Is Carnival that bad?

[Island_Guy]

We are relatively new cruisers, and have been sampling various lines. We have been on Celebrity, HAL, Princess and MSC, and have enjoyed each line, perhaps for differing purposes.

 

Every one tells us to avoid Carnival at all costs. We are looking for a cruise this January, and I am tempted by the prices of Carnival, and I have to wonder if they really are that bad.

 

A little about us... we are in our early 50s, and relatively active. The older passengers on some of the lines have been annoying in their complaints and requests. Let's be reasonable: you can't serve dinner to 700 people at the same time and expect restaurant quality food. You can't pay $800 for a cruise and expect to be waited on like it's the White Star line and it is 1924. On the other hand, I would rather put up with the old folks than people with small children on a cruise.

 

We enjoy the ship more than we do the ports. Through the years, we have pretty well seen all of the Carribean, so another day shopping in St. Thomas is not as enjoyable as sitting quietly on the deck and reading a book. We enjoy the casinos, perhaps a little too much, and usually are there until closing, then to a buffet and off to bed. Up at 10 or so for breakfast, and relaxation.

 

So there you have it... are we Carnival people? I know the reponse I would get if I posted this in a HAL or Celebrity board, but I thought I would ask those that might be Carnival fans..

 

Thanks for your thoughts!

[Mysticks1]

From what you have posted as to your requirements for an enjoyable cruise I would say that you should have a wonderful time on Carnival. I would stay away from the busy weeks for families which would be any school vacation time as there are a lot more families and children onboard.

On our last cruise on the Conquest one of my favorite things was to take a book and sit on deck 3 under the lifeboats. Very quiet and relaxing both day and night. You will find all ages having a wonderful time onboard as there are activities to appeal to all age groups from bingo and wine tasting to the piano bars and the hairy chest contest. The cabins are larger than the other lines also so that would be a plus in my book.

I would say since you are open to trying it, why not? You might find you like the "Fun Ships" and you will never know until you try.

[robtx100]

No, Carnival is not that bad. We've sailed RCCL, Norwegian, and Princess also. We like Carnival the best. You may want to do research on which ship you're interested in. Some of the older ships do not have all the bells and whistles you may want, but they are good for relaxation on deck. As for kids, yes Carnival will have kids no matter when you go ( I guess they are all home school because we always go when school is in session and there are kids on board).

[NeptunesGoddess]

I am surprised to hear that Carnival still has this reputation, but I was talking to a friend who sailed RCCL and even their personal TA told them that they wanted to avoid Carnival at all costs. I can't believe a TA is still living in the "dark ages" about Carnival.

 

I think you are definately Carnival material, but with careful planning. In other words, I would recommend you choose some of the newer Carnival ships that offer fantastic prices on balcony rooms (your own private deck when you want it). Also, I recommend you travel off-season from school vacations. I have heard if you travel on non-school holidays there can be as little as 35-40 kids on a ship and you don't even see them.

 

Carnival's Reputation seems to not be so good among those who haven't cruised Carnival. It is a double edged sword for those of us that love Carnival. On one hand, we kind of like feeling we have the inside scoop on the best bargain without a "bargain" cruise. On the other hand, it is frustrating to see that people still think that Carnival is "bad". That being said, Carnival is the world's most popular cruiseline (so it isn't that much of a secret) and has the most return business. You can't get those stats by being "bad".

 

Give it a try, but don't do a 3 or 4 day. Those are the older ships and can be more of a "party" type atmosphere.

[firstplacechef]

Island Guy, I was just wondering the same thing. Same age and I agree with your statements about food quality, etc. My DW &DD are doing a quick get-away this December on Carnival that comes to just 85.00/per person per day (got a great deal)! What is there to complain about that! We love X and RCCL but our usual cost for them is over 150/pp-pd! Didn't care for NCL as much.

 

Now, I am not into the hairy chest contests, or the other "fun" contests, but just give e a quiet corner on sea days and I will be fine.

 

I believe a cruise is what you make it. As long as it is clean, good service and good food, I'm happy! Scott

[EJ'S MOM-MOM]

Island Guy,

We were 4 people ages 56 thru 67 & were completely pleased with Carnival. Very few children ( we sailed when kids are in school ), no drunks falling down all over the place as we were warned & people from all different age groups on our cruise. See my review:

I just returned from the Triumph on 5/20/06. This was my 1st cruise & won't be my last. I was absolutely thrilled with the cruise. I don't know how anyone could complain or expect more when every morning someone shows up at the time you requested with a smile,a nice greeting, coffee, juice, fruit & danish/bagel. The room steward ( Litto ) was execellent, room was always cleaned everytime we left & returned, bed turned down at night with a cute little towel animal & chocolate left for us to enjoy. He also kept our ice bucket full all the time. We had cabin 7207 on the Empress deck, it was the most forward balcony cabin you can get. We were right under the bridge on the starboard side of the ship, I did not feel anymore motion there than any other place I was on board. However the balcony did not get much sun here if you want to sun bath on it due to the bridge over it but that was fine with me I am not a sun worshiper. The room had plenty of closet & drawer space for all of our things.The bathroom was a nice size & the shower always had HOT water.

We had the early dinner seating in the London dining room & our waiter Harry & his assistant Ronald were great. The food ( the choices I made ) was very good in the dining room, considering they are serving a few hundred people at the same time, as for the buffet the food there was as good as can be expected for steam table food. The lines for the buffet were usually a little long in the beginning but if you waited for awhile they were not as long. You know it is like anywhere you go that there is a buffet, the mad rush in the beginning & then not so crowded. The pizza was not what you would get at home from your local pizza shop ( I live in Philly ) but it was very good & served 24 hours as was the soft serve ice cream & yogurt. The Asian Noodle Bar & New York Deli were both excellent. The meat on the sandwiches was always very fresh & lean, if you like Ruben's you must have one it was great. The oriental food is again not your local taste but very good.

The drink of the day was always very tasty & remember if you buy the 1st one in the souvenir glass it is $6.95 but you get the glass refilled for $5.95 or buy one in a regular glass for $3.95. Oh, and if you have the BAR COUPONS they will take them for the refill price & they never added anything to my S & S card for the difference.

The shows that I saw were good, the magic show by Kevin & Caruso was EXCELLENT ! I did not get to go to all of them but heard from others they were also very good. The ship has plenty to do if you chose to do so but we did not get to do everyhing so I can't comment on all the activities.

If you have any questions feel free to ask & I will answer them the best I can.

Overall I absolutely loved the cruise & the Triumph was great, I would sail on it again in a heartbeat !

Hope this helps you some

[davy jones]

Carnival has a very good product and offers excellent value. If you product is not good, you don't become the largest in any industry. The cruise industry is no different.

 

I had previously sailed on a number of lines over the years and took my first Carnival cruise this year. Carnival is at least equal to all of the other mainstream cruise lines (RCL, NCL, Princess, HAL, etc.). Yes, they market around the "fun ship" theme, but the "fun" theme extends well beyond the hairy chest contests that detractors love to use as an example. Besides, no one has to go to that (I don't) or any other activity for that matter. That's the beauty of a cruise. You do what you want to do.

 

Each line may have something specific that you prefer, but you'll never know unless you try.

[big_duck]

IMHO, it sounds to me that a January cruise on the Carnival Miracle would be right up your alley.

[GoinCruisin]

You can look at the numbers and know it's not too bad... they offer a great product at a reasonable cost. If you are expecting a butler, or to be treated like a King... well of course you won't get that at Carnival prices. But if you are easy going and just love cruising, you'll enjoy it. I would stick with the newer ships, perhaps a Spirit class or Liberty maybe (it's the newest, nice itinerary)

[newtons_mom]

I must agree that Carnival is the way to go. I would recommend sticking with either the Spirit class or Conquest class ships and do a week long cruise during the school year. There will still be kids on board, but not like what you would have in June or July.

The 3-4 night cruises are going to attract more partiers. They are cheap and are liked by those who may not be able to afford the longer cruises and/or have the time for a week long vacation. I personally enjoy the smaller cruises too. I'm not a huge partier, but like to have a good time. That's the nice thing about a cruise long or short, there's always something for everyone.

[VentureMan_2000]

The fact that Carnival sails at full capacity should say it all.

 

If you don't want a bunch of kids, sail when they are all in school.

 

Note: spring break is for two to three months (Feb - April) with the biggest hit is Feb 15th - Apr 15th. Christmas and Thanksgiving break are a kid-fest as well. And of course summer... which should be considered May 25 - Sept 1.

 

I avoid all these time periods like the plauge... I want as few kids as possible on the cruise I take. I'm around children the other 51 weeks of the year.

 

Good luck.

[BrendaB1]

I agree with the others about picking one of the newer ships. Cruising during January should also be less kids. Hope you find a Carnival cruise that suits you & you are willing to give it a try.

 

All of us cruise Carnival....and we can't ALL be wrong, can we? :D

[MamaParrotHead]

Granted, I have only been on one Carnival cruise. But I am booked on another Carnival cruise this coming spring. Why? Because I can't honestly think of ONE thing that another (and more expensive) line could provide that we could dream of wanting.

 

Although the number of my cruises is minimal, I spend a lot of time reading these boards. And from what I can gather, the only things/services that other lines may provide that Carnival does not is a rock-climbing wall, a surfing simulator, an ice rink, brunch with freaky children's characters, cool-moistened towels offered upon returning to the ship on port days and crew members lined up to literally kiss your hiney. :D

 

Personally, I can live without all of those things, which is why Carnival is a perfect fit for me. Although I'm in my 30's, I'm not big into sailing with kids. I have 2 of my own, AND am a professional child care provider, so when I'm on vacation, I prefer to deal with kids as little as possible. Without reading the other replies, I'm sure you've been told much of whether or not you run into a lot of kids has to do with the itinerary and time of year you choose to cruise.

 

Good luck!:)

[LHP]

I would agree with earlier posters that it is going to depend on the size ship you sail. I would do a lot of research (sounds like a Spirit class ship may be your best bet), definately sail on at least a 7 day and sail when school is in session. The 3rd or 4th week of January would probably be a good fit.

 

I am 51 and hubby is 46. While we have only sailed Carnival, we do plan to expand to other lines one day. I love to sing karaoke and Carnival offers me a safe arena to enjoy that at a very reasonable price.

 

If you take the plunge, I would love to hear about your Carnival cruise (the good the bad and the ugly ~ if there is any).

 

Happy Cruising!!

[oakleys]

we have only been on carnival, so i cant compare other cruise lines. but we loved both cruises. i think people who say carnival are bad are probably stuck up. some people like to complain about everything. i cant see how you can go wrong really. they have some great prices.

[Cotton]

Hi there, Island Guy, and welcome to the boards.:)

 

I'm about 10 years your senior, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my Carnival cruises - more so than I did Princess or RCCL, even though I enjoy wherever I am at any time.:D I love the larger cabins and other amenities Carnival offers that I didn't find on other lines. I enjoy 'Tea Time' on sea day afternoons, comp espresso and cappuccino in the dining room, and relaxation.

 

I don't always get off the ship in ports. I cruise mainly to relax. I don't care for the pool games, so I avoid those areas. I think Carnival's production shows have been equal or better than others, and the crew and staff have never disappointed me.

 

I'm a retired chef, caterer, and F&B director, so I'm a bit picky about food - and I enjoy Carnival's cruisine very much! In my opinion, the quality and presentation far outshines the other lines I've tried. I do have all three meals each day in the dining room, however, so I'm not very familiar with the buffet area.

 

Most of my cruises have been in the first weeks of September, as I'm pretty much assured there will be few kiddies on board. I've rarely seen over a handful on September cruises. Makes for much more relaxation.

 

As far as Carnival's bad rep ... I thought that died out quite awhile ago. I truly believe that most folks who say you should avoid Carnival have never even set foot on a Carnival ship!:rolleyes: I've never seen the necessity of bashing another line.

 

You seem to be very open-minded. You should give Carnival a try and form your own opinion. I have a feeling you'd like it.

[VentureMan_2000]

I sat at some tables and heard all kinds of unfounded complaining... mostly the over 60 croud from the NorthEast. It seems some people aren't happy unless they are unhappy.

 

One lady tried to tell my wife and I the ship was filthy... we had no idea what she was talking about... did she carry a white glove around and inspect...? The crew was always cleaning, scrubbing, buffing...

 

Carnival has great ships... great food... great prices. Never had a bad time... the trip is what you make of it.

[rucruizin]

I dunno about you but...

 

I work with a nurse that is EXTREMELY picky, she drives me nuts sometimes because she is such a perfectionist. She has sailed mostly on Hal but last year took a trip on the Miracle with an old friend from HS, who is a travel agent. They both had nothing but good things to say about it and have booked another trip with Carnival for this fall.

 

Another case in point...a plastic surgeon that my DH works with took his family on a Carnival cruise last spring, upon our recommendation. I was really nervous and hoped that everything, including weather would be perfect for them. These are people who are used to the very best of everything. They are polite, nice people but they expect great service. His wife especially would have been the one to complain if there was anything she didn't like. She came home, ready to book another cruise immediately. She raved about the service, the food, her cabin steward. The only complaint Mike had was, "it was too busy, not very relaxing." He'll learn that later.;)

 

My nurse is almost 60 but looks much younger and is very active. The Dr. is mid 40's and has a 10 and 13 year old.

 

Good luck with your descision, hope this helps.

 

Oh yeah, the Spirit class ships are my favorite and I think the decor is very elegant and beautiful.

[gr81]

After 5 Carnival cruises, we took a RCCL and after doing so, here is my perceptions.

 

1. Cant speak for other lines, but RCCL or Carnival are no better than each other, just different (and not by much).

 

2. Regardless of line, if (for whatever reason) the ship or itenerary doesnt agree with someone, it doesnt mean every ship and itenerary in the fleet is going to be that way.

 

3. When anyone bashes anything (ship/line/people) try to read between the lines. One bad experience can and will ruin an entire trip for people. (I just read how one bathroom layout on the Carnival Victory pretty much ruined 1 persons perception of the entire line.)

 

4. Remember, if people have a good time, they want to tell a friend, if they have a bad time, the want to tell the world.

 

5. People will rip apart something they have no experience with. I wish I have a nickel for every peson on CC that bashes a cruise line they have never even sailed on. I would probably cruise for free the rest of my life.

[toz]

We're in the same age range; Ialso am retired. I think the ship and length of the cruise are determining factors. I sailed on the Miracle in May...it was a very good cruise. The food was very good, service excellent, the ship's officers were friendly and engaging. As a contrast, I sailed on the Caribbean Princess in August and it was disappointing. The food was not good, service so-so etc. I used to be an anti-Carnival snob (please don't attack me for past misconceptions). I am now a convert. I believe in CCL. I will definitely sail on the Miracle again.

[muzicgal]

I have been on Holland America, Royal Carribean and Carnival. My preference is Carnival. I'm in my late 40s. My husband and I don't stay up late, don't drink, don't hang out in the casinos. We just go to relax and we love it. The only time it was a problem was when we went on a southern carribean out of San Juan in November. The kids are out of school there the months of Nov. and Dec. so it was loaded with kids.

 

We are going on a cruise in 2 weeks to Bermuda and going to try NCL. I wish it was Carnival but they didn't have what we were looking for.

 

I think Carnival is the greatest!

[Wennfred]

I have been on Holland America, Royal Carribean and Carnival. My preference is Carnival. I'm in my late 40s. My husband and I don't stay up late, don't drink, don't hang out in the casinos. We just go to relax and we love it. The only time it was a problem was when we went on a southern carribean out of San Juan in November. The kids are out of school there the months of Nov. and Dec. so it was loaded with kids.

 

We are going on a cruise in 2 weeks to Bermuda and going to try NCL. I wish it was Carnival but they didn't have what we were looking for.

 

I think Carnival is the greatest!

 

I'm in my Earily 40's and I have to tell you that we have a blast with the 60 and 70 year olds that cruise with us on Carnival, they either sit with us for dinner as our tablemates or we meet them around the ship having a great time. No Stuck up old farts on Carnival, Thats mine and Carnivals Motto. There are lots of older but fun young feeling alive cats on Carnival.

 

 

 

Fred

[cherylandtk]

Hello Island Guy-We fit your demographics as far as age and some of your past cruiselines, with the addition of our first Carnival cruise this last March, so I would like to chime in here. Overall I would say yes, you will absolutely enjoy Carnival.

