Carnival Ecstasy - Never Again

[ballarinamom]

My problem with the omelet station is that the line was always so long and the rest of the food got cold. I wish they had more variety on the breakfast buffet. Norwegian and RCL offer scrambled, an omelete station, plus a different egg dish like quiche or benedict etc. It gave us a little variety.

[BlasterDave]

 

I prefer to stay cancer free so will definitely never sail on Carnival again.

 

I hate to tell you this but we liveand work in and/or near Houston, TX which is the worst in the nation for air pollution from Chemical plants and refineries. That crap is going to get us all. I work in them every day.

[kkorman]

I'm sorry your cruise on the Ecstasy didn't meet with your expectations.

 

True, smoking is permitted on all Carnival ships but I've never once had a problem with it and certainly not to the extent that you described. Some people are more sensitive to smoke than others.

 

Thanks for letting us know about your experience and I hope you enjoy your next cruise, regardless of which line you select.

 

While your review seemed exaggerated, I agree that the Ecstacy reeked of smoke when I sailed her several years back.

[Snoozeman]

troll

[Sharkin97]

To the OP:

 

You stated that you do not want to die of cancer, therefore you will avoid cigarette smoke.

 

I just want to see if you walk the walk... Since breast cancer deaths and heart disease among women cause more deaths than lung cancer.... have you had your breasts removed? And maybe all that fatty food on cruises isnt so good for your ticker either.... so bad food is not a bad deal....and the Froot Loops are certainly a better option than the eggs benedict, prime rib, high cholesterol shrimp and lobster, high fat salad dressings, etc.....

 

Oh... excuse me.... I suppose your cheesecake and icecream tasted like cigarette smoke too.... but you finished the plate, didnt you?

 

Next time, just have some cheese with your whine.

[redskin80]

Having never cruised on any ships but CCL, and only one of those was a smaller ship, we have always had a great experience. The food for the most part has always been good. But I guess we all have different tastes when it comes to what we eat.

 

I did have friends who cruised with us on the Pride and two years later took a Disney cruise. They stated that they food was horrible on Disney, and that they preferred the CCL ship.

 

I am not a smoker but have never really noticed the smoking except for the Casino. Since I really like my money I just stay out of the Casino.

 

Sorry it was not what you had expected, give one of the larger ships a try and you might just change your mind, or not. Have a great cruise no matter which ship or cruise line that you might choose next time.

[wecamp]

Wow. Sounds like the ship went down hill since I was no her two weeks before you. We sailed the Ecstasy two weeks before you and never smelled smoke anywere but the casino, Neon Bar, and cigar bar. I never saw the clouds you spoke of.

As for the food, I never had anything bad. And if you didn't like something there was always something else to get.

As for the kids, our cruise was FULL of kids and I NEVER saw a bored kid. True they didn't like the O2 club, but I saw kids having all kinds of fun with (as mine did) or without their parents. If kids were bored it was their own fault, not Carnivals.

We really enjoyed our cruise and can't wait to go again. When I hit the lottery then I will be able to check out Disney, can't until then.

Tammy

[Cruzman]

But only until the new Bayport Terminal opens for business!! I'm anxiously awaiting the news on the opening and on what lines will be cruising from Bayport!

 

So far.... none!

[karaokecruiser]

My husband and I boarded the Carnival Ecstasy on 1/3/08 from Galveston and we were really excited about taking another cruise (first was with Disney). I read that this boat was recently updated but we felt that we were stuck in the 70s with the decor. If this were the only problem with the boat - it would be easy to overlook but that was only the beginning.

 

The boat not only reeked of cigarette smoke but the haze was so thick it seemed that you could cut through it. We smelled like smoke just walking through the casino, etc. The library even smelled like cigarettes.

 

A few other issues were the quality of the food which was not close to the superiority of Disney’s dining experience and food. Interestingly enough – we overheard much talk about how disappointed passengers were regarding Carnival’s food. We expected much more! My husband and I joked that passengers should definitely try the Fruit Loops – that was the best thing on the breakfast menu.

