need advice on going Carnival

[rushedmom]

Help we are loyal Royals but due to our summer schedule and the fact that RC is not sailing out of Galveston next summer we might have to sail on Carnival. (their site is not real helpful other than photos)

Can anyone tell me about the Carnival Conquest? I am interested in knowing info about suites (any perks) Teen club activites, ship in general, things to do on board?

Will we be to spoiled by RC to enjoy Carnival???

 

Any words of wisdom apprecated

[flczr]

Don't do it! You will be sorry you did it. We did last year and are glad we are back on RCL.:)

[jillyfish]

Don't do it! glad we are back on RCL.:)

Exactly what I was going to say.

 

We tried Carnival out, heard all kinds of good reviews etc. Thought we would give 'em a chance. Although everyone's opinions are different and you will ultimately decide for yourself. My advice would be to skip a summer of cruising.

 

Good luck with whatever you decide. :)

[dirtgirl]

The only way to truly exerience Carnival is to try it. I did, and I did not have as good a time as on RC. It is a personal preference. The decor is tacky, there is not as much to do, and then there are those darn red and blue team competitions during dinner. I was bored at times. But, others try Carnival and love it. You might, too.;) PS They have no clue what a Mango Tango is.:eek:

[bruce-r]

Help we are loyal Royals but due to our summer schedule and the fact that RC is not sailing out of Galveston next summer we might have to sail on Carnival. (their site is not real helpful other than photos)

Can anyone tell me about the Carnival Conquest? I am interested in knowing info about suites (any perks) Teen club activites, ship in general, things to do on board?

Will we be to spoiled by RC to enjoy Carnival???

 

Any words of wisdom apprecated

 

You're asking this question on the Carnival section too, right?

 

You know, I'll just help you out and ask it over there for you.

 

Here's the new thread

[Uncle Fester]

I'll be the voice of dissent, but we've done Carnival and had a great time. The "team" thing in the dinning room isn't too bad, and we found the food to be a little better on Carnival than we've had on RCI lately. The decor is more "eclectic," but we don't go on cruises to look at the wallpaper.

 

The Conquest is a very nice, large ship. They don't have a rockwall or ice skating, but have water slides, mini-golf, etc. Our kids said they had just as much fun in Club C/Camp Carnival as they did in Adventure Oceans. We found the late night actives to be more fun on Carnival than on RCI, and I think the casino offers a little better game.

 

If it's the difference between cruising on Carnival or staying home, go with Carnival.

[rushedmom]

The only way to truly exerience Carnival is to try it. I did, and I did not have as good a time as on RC. It is a personal preference. The decor is tacky, there is not as much to do, and then there are those darn red and blue team competitions during dinner. I was bored at times. But, others try Carnival and love it. You might, too.;) PS They have no clue what a Mango Tango is.:eek:

 

No Mango Tangos??? That is my favorite by the pool drink.

And what is a red and blue team competition?

eek

[rushedmom]

You're asking this question on the Carnival section too, right?

 

You know, I'll just help you out and ask it over there for you.

 

Here's the new thread

 

 

Thanks Bruce it will be interesting to see both sides of opinions

[rushedmom]

I'll be the voice of dissent, but we've done Carnival and had a great time. The "team" thing in the dinning room isn't too bad, and we found the food to be a little better on Carnival than we've had on RCI lately. The decor is more "eclectic," but we don't go on cruises to look at the wallpaper.

 

The Conquest is a very nice, large ship. They don't have a rockwall or ice skating, but have water slides, mini-golf, etc. Our kids said they had just as much fun in Club C/Camp Carnival as they did in Adventure Oceans. We found the late night actives to be more fun on Carnival than on RCI, and I think the casino offers a little better game.

 

If it's the difference between cruising on Carnival or staying home, go with Carnival.

 

Thank you for your insight, I can't imagine not cruising next summer.

[Uncle Fester]

Depending where you sit in the dinning room, you are on a Red, White or Blue team. If you win contests (best legs, belly flop, etc.) then your team gets points.

 

It's really up to the cruise director how hard he or she pushes the teams. On our last Carnival cruise, the CD never even mentioned the teams, and we couldn't even tell you what team we were on. I've heard that some cruise directors are just eliminating the whole concept.

[Host Kewlguy]

Depending where you sit in the dinning room, you are on a Red, White or Blue team. If you win contests (best legs, belly flop, etc.) then your team gets points.

