has CCL fallen that far?

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

... And yes, Tom - JH is still heralding the miraculous transformation the Liberty will be undergoing in Oct.:cool: - and how he will be on the ship for the first sailing after drydock to "roll her out!"

 

Perhaps just his presence there is the big news! :D

 

Tom

[happy cruzin]

Because, as I have noticed from my short time on this board, there are a lot of cruise snobs out there. People who think because you cruise with carnival that you are some poor redneck who can't enjoy the finer things in life.

 

Sadly, if they only knew that some of the people, more than we may know, cruise carnival because we are looking for a good deal and not the 24/7 perks of butlers, gold leaf on the sundae, sinks that wash your hands for you, lighting in your room that changes when you push one button, and a touch screen phone.

 

IMHO, even though my upcoming cruise is going to be my first ever, I don't see the point in paying twice what I am paying for my Carnival cruise to get a smaller room. If I wanted to get a suite on one of the other lines, I would have to pay in excess of 3 to 4 times what I paid for my Carnival suite (which people will knock and say really isn't a suite).

 

I usually try not to upset people on these boards because people are enboldened when they can hide behind their keyboards and computer screens, but enough is enough. I am tired of hearing people knock Carnival, and in turn the people who cruise that line, because it's affordable.

 

Wow :eek: ......

[happy cruzin]

Thanks! And just so you know, the comments weren't directed towards you or any person in particular. It's just a reply to compilation of all the negative comments and feelings I have read from people about Carnival.

 

If it is legit, like the boat was falling apart, the bed was scratchy, blackjack dealers drop cards all the time, or things like that, then cool. That's good stuff to know. But when people start saying that this line sucks, it's no good, it's the worst, you don't get this, but in happy mystical luxury land you get your own room gnome, it gets a little annoying, haha!

 

Yes, you have made comments on some of your posts, but they were neither here nor there. They were basic comparisons (you get this here and not there, etc). I don't mind those, they're informative. However, like I said, it's when other posters start to add on top of that and imply that there choice is the best and we're somehow not up to par if we don't cruise on their luxury line, you know?

 

Anyway, almost a year away now....one week more and then I can say I only have 12 months to go, LOL!!!

 

I hear 'ya! But...everyone has a opinion - and is MORE than happy to share their opinion as "fact" :rolleyes:. Particularily - in a forum like this! :o

 

 

So - I read a lot - but do not take anything personally or accept any opinion...as a fact! ;)

[halos]

It's just a reply to compilation of all the negative comments and feelings I have read from people about Carnival.

 

 

Don't get too upset over it. If you had chosen any cruise on any line and were on their boards, there would be negative things to read about those lines as well. Besides, NO line is perfect and if you read posts by someone who can find absolutely nothing wrong with 'their' line, then don't you think you need to wonder about that?? It's like the parents who think their kids are absolutely perfect.

Nothing is perfect.

 

Carnival is a good product, priced very reasonably and it is perfect for a first time cruiser. You will love it :)

Just promise yourself that YOU won't become a line snob or line monogamous. Don't limit yourself. Every line has something special to offer and you only cheat yourself if you become married to a cruise line.

[pe4all]

Perhaps just his presence there is the big news! :D

 

Tom

Be still my heart!:D

[halos]

My wife and I do like big luxury rooms like those, but our two year old has kind of put a damper on that for a while. Maybe, one day down the road, when he gets out of college, we can afford to stay in some of those sweet suites in your pics, hahaha!

Take care!

... and all things in good time! We did not start cruising until I was almost 40 -- MANY MANY years of few/no vacations prior to that!

Tom

 

EXACTLY!!

We sailed in interior cabin...then ocean view...then balconies..took our first cruise when the kids were young (my Mom watched them) and didn't get back on a ship until 12 years later...then cruised sporadically until the last one entered college.

THAT was when they started piling up!!! :D (Oh yeah!!)

 

Most average folk have to 'pay their dues' by starting a life with a mortgage, babies (kids are mighty expensive :eek:) and don't get to rack up those cruises until they're old(er)

 

When you get to the point where you are cruising frequently, in better cabins on longer itineraries, you'll be booking using an AARP discount *sigh*

 

:p;)

[S.S.Oceanlover]

I called Princess last night when looking at some Alaskan cruises. I stated that I had 50 sailings with Carnival and asked whether it would entitle me to any deal/discount booking with them, since they are under the same corporate umbrella. I was told no. Of course, I already knew the answer to my question. I can't understand why CCL does not want to encourage migration within their other holdings, rather than having the guest perhaps give other corporations a chance. I mean, just allow me to book under a past guest rate or something! :confused:

 

Tom

 

seems like you may have been given incorrect information or maybe there was no past guest rate for the cruise you inquired about.

 

Only World's Leading Cruise Lines offers you our unique Vacation Interchange Privileges®. Once you’ve traveled on any of our six world-famous lines, you’re entitled to currently applicable past guest savings offered by whichever cruise line you choose.

