OhioDogLover

I usually book through a Princess Vacation Planner, but my traveling companion booked this one. We each had to call twice to get the information correct, application of future cruise credits, loyalty status, etc.. Of course, we had to leave messages and receive calls back. Very disappointing. On the plus side, they were better than HAL's customer service earlier this year. Ohiodoglover

#1 - FIX the Princess website. Gosh, it is just terrible. #2 - Have people answer the phone in less than 30 minutes. #3 - Bring the on board experience quality back to what it used to be. #4 - Add some smaller ships. Ohiodoglover

We took a cruise on HAL last month. The telephone customer service was absolutely horrible. The on board experience was absolutely fabulous. I will definitely book another HAL cruise in the future, but know that getting the booking done is not half the fun. Ohiodoglover

Some friends and I disembarked March 19. We had a really great time on board. Agree with the BB King's is too small comment. In fact, I agree with all comments. We did not have a suite, only a balcony cabin. It was very nice. Food, service, common areas, entertainment were all extremely good. I am rethinking my Celebrity Aqua Class bias and would definitely like to book HAL for the next cruise. It was cruising the old fashioned way, and I like that. Thought it was great value for the cost. Ohiodoglover

i sail Carnival periodically. That repositioning cruise sounds terrific. I am tempted to be sure. I like other lines better, Princess, HAL, Celebrity, but Carnival is ok. Sure, the decor can be a bit garish, and IMHO the food isn't as good as on the others, but I always have a great time. ohiodoglover

Thank you for writing this. It is fun. Ohiodoglover

I have done both cruise lines and believe that each has its benefits. Carnival - In my experience (two 7 nights and one 8 night), it is a rowdier atmosphere. However, I (early 60s) generally find it just fine. I like the Carnival comedy club and think they have the best games. (I love games.) Negative, the food, which I find mediocre at best. But food is subjective and everyone has their own opinion and no one is wrong there. I can always find something I like. Always. Number of kids depends on when you go. I think the cabins are nice on Carnival. I have another Carnival booked. Princess - In my experience (17 or 18 cruises), it is more sedate. Not as formal as it used to be, which is just fine with me. It is fun, and I always have a great time on Princess. The entertainment is also good on Princess. Food is much better, IMHO (see above). Negative, they don't have a comedy club and their games, while very fun, generally, aren't quite as much fun as Carnival. Cabins are just fine on Princess. I have another Princess booked. My favorite cruise line is Celebrity. All else being equal, I'd pick Celebrity. Reason, I think Celebrity is just a bit nicer, all the way around. I don't have a Celebrity cruise booked right now, but I will at some point. I agree with Kwokpot that it all depends on what you are looking for. If you want something more informal, I'd certainly recommend giving Carnival a try. Just my thoughts. Ohiodoglover

Glad you are having a great time.

thank you!

I will be flying into Fort Lauderdale airport and sailing out of Miami port. What is the best way to get to the Miami hotel the day before the cruise and back to the Miami airport after the cruise? Thanks, Ohiodoglover