why does Carnival have such a bad "partying" reputation

[Cruizinman]

I think that assumption comes from years ago when there were more younger people who did party. Carnival has become more family oriented so you don't have as much "partying". Now if you cruise any cruise line during spring break or summer, you are going to have the younger crowd that just wants to drink all they can and party as much as they can. Avoid those times of the year and you won't have as much as of that.

Actually Carnival has put its entire thought process into the new younger cruisers these days. Carnival was trying to lose the party ship image and invited "families" through many sales pitch offers. Carnival just took a 360 degree turn about. The clubs are more so oriented towards the younger crowds. The partying starts with the cheers program and winds up in the late night clubs, that start pumping out the rapping DJ music around eleven. I have witness this personally any time of year on Carnival ships.

[overeasy]

Did I miss something? I didn't think Carnival had a "bad" partying reputation, I thought their partying reputation was rock solid. :confused:

[klepton]

Actually Carnival has put its entire thought process into the new younger cruisers these days. Carnival was trying to lose the party ship image and invited "families" through many sales pitch offers. Carnival just took a 360 degree turn about. The clubs are more so oriented towards the younger crowds. The partying starts with the cheers program and winds up in the late night clubs, that start pumping out the rapping DJ music around eleven. I have witness this personally any time of year on Carnival ships.

 

Ok... so I get that you think that. It appears that you don't like it. That's all fine... I guess there are just numerous others who disagree with you, including me. I think Carnival is a great family cruise line. I've taken my family on many Carnival cruises, and will be on another in about a month. I personally don't view rap music in a dance club after 11:00 as family unfriendly, because... well... it's after 11:00. :cool: Even our Disney cruise (which absolutely caters to families) had a dance club in the adult section of the ship that was rockin' pretty hard late nights. My kids were in bed...

 

I think the connotation people are referring to is the stumbling drunk/puking hoards of college kids. For some reason Carnival has gotten that reputation, and that's I think what people are saying they don't see a lot of. Obviously a Carnival cruise is a party... starting with the sailaway party. A party isn't inherently bad, nor is it inherently not family friendly. My then 6yo DD had a blast on her first cruise at the sailaway party.

 

I think Carnival does a great job catering to a wide set of people. Plenty of kids activities, sports deck, adults only deck, multiple lounges with different styles of entertainment.I just don't see it as any more of a party ship than Disney or NCL, which are the other two lines I've been on.

[Sargent_Schultz]

Actually Carnival has put its entire thought process into the new younger cruisers these days. Carnival was trying to lose the party ship image and invited "families" through many sales pitch offers. Carnival just took a 360 degree turn about. The clubs are more so oriented towards the younger crowds. The partying starts with the cheers program and winds up in the late night clubs, that start pumping out the rapping DJ music around eleven. I have witness this personally any time of year on Carnival ships.

 

Carnival always has targeted younger, first time cruisers. That was Uncle Bob's Dream. Since when has Gangnam Style been considered RAP? :D

[kybluecruiser]

In another thread KYbluecruiser stated on his last CCL cruise there was a Security Guard on permanent duty on the Lido deck in the daytime why?

 

I feel special I made such an impression on you that you remember what I say. Lol that was the first time I saw that. My friends just returned from the imagination ill see if they noticed one.

[Keel Haul]

I feel special I made such an impression on you that you remember what I say. Lol that was the first time I saw that. My friends just returned from the imagination ill see if they noticed one.

Sorry KY you did not make an impression on me, the reasons you gave for the security guard did.KY why the reticence in repeating the reasons?

[kybluecruiser]

Sorry KY you did not make an impression on me, the reasons you gave for the security guard did.KY why the reticence in repeating the reasons?

 

I said he was getting kids out of the adults only hot tub and I saw him tell people they couldn't have drinks while in the hot tub, as those are the stated rules on the sign next to them. It didn't have anything to do with drunks though. As dod were being served all around. I never saw anyone drunk or obnoxious. The only time I've seen really drunk and rude people was on ncl pearl. In all my carnival cruises I've never seen a drunk, for that matter I didn't see one on my rci cruise either.

[Keel Haul]

I said he was getting kids out of the adults only hot tub and I saw him tell people they couldn't have drinks while in the hot tub, as those are the stated rules on the sign next to them. It didn't have anything to do with drunks though. As dod were being served all around. I never saw anyone drunk or obnoxious. The only time I've seen really drunk and rude people was on ncl pearl. In all my carnival cruises I've never seen a drunk, for that matter I didn't see one on my rci cruise either.

