A carnival convert

[edrussell]

We have just arrived home from our second Carnival sailing.  June 15-23 onboard Carnival Vista.  Our only other Carnival sailing was onboard Venezia in Sept of 2023.  We have taken 8 RCCL going back to 2022.  We took our first cruise and were hooked from day 1.  We have 6 more booked (4 Carnival, 2 RCCL).   All of our sailings are casino COMP.  We fell in love with RCCL, ships etc right from the get go.  We've been on ships as large as Wonder and 2 of the smallest (Grandeur and Enchantment) and find something to enjoy on all of them.  At some point we wanted to try other lines so my wife status matched at the casino with Carnival and we took our first sailing on Venezia.  It was originally supposed to be Magic, but Venezia came into play.  

 

We did enjoy Venezia, but it was so new (I think we were on the third or fourth 'Carnival' sailing) so kinks hadn't been worked out.  Now we did have fun, but crew were stressed and it showed.  Bartenders etc were not at peak performance, it was also our first experience with Cheers.  We did LOVE the comedy and the entertainment in general was much more our style as opposed to RCCL.  Still we did feel it wasn't a true 'Carnival' experience.  We wanted a do-over for that.

 

Fast forward to Vista, and BOY did it deliver.  We made it to all the parties, sail away, 80's rock n glow, white hot and all were an absolute blast!  Our CD Gary did a fantastic job.  Since we were sailing from Port Canaveral Cheers kicked in right away and we also had a better handle on the program in general.  The crew were outstanding!!  We finally go to see what everyone raves about.   We enjoyed interactions with crew of all sorts and all were such a pleasure to deal with.

 

As for the ship itself, given our experiences with Venezia we largely knew the layout and went in knowing full well pool space was a premium etc, etc.  Between the 2 though Vista comes out way ahead for us.  Not exactly sure what makes us say that, more so a combination of things.

 

We both hoped by the end of this cruise we would know if Carnival was really for us.  I am pleased to say we made that determination relatively quickly.  It is!  As I mentioned earlier all of our sailings are casino COMP and for our style of play we get much more value from the COMP in terms of ship variety and itineraries.   We'd have ZERO issue with sailing on Vista again and in fact we are even more looking forward to our 10 night sailing on Venezia in Oct of this year then we were before we before Vista.

 

Now we will likely continue to sail both lines, as the base 'loyalty' programs for either Carnival or RCCL hold little value for us.  We are loyal to the better COMP.  We actually plan on trying NCL next year also.

 

Suffice to say we are 100% onboard with Carnival as a line!  Bloody well done.

 

[jimbo5544]

6 minutes ago, edrussell said:

We have just arrived home from our second Carnival sailing.  June 15-23 onboard Carnival Vista.  Our only other Carnival sailing was onboard Venezia in Sept of 2023.  We have taken 8 RCCL going back to 2022.  We took our first cruise and were hooked from day 1.  We have 6 more booked (4 Carnival, 2 RCCL).   All of our sailings are casino COMP.  We fell in love with RCCL, ships etc right from the get go.  We've been on ships as large as Wonder and 2 of the smallest (Grandeur and Enchantment) and find something to enjoy on all of them.  At some point we wanted to try other lines so my wife status matched at the casino with Carnival and we took our first sailing on Venezia.  It was originally supposed to be Magic, but Venezia came into play.  

 

We did enjoy Venezia, but it was so new (I think we were on the third or fourth 'Carnival' sailing) so kinks hadn't been worked out.  Now we did have fun, but crew were stressed and it showed.  Bartenders etc were not at peak performance, it was also our first experience with Cheers.  We did LOVE the comedy and the entertainment in general was much more our style as opposed to RCCL.  Still we did feel it wasn't a true 'Carnival' experience.  We wanted a do-over for that.

 

Fast forward to Vista, and BOY did it deliver.  We made it to all the parties, sail away, 80's rock n glow, white hot and all were an absolute blast!  Our CD Gary did a fantastic job.  Since we were sailing from Port Canaveral Cheers kicked in right away and we also had a better handle on the program in general.  The crew were outstanding!!  We finally go to see what everyone raves about.   We enjoyed interactions with crew of all sorts and all were such a pleasure to deal with.

 

As for the ship itself, given our experiences with Venezia we largely knew the layout and went in knowing full well pool space was a premium etc, etc.  Between the 2 though Vista comes out way ahead for us.  Not exactly sure what makes us say that, more so a combination of things.

 

We both hoped by the end of this cruise we would know if Carnival was really for us.  I am pleased to say we made that determination relatively quickly.  It is!  As I mentioned earlier all of our sailings are casino COMP and for our style of play we get much more value from the COMP in terms of ship variety and itineraries.   We'd have ZERO issue with sailing on Vista again and in fact we are even more looking forward to our 10 night sailing on Venezia in Oct of this year then we were before we before Vista.

 

Now we will likely continue to sail both lines, as the base 'loyalty' programs for either Carnival or RCCL hold little value for us.  We are loyal to the better COMP.  We actually plan on trying NCL next year also.

 

Suffice to say we are 100% onboard with Carnival as a line!  Bloody well done.

 

Nice read, getting rooms comped sure does not hurt.

[BlerkOne]

2 hours ago, edrussell said:

Now we will likely continue to sail both lines, as the base 'loyalty' programs for either Carnival or RCCL hold little value for us.  We are loyal to the better COMP.  We actually plan on trying NCL next year also.

 

 

Nothing wrong with what you are doing, but as I have said before, gamblers are fickle. The same is true of those who cruise for loyalty perks. Getting in a bidding war for customers isn't Carnival's long term game.

[Colorado Beach Bum]

36 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

Getting in a bidding war for customers isn't Carnival's long term game

But if it’s making money that short term strategy will stretch out longer.  They’ve slowed down on just giving comps to everyone but for gamblers they are as good as ever and not slowing. 

[BlerkOne]

7 minutes ago, Colorado Beach Bum said:

But if it’s making money that short term strategy will stretch out longer.  They’ve slowed down on just giving comps to everyone but for gamblers they are as good as ever and not slowing. 

Some gamblers would disagree with that. With increased competition for available casino comps, there is no reason for the casino not to cut back on what is offered.

[edrussell]

Carnival compared to RCCL as far as COMP goes, there is no comparison.  We are absolutely inundated with offers.  We could easily cruise every single week with DOU as well.  Most of the offers are also balcony rooms.  RCCL we definitely do get offers but they are far more restrictive.

[BlerkOne]

5 minutes ago, edrussell said:

Carnival compared to RCCL as far as COMP goes, there is no comparison.  We are absolutely inundated with offers.  We could easily cruise every single week with DOU as well.  Most of the offers are also balcony rooms.  RCCL we definitely do get offers but they are far more restrictive.

I seem to get daily emails with offers. In my case, the free rooms are decreasing, but there are still deals. When I look, most seem to be over a year out. I rarely cruise on any kind of a casino deal, but as soon as I board I get notified of DOU from the casino. It is usually cheaper for me to take a break and buy my own.

[dolphinsfan246]

Oh I think you would really enjoy the Excel class ! Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee. They are next level Carnival fun !

[80sGal]

I can't help but ask what level of gambling is required to be inundated with so many offers.  Curious minds want to know ..... 🙂

[jimbo5544]

28 minutes ago, 80sGal said:

I can't help but ask what level of gambling is required to be inundated with so many offers.  Curious minds want to know ..... 🙂

10 dollars should do it…😅

[edrussell]

1 hour ago, 80sGal said:

I can't help but ask what level of gambling is required to be inundated with so many offers.  Curious minds want to know ..... 🙂

 

This is such a hot button topic as it often goes off the rails.  We budget 140 each for each session on slots.  We had 4 sessions on this cruise.  So 1120 in total we put at risk.  We ended up just under 750 down, which is less than our usual holdback.  We had one night that was a good run and 1 night a quick out and 2 others that we held our own for a few hours.  Maybe 10 hours in total across our sessions.

 

I keep extremely detailed logs on our points accrued as well as what we put at risk.  I do the same for our land based trips to casinos.  I know right to the dollar.  I have years of records.

 

[jimbo5544]

7 hours ago, edrussell said:

 

This is such a hot button topic as it often goes off the rails.  We budget 140 each for each session on slots.  We had 4 sessions on this cruise.  So 1120 in total we put at risk.  We ended up just under 750 down, which is less than our usual holdback.  We had one night that was a good run and 1 night a quick out and 2 others that we held our own for a few hours.  Maybe 10 hours in total across our sessions.

 

I keep extremely detailed logs on our points accrued as well as what we put at risk.  I do the same for our land based trips to casinos.  I know right to the dollar.  I have years of records.

 

Very interesting.  It does add color to the experience.  Thanks for the detail.  I am fairly sure I could get to 1120 down fairly quickly…with all that added boring time of wins……

[BallFour4]

10 hours ago, jimbo5544 said:

10 dollars should do it…😅

 

I'll see your $10 and raise you $20.

.

[jimbo5544]

5 minutes ago, BallFour4 said:

 

I'll see your $10 and raise you $20.

.

Sadly, over my daily limit.

[firefly333]

11 hours ago, dolphinsfan246 said:

Oh I think you would really enjoy the Excel class ! Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee. They are next level Carnival fun !

Vista is one of my least favorite ships. Horizon they fixed some things, like bbq moved inside. I like dream class for their spa rooms and conquest class deck 5 is wide open to walk thru and see the ocean larger comedy and theater spaces. I like seeing the ocean which vista class closed up too much. I did dream in January and it was a lovely cruise. 

 

I dont see what's wrong with going back and forth. I started to alternate carnival and rcl when I did 8 in the same year. I preferred alternating Mdr menus. I was getting too much to where I could predict what the menu said and had menus memorized.

 

Agree with above, you have some nice ships on carnival yet to try and see which you like and which things. Carnival wins for fast food which I admit I like. I was a no show again in may, moving had my head spinning and finished up paperwork from moms death, so 2 I missed. But now I can get back to cruising. I'm only booked oct and dec this year. So have time but still unpacking. 

 

I liked going back and forth. I was in texas so only royal and carnival were choices for a long while, though now others are coming in. Always things to like on most every cruise though I wasnt a fan of grandeur. It just arrived in texas fresh from the islands and not ready for Texans. Its the one cruise I've been ready to get off and not book again. I was on for 4 legs. Pizza up in the solarium carried up there just was never piping hot, etc. I want a pizza place. Fresh out of the oven. I actually prefer carnival crispy thin pizza. Love white pizza. 

[jimbo5544]

5 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

Vista is one of my least favorite ships. Horizon they fixed some things, like bbq moved inside. I like dream class for their spa rooms and conquest class deck 5 is wide open to walk thru and see the ocean larger comedy and theater spaces. I like seeing the ocean which vista class closed up too much. I did dream in January and it was a lovely cruise. 

 

I dont see what's wrong with going back and forth. I started to alternate carnival and rcl when I did 8 in the same year. I preferred alternating Mdr menus. I was getting too much to where I could predict what the menu said and had menus memorized.

 

Agree with above, you have some nice ships on carnival yet to try and see which you like and which things. Carnival wins for fast food which I admit I like. I was a no show again in may, moving had my head spinning and finished up paperwork from moms death, so 2 I missed. But now I can get back to cruising. I'm only booked oct and dec this year. So have time but still unpacking. 

 

I liked going back and forth. I was in texas so only royal and carnival were choices for a long while, though now others are coming in. Always things to like on most every cruise though I wasnt a fan of grandeur. It just arrived in texas fresh from the islands and not ready for Texans. Its the one cruise I've been ready to get off and not book again. I was on for 4 legs. Pizza up in the solarium carried up there just was never piping hot, etc. I want a pizza place. Fresh out of the oven. I actually prefer carnival crispy thin pizza. Love white pizza. 

Good post.

[edrussell]

We do want to try some of the larger Carnival ships.  As of right now we are booked on Venezia, Magic and Pride.  

 

We have done 2 Oasis class RCCL ships and we LOVED Wonder but I didn't care for Oasis.  Just not enough of a connection to the ocean.  I REALLY loved the 2 smallest ships Enchantment and Grandeur.  We don't normally use water slides and many of the other bells and whistles and more often than not on the smallest ships the kid count is lower.  We also love getting to know the crew on the smaller ships.

 

No doubt that the pool situation on Vista is a huge problem.

[dolphinsfan246]

41 minutes ago, edrussell said:

We do want to try some of the larger Carnival ships.  As of right now we are booked on Venezia, Magic and Pride.  

 

We have done 2 Oasis class RCCL ships and we LOVED Wonder but I didn't care for Oasis.  Just not enough of a connection to the ocean.  I REALLY loved the 2 smallest ships Enchantment and Grandeur.  We don't normally use water slides and many of the other bells and whistles and more often than not on the smallest ships the kid count is lower.  We also love getting to know the crew on the smaller ships.

 

No doubt that the pool situation on Vista is a huge problem.

One of my favorite parts of Carnival’s Excel class is that they are a big ship, but they also keep that connection to the ocean with these large windows in the atrium that are open during the day, but closed at night. They also feature my favorite version of the Lanai with multiple restaurants that offer outdoor seating. Sounds like you would really enjoy them as well! 

[rugerdog]

On 6/25/2024 at 12:10 PM, edrussell said:

Suffice to say we are 100% onboard with Carnival as a line!  Bloody well done.

 

This is reassuring!  I'm booked for my first Carnival trip in September to Alaska.  Previously I'd never even considered Carnival, but I've talked to enough people that have convinced me to give it a try.  Looking forward to seeing how they do.

 

Thanks for taking the time to post about your positive experience!

[Top_of_the_Cube]

I have a lot of criticisms and complaints with Carnival, but at the end of the cruise, my wife and I can't wait to make our next booking.  Some might consider me an old man, but I am still drawn into the energy and vibe, regardless of which Carnival ship.  And this from a guy who gets no casino deals.

[edrussell]

So happy to read others of the same mindset (then again this is a Carnival forum after all).  I also found WAY less of the "Hi I'm Diamond, my name is Phil" or Pinnacle Pete's as I call em.  Fine folks most of them but when I reply that I've no real idea what my C & A status is as it holds no value for me the conversation usually goes south (I am not that rude, I find gentle ways to say it).  Also I do find a lot more hot tub conversation about what is going on other lines etc.  On Carnival the conversation usually concerns the next round....  Just our style.  Carnival folks usually just are interested in having a good time, being in the here and the now.  Not saying you cannot have fun on RCCL, you most definitely can, just different.