 

To make things worse the boat was not properly air conditioned. It was very hot everywhere except for our cabin. Speaking of the cabin – it was sufficient.

 

The staff often looked like they just woke up and went to work. Many were not pleasant to be around.

 

We did not cruise with our son, 16, but saw many long-faced teenagers lounging in windows around the boat. I felt horrible for them. Younger children, which there were many, were occupied but events seemed to be lacking for older kids. Unfortunately the boat also did not have an adult only pool. I assume this is because of the SMALL size (70 ton) of the boat. Disney (85 ton) had many adult only areas.

 

I prefer to stay cancer free so will definitely never sail on Carnival again. Instead I’ll sail on Voyager of the Sea (130 ton) if leaving from Galveston because "beginning January 2008, smoking is permitted only on cabin balconies, on the starboard side of open decks and in the designated smoking areas of public rooms. Any passenger caught smoking in a cabin will be charged a $250 penalty"

Having never sailed on the Ecstasy, I can't comment on the ship. Having sailed on Canival many times since our first cruise on the Carnivale in 1982. I just got what I would call the first BAD meal on our last cruise in December last year. Maybe I've just been lucky, or easily pleased. I will say we've sailed on Carnival ships where the food has been better than others, but I suppose that varies from ship to ship, depending on the food service staff and head chef.

If our children were young today, I would probably sail Disney just for the experience my children would have. We took them to Disney World 3 times, traveling from Southern California, where we had Disneyland at our back door. Why? Because it truly is a different experience.

 

Shortly after Michael Eisner took over as CEO of Disney, there was an article in Fortune Magazine I believe) where he stated that he would raise the rates 10% every year because he believed the market would bear it. That started my instant dislike for the new Disney Corp. They have become elitist, just like Sony and Apple Computer. All 3 put out superb products, but have priced themselves way above the market. I would pay their overpriced fares today for the sake of my children, but I wouldn't be happy about it, because they know THE MARKET WILL BEAR IT.

 

Do your children and yourselves a favor. Don't take Carnival again, at least not till they're older. Carnival obviously sells a different product than what you are looking for. I personally don't travel anymore during traditional summer or holiday vacation periods. Ive raised my kids, and now prefer to travel and party with the big kids, sans little people.

 

I now am tired of seeing Mickey and all of his little Disney friends at baseball and hockey games. They just remind me of Eisner and his marketing philosophy that prices a lot of families out of Disney attractions, such as the Big Red Boat. Thank God the Angels and Ducks no longer fly under the Disney banner.

 

I'm sorry that you have to pay those inflated prices for the sake of your children getting to experience all the Disney caracters. Walt Disney created Disneyland so that families would have an affordable amusement park to attend. He's probably still rolling over in his grave today seeing what Michael Eisner has done to his beloved Disney organization. Maybe we need a Knott's Berry Boat for families with children. Knott's gives a pretty good product for a lot less money.

 

I'm sure when your children are grown, you'll find yourselves playing with the big kids on other cruise lines; maybe even Carnival.

[whip_cream]

I just read through each of the postings and unfortunately I giggled often because of the emotion that went into some of the posts. I posted my opinion of the cruise, the 'boat', the food, the service and the atmosphere. Don't take offense - it's not personal. If you enjoy it then continue to cruise with them.

 

My family enjoys quality food and sorry if it offends anyone but my husband I compared eating on the Ecstasy as McDonalds compared to Disney as Fogo de Chao's.

 

I reviewed the website for the Porthole Awards and found that the awards are based on reviews/comments from readers. From recent experience on the board I found that readers do not want to pay extra for a cruise therefore they cannot vote for Disney because they never sailed with them.

 

Regarding the price - I pulled out my travel booklet and below was our price for our cruise. In total we paid $3200.00 for our 4 day land/3 day sea vacation which included park hopper tickets and a room at the Polynesian.

 

2 adults - $978.85 ea (includes taxes)

2 kids - $428.85 ea (includes taxes)

 

Some may feel that is expensive but we do not and would gladly pay this again. We went on the Carnival with a winery and the others I mentioned discussing the food were with the same winery as well as a few other couples we met.

