Carnival SpiritOK for Oldies?

[rabbit1971]

Hi,

I am hoping that they cater for a wide range of age groups as we are a family of four ( 47, 42, 15 and 10) who will have two grandma's tagging along ( very young at heart 60's). I think if a ship promotes itself as a family ship, like the spirit does, then a wide range of activities should be on offer.

Also don't count on the fact that there are less kids when its not school holidays as we are "extending" our kids holidays in order to go on the cruise.

Cheers maree:rolleyes:

[The_Big_M]

The Carnival brand is very different onboard to RC...

Also the activities play a role in this. RC uses is facilities to provide entertainment, while Carnival need to organise activities. With RC having the facilities people can make their own activities and don't need to rely on the organised entertainment, this allows a wider range of people who will enjoy it.

 

OTOH, the RCL brand ships that have succeeded here so far also don't have as many facilities. Radiance only has the mini-golf, and Rhapsody doesn't even have that. Thus, I don't agree that they're factors in making it more or less family friendly as per the question.

 

In any case, Carnival Spirit also has facilities that none of those RCL ships do, being the aqua park and water slide. It has mini-golf like Voyager. So compared to the other RCL ships here, it has more in the way of facilities than most, but slightly less than Voyager. That shows more similarity being mid-range of RCL if anything, but slightly different - like all the RCL ships here are.

 

As for the decor, that's different, but isn't going to make or break an onboard experience. Some will prefer one more than another, but I'd be surprised if the decor was the defining factor in what people remember, how much they enjoy or rate their holiday from.

[Cruise ship fan]

OTOH, the RCL brand ships that have succeeded here so far also don't have as many facilities. Radiance only has the mini-golf, and Rhapsody doesn't even have that. Thus, I don't agree that they're factors in making it more or less family friendly as per the question.

 

In any case, Carnival Spirit also has facilities that none of those RCL ships do, being the aqua park and water slide. It has mini-golf like Voyager. So compared to the other RCL ships here, it has more in the way of facilities than most, but slightly less than Voyager. That shows more similarity being mid-range of RCL if anything, but slightly different - like all the RCL ships here are.

 

As for the decor, that's different, but isn't going to make or break an onboard experience. Some will prefer one more than another, but I'd be surprised if the decor was the defining factor in what people remember, how much they enjoy or rate their holiday from.

 

The question was regarding the Voyager not RC. I was just saying RC as may of the ships include similar stuff to the voyager. As for the water park, you don't see many elderly couples or singles playing in it. The only time they will usually use it is if they are with their grand kids. Its not the best for range of age groups, but its perfect for the age groups it targets.

[GandM-nq]

The question was regarding the Voyager not RC. I was just saying RC as may of the ships include similar stuff to the voyager.

 

O? So you were saying 'RC' instead of 'Voyger' cause the ships have similar facilities anyways? Ice skating on Rhapsody anyone? Voyger is an exception, not the rule with RC ships in Australia. Maybe that has something to do with her size? 138,000 tons means you can fit more onboard don't it. Radiance and Rhapsody are 90,000 and 78,000 ton respectively and Carnival Spirit is 88,000 so lets compare facilities between those 3 ships.

 

And

As for the water park, you don't see many elderly couples or singles playing in it. The only time they will usually use it is if they are with their grand kids. Its not the best for range of age groups, but its perfect for the age groups it targets.

 

So like on RC, how many elder couples will I see rockclimbing? The only time they will usually use it is if they are with their grand kids - NOT. Its not the best for range of age groups, but its perfect for the age groups it targets.

Go figure.

 

Looking between Rhapsody, Radiance and Carnival Spirit - There is not much difference between facilities provided on these ships, and I doubt organised activities would be much dissimilar either.

 

What will make the cruise is the peoples on board. And with 2600 other cruisers along for the ride, am sure you will find others of similar ilk to socialise/experience the voyage with.

[bazzaw]

 

 

Looking between Rhapsody, Radiance and Carnival Spirit - There is not much difference between facilities provided on these ships, and I doubt organised activities would be much dissimilar either.

 

 

Hmm - I am thinking that the BIGGEST difference will be/is the way in which a ship is marketed. Pubs in England are very similar - they mostly serve beer and food -- but the ones that have the big sign out the front that says "FAMILY FRIENDLY" will be the ones that either attract you or do otherwise. :p

 

So far , I haven't really seen any such marketing for Voyager or the other RCL ships - but have seen it for Carnival Spirit.

 

Barry

[luv2cruz44]

Hi,

My bride and I are thinking of taking our second ever cruise (May '13) and wondered if Carnival Spirit is a good ship for older folk in their 50's?

Last cruise we took was on Holland America's, Volendam and it was great, but we've heard that Spirit is more tuned into younger folk and young families. That doesn't bother us a bit......but do they take the grey haired set into account too?

Any advice is most welcome.

Cheers,

Rob

 

I must confess I did not read all the responses to this question before I hopped on to add my $.02. If anything I say is inappropriate, please forgive me in advance. I do not intend to offend.

 

First of all, we are part of the aged crowd; I am just approaching 68 and my DH is 70. We are Carnival Loyalists, having reached the diamond level. We were on the Spirit when it arrived in Sydney.

