Carnival "Cruiser's"

[In2why]

I have seen numerous threads, mainly reviews, where it is mentioned that if the person was unhappy they have champagne taste on a beer budget, or that the average carnival passenger isn't what they expected. Or that it is a mass line and you get what you pay for. I guess I am confused. I haven't been on any cruise on any of the cruise lines, but I do have certain expectations. I want a clean room, I want food that doesn't make me sick, I want to be able to sleep at night, and I want security to keep me safe. Is that asking too much and exactly what is the average Carnival passenger? I feel comfortable wearing jeans and a t-shirt and drinking beer out of a bottle, and I feel comfortable wearing dresses and heels and sipping champagne. I guess my worst nightmare for the cruise would be surrounded by out of control people, whether they are drunks or kids, and not being able to get a moment to myself to recharge with peace and quiet.

[Bunkie103]

We've only cruised on Carnival and probably will continue to do so. Actually this month we are doing a transatlantic crossing on Cunard and I'm scared to death of the people! We're late 50s early 60s upper middle class couple. I'm a nurse, DH worked in the Post Office for the last 15 years. We feel completely comfortable on Carnival. Have always had a clean room, really LIKE the food, have seen SOME partiers, but not enough to have an effect on our cruise, felt safe and basically had no complaints at all. We're not really ones to join in with a group of partiers unless we know them, we do enjoy watching people have fun.

I think you'll do fine. ;)

[Payd]

I have seen numerous threads, mainly reviews, where it is mentioned that if the person was unhappy they have champagne taste on a beer budget, or that the average carnival passenger isn't what they expected. Or that it is a mass line and you get what you pay for. I guess I am confused. I haven't been on any cruise on any of the cruise lines, but I do have certain expectations. I want a clean room, I want food that doesn't make me sick, I want to be able to sleep at night, and I want security to keep me safe. Is that asking too much and exactly what is the average Carnival passenger? I feel comfortable wearing jeans and a t-shirt and drinking beer out of a bottle, and I feel comfortable wearing dresses and heels and sipping champagne. I guess my worst nightmare for the cruise would be surrounded by out of control people, whether they are drunks or kids, and not being able to get a moment to myself to recharge with peace and quiet.

 

All of our cruises have met the expectations you have (clean room etc).

 

Payd:)

[Dawn125408]

This will be our first cruise too and I feel the same way. Sometimes maybe we read too much on these boards:rolleyes:

I have read some scarey things lately:( Like someone else said on another thread - those things can happen on any ship - but that's what scares me:eek: I chose Carnival because I like the itinery we chose and the price is reasonable. Also chose because of the port (Tampa).

I feel the same as you two. Let's try not to read too much into some of these threads and have a great time:p Happy sailing:)

[runcassrun_07]

Carnvial is the only cruiseline I've tried and have loved every cruise. A few small problems have happened but nothing to bad for all cruises we've done. Carnival cruising for us is always relaxing and great fun. You can dress up and go to dining room or just wear some shorts or jeans and go eat dinner on the Lido. You can drink alot of alcohol or a little or none and we never see to many crazy parties on any cruises. Carnvial cruiselines has been wonderful to us and I will continue for sure. I hope you enjoy yours a great deal and wish you the best of luck and fun.

Cassandra

[Sandi149]

My husband and I have only been on 2 Carnival cruises but we loved them. We are in our late 40s and like to have fun. I have found the food and service to be excellent on both our cruises. I never saw any out of control drunks on our cruises.

 

We will definitely sail Carnival again. Give them a try, I think you will really like them. :D

[BrendaB1]

Since Carnival is the #1 cruiseline....... with many repeat passengers....... they must be doing something right. I am totally happy with my Carnival cruises. I've always had clean cabins, good food, great service & lots of fun. Can't wait for my next one in Oct.

[Cotton]

I've been on three cruiselines, but much prefer Carnival for many reasons.

 

I have yet to see any rip-roarin' drunks, or anyone that would turn me away from Carnival. You set your own expections, and most of them will more than likely be met. If you want to sit around in jeans an swig your beer from the bottle....it's your choice.

 

Stay away from the pool games and late night whoopieup disco, and you'll probably be just fine.

 

I guess I really don't know what your question is.

[tnrnchick74]

I have seen numerous threads, mainly reviews, where it is mentioned that if the person was unhappy they have champagne taste on a beer budget, or that the average carnival passenger isn't what they expected. Or that it is a mass line and you get what you pay for. I guess I am confused. I haven't been on any cruise on any of the cruise lines, but I do have certain expectations. I want a clean room, I want food that doesn't make me sick, I want to be able to sleep at night, and I want security to keep me safe. Is that asking too much and exactly what is the average Carnival passenger? I feel comfortable wearing jeans and a t-shirt and drinking beer out of a bottle, and I feel comfortable wearing dresses and heels and sipping champagne. I guess my worst nightmare for the cruise would be surrounded by out of control people, whether they are drunks or kids, and not being able to get a moment to myself to recharge with peace and quiet.