 

As for qprrules and others that chose to take my post personal - I am sorry that you feel that way.

 

I will post comments after my cruise on Voyager.

 

Happy Cruising!

[nybumpkin]

I consider myself fortunate; my kids don't particularly care for the Mouse, have never asked to visit the Mouse, and are perfectly content sailing Carnival instead of the Mouse.:)

[Tapi]

My family enjoys quality food and sorry if it offends anyone but my husband I compared eating on the Ecstasy as McDonalds compared to Disney as Fogo de Chao's.

 

From recent experience on the board I found that readers do not want to pay extra for a cruise therefore they cannot vote for Disney because they never sailed with them.

 

Regarding the price - I pulled out my travel booklet and below was our price for our cruise. In total we paid $3200.00 for our 4 day land/3 day sea vacation which included park hopper tickets and a room at the Polynesian.

 

2 adults - $978.85 ea (includes taxes)

2 kids - $428.85 ea (includes taxes)

Happy Cruising!

 

LOL about the comment about the food. Once again food is subjective, but I would say that the comment about Carnival's food being like McDonald's is blown out of proportion. Carnival's selections at the main dining room by master chef George Blanc are exquisite (one of the reasons why they received the award for Best Main Dining Room cuisine). I take it that you probably didn't experience them, and didn't visit the Emerald room (Supper Club) either...Unless Mc Donald's is serving chateuabriand, rack of lamb, osso buco, lobster tails and filet mignon I just can't give much credibility to your comment...

 

Before you say that people that vote on the awards don't like to pay extra, higher end cruise lines were recognized (like Windstar, Regent Seven Seas, and Holland America, neither one which would EVER be considered a cheap cruise line). Ironically Disney did receive ONE award, so some of these "cheap" people actually voted for Disney. Yay!

 

$3200...More power to you for considering that "value". Is it also safe to say that your meals for the land portion were NOT included in that bargain price? How did the overpriced burgers inside the Disney parks compare to the food on Carnival?

 

I respect your opinion, but your review sounds so blown out of proportion that it looses credibility. Sorry, just my opinion. I think that the Disney product is very nice (hotels, parks, cruise line, etc), but in my humble opinion it's way overpriced and they prey on families which are willing to pay way more than they should...

[qprrules]

troll

Wondered when you would chime in...LOL

As far as taking it personally 'whipcream', my post was anything but. I just stated my view, in what I thought was a somewhat amusing tone, that I prefer to be with people that go with the flow and enjoy themselves. Looking for faults is not on my list and you had a laundry list of compaints. You had not one, not one positive thing to say! :(

As far as paying $3200 ($2815 according to your breakdown) for your 3 day cruise and 4 day DW stay, That's a great price and I'd bet you would pay that again but I doubt you can get anywhere near that price anymore other than off season, inside stateroom and moderate hotel. :eek:

Anyway, I hope the Texans are better next year!

[Tapi]

Regarding the price - I pulled out my travel booklet and below was our price for our cruise. In total we paid $3200.00 for our 4 day land/3 day sea vacation which included park hopper tickets and a room at the Polynesian.

 

2 adults - $978.85 ea (includes taxes)

2 kids - $428.85 ea (includes taxes)

 

By the way, out of curiosity I tried to price out a 7 night vacation like you described (4 day land, 3 day sea vacation). I picked the cheapest hotel offered, and the cheapest, smallest inside cabin. For July, with airfare from Houston it came up to almost $7,000. Without airfare, it still came up to about $5,500. Straight from the Disney Cruise Lines website!! Anybody can look it up!

 

How far in advance, what cabin category and what month did you select in order to keep the price for 4 guests at $3,200?? Even though your review keeps sounding more and more exagerated, I'm still trying to give you some credibility....

[Snoozeman]

Wondered when you would chime in...LOL

 

Been busy, have to get ready to leave Sunday. Woo Hoo. I do comment on Ecstasy & Conquest a lot. Thanks for missing me;):).

 

Thought she only deserved the one word (troll). Everyone knows these are not legit complaints.