So without the security guard on permanent duty kids would be in the hot tub with adults who are drinking. I presume this had got out of hand before on this ship, hence the reason for the guard to be on duty in the daytime?Which ship was it?

[kybluecruiser]

So without the security guard on permanent duty kids would be in the hot tub with adults who are drinking. I presume this had got out of hand before on this ship, hence the reason for the guard to be on duty in the daytime?Which ship was it?

 

Oh no, they were separate times. Not happening at the same time. Sorry for the misunderstanding. They weren't adults in the same hot tub drinking with kids in it. I'm sure he was there for other reasons. That is what I observed besides the occasional stroll around lido deck.

Edited July 13, 2013 by kybluecruiser

[dclark]

Pure propaganda spread by those envious of the Fun Ships!

 

You are continuing the myth that CCL has ships that are fun. Attaching the word "fun" to everything, from boarding passes, to drinks, doesn't make a ship fun.

[YorkshireGuy]

Q

 

 

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[Keel Haul]

Oh no, they were separate times. Not happening at the same time. Sorry for the misunderstanding. They weren't adults in the same hot tub drinking with kids in it.

I believe you, after all that's why he is there to stop that sort of activity.In the thread you mentioned the security guard on permanent daytime duty on the Lido deck,the reason you also gave for him being there, was I presume to reassure people that on the ship in question Carnival were protecting people from the nasty threats of violence experienced by the OP and her family at the hands of drunken "chair hogs".Do you think it is necessary to have this degree of security in the daytime on the Lido deck of every Carnival ship?

 

Ps you may confer with SS if you like.

[kybluecruiser]

I believe you, after all that's why he is there to stop that sort of activity.In the thread you mentioned the security guard on permanent daytime duty on the Lido deck,the reason you also gave for him being there, was I presume to reassure people that on the ship in question Carnival were protecting people from the nasty threats of violence experienced by the OP and her family at the hands of drunken "chair hogs".Do you think it is necessary to have this degree of security in the daytime on the Lido deck of every Carnival ship?

 

Ps you may confer with SS if you like.

 

I didn't say wether I thought it was good or bad. I could really care less either way. I was just stating what I saw on my last cruise. If this is the way on all ships I don't care. If it isn't like this then cool. It would not effect my cruise either way. Like I said I never saw this on previous cruises.

 

Ps I do not need to confer with anybody. God bless. Hope you have a great night.

[Keel Haul]

I didn't say wether I thought it was good or bad. I could really care less either way. I was just stating what I saw on my last cruise. If this is the way on all ships I don't care. If it isn't like this then cool. It would not effect my cruise either way. Like I said I never saw this on previous cruises.

 

Ps I do not need to confer with anybody. God bless. Hope you have a great night.

So you dont really care about the peace and security of your fellow Carnival pax:rolleyes:

[WetToes]

Another 'poor, beaten, dead horse. Dad.:(

[Rocknsoul]

Very close! They were taken in August 1984!

 

Garnett

 

The blonde on the right with the ribbon in his hair looks like a guy I knew in high school.

 

Those pictures are hilarious!

[mzloolue]

Money doesnt buy class but it does rent it in some peoples eyes:rolleyes:

 

Ohh, I like this.

 

I did have someone at work ask me if Carnival was really a party boat.

She said that she knew that I had been on Carnival and thought the reputation must be wrong with what she knew of me.

 

I have seen a couple of people really bad drunk, but they were getting back on board after a port day in Cozumel.

 

If you go to the bars late there are probably more drunk folks.

 

At least a couple of mornings I like to get up early and watch the sun rise.

Early in the morning the ship is so serene and it is great knowing that I have a whole new day on board.

If you haven't seen the sun come up over the sea, then it really is a must see.

[pianogal83]

I have only cruised Carnival and Princess so can only compare those 2 lines and IMHO Carnival wins hands down. I have never viewed the hairy chest competition, the mixology contest, or played bingo. DH doesn't drink at all and I may have 4-5 drinks over a 7 day cruise. We enjoy relaxing, reading, and being together during the day on our cruises and find plenty of quiet places to do just that. If we want to be more active, there are dance classes, gym, spa, game/trivia, etc. In the evenings we love a good piano bar or club, sometimes the comedy shows (if they don't get too nasty) and while the shows in the main theater are usually good, we've seen most of them several times and they really don't measure up. (we are broadway fanatics and pay more to see a 3 hour show than what we pay per day for a cruise so its not fair to expect the same quality).

 

The difference in Princess and Carnival was that we were almost the youngest on Princess. Although they offered good musical venues, after 10 at night, there would only be 5 or 6 of us left, not contributing to a good atmosphere, so the bands usually closed down early or we got bored and left. On Carnival, we usually go to our stateroom around midnight and the parties are still going strong. I Like that kind of energy!