 

THAT is one of the BEST posts I have read! I feel exactly the same.

[ccNVcpl]

Good service, good food, good value for your dollar = my repeat business.

[mountaingurl]

I feel the same way you do. I'm looking forward to my cruise and seeing the fantasy again after 6 years!

[vovulya_49]

To Bunkie103:

Don't be scared, you'll love QM2. It's a perfect mix of people from different countries onboard there. At our dinner table there were a couple from Britain and a couple from Canada. We enjoyed their company alot. Very often we were the last ones to leave after dinner in the whole restaurant. Both our meals and our coffee were gone but we kept talking and just could not leave.

 

For some crazy reazons, the only exception happened to be German turists. At first, two German ladies that were asigned to our table asked to move them to another table. Later, we had a few encounters with Germans at the buffet and they seemed strange to the point to be rude. Well, may be it's the way it goes in Germany. Or we might just be out of luck, who knows.

 

A Karaoke Club became the main attraction at that cruise. There was a bunch of Oxford professors, they were something! You should have seen them singing. So forget your warries, you'll love it.

[In2why]

I've been on three cruiselines, but much prefer Carnival for many reasons.

 

I have yet to see any rip-roarin' drunks, or anyone that would turn me away from Carnival. You set your own expections, and most of them will more than likely be met. If you want to sit around in jeans an swig your beer from the bottle....it's your choice.

 

Stay away from the pool games and late night whoopieup disco, and you'll probably be just fine.

 

I guess I really don't know what your question is.[/quote]

 

Basically I am maybe venting my nervousness a bit. Cruising is totally different than a land based vacation. If I am in a hotel that smells like a sewer or has a toilet backing up, I have the option of changing rooms or going to another hotel. If I am in the middle of the ocean that isn't an option. Same thing with sleeping, if the cruiselines don't or won't intervene, it isn't like you can just say the heck with this I am out of there. The majority of the latest reviews haven't been good ones, and even people who cruise Carnival a lot are disappointed. So I guess I am weighing whether taking a cruise is really for me or if I am going to cancel and do something else. If I can sleep at night, feel safe during the day, and find enough food not to starve I can make my own fun and enjoy about any situation....I feel I am pretty easy to please. But those 3 are non negotiable for me.

[sea*siren]

I'm like you OP. This will be our first cruise and I'm going expecting to have a great time. There's always the unexpected, but being flexible and keeping that "well, at least I'm on vacation" attitude can go a long way in my experience. Happy sailing! :D

[Bemidji Ty]

Every cruise is a little different. I've been on 32 - about half on Carnival - and I've loved them all except one (Amercian Hawaiian CL). It seems every ship has one designated drunk and a few loudmouths who can easily be avoided. Most cruisers are great folks who want to relax, have a few (maybe more) adult beverages, see new places, enjoy great food, see some shows, at a great price. Carnival's cabins are bigger than most.

 

The best lobster I've had on any cruise line was on a Carnival Ship.

 

Some folks will complain no matter what. Have your best vacation ever.

[dst]

Basically I am maybe venting my nervousness a bit. Cruising is totally different than a land based vacation. If I am in a hotel that smells like a sewer or has a toilet backing up, I have the option of changing rooms or going to another hotel. If I am in the middle of the ocean that isn't an option. Same thing with sleeping, if the cruiselines don't or won't intervene, it isn't like you can just say the heck with this I am out of there. The majority of the latest reviews haven't been good ones, and even people who cruise Carnival a lot are disappointed. So I guess I am weighing whether taking a cruise is really for me or if I am going to cancel and do something else. If I can sleep at night, feel safe during the day, and find enough food not to starve I can make my own fun and enjoy about any situation....I feel I am pretty easy to please. But those 3 are non negotiable for me.

 

 

I have cruised on every cruiseline and in my opinion the main difference is that Carnival tends to be more relaxed; nothing else is different. They all offer a cabin, a good meal, a pool, a casino etc. Carnival just tends to be more relaxed.

 

I understand your worries, I took my sweetie on his first cruise last year and he was very skeptical about going, but he was tired of me cruising without him. We sailed the Triumph and although I kept telling him that he would enjoy it, it was not until the second day that he looked at me and said "we should do this again". About 2 weeks after we got home we booked another cruise for this January. His thoughts were that he could have a good time, I could lay by the pool and he could go to the casino see the Caribbean and all at a very decent price.

 

I have never had a bad smell, a few people who were rude (they are everywhere land or sea) always had a clean nice cabin, never felt unsafe (I've done 4 cruises solo) and have always gained weight from all the good food.