 

It's really up to the cruise director how hard he or she pushes the teams. On our last Carnival cruise, the CD never even mentioned the teams, and we couldn't even tell you what team we were on. I've heard that some cruise directors are just eliminating the whole concept.

 

The entire thing sounds rather immature to me.

[Jsme]

I love them both for different reasons.

[Uncle Fester]

The entire thing sounds rather immature to me.

 

Maybe yes, maybe no. We're all different, which is fine. But I personally like a little immaturity when on vacation.

[rushedmom]

Depending where you sit in the dinning room, you are on a Red, White or Blue team. If you win contests (best legs, belly flop, etc.) then your team gets points.

 

It's really up to the cruise director how hard he or she pushes the teams. On our last Carnival cruise, the CD never even mentioned the teams, and we couldn't even tell you what team we were on. I've heard that some cruise directors are just eliminating the whole concept.

 

What do the points get you and do they bother you during dinner???

[Uncle Fester]

What do the points get you and do they bother you during dinner???

 

You just get the satisfaction of winning I believe. I don't recall there being any prizes.

 

They don't bug you during your dinner really. They made an announcement every night, which took all of about 30 seconds.

[FrannyK]

I'll be the voice of dissent, but we've done Carnival and had a great time. The "team" thing in the dinning room isn't too bad, and we found the food to be a little better on Carnival than we've had on RCI lately. The decor is more "eclectic," but we don't go on cruises to look at the wallpaper.

 

The Conquest is a very nice, large ship. They don't have a rockwall or ice skating, but have water slides, mini-golf, etc. Our kids said they had just as much fun in Club C/Camp Carnival as they did in Adventure Oceans. We found the late night actives to be more fun on Carnival than on RCI, and I think the casino offers a little better game.

 

If it's the difference between cruising on Carnival or staying home, go with Carnival.

 

I agree w/Uncle Fester here. The "team" thing and dining room "entertainment" is not enough to be an issue. We also feel the food in general and dining room menu is better on Carnival. On Carnival you don't have to pay extra for steak in the dining room and you DO get lobster on cruises less than 7 nights. We prefer Carnivals larger cabins w/amenity baskets and robes for all cabins. Our kids prefer Carnivals kids program to RCI's. The decor doesn't bother us, all ships tend to be glitzy. Service was the same on both lines. But, I must say our favorite ship to date is RCI's Voyager class-- just wonderful! In fact, we just reserved RCI's Navigator for a 4-nighter in January :) Even if the food isn't great, the ship is worth it--love that serenity pool!

[babyher]

I will cast a vote for the Conquest too. Its one of Carnivals large newer ships. Much different than their older ships that do the shorter runs and get the "booze cruise' reputation.

 

I laugh when people make a biog thing out of the decor of a ship.

 

Like another poster stated I don't go on a vacation to look at the wallpaper.

 

I wouldn't dream of decorating my house after some of the ships and hotels rooms I have been on/in. But that in no way ruined the great vacations I have had on/in them.

 

I had a very good time on The Conquest. It was clean, the food was very good and the service was excellent.

 

I agree with the other poster that advised you to post this question on the Carnival board and then weigh in all your replies.

 

Enjoy:)

[JLS cruiser]

I'll be the voice of dissent, but we've done Carnival and had a great time. The "team" thing in the dinning room isn't too bad, and we found the food to be a little better on Carnival than we've had on RCI lately. The decor is more "eclectic," but we don't go on cruises to look at the wallpaper.

 

The Conquest is a very nice, large ship. They don't have a rockwall or ice skating, but have water slides, mini-golf, etc. Our kids said they had just as much fun in Club C/Camp Carnival as they did in Adventure Oceans. We found the late night actives to be more fun on Carnival than on RCI, and I think the casino offers a little better game.

 

If it's the difference between cruising on Carnival or staying home, go with Carnival.

A great big ditto.

 

Dreaded Carnival for years. Tried it as a last minute cruise and liked it a lot. A few things even topped Royal at times. But still Royal Caribbean is our fave.

 

Would not hesitate to do Carnival again.

 

Any cruise is better not not cruising.

[dashadow]

We cant wait to try our first RCI cruise 4 weeks from now, but as a veteran of a few carnival cruises I would definately recommend you seek out the deli and try the reuben sandwich or the toasted corn beef on rye. mmmmmmmmm. Enjoy your cruise.