 

So, next time you plan a cruise vacation, take advantage of our six members offers – the contemporary sparkle of Carnival Cruise Lines; the Italian charm of Costa Cruises; the classic British tradition of Cunard Line; the five-star sophistication of Holland America Line; the affordable luxury of Princess Cruises; and the indulgent intimacy of the Yachts of Seabourn.

 

source:http://www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com/VIP.aspx

 

Bill

[swscruiser]

Got off the Deram yesterday and HAL in January this year. No comparision

Carnival was 10 times better.

Keith

 

Do a HAL cruise out of here and you will notice a difference...

Doing NCL Dawn with a bunch of people next 11-11-12 out of here...I live for specialty restaurants....Join us....

I used to love it when Celebrity cruised out of here....I have one word...

Yuuuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm........................

Unfortunately over the past few years to me Carnival's food has slipped....

[mjhbrown]

I just booked my 10th CCL for November and have been on Princess 2x and Royal Caribbean 3x. I have to say that the food on Carnival was noticeablyt tastier than the other 2 lines. I'm not a food snob and was happy with the food on the other lines. Hey -- I'm just happy if I'm not cooking it, serving it and cleaning it up! but I actually did find the Carnival food yummier.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

seems like you may have been given incorrect information or maybe there was no past guest rate for the cruise you inquired about.

 

Only World's Leading Cruise Lines offers you our unique Vacation Interchange Privileges®. Once you’ve traveled on any of our six world-famous lines, you’re entitled to currently applicable past guest savings offered by whichever cruise line you choose.

 

So, next time you plan a cruise vacation, take advantage of our six members offers – the contemporary sparkle of Carnival Cruise Lines; the Italian charm of Costa Cruises; the classic British tradition of Cunard Line; the five-star sophistication of Holland America Line; the affordable luxury of Princess Cruises; and the indulgent intimacy of the Yachts of Seabourn.

 

source:http://www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com/VIP.aspx

 

Bill

 

Thanks for the info!

 

That notwithstanding, last night I then started thinking... IF I went with NCL, they'll likely give ~$2,000 off one of their sailings thanks to my history in the casino with them. Carnival, sadly, recognizes me VERY poorly in that regard.

 

As I mentioned in an earlier post, one of the major reasons we cruise is FOOD, one of the others is the CASINO! :D :eek: It has become obvious to me that Carnival is used to an overall lower level of "action" - having only seen purple chips ($500) in one of their trays on perhaps 2 sailings out of ~50. On NCL and Celebrity, they were present at any table at/over $25 min/hand. That is not to say that I regularly use those chips in play, but if you have won a chunk of change, it's easier to walk away with 10+ of those in your pocket than 50+ black chips! Additionally, it's nice (fun) to play with others at the table. There have been MANY sailings on Carnival where I am alone at the $25 table the entire time (though Cheryl often is at my side). On NCL and Celebrity, they usually have multiple tables of that - and higher - denomination with several people playing. I was taken aback on the Epic as they must have had a dozen such tables with a few of them always filled. Having said all of this - it was on our most recent Carnival sailing where I had my best overall win. So, playing with many others may not mean that you'll have great luck (nothing determines that) but it means you'll likely have more fun!

 

Tom

[Sargent_Schultz]

1 the MDR

2 BUffet

3 pizza place

4hamburger grill

5 Deli

6 Indian food

7 outdoor grill on Promenade deck (serves barbeque)

8 Italian place

9 Red frog

10 Room Service

11 WOK

12 Burrito Bar

13 Coffee Bar (I know I am pushing this one but htey do serve food)

14 They had light healthy foods on the promenade by the coffee bar

 

the Europe cruise was very port intensive and Lunch was usually off the ship. So I can see if you are repeating some venues it is possible to eat something different everyday.

 

If I forgot anything someone will surely correct me.

 

Yes they were all free with the exception of the red frog and the coffee bar.

 

The Italian venues is free during the day and $10 at night.

 

 

Adjacent to the coffee bar is Plaza Bites (free) which is a soup and make your own sandwich type place (14).

 

 

There is also a salad bar (also has turkey wraps)

 

 

 

A light lunch on Serenity (free)

 

 

 

I may have missed some myself. Now I'm hungry, again!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

I may have missed some myself. Now I'm hungry, again!

 

I'll bet!

 

Tom

[Cruising89143]

:) (or you could all chip in, and for $25,000 I can get the skyloft cabin for that sailing!:D)

 

You won't regret it. ;)

[CanWeGoYet?]

seems like you may have been given incorrect information or maybe there was no past guest rate for the cruise you inquired about.

 

Only World's Leading Cruise Lines offers you our unique Vacation Interchange Privileges®. Once you’ve traveled on any of our six world-famous lines, you’re entitled to currently applicable past guest savings offered by whichever cruise line you choose.