 

On 8 Carnival cruises, I have only noticed 1 drunk and she was expeditiously escorted away by security. The funny thing was that I saw her the rest of the week but never in a bar or with a drink in her hand. I guess either the ship or her husband cut her off from charging drinks on her S&S! But she did make quite an entertaining scene the first evening of the cruise in the Piano Bar! At first we thought she was part of the act! LOL

 

I would like to give NCL and RCCL a try when the price/itinerary is right. It would take a great price/itinerary for me to subject myself to Princess again!

So, for the time being Carnival Fun Ships are the way to go!:D

[Sailfish]

I have only cruised Carnival and Princess so can only compare those 2 lines and IMHO Carnival wins hands down. I have never viewed the hairy chest competition, the mixology contest, or played bingo. DH doesn't drink at all and I may have 4-5 drinks over a 7 day cruise. We enjoy relaxing, reading, and being together during the day on our cruises and find plenty of quiet places to do just that. If we want to be more active, there are dance classes, gym, spa, game/trivia, etc. In the evenings we love a good piano bar or club, sometimes the comedy shows (if they don't get too nasty) and while the shows in the main theater are usually good, we've seen most of them several times and they really don't measure up. (we are broadway fanatics and pay more to see a 3 hour show than what we pay per day for a cruise so its not fair to expect the same quality).

 

The difference in Princess and Carnival was that we were almost the youngest on Princess. Although they offered good musical venues, after 10 at night, there would only be 5 or 6 of us left, not contributing to a good atmosphere, so the bands usually closed down early or we got bored and left. On Carnival, we usually go to our stateroom around midnight and the parties are still going strong. I Like that kind of energy!

 

On 8 Carnival cruises, I have only noticed 1 drunk and she was expeditiously escorted away by security. The funny thing was that I saw her the rest of the week but never in a bar or with a drink in her hand. I guess either the ship or her husband cut her off from charging drinks on her S&S! But she did make quite an entertaining scene the first evening of the cruise in the Piano Bar! At first we thought she was part of the act! LOL

 

I would like to give NCL and RCCL a try when the price/itinerary is right. It would take a great price/itinerary for me to subject myself to Princess again!

So, for the time being Carnival Fun Ships are the way to go!:D

 

 

The mass-market cruise lines are more alike than different; but so much depends on what time of year you cruise, you can't generalize about the clientele. I have been on Carnival in early December - on a 10 night cruise - where the average age was 60 and older. I have also been on Carnival ships in the summer and over Spring Break - this is when you see the more crazy behavior and unruly kids. Security has improved, but the clientele that sail to drink and party tend to favor Carnival more, since it is encouraged. I am not talking about bad behavior necessarily. But when it happens, it often seems to get more out of control on Carnival than others.

 

We have a cruise to Alaska coming up in September with Princess - I anticipate it will be low-key and very relaxing. Probably the same that could be said of a Carnival ship that time of year. But I chose Princess for one reason - it was cheaper! But the truth is, I have higher expectations of that cruise. We are Elite with Princess and Platinum with Carnival - great past guest perks from both. I wouldn't hesitate cruising with Carnival (we will be on the Liberty post Thanksgiving week). But I still think Princess is better.

Edited July 14, 2013 by Sailfish

[Aplmac]

.

OV2 at Genoa!

 

So, for the time being Carnival Fun Ships are the way to go! :D

For a few years back there,

the British thoroughly enjoyed a Carnival Corp. cruise line called Ocean Village.

 

It was the riotous equivalent of Carnival, and let me tell you those Brits can drink!!

Their sailaway parties beat any Carnival sailaway I've ever witnessed.

Obviously "some alcohol was involved"...

 

 

Two of our ten cruises so far

were on Ocean Village Two -and we had a great time!

Now I think back on it,

OV definitely was the British equivalent of Carnival on this side of The Pond!

 

 

Most unfortunately

the financial meltdown of Sept. 2008 sounded the death knell for Ocean Village's two ships!

The Carnival Corp. beards took the decision to dump the brand

(middle-class England was absolutely horrified!!)

and the two ships were sent Down Undah, where they could make more $$$.

Usual story, innit?

 

To this day, my wife wants her Ocean Village line BACK!

 

.

Edited July 14, 2013 by Aplmac

[gusandgidgetsmom]

I agree most lines are more alike than different. The most boring and forgettable cruise I have ever taken was on Carnival to Alaska. Glad I got that crossed off the list. The ports were dumpy and the cruise just boring unless you were off on a tour. I enjoy Princess as well but I am one of the old demographic! I really enjoy Carnival too as it has a great blend of things to do. Princess does slow down at night which is ok with me. I have sailed Carnival since the 80's and have not found it to have lived up to it's partying name. In fact the worst party I have ever seen happened on RCI.

The mass-market cruise lines are more alike than different; but so much depends on what time of year you cruise, you can't generalize about the clientele. I have been on Carnival in early December - on a 10 night cruise - where the average age was 60 and older. I have also been on Carnival ships in the summer and over Spring Break - this is when you see the more crazy behavior and unruly kids. Security has improved, but the clientele that sail to drink and party tend to favor Carnival more, since it is encouraged. I am not talking about bad behavior necessarily. But when it happens, it often seems to get more out of control on Carnival than others.

 

We have a cruise to Alaska coming up in September with Princess - I anticipate it will be low-key and very relaxing. Probably the same that could be said of a Carnival ship that time of year. But I chose Princess for one reason - it was cheaper! But the truth is, I have higher expectations of that cruise. We are Elite with Princess and Platinum with Carnival - great past guest perks from both. I wouldn't hesitate cruising with Carnival (we will be on the Liberty post Thanksgiving week). But I still think Princess is better.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

It likes it that way .

 

 

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[SmithAlien]

What is Carnival's reputation among travel agents?

 

My travel agent (who helped me organize and book the craniofacial cruise we're doing next month on NCL Escape) will not book her clients on Carnival, because it is "party boat" and always in the news for stranding passengers at sea and not maintaining its fleet well, in her words.

 

My only cruise so far in my life is the Carnival Fascination 3-night Miami-Nassau cruise my mom and I took in June 2001. I did not see the rowdiness or drunkenness, but I did see everyone having fun. Neither Mom or I drank a drop of alcohol. I stayed up to the wee hours each morning. I joined in on the conga line dancing on lido deck to the strains of a steel band. I had my photo snapped with a Vegas-style showgirl (and Mom and I bought that photo for a souvenir). Mom had fun too! She did her best Betty Boop impression by the pool (she's of that age). She posed for me to take pictures of her in various areas of the ship. We discovered that the deck around the funnel was topless! Both of us attended the shows each night. We dressed up for dinner. We had the most fun waiter for our MDR table, and talkative tablemates (we were seated at a table for 8). It was a great first cruise (and a "Fascinating" introduction to cruising for both of us)! And the ship sure enough had a fun interior decor--Fascination's theme was/is Hollywood, with all the classic movie-star mannequins lounging about along Hollywood Boulevard (Humphrey Bogart, etc).

 

Someday I want to try Carnival again--especially to sail the Fascination one more time just for old times' sake. I also want to try their newer, bigger ships. I'm of the ripe old age of 41 but I still have spunk in me!

 

What reputation does NCL have, compared to Carnival? I'm taking NCL next month (NCL Escape) and in January (NCL Pearl for the Star Trek cruise).

[tigercat]

I have not sailed on NCL but have sailed on RCCL, Disney, Princess and Carnival. I keep hearing about the "party" Carnival ships but in our 10 cruises on Carnival have yet to see it. We have had good service and had no problems with their ship. We only do 7 night and longer cruises so that might make a difference I don't know. The worse for "partys" was RCCL. There were a lot of drunk people. They were having a good time but wow. Disney as well had several people that were "having fun". Princess wasn't too bad. We enjoyed our cruises on that line.

 

I have found in my own life that the people that say it is a party ship have never sailed Carnival. One older couple that took their first cruise with us on a Carnival ship thought it was a little "loud". They were older (in their 70's) and really into art. However, they have now done about 8 cruises and say that the best cruise they had was on Carnival.

 

Everyone has their own opinions so I usually try to go with my own. We have tried other lines and may in the future go on Princess again but right now I have 2 cruises lined up with Carnival. After that we will have to see if we are able to cruise after that.

 

tigercat

[SadieN]

What is Carnival's reputation among travel agents?

 

 

 

My travel agent (who helped me organize and book the craniofacial cruise we're doing next month on NCL Escape) will not book her clients on Carnival, because it is "party boat" and always in the news for stranding passengers at sea and not maintaining its fleet well, in her words.

 

..................

 

 

She's feeding you a line. Have a good friend who's a TA. She doesn't like booking Carnival because they give some of the lowest commission rates of any cruise line.

We've sailed several times over summer and Spring Break, never had an issue with Carnival. Our rowdiest cruise was a three day on Princess, in November.

Even on the wildest cruises, there's always quiet areas of the ship.

 

 

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