[Leia]

I agree, there is a totally different vibe between RCI vs Carnival, but sometimes I'm in the mood for a PG (mostly) Spring Break-type experience like you get on Carnival. I also love the burgers and fries at the poolside grill, they have wonderful fries - seems like a small thing, but sometimes a burger hits the spot. The rooms are bigger and the beds are wonderful - we are thinking of buying one for home, actually.

 

I will agree that the food isn't quite as good as on other lines, but sometimes that's a good thing. Anyhow on Azamara last summer I got so sick of eating that I'm much more neutral on the whole food thing now.

[sunlover5]

We love both lines also. My DH likes Carnival much better. Next month we will be on RC, but after that have Carnival booked. I agree with a previous poster, we love the bigger cabins, robes in EVERY cabin, and the little extras they put in the bathroom. Food is definitely better on Carnival too!! Our last cruise on the Carnival Liberty will be hard to beat. Good Luck and give it a try. It is nice to have a couple different lines you like, that way you can have a lot of options in ships, price, and ports!!!

[Dorie7]

We went on a FREE Carnival cruise last Christmas (brother in law brought the entire extended family). I also thoght any cruise is better than on land. I didn't enjoy the experience and feel that if it had been my first cruise, I probabaly wouldn't cruise again.

 

The good:

The rooms are bigger and extremely comfortable on Carnival.

The food is marginally better in the main dining room, IMHO. (Warm chocolate melting cake.Yummmy)

There is a self service laundry.

The price was very good. (FREE for us, low for BIL)

 

The bad:

The decor is not for me. I do find pleasant surroundings enhance or garish decor detracts from my vacation experience.

We were bored. when you are used to the varied and entertaining options on RCI, hairy chest contests leave me cold.

The floors were so slippery in the buffet dining area that no matter how careful we were several of our party fell and were hurt. I didn't, but it was close often.

The attitude of fellow passengers surprised me on times. Groups of LOUD, shouting teens would roam the halls near cabins. When asked to please lower their voices because of others trying to sleep, they became verbally abusive.

There were decks that you couldn't go from one of the ship to the other on, overall a confusing layout.

Kids from our group were bored. Hubby & others disappoiinted in the small sports area.

 

Before I went, I was interested in trying Carnival. As a result of this experience I wouldn't bother to sail with them again. We love RCI.

 

In response to the 'Good' aspects of Carnival:

 

RCI balcony cabins are smaller but are more tastefully decorated and are

very well organized.

RCI has a full laundry service, which is fine for the occasional need.

The food is acceptable on RCI, just not as good.

 

Some people love Carnival. the things that are important to them are different than what is important to me. Fortunately, we all have a choice.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Dorie

[silentbob007]

I will never understand why RCCL's activities are more "tasteful" when instead of the hairy chest competition, they have sexy legs, bellyflop, and Quest (which on this board suddenly goes from being lude to hilarious).

[irishgirl]

I've cruised on both Carnival and RCCL and find them to be very similar. You'll find the same type people on both cruises, families, singles, young marrieds, senior citizens, etc. If the itinerary and price is right, book the ship.

 

I found the food better in the Carnival Dining Room, but better in the Buffet on RCCL. I did see more drunk people on RCCL than on any Carnival ship, but it could have been the time of year we cruised.

 

Don't be afraid to try a new cruise line, you don't want to get stuck in a rut with just one, sometimes the itineraries get boring. I'm trying Celebrity for the first time next February. I've heard and read lots of things that don't appeal to me, but I'm going with an open mind and plan on enjoying myself no matter what.

 

Judy

[FrannyK]

Yes, I agree there are the same type of people on both lines. We found the rudest and most inconsiderate passengers were on RCI's Explorer but I'm hoping that it was the time of year (July 4th week) with a packed full ship (so many loud, disrespectful teens and their clueless drunken parents :(). As for activities, we found them similar on both lines--many many activities--impossible to take part in all of them! How anyone could be bored is beyond me. CCL does have a full laundry service and they offer laundry specials twice a week (wash, dry and fold special: stuff cabin laundry bag w/as much as can fit for $15, leave bag for steward by 10am and it's done and back in your cabin by 6pm) which really helped us pack less.