 

So, next time you plan a cruise vacation, take advantage of our six members offers – the contemporary sparkle of Carnival Cruise Lines; the Italian charm of Costa Cruises; the classic British tradition of Cunard Line; the five-star sophistication of Holland America Line; the affordable luxury of Princess Cruises; and the indulgent intimacy of the Yachts of Seabourn.

 

source:http://www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com/VIP.aspx

 

Bill

 

When I took my 1st HAL cruise I didn't get a past guest rate, but they had a logo next to my name (a crown?) and some invitations that my friend cruising with me, who had never been on any cruise before, did not receive.

[dallas52]

we tried NCL but havent been back to cruise with them since, all 4 people noticed the differnce between the two. u can try and u will see.

[MikenMarie]

I think when you cruise....you have to take EVERYTHING into account..$ for $ and overall experience, you can't beat Carnival. I have never had an issue with the food. The servers, room sterwards and other personnel have always been very friendly and accomodating. There is always something going on that you can do. Granted, sometimes it's corny, but you have the option to participate or not. When we experienced an occasional problem, Carnival did all they could do to rectify it. With a family of 6 traveling, unless something MAJOR were to happen, Carnival will continue to be our choice.

[happy cruzin]

I think when you cruise....you have to take EVERYTHING into account..$ for $ and overall experience, you can't beat Carnival. I have never had an issue with the food. The servers, room sterwards and other personnel have always been very friendly and accomodating. There is always something going on that you can do. Granted, sometimes it's corny, but you have the option to participate or not. When we experienced an occasional problem, Carnival did all they could do to rectify it. With a family of 6 traveling, unless something MAJOR were to happen, Carnival will continue to be our choice.

 

Carnival is an excellent choice - especially for families and extended families because everyone can be as active (or inactive) as they want to be!

We have always chosen Carnival for our family cruises for that very reason because we have a wide age range (17 to 72 last time) and we want everyone to have a good time.

[elcuchio24]

Don't get too upset over it. If you had chosen any cruise on any line and were on their boards, there would be negative things to read about those lines as well. Besides, NO line is perfect and if you read posts by someone who can find absolutely nothing wrong with 'their' line, then don't you think you need to wonder about that?? It's like the parents who think their kids are absolutely perfect.

Nothing is perfect.

 

Carnival is a good product, priced very reasonably and it is perfect for a first time cruiser. You will love it :)

Just promise yourself that YOU won't become a line snob or line monogamous. Don't limit yourself. Every line has something special to offer and you only cheat yourself if you become married to a cruise line.

 

I just don't understand some people who defend a cruise line as if it's a family member, or as if it's a personal afront to them if someone doesn't like 'their' line. I LIKE CCL, but also cruise NCL pretty often and have happily cruised with other lines. I'm not a fan of RCL, but if they sent me a 30% cupon, I'd be booking the next day:).

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...I'm not a fan of RCL, but if they sent me a 30% cupon, I'd be booking the next day:).

 

I'd be right there with ya !!!

 

 

Tom

[pe4all]

I'd be right there with ya !!!

 

 

Tom

Me too! That would bring that $25,000 cabin down to - let's see- $17,500! What a bargain!:p:D

[crusinpsychRN]

I have cruised on Carnival twice in the past two years and Princess once. I did not care for the food on Princess. We LOVE Carnivals food. We have always had great service, and I always tip the servers well. :)

 

On my one Princess cruise I got a fish dish that tasted like dirt. (Had the same taste at Emerill's in Orlando too!) I sent 3 dishes back one night, one worse than the next.

[mountaingrl]

No I am not a snob however sailed on the Carnival Dream over Xmas 2009. Lots of "slop" food, absolutely NOTHING special about food from main dining room to specialty resturant. Quantity not quality is the theme- I won't even talk about the bathrobes in the buffet lines!

[FengShui@Sea]

We have been on thirty cruises with several different lines and have been both thrilled and disappointed with meals on pretty well all the different lines, at one time or another. The one thing I noticed about Carnival (and I can't say we've had any really bad experiences with their food) is that the quality seems to be better on some of their ships than others. We were on the Miracle in May and the food was the best we've had in years - bar none! If we could have that quality of food on every cruise I'd be in heaven! ;)

[JPH814]

No I am not a snob however sailed on the Carnival Dream over Xmas 2009. Lots of "slop" food, absolutely NOTHING special about food from main dining room to specialty resturant. Quantity not quality is the theme- I won't even talk about the bathrobes in the buffet lines!

 

Wow...."slop food"...you must have incredibly high standards. I would be interested to hear where you eat on a regular basis. What has taken you alost to w years to post this comment?

 

And in all my cruises, I have never seen a bathrobe in the buffet line.

 

Are you sure you are not exagerating just a bit?

[DZNYROX]

Just one comment on your signature (no, not about the size of the photos - which are smaller now, LOL) - but the countdown for your sailing on the Enterprise...

 

Why does it say "sailed", when you are not scheduled to depart for over 200 years? :D

 

Tom

 

Because I traveled back from the future.......:eek: