a little to be desired. Don't expect much, but go for the pure nature experience. It is something not everyone can have the opportunity to witness. NMNIta

[cruisePRN]

I've been on the CC board at that sailing. I'm not hearing bad things about Marco Polo just that it's an old and tired ship, no beautiful glass atrium or spas. I'm hearing the crew is attentive and I'll love the voyage. I'm not looking for a party. I am looking forward to sailing on her but first i have the celebrity Canada New England cruise on the constellation. You sound very knowledgable NMnita. What's your next cruise? Maybe you'll be on one of my sailing.

[Veryoldsalt]

We've cruised six times, the first on NCL, the rest on Celebrity and have thoroughly enjoyed each one. We're sailing to Hawaii out of LA next month; thinking of Scandanavia/Russia or Valparaiso-Ft. Lauderdale next year. When Celebrity runs out of ports, we'll try another cruise line.

[newmexicoNita]

I've been on the CC board at that sailing. I'm not hearing bad things about Marco Polo just that it's an old and tired ship, no beautiful glass atrium or spas. I'm hearing the crew is attentive and I'll love the voyage. I'm not looking for a party. I am looking forward to sailing on her but first i have the celebrity Canada New England cruise on the constellation. You sound very knowledgable NMnita. What's your next cruise? Maybe you'll be on one of my sailing.

Glad you have read some positives: I was only thinking about what my latest clients who are not picky at all had to say. You will love the experience; something not all of us get to do. If you haven't been on the Connie you will love her, even if you have, you will. She was our first Celebrity cruise. NMnita

[Bob & Sandy]

OK, hold on just a minute.

 

At no time did I refer to Carnival pax as "trailer trash" or assert that I preferred the company of the "upper middle class". I just find it odd that people would come to a Celebrity board and go on and on about Carnival.

 

There is clearly a difference in quality. Carnival appeals to the party crowd. That is their choice. My choice, being a non-drinker, is to select ships and lines that, yes, have occasional problems controlling their pax, but do not OPENLY ENCOURAGE AND PROMOTE a lifestyle for which I have great disdain.

 

I have cruised Carnival, HAL and Celebrity. One of my travelling companions has also cruised NCL, another has cruised RCI. There is a difference. It is up to each of us to choose the lines with which we feel most comfortable. For me those lines are HAL and Celebrity, and the people I travel with concur with me. There is a different atmosphere and, I'm afraid, a different class of pax.

 

I also, quite frankly, choose Celebrity and HAL because they do not let familiies with children dictate their activities or their itineraries. Will I be flamed for that last statement? Probably. It's what I believe.

 

Absolutely, Cruise or Lose! While it is true that ALL lines have a small element of 'guests' that behave as though they belong in a zoo, each line is clearly aiming at a certain segment of the marketplace. This is fine, it is called free enterprise - and certainly everyone has the right to purchase whatever they want & can afford. If Carnival has a reputation as a 'party' cruiseline, fine, great for them. I'm not eighteen, or have kids - so I prefer a more adult atmosphere. If that makes me a 'snob', so be it. If some take the attitude that, 'all cruiselines are similar' and that this also applies to passengers who cruise them are all the same - this is complete rubbish.

 

Certain lines feature certain things, just as car companies such as Chevrolet, Hyundai, Lexus, Jaguar (to use but a few examples), do too. However - saying that a Ford Escort & a Mercedes E-Class are the same because both have 4 wheels & an engine, is just drivel.:rolleyes:

[Andipanda1]

OK, hold on just a minute.

 

At no time did I refer to Carnival pax as "trailer trash" or assert that I preferred the company of the "upper middle class". I just find it odd that people would come to a Celebrity board and go on and on about Carnival.

 

 

 

I also, quite frankly, choose Celebrity and HAL because they do not let familiies with children dictate their activities or their itineraries. Will I be flamed for that last statement? Probably. It's what I believe.

 

It's what you want, but I won't indulge you. BTW, the "trailer trash" comment came from Bob & Sandy.

 

And I've never sailed Carnival, but the sheer classism some folks display on these boards just irks me.

[Cruise or Lose!]

Thank you very much for your comments, Bob and Sandy.

 

Andi, I'm not looking for a battle, but when I see erroneous statements made, I feel the need to correct the record. All cruise lines are most definitely NOT the same. Some are better than others. Some attract a different market than others.