 

I will even add that as far as ship and staff, Carnival provides an equivalent product. The decor on Carnival is described by some as gaudy, and frankly, I am not a fan of the neon and black, but it is not something that would make or break my cruise. I prefer the understated decor on Princess or HAL, but I don't find the Carnival decor to be so 'obnoxious' as to prevent me from taking another.

 

I too, was worried about the overall atmosphere and party reputation until we took the cruise. Let me tell you some of the differences we noted. But first, let me just mention to everyone that what follows are subjective opinions of one couple, I already know YMMV, and these are just our impressions. Please feel free to advise the OP of your own impressions and differences between the lines.

 

Food: Nicely presented, gorgeous dining room, not quite as good food quality as Princess or HAL, but certainly acceptable. Fabulous dining staff. Buffet was not 24/7, but close to it. More types of food stations, plus pizza was 24/7, as was soft-serve ice-cream.

 

Cabin: I thought the plastic triple hanger thingies to be very cheesy. I know its a small thing, but it still sticks in my mind as a big difference from the nice brass and wood hangars on the other lines. On the upside, the plastic hangers did not make any noise at night when the ship rocked or swayed. As for the orangy-pink decor, I was prepared for it from online picture searching. I did not miss the brass, but I was aware that the room was not as nice looking. Mattress very comfortable, better than Princess. Shower was bigger, too. HAL had nicest rooms given decor and size.

 

Fellow Passengers: HAL had the oldest crowd, but they went to bed early and we found younger friends to dance and drink with in the evening and had no crowds. Generally a very lovely group of people regardless of age. Definitely not a party crowd.

 

Princess had a mixed crowd, and but there were a few incessant complainers. There are some on every ship, and maybe it was our luck, but on the last two Princess cruises it seemed they just never knew when to stop. Generally a very nice bunch of folks onboard, however the ones who complained were just over the top; all the time and it seemed everywhere we went. Nothing could or would appease them, either.

 

Carnival also had mixed ages, and wonderfully, not very many complainers. Also, a genuinely very nice bunch of folks. But they did have a more noticeable group of what I will call 'unique personalities'. Compared to other lines, we observed a greater number of persons dressed in something substantially less than resort casual, and with perhaps a different interpretation of what constitutes appropriate dress and/or behavior. If I had to endure one; I would probably choose the unique personalities over the chronic complainers. Mostly we just try to vacate whatever space they are occupying at the moment.

 

I would like to add that we went during one of the Spring Break weeks, and while there were lots of children around, they were 99.9% quite well behaved and not a problem. (And the 0.01 % was swiftly dealt with). Also, while I have no personal experience with the 3 and 4 day cruises, I would second the advice above that those tend to be more of a party/drinking event based on the posts on this board.

 

Bottom line: Carnival definitely had the best bang for the buck. A different atmosphere, to be sure, but a quality cruise and very enjoyable.

[Roboat]

Cherylandtk - what an excellent reply. DW and I, 59 and 60, are taking our first Carnival cruise in about 8 weeks. We have previously sailed on Princess, Celebrity and HAL We stay aboard in most ports, don't party, and just love to read and people watch. And I like to eat. :D And we love the shows and occasional karaoke. So, your review was helpful and, for us, reassuring. That's exactly what we are hoping for.

 

A side note - I don't understand so many comments about the great prices on Carnival. We usually book 4-6 months out, and have always found the prices on Caribbean cruises from Florida to be similar on all major lines except Disney. 7-day cruises during the Oct - Jan time frame are usually within $50-100 for a balcony with an assigned cabin, and usually average $700-800 pp, total including all taxes etc. I count onboard credit as a "real" discount. Note that this is from Florida, a VERY competitive market. But what am I missing here? Oh, Celebrity might run another $50 average, but HAL and Princess are very close to Carnival, sometimes lower, sometimes higher.

 

That's a great price, especially with fuel costs up, but I guess I'm saying maybe "we" Carnival cruisers should not feel like "hey, we got a bargain, we shouldn't complain." I say .. complain away!! :) Not really. I'm not much into complaining. Makes me sweat. ;)

[cherylandtk]

Roboat, glad to have been of help. In our case, Carnival gives a Military discount that DH qualifies for, that seems to always be a bottom line winner. But we have to factor in airfare to the various Florida ports, and that seems to vary widely as well even for the same dates.