Why I Choose Carnival Cruise Lines

Back when these boards were getting upgraded, I took an opportunity, while we were all a community of ONE, to pose the question as to what made everyone choose their first cruise line. I got some very quick and interesting answers; unfortunately, the FIX board was not up for long.

It made me think back to 1988, when I first stepped on the Jubilee for my first cruise.

I had longed to go on one for years, as I was one of those unlucky kids who had grandparents and parents that cruised every year out of NY harbor. We were left on the dock. I hated to get off those ships after the Bon Voyage parties.

So, getting on the Jubilee, we were excited, tired, hungry, and overwhelmed by the first hours of experience on a HUGE cruise ship. We were like two kids in a candy store. After dinner, we skipped the welcome aboard show and eventually “retired early” the first night. It was our honeymoon.

I remember getting up the next day, and there were all these buzzwords flying about. Seems there’s something more to this cruise director thing other than Julie McCoy. It turns out, as most cruisers eventually do, that the cruise director, being the HOST, is setting the stage for “something” that happens on a ship over the course of the cruise. Even as the years go by, even though the banter is the same, it’s the interacting and the guest participation that makes these things work. I’ve seen the same old Bedtime story, not so Newlywed game, spoon and string thing, balloon in the overalls, pillow fighting, male nightgown pageant, game show, etc., but they’re different every time. And they make mini celebrities out of the participants. And all these things tend to make the total ship this living community for the week. You end up talking to these people or doings things without embarrassment, cause you’re never going to see these people again (although, I’ve made many life long friends over the past 16 years).

When I see questions about “does it matter who the cruise director is”, to me, the answer is yes. If the guy up on stage is Johnny Carson, the air is a bit more abuzz than if it was a David Frost. We found the more we went to the cruise director functions, the more involved we felt. When we hit upon a less than average cruise director, we would tone it down and do our own thing.

I ventured out to another competing line for my second cruise, but there was one element that was missing. THE FUN. And everything I did and saw had to be compared to my first cruise. It took a while, but I finally realized there is never any comparison to your first cruise.

There were changes and (looking back) minor inconveniences to the changes they made to their ships. The speakeasy, which we enjoyed on the Fantasy type ships next to the disco, was suddenly turned into a teen meeting room. Kids had priority seating EXACTLY where we were used to sitting. The smoking in the dining room was prohibited (thank God I quit in 1990). All minor stuff looking back, but we complained, and got the 10% 15% and then finally 20% discount after each “complaint”. (Lord, how do they put up with us?)

We have traditionally cruised in April, so we have had very little experience with kids on our cruise, except for one year, where the Easter holiday was later than usual. We heard afterwards there were 400 kids on board, but we never noticed. We avoided cruising in the summer for exactly the reason we had heard; packed with family and kids. We cruised for 10 years before deciding to have a child.

We did to take our DD on a Disney cruise when she turned 4. My wife and I turned and laughed at each other when we came upon the kiddie pool on the lido deck of the Disney ship. We had forgotten what we had avoided all those years. Kids everywhere. And having a ball. We found our thick “oh no, no cruises with kids“ skin had completely worn off. Did we GROW UP? We learned quickly that we did not “own the ship”, that we “shared the ship”.

Kids on a cruise? Let them have fun. Let them run. We all did it. Kids that are mischievous and destructive; an hour in the brig will do. Carnival security should do more to keep order. I did see it done on my last cruise, but meekly. But the destructiveness? I don’t get it. Carnival needs better handling of gang control.

Last year, with burn out and a bad year in general, we decided we needed a quick getaway, and found the only thing available to us was a July cruise to Bermuda. (“OH NO! Not a summer cruise!!!) Well, we found that cruise to be one of the most relaxing, enjoyable cruises we had ever had. The people in general were reserved, respectful, and enjoyable. I figured I just had a bad perception of summer cruises.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO…..

we decided to do a July cruise again this year. Apparently, the destination has a lot to do with the class of people you sail with, because I never met a bunch of ruder, destructive people; adults, teens, kids this time. It seems that where the ship sails from is a factor. But the pendulum is also swinging, where as cruising is becoming more affordable, there is more a class differential showing up on the ships. And if that bothers me, I can choose to move on.

So now, I have one more Carnival cruise booked. I have booked outside the summer months again, but again sailing out of NY. After that, I will have to decide if I need to move on, or better understand the demographics of the ships based on both the port of embarkation, and its itinerary. I long for their product. I yearn for a return of their class. I expect a reinforcement of rules and discipline. However, a return to cruising outside the summer might meet my needs. Hopefully. I’m going for the balcony suite this time. If I order room service all week, I truly can live in my own little world. And then wake up and realize I can do that at home.

BTW, the reason for me sailing Carnival for my first cruise? A co worker had just sailed the Celebration and brought in a brochure. Advertising at its best.

My first cruise was on NCL on the advise of a TA who knew nothing about me and didn't ask any questions, while it was ok, I wasn't that crazy about it. A couple of years later I became friends with someone who happened to be a TA and she talked me into giving cruising another try, this time with Carnival. This is the cruise that hooked me on cruising. It was on Carnivale and I thought that was the greatest, biggest ship ever! We had a great time. Working with someone who knew me and what I liked obviously made a big difference. I cruise on a few different lines now, although not NCL, and like them all for different reasons. Carnival is still a lot of fun and the kids love it. When I'm looking for a more laid back cruise I sail with Celebrity (please don't hurt me:) ). I'm booked on a Princess cruise for the first time in January and am looking forward to it.

Terri

The first time I booked Carnival it was because the price was right. I enjoyed it so much that I see no reason to change. I am booked on a Baltic cruise for May 2005 on RCCL. If Carnival cruised there I'd be booked on Carnival.

MrPete - A very insightful post. Bravo!

My first cruise was on the Royal Princess to Alaska.

Carnival has been my choice when sailing with kids, now I choose Carnival because it has the closest port to my home.

Last year, we had booked the NORWAY for our first cruise to celebrate our 35th Anniversary. The unfortunate accident in May put an end to our plans, but not until NCL lead us on, promising the NORWAY would sail in October. Once that didn't happen I knew I was done with NCL.

I picked the TRIUMPH because of availability, price, and itinerary. We LOVED it and think Carnival may indeed give us the most for our money. No doubt we will try another line, eventually, but I doubt if it will ever be NCL.

We had been taking land cruises with our kids for more than 10 years when one day DH decided a cruise might be fun. I looked into it and chose Carnival, probably because of their ads. I don't doubt that the price we paid was the brochure rate. We were totally clueless when it came to cruising but had a wonderful time on our first ship, the Sensation. We had delays, bad weather and a missed port, but we didn't care! It was a new and exciting experience for us. It wasn't until almost two years later that we decided to try it again. I'm hooked, DH is still on the fence, but I'll get him over that! :D

I took my first cruise back in 1986 on the Starward of NCL. That cruise hooked me. It took me a while to try Carnival as they had the reputation in the late 80's and early 90's as a floating McDonalds and one big party ship. My first cruise on Carnival was on the Fantasy out of Miami in 1992 on a four night cruise to the Bahamas. I came back with mixed feelings. It was not a big party ship but the food left a lot to be desired. I remember the salad dressing for dinner was in the little packets and the dinner selections were just not up to par with what I had experinced on some of the other lines. My next cruise on Carnival was the next year on the Celebration out of Miami to the eastern Caribbean. That was one was outstanding.

For many years I cruised nothing but Carnival. Now I am stepping out and trying my first seven day cruise with RCI. Those Voyager class ships really interest me. I also like the idea that RCI gives their past guests some perks. I will continue to sail Carnival from time to time but I feel that I really need to try someone else for a change.

I booked my first cruise with Carnival because of the reputation they used to have! I was needing a break from reality and a 3 day non-stop party till you puke atmosphere was just what I was looking for. While it didn't live up to it's reputation it was a lot of fun. We met some hot guys, did our fair share of partying and had a great time.

Now I choose Carnival because it's the line all of my friends cruise on!

I don't even remember why we picked Carnival for our first cruise but it was probably because of the advertising. We loved it! a few years later we took our kids on a 7 day cruise (the 1st cruise was 4 days) but picked NCL Norway because it was cheaper and at the time it was the largest ship afloat. We did not enjoy the cruise. It was during the summer but there did not seem to be as many kids as I hear about today. I don't think their kids program was the greatest either (Imagine my dismay when I went to pick up my 9 year old son for lunch to find out he had checked himself out! I had no clue he could do that and now I had to find him on the biggest ship afloat!). the food was not the greatest either. One night my husband did not like anything at all. Many nights there would be only one item we would want. Even the people on board seemed different as there seemed to be quite a few people speaking foreign languages. Nothing wrong with that but people just did not seem to be as friendly. It was quite a while before we took our next cruise and there was no doubt that Carnival would be the cruiseline. We loved it and have continued on it since.

I think I would like to possibly try Princess just for a different experience.

MrPete- I loved your essay! You are absolutely right that time of year and also embarkation port can make a difference as to who is on board. We have cruised during non school vacation times since our kids were not coming with us so the amount of kids on board was much smaller. Makes a difference. Even though we live near Baltimore it seemed that it was cheaper to fly to Miami than to take a cruise closer to home. I think the only cruise out of NY I would take would be to got north to Boston (my hometown) and on up to Canada. I think cruises to the Bahamas and the Caribbean will have a wider variety of people if you sail from Florida.

I first sailed with Carnival in 1986 ..... I think part of my attraction (ok don't shoot) was the Kathie Lee commercials. She looked like she was having so much fun! :)

Pleazzzze! Kathy made you do it? That's a laugh! Anyhow, we have been on only two cruises (Carribean and Alaska) and have booked in November on Legend to exotic western trip. We have always had sooooo much fun we are sort of afraid to try any other. I think we got so spoiled on the Spirit going to Alaska and it was more than we dreamed of, there is no other. Someday when we get old and gray we may try another line but now we are young at heart (53 and 60) and Carnival is the one for us. Seems friendlier, and funner (is that a real word?) and have met the best cruisers that we have still kept in contact with. Carnival seems like a more party ship and seems to have better entertainment and more varied. When it's good why change?

We still are 181 days from our 1st cruise, but this is why I chose Carnival:

They offered exactly what we wanted when we wanted it, and they have been so great to deal with. We booked through our local TA, and she is great too. But I just like the way Carnival seems to do things. That could change after the cruise, but for now, I can hardly wait!

My first cruise was with Royal Caribbean on Explorer of the Seas. It is a great ship. Loved the ice skating show, putt putt, etc.

I am cruising Carnie on this cruise because my daughter will be 24 months on the cruise. Carnie takes 24 month olds into their children's program and Royal Caribbean requires them to be 3 years old. I looked at two cruise - Rhapsody vs Elation. Honestly, I like the Rhapsody ports better. George Town and Key West are much more exciting than Progresso and Belize, but the kicker is that my wife and I can get some us time because of Camp Carnie.

I chose Carnival for my first cruise back in 1986. My sister had flown three times from Nashville, TN to Charleston, WV in Feb that year on Piedmont and there was a special buy one, get one cruise free on either the Carnivale or Madi Gras and it had to be a Cat 6. Well a 4 day Cat 6 was 600 split between my friend and me and a 12 was only 800 so we went all out. We had one of the nicest cabins and paid less than many who had the cheapest. That one hooked me on cruising and we've been doing it ever since.

I choose Carnival because the price is right and I love the new exotic itineraries. We have been on a lot of Carnival cruises most I have loved, a couple not so much. I agree that port of embarkation, time of year and itinerary can make substantial differences in the cruising experience. I have really enjoyed our last 2 cruises Pride (fell in love with this ship!), the Paradise (loved being able to take my 1 year old on a smoke-free ship) and this December we are booked on the Legend. Like Redneck_Dan we are cruising with our 2 year old which makes Camp Carnival a wonderful thing.

I think next year we may try Princess because let's face it I grew up with the Love Boat which really started my interest in cruising so I have to try Princess at least one time! :D

I chose Carnival because my wife said "I booked us on this cruise and I'd sure hate to go alone, you coming ?"

We'd talked about a cruise but I thought it was too expensive and I couldn't take the time away from work etc, etc.

It was 7 days on the Elation and I was hooked!

I have only been on 2 cruises both with RCCL and they were both great.