[SheriNtexas]

Been busy, have to get ready to leave Sunday. Woo Hoo.

 

 

And you know the "Conquest Watchers" will be with you Sunday, if not in Spirit, than with the webcam!!:D :cool: ;) You still need to think of something to do so we can see you specifically as the ship is leaving! Get a roll of streamer stuff and let it unroll as you are leaving, and maybe we will be able to see the streamer blowing in the breeze!!:D

[Snoozeman]

And you know the "Conquest Watchers" will be with you Sunday, if not in Spirit, than with the webcam!!:D :cool: ;) You still need to think of something to do so we can see you specifically as the ship is leaving! Get a roll of streamer stuff and let it unroll as you are leaving, and maybe we will be able to see the streamer blowing in the breeze!!:D

 

You know I was going to mention that. If you'll remember to remind people who are watching on Sunday.

 

Look for me when the Conquest pulls out. I'll be on the corner aft deck 7 (about middle) starboard side (away from dock). That will be the balcony that has the big 'O' on the side (upper one) so it will be easy to spot. I'll wave something! Maybe a blue cruise critic t-shirt. I might have a flag or wind sock. I'll look for something.

[karaokecruiser]

I just read through each of the postings and unfortunately I giggled often because of the emotion that went into some of the posts. I posted my opinion of the cruise, the 'boat', the food, the service and the atmosphere. Don't take offense - it's not personal. If you enjoy it then continue to cruise with them.

 

My family enjoys quality food and sorry if it offends anyone but my husband I compared eating on the Ecstasy as McDonalds compared to Disney as Fogo de Chao's.

 

I reviewed the website for the Porthole Awards and found that the awards are based on reviews/comments from readers. From recent experience on the board I found that readers do not want to pay extra for a cruise therefore they cannot vote for Disney because they never sailed with them.

 

Regarding the price - I pulled out my travel booklet and below was our price for our cruise. In total we paid $3200.00 for our 4 day land/3 day sea vacation which included park hopper tickets and a room at the Polynesian.

 

2 adults - $978.85 ea (includes taxes)

2 kids - $428.85 ea (includes taxes)

 

Some may feel that is expensive but we do not and would gladly pay this again. We went on the Carnival with a winery and the others I mentioned discussing the food were with the same winery as well as a few other couples we met.

 

As for qprrules and others that chose to take my post personal - I am sorry that you feel that way.

 

I will post comments after my cruise on Voyager.

 

Happy Cruising!

I can't answer for the others, butI didn't take the post personally. I just have detest Disney, having gone ther the first time when I was 18 in 1965. Disney does offer good deals in the OFF SEASON in Florida's Disneyworld. I'd be curious when you traveled.

 

It just sounds like you have as much contempt for Canival as I do for the Disney organization. I'm glad you had a great experience at what sounds like a bargain.

 

We went twice in the summer, and I thought the prices were outragous. Our last trip was the week following Labor Day in 2000. All but one waterpark was open, and numerous attractions were close for renovation. The rates were less, but September is still damn hot and humid in Orlando. We really missed the many closed water attractions.

 

Maybe Disney has finally learned that the market won't bear contant rate increases. They'll never lure me back because they don't offer what I want. That coupled with my dislike for them, I'll take Carnival. You must at least understand that people that have already raised their children, don't want to be surrounded by them when vacationing.When my children eventually have children of their own, I'll look forward to taking them on the Big Red Boat for a family vacation. The dislike, however, will still remain. I look forward to seeing the faces light up on the faces of the grandchildren I hope we eventually have. I would not deny them that.

[LowRiderMomma]

Snoozeman, I think you are really going to have an audience here trying to pick you out! LOL. I am going to be here!

[SheriNtexas]

You know I was going to mention that. If you'll remember to remind people who are watching on Sunday.

 

Look for me when the Conquest pulls out. I'll be on the corner aft deck 7 (about middle) starboard side (away from dock). That will be the balcony that has the big 'O' on the side (upper one) so it will be easy to spot. I'll wave something! Maybe a blue cruise critic t-shirt. I might have a flag or wind sock. I'll look for something.