 

I'm definitely not "upper middle class" by any stretch of the imagination. You would probably gasp at the salary I live on quite comfortably. My number one leisure priority is travel, and I like to travel with educated people who want to experience something new and different. I prefer not to travel in circumstances where I will find a lot of kids running around screaming and a lot of overly tolerant parents. This is not classism. It is a personal preference :)

 

[C 2 C]

By looking at the subcategories of the cruise critic message boards, the number of threads and CC posts at 3:00 pm breaks down as follows.

 

CRUISE LINE  THREADS  POSTS
Carnival    37,835  502,347
Celebrity   16,693  202,728
HAL         13,328  192,223
NCL         16,839  171,416
Princess    27,813  325,995
RCCL        45,553  492,070

Fellow members of this web site start fewer threads on the Celebrity board than on any other major cruise line. We post a little more often on each thread. I find it disturbing that so many people have to make so many diparaging remarks about fellow cruisers who are much more likely to cruise on ships other than Celebrity's. All these other people are also enjoying their cruise experience

 

“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost."— H. Jackson Browne

[Bob & Sandy]

It's what you want, but I won't indulge you. BTW, the "trailer trash" comment came from Bob & Sandy.

 

And I've never sailed Carnival, but the sheer classism some folks display on these boards just irks me.

 

As I never used the term, "trailer trash", (check the past posts for verification), perhaps an apology is in order, Andipanda1? newmexicoNita did use it. I did state that, " ... while trailer parks are profitable, I would not care to live in one." This is emphatically not the same remark, or even used in the same context!

 

People who misquote others usually issue an apology. It is the polite thing to do.

[Andipanda1]

As I never used the term, "trailer trash", (check the past posts for verification), perhaps an apology is in order, Andipanda1? newmexicoNita did use it. I did state that, " ... while trailer parks are profitable, I would not care to live in one." This is emphatically not the same remark, or even used in the same context!

 

People who misquote others usually issue an apology. It is the polite thing to do.

 

I did check the posts, and frankly I believe that your very use of the words "trailer park" in your statement shows the classism I was pointing out. Why wouldn't you live in a trailer park, anyway? You know what that phrase invokes. However, that doesn't excuse my taking you out context.

 

Unlike you, I will apologize for taking your remark out of context, but as some have pointed out, the fact that you even refer to "trailer parks" shows your class bias. You should at least stand behind your words with some conviction instead of backpedaling. :rolleyes:

 

In any event, this reminds me of what my grandmother told me once:

 

What matters is not the class you are, but the class you have.

[janetz]

Some of you have really shown how "classy" you are NOT..Now let this thing die...:cool:

[newmexicoNita]

By looking at the subcategories of the cruise critic message boards, the number of threads and CC posts at 3:00 pm breaks down as follows.

 

CRUISE LINE  THREADS  POSTS
Carnival    37,835  502,347
Celebrity   16,693  202,728
HAL         13,328  192,223
NCL         16,839  171,416
Princess    27,813  325,995
RCCL        45,553  492,070

Fellow members of this web site start fewer threads on the Celebrity board than on any other major cruise line. We post a little more often on each thread. I find it disturbing that so many people have to make so many diparaging remarks about fellow cruisers who are much more likely to cruise on ships other than Celebrity's. All these other people are also enjoying their cruise experience

Thanks, well put.

[newmexicoNita]

As I never used the term, "trailer trash", (check the past posts for verification), perhaps an apology is in order, Andipanda1? newmexicoNita did use it. I did state that, " ... while trailer parks are profitable, I would not care to live in one." This is emphatically not the same remark, or even used in the same context!

 

People who misquote others usually issue an apology. It is the polite thing to do.

you are right, you did not use the term, but your referance to the same spelled it out fairly clearly. You say it isn't the same remark or used in the same context, I don't think I am the only one that took it that way. If an apology will make you feel better I am sorry for misquoting you, but now do you think you too owe something to those that felt insulted by your words and attitude. Quite frankly you are the one that is probably missing out on some wonderful life experiences by living in your little world. NMNita

[newmexicoNita]

I did check the posts, and frankly I believe that your very use of the words "trailer park" in your statement shows the classism I was pointing out. Why wouldn't you live in a trailer park, anyway? You know what that phrase invokes. However, that doesn't excuse my taking you out context.