 

A vaction is very much the attitude that you take with you, go with an open mind and I really think that you will be booking another one as soon as you get home :)

[Beth]

We have been on 18 cruises in 9 years-17 Carnival. We love them You anly ubnpack once and don't have to drive. You can get involoved in diffferent activities or not- your choice. You can always find someplace quiet if you desire. Food is greatof course any food I don't have to cook or clean afterwards is a treat for me. Last cruise in July we just wanted to relax and did just that. We are addicted and can't wait for our next cruise. I am happiest when I have a cruise booked. No vacation is perfect, but cruises come the closest.

[Bunkie103]

To Bunkie103:

Don't be scared, you'll love QM2. It's a perfect mix of people from different countries onboard there. At our dinner table there were a couple from Britain and a couple from Canada. We enjoyed their company alot. Very often we were the last ones to leave after dinner in the whole restaurant. Both our meals and our coffee were gone but we kept talking and just could not leave.

 

For some crazy reazons, the only exception happened to be German turists. At first, two German ladies that were asigned to our table asked to move them to another table. Later, we had a few encounters with Germans at the buffet and they seemed strange to the point to be rude. Well, may be it's the way it goes in Germany. Or we might just be out of luck, who knows.

 

A Karaoke Club became the main attraction at that cruise. There was a bunch of Oxford professors, they were something! You should have seen them singing. So forget your warries, you'll love it.

 

 

Thanks for the reassurance. Reading the Cunard board has made me totally paranoid. :rolleyes:

[bfkkbc]

This will be our first cruise too and I feel the same way. Sometimes maybe we read too much on these boards:rolleyes:

I have read some scarey things lately:( Like someone else said on another thread - those things can happen on any ship - but that's what scares me:eek: I chose Carnival because I like the itinery we chose and the price is reasonable. Also chose because of the port (Tampa).

I feel the same as you two. Let's try not to read too much into some of these threads and have a great time:p Happy sailing:)

 

Dawn I totally agree with you. Take all of this stuff with a grain of salt. YOur cruise/vacation (any really) is what you make of it.

Frances

[Aplmac]

 

Basically I am maybe venting my nervousness a bit. Cruising is totally different than a land based vacation. If I am in a hotel that smells like a sewer or has a toilet backing up, I have the option of changing rooms or going to another hotel. If I am in the middle of the ocean that isn't an option. Same thing with sleeping, if the cruiselines don't or won't intervene, it isn't like you can just say the heck with this I am out of there. The majority of the latest reviews haven't been good ones, and even people who cruise Carnival a lot are disappointed. So I guess I am weighing whether taking a cruise is really for me or if I am going to cancel and do something else. If I can sleep at night, feel safe during the day, and find enough food not to starve I can make my own fun and enjoy about any situation....I feel I am pretty easy to please. But those 3 are non negotiable for me.

The only thing you should be truly nervous about

is the Cruise Addiction you're about to acquire

and how you're going to finance all the other cruises that will come tumbling down

-one or two a year- for the next few decades of your life!

 

Start worrying about your finances for the next twenty years

and how you're going to afford this new 'religion' of yours.

 

Let Carnival take care of all the other silly worries you have, now.

[gusandgidgetsmom]

I have been on three cruislines and enjoyed all of them. I think Carnival has the best food and the most relaxed atmosphere. We are both professional people, husband in management and I am a retired nurse who volunteers in the juvenile court system, upper middle class, but my husband is a real red neck. He can do well in any situation but prefers the more laid back life. We live in the middle of 50 acres of national forest so he can unwind from his stressful job. That being said I think you will find many like us that just love to cruise and are not party people. We will be on our 8th Carnival cruise in Dec (3 this year) and have found we loved all. People that want to complain will and those of us that want a great vacation will make that happen as well. Have a great time. I know we do on Carnival.

[connergirls]

This will be our first cruise too and I feel the same way. Sometimes maybe we read too much on these boards:rolleyes:

I have read some scarey things lately:( Like someone else said on another thread - those things can happen on any ship - but that's what scares me:eek: I chose Carnival because I like the itinery we chose and the price is reasonable. Also chose because of the port (Tampa).

I feel the same as you two. Let's try not to read too much into some of these threads and have a great time

 

I couldn't agree more. I've been on several cruises on 2 different lines and I never worried for a minute about my safety/security, enjoyment or what type of people I would be sailing with until I found this board. Now everytime I open a thread people are bickering and fighting and being negative and nasty about the smallest things. It really gives a scary glimpse into the personalities of some of the people I WILL be sailing with, and frankly I don't wanna know:eek: LOL

 

Seriously, I've never had a problem with Carnival, always enjoyed fellow passengers and every aspect of my cruise, except debarkation ;)

 

Just tiptoe through this minefield, stick with the positive/informative and you will have a great time :D

[Aplmac]

Now every time I open a thread,

people are bickering and fighting and being negative and nasty

about the smallest things.