In 1994 Soverign was a large ship. Did the Eastern route with my Husband. :o

Then in 2003 my Cousin who is the same age as I am lost her husband and really wanted to go on a cruise, so I told her that I would go with her and I did, we had a great time. Went on the Navigator, which was brand new and a very great ship. Even won 2800 at the Casino.. So we did have a great time. Western route ;)

So cousin wanted to go again this year so, I started looking up the Itineray we wanted and I thought that Carnival had the best buy and the best Itinerary, so we are booked for September Southern route. We meant a very nice couple on the plane last year on our way to Miami they were going on the Trumph. We also saw them on the way back and they said they had an AWESOME time on there cruise. So I am sure my cousin and I will have a great time. YOU MAKE THE BEST OF A CRUISE AND WE WILL. :)

WE both love to have a good time and we will. JUST cannot wait till we are on the SHIP... :D

Please don't shoot me... My first and only cruise was on NCL Dawn and I LOVED it. The ship is GREAT, food was good, service was great too. I am booked for Carnival Valor, October 2005. This time, I will travel solo and I thought traditionnal cruising is a good way to meet people, at dinner time. I liked freestyle cruising but I was not alone at that time. I'm looking forward to my Carnival cruise. I am pretty sure I'll be sailing on NCL Dawn again because she's sailing from NYC with very good price but I also look forward the Fun Ship experience.

Our first cruise was on the Carnival Spirit. I had never cruised before and was never going to. Something just felt right about the 3 day from San Francisco to Vancouver so with a little pressure from my friend we hit the "book now" button and the rest is history.

The Spirit was brand spankin' new at the time and I was in absolute awe. We have sailed on several other lines since that time, but the Spirit is the ship I love to come back to. This March we will be taking our 3rd sailing on her.

This coming Sunday we leave on the Conquest (it will only be our second Carnival ship) and I am very excited and look forward to the friendliness and excitement that we have experienced both times on the Spirit.

I have always wanted to go on a cruise, but never had the means or the opportunity to do so. Then my in-laws went on a Carnival Cruise and came back with lots of pictures and stories and I told my husband we were going. I searched Carnival and chose the Paradise because it was non-smoking and affordable. Everything was perfect about my first cruise.

Sailed the Paradise again and had a good time, but I would never go on the same ship twice in a row again. There was nothing new to explore and all of the activities were the same.

I seriously considered booking RCI's AOS this time around for the Southern Route instead of the Legend. It came down to the fact that the Legend was an extra day, and we wouldn't have to pay for airfare to San Juan. This will be my first time on one of the larger, newer ships and my first balcony cabin also. My favorite part of every cruise is sitting back and staring at the ocean on a sea day, and this seemed like the perfect cruise to do that!

I love CCL because I always have a blast and the price is right.

Why?

The F-u-n!!!!

Now I'm going waaay back to 1980 when my first cruise was on Sitmar Fairwind....to this day I don't think any cruise line can outdo Sitmar. But then in those days, cruising was just becoming popular and it wasn't so mass marketed like today. You would have thought we were on the QE. Of course, I was 25 years younger, before children, traveling with 3 other girlfriends and boy did we get the attention from the Italian crew. I thought I died and went to heaven. We had small parties in our room with the stewards (all gorgeous Italian men) and I remember the Italian officer Fabrizio (I still love saying that name), that stole my heart for 10 days. And the food by those Italian chefs was too die for. I will always remember that first cruise with the fondest of memories and the pictures to always keep that memory alive and fresh in my mind.

Now I'm getting ready to go on the Elation over Thanksgiving for my 16th cruise. I started my children cruising early (8 & 11) and now my almost 23 yo is taking her fiance for his first cruise. We love cruising as a family and when the next generation arrives, we will start them also.....I am SO thankful that I have been able to do this for almost 25 years....here's to the next 25!!!!!!

In 01, 02 and 03 we traveled south for vacations - New Mexico/Arizona, Virginia, and Delaware respectively. Last year, after yet another traffic jam on I95, DH said "That's it! Next year we're going north for vacation!" So I booked a 5 day cruise on Victory out of NYC to Canada. (Yes, we had to drive south to get to the ship!:p ) We loved the cruise - and the week after we returned, DH booked out 2005 cruise on Conquest. Why Carnival? The itinerary and the kids' programs. Can't wait for the next trip!