 

Unlike you, I will apologize for taking your remark out of context, but as some have pointed out, the fact that you even refer to "trailer parks" shows your class bias. You should at least stand behind your words with some conviction instead of backpedaling. :rolleyes:

 

In any event, this reminds me of what my grandmother told me once:

 

What matters is not the class you are, but the class you have.

my point exactly; I was always taught "not all poeple with money or education have class and not all people with class come from money. Another way of putting what your grandma said. NMnita

[tinabc]

As a seldom poster but an avid reader of these boards, I find newmexicoNita to be the most opinionated person of all! Please let people give their opinions when an opinion is asked. Everyone who frequents these boards can read, and can take others opinions and decide for themselves. newmexicoNita always turns a question of "What Do you think?" into a rant about how every cruise line has good and bad. We know that, We want others thoughts and experiences without having to hear for at least 20 responses that this or that was uncalled for. These boards have rules and moderators for that. Please just let the information get out and let everyone who is reading decide if the wording is PC or not.

[Coolcruise02]

***newmexicoNita*** you go girl!!!! :)

[Bob & Sandy]

As a seldom poster but an avid reader of these boards, I find newmexicoNita to be the most opinionated person of all! Please let people give their opinions when an opinion is asked. Everyone who frequents these boards can read, and can take others opinions and decide for themselves. newmexicoNita always turns a question of "What Do you think?" into a rant about how every cruise line has good and bad. We know that, We want others thoughts and experiences without having to hear for at least 20 responses that this or that was uncalled for. These boards have rules and moderators for that. Please just let the information get out and let everyone who is reading decide if the wording is PC or not.

 

Well said, tinabc! In defense of newmexicoNita, perhaps her opinions reflect her vocation: I understand she is a TA, and deals with all lines; and as a consequence is more interested in promoting cruising as a whole.

 

I accept all apologies offered, and to the question of why I would not "live in a trailer park" - it is a matter of personal choice. I don't attend monster truck rallies, either - but on the other end of the scale, I don't care for yachting or show-jumping, either!

 

To return to the topic at hand, then: I decided that I preferred Celebrity when I first cruised Infinity going to Alaska. One of my favorite moments is watching the lush, green BC coastline going slowly by our verandah as my wife and I enjoyed a full breakfast at sunrise. The warm croissants and coffee were a perfect compliment to the muted shipboard sounds and the slightly cool early morning. The colour of the sky, the smell of salt air, and the total sense of relaxation were a delicious sensation that I will remember to the end of my days.:)

[C 2 C]

To return to the topic at hand, then: I decided that I preferred Celebrity when I first cruised Infinity going to Alaska. One of my favorite moments is watching the lush, green BC coastline going slowly by our verandah as my wife and I enjoyed a full breakfast at sunrise. The warm croissants and coffee were a perfect compliment to the muted shipboard sounds and the slightly cool early morning. The colour of the sky, the smell of salt air, and the total sense of relaxation were a delicious sensation that I will remember to the end of my days.:)

 

Are you now crediting Celebrity with the BC coastline? How did X make this experience different than it would have been on a similar itinerary on RCL, Princess, HAL etc? When we cruised NCL to Israel we had our best cruise experience ever but the NCL onboard experience did not draw us back to another NCL cruise.

[Bob & Sandy]

Are you now crediting Celebrity with the BC coastline? How did X make this experience different than it would have been on a similar itinerary on RCL, Princess, HAL etc? When we cruised NCL to Israel we had our best cruise experience ever but the NCL onboard experience did not draw us back to another NCL cruise.

 

Yes, they bought BC - didn't you hear? ;) (Laughs). What made it special was the attentiveness of the crew, our room service arriving exactly as we ordered it and the overall quiet of the ship in the early morning. This is not an experience I had on the Carnival cruise I had, which resembled the movie "Animal House". HAL was better, but due to the average age of the passengers & their needs, it was more like a retirement home.

 

I probably will try another line for comparison (RCL?) at some point - but as Celebrity has the ships, food, and intineraries we like, not least of which is also some marvelous people working on them - I am very satisfied with the product offered. If and when that isn't the case, then I will reconsider - but my wife and I have careers, and we live in a city 1,000 km from the nearest port, so we do not have the opportunities that some who live in or near a major cruise port, who do not have to begin with a (sometimes) long flight, have.

[Cruise or Lose!]

Going by post count is, in a word, ridiculous. I would venture a guess that many of the Carnival posts are complaints, while others are compliments. Same thing with Celebrity.

 

Carnival seems to be the cruise line that many people love to hate. Nothing NewMexicoNita or anyone else can say will convince me that the feeling is not justified.