I've come to realize that some people expect some sort of Absolute Heavenly Perfection,

when they go cruising.

 

Not even Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in London's Buckingham Palace

can expect the sort of 101% perfection that some cruisers seem to think is their birthright,somehow

(I suspect Queen Lizzie is considerably more down-to-earth).

 

You paid for a cruise people, nothing more..just a 5-day cruise

 

Lower those unrealistic expectations

and you'll receive more than just Value-for-Money, believe me.

Expect Less, Get More is a good attitude adjustment.

I did that, and it worked for me.

Before I cruised on Destiny, I read lotsa negative reviews,

and so I boarded with lowered expectations.

 

I'm happy to say I was absolutely thrilled with value received,

and the cruise I enjoyed was nowhere like the gripes I'd been reading beforehand.

 

Your cruise will be very enjoyable - stop worrying!

[LHP]

I do understand your concerns as a new cruiser. And it is easy to get an "unsettled" feeling, if you read to many things that "can happen".

 

Guess what....they can happen...but after all these years and all these cruises (all on Carnival) they have not happened to us.

 

Will you find a drunk or two? Of course, but you will find that anywhere.

Will you find a "bubba" or two with the manners of a cow? Of course, but you will find that anywhere.

 

While it is true that you can't just "move to another hotel", you can bring earplugs and a lot of patience for today's society. Most of "the bad" you will experience on a mass market cruiseline is irritating more than life threatening. Kids who slam the door. People who yell in the hallways late at night. Parents who forgot that they brought children aboard and neglect them terribly.

 

The Celebration is one of the smallest and oldest ships. It does not have the Atrium that the newer ships have. We have sailed on her (and her sister the Holiday many times). In fact, after all the bigger and newer ships, we are booked on the Holiday in December. I assure you that a good time will be had!!!

 

Personally, we can afford to cruise any line we want to. But why pay more when you are satisfied with the product that Carnival provides? Hubby is a Logistics Engineer with 28 years at the same company. I am a retired Accountant. We are in our late 40's and early 50's respectfully. We fit in with blue jeans and beer on the cruise or "no jeans allowed period" at the Greenbriar.

 

However, we have traveled enough to know that there are some steps you can take to "lessen the chance" of a party fest or bubba encounter. IF POSSIBLE:

 

1. Book when school/college is in session. There is a smaller chance that the ship will be sold out...so if you need to move, other cabins will be available. And simply put, less passengers means less possible problems.

 

2. Book no less than 5 day cruises. The 3/4 day cruises do tend to be more of the party crowd. They are cheaper .... enough said.

 

3. Google your ship's name to see if there are any "groups" on board. Sadly they are the ones that cause the biggest problems. The incident that was just on the Liberty would not have happened with this "group" had not been on board. Fortunately, these kinds of groups sail all the cruise lines, so the possibility that they are on yours is small. Each cruise line gets one or two per year. It is just unfortunate, when that one or two times is on your cruise.

 

If the three things above are not possible, then go "prepared". The main thing is a good attitude. Yes, people will be irritating. But that is life....don't let it affect yours!

 

You will find a good size room that is clean, bedding that is comfortable, good food in the dining rooms (I don't do buffets), lots of fun activities and interesting ports. And you will meet some really nice people.

 

We have a special needs child that travels with us at all times. And Carnival has been wonderful to him. He is now 16 years old and this month will be his 18th cruise. And we have 3 more planned in the next 4 months. All with Carnival.

 

Now will we cruise another cruise line eventually...of course we will. But for now, our experience has been that you will have a wonderful time on Carnival!!!

[SandyW]

We have been on 13th Carnival cruises and 13 different ships. We have seen groups of four or six that have had too much to drink but other than making a spectacle of themselves they've been harmless. They are usually just loud. We've not had anything stolen, nor have we gotten sick while on a cruise. (oops..wait hubby got a UTI 2nd day out once but that really wasn't because of the cruise) There has always been quiet spots that I've found that I wanted to be in....had we not been heading somewhere else. We've thought the food has always been at the least - good.....from excellent to good. The desserts use to be marginal...but they've improved my attitude on that with the Chocolate Melting Cake. (That's not fair...they have great Creme Brulee, Cherries Jubilee, Baked Alaska, etc...those just aren't my kind of desserts.) We've always met really nice people on our cruises. Our room has always been clean. Remember, though, nothing is perfect. But we have not had anything happen that has totally ruined our cruise.

 

Some people go on cruises to relax, read, have a lot of down time. Some go on cruises to be occupied all of the time with swimming or other activities. I like Carnival because you have a choice...you can either have down time or be occupied.