 

 

What do you mean by big "O" on the side?? I'm trying to picture all this in my mind, and I'm confused, which isn't hard for ME!:o :D Starboard side is the side that will be against the dock, right? Geez, you are gonna have to paint me a picture, I guess! Maybe you can find a picture of Conquest that shows where your balcony is! I'm a visual person, lol!!:o

[Snoozeman]

What do you mean by big "O" on the side?? I'm trying to picture all this in my mind, and I'm confused, which isn't hard for ME!:o :D Starboard side is the side that will be against the dock, right? Geez, you are gonna have to paint me a picture, I guess! Maybe you can find a picture of Conquest that shows where your balcony is! I'm a visual person, lol!!:o

 

I'll be on the Voyager. The aft will be facing the camera once the Conquest leaves.

[Snoozeman]

This photo will help. Web camera should be looking direct into my balcony. (Once the Conquest leaves) See the 'O's? The upper one.

 

 

click on photo to enlarge

[roudy1]

This photo will help. Web camera should be looking direct into my balcony. (Once the Conquest leaves) See the 'O's? The upper one.

 

 

click on photo to enlarge

 

Hi Snoozeman...great stateroom. I do have a question are the horns still on Voyager? I heard they fell off and if so...too bad I liked them.

[whip_cream]

We sailed with Disney in October - actually boarded on the 31st and that was a great experience. We were in a category 10 room on the Disney Wonder. We also priced the vacation on the Disney site and found a much better deal through our travel agent.

 

Our food was not included for the land portion and wouldn't expect that it would be. Since we had park hopper passes we were able to come and go as we pleased and included parking so we were able to venture to local eateries. We enjoyed the local restaurants as well as those inside Disney.

 

When the Carnival docked in Cozumel we had a great time - I guess you could say we went with the flow as we did not schedule excursions, etc. We visited a few eateries, browsed the market and of course hit Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville and Senor Frog's. Both were tons of fun but watch out for those shot girls at Senor Frog's! One shot turns into three! We also tasted very little alcohol in them but it was fun watching the guys get accosted by the shot girls.

 

We did have some good times on the boat and did not mean to infer that we didn't but they were too few for my liking. Karaoke in the Sapphire Lounge was a hoot and I was able to talk this one gentleman into singing Like a Virgin by Madonna. He did a wonderful job!! As for the gentleman that sang a Willie Nelson song - he was referred to as Willie thoughout the trip - he was magnificent and sang both sides of the duet. It was amazing how he changed his voice to sound just like both of them. We left when everyone began singing the slow, sad songs.

 

I can't agree with the statement "it's way overpriced and they prey on families which are willing to pay way more than they should." I do not believe it was overpriced and strongly believe you get what you pay for. It's just like buying a pair of jeans from Wal-mart that cannot stand up to the quality of the jeans sold at Abercrombie & Fitch or the jewelry purchased from Palais Royal compared to that at Tiffany's.

 

Oh well - my opinion remains the same and regardless if anyone is of the opinion that it is exaggerated or not - it is what it is and take from it what you will. It sure didn't feel exaggerated at the time nor does it now. :D

 

(The $2815 breakdown was the value printed on the cruise documentation and did not include other charges for Disney World.)

[Texaslandshark]

Apparently this persons distain for smoking ruined the cruise. I really love the "perfer to stay cancer free" part. Obviously living in a world of her own.

 

If you didn't like the ship, that is fine. Never step foot on it again. But I have decided that when a reviewer "overheard" all these other people complaining about something it immediately goes in the not crediable bin. I think it is like the emails you get telling of some dire problem with the blurb to send this to everyone you know immediately.

 

I just read a review of a cruise I was on. It seems "everybody" was sea sick. Well, noone in my group or anyone I spoke to seemed to have a sea sickness problem. "everybody" was also complaining about the unfriendly staff and the horrible food. My group was on 3 different decks and noone have an unfriendlyness problem and the food was as good as it gets. Of course for our taste it was bland, but we like mega seasoning on our food so we are used to that.

 

DITTO!!!