 

That being said, we took our first Princess cruise out of Sydney to New Zealand just recently and felt a little "young" for that cruise. Like some have mentioned, we avoid Carnival during summer vacations and holidays and have very seldom found too many kids to be a problem. We do enjoy the food, the shows, the casinos. We feel, even at our age, Carnival to be a good fit for us and hope you do too.

[fishtaco]

Hi,

My bride and I are thinking of taking our second ever cruise (May '13) and wondered if Carnival Spirit is a good ship for older folk in their 50's?

Last cruise we took was on Holland America's, Volendam and it was great, but we've heard that Spirit is more tuned into younger folk and young families. That doesn't bother us a bit......but do they take the grey haired set into account too?

Any advice is most welcome.

Cheers,

Rob

 

I am 51 and Tracey 50 and we got married in Vegas in June,we booked a carnival cruise for our honeymoon. We have no Children.

 

I would expect Carnival Australia to be similar to Carnival USA.

 

Carnival USA ships have more than enough Adult or over 18 only areas to not notice all the kids enjoying themselves!

 

Unless you want to Boogie on Down till the wee hours with the young adults who stick to the Disco and then silently recover from noon until late afternoon around the adult pool then head to the video arcade.

 

We never see crowed s of kids at Buffet queues as they were too interested in free pizza and burgers all day on deck.

 

If you stay away from the main Lido pool area it would be fine during the day.

 

Carnival USA didnt have too many daytime activities for adults but they also didnt have many for kids.

 

For the cruise price charged in Australia though I would go with another line if you could as its really just P&O with newer ships.

 

 

Den

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Carnival Australia does not have to "sell itself" to the "oldies.

They are going to cruise anyway, so they have a captive market.

Most of their marketing is geared toward persuading the younger generation that cruising is fun and good value for families and the younger crowd.

 

Don't forget , they have a lot of beds to fill every single night , and now have a lot more competition from other cruise lines , which have even more beds to fill.

Where are all the people coming from?

I would have expected much more marketing from land based Resorts , who must be feeling the pressure the cruise lines are putting on them and the customers they are taking away from them.

 

 

[fishtaco]

Carnival Australia does not have to "sell itself" to the "oldies.

They are going to cruise anyway, so they have a captive market.

Most of their marketing is geared toward persuading the younger generation that cruising is fun and good value for families and the younger crowd.

 

Don't forget , they have a lot of beds to fill every single night , and now have a lot more competition from other cruise lines , which have even more beds to fill.

Where are all the people coming from?

I would have expected much more marketing from land based Resorts , who must be feeling the pressure the cruise lines are putting on them and the customers they are taking away from them.

 

 

 

 

Australian land based resorts have already made their "mint" on the prices they charge, hopefully they will get caught well and truly napping and have to drastically lower prices forcing cruise lines to follow suit:D:D:D

 

Den

[bazzaw]

Australian land based resorts have already made their "mint" on the prices they charge, hopefully they will get caught well and truly napping and have to drastically lower prices forcing cruise lines to follow suit:D:D:D

 

Den

 

 

NO - they won't "lower prices" -- they will simply fold up!! Go broke!! And the Aussie employees (who are NOT being paid the 3rd world wages that chefs, waiters, etc on the visiting cruiseships get paid) will be out of a job. I do hope that none of your friends, family, etc are employed in the Ozzie tourist industry. We don't have many industries left!! - but what do I/we/you care, we are old with not much time left to go.

 

Barry

[avalon007]

Hi,

 

We went on RCCL Radiance earlier this year during school holidays, but must say I didn't notice the kids much at all, the adults only solarium was a nice place to chill out & since we chose late dining, it was all adults & not a kid in sight.

 

I think the ships style of decor etc is something to consider as that can affect your perception, I personally don't like the gaudy Joe Farcus style of the Carnival interior decoration from what I have seen, I found Radiance to be in general very tasteful without being stodgy.

 

But any holiday is really what you make of it, every one is different & if you don't enjoy Carnival well you'll know not to go back.:)

[SpiritofCharles]

I would have expected much more marketing from land based Resorts , who must be feeling the pressure the cruise lines are putting on them and the customers they are taking away from them.

 

I can't see how land based resorts would be feeling pressure from cruises given the enormous price differential. Our upcoming cruise on Carnival Spirit is twice the price of an equivalent land based holiday.

[fishtaco]

I can't see how land based resorts would be feeling pressure from cruises given the enormous price differential. Our upcoming cruise on Carnival Spirit is twice the price of an equivalent land based holiday.

 

 

Obviously you dont live in Western Australia:)

 

Den

[fishtaco]

NO - they won't "lower prices" -- they will simply fold up!! Go broke!! And the Aussie employees (who are NOT being paid the 3rd world wages that chefs, waiters, etc on the visiting cruiseships get paid) will be out of a job. I do hope that none of your friends, family, etc are employed in the Ozzie tourist industry. We don't have many industries left!! - but what do I/we/you care, we are old with not much time left to go.

 

Barry

 

No Barry but know plenty in other industries who are rapidly being replaced by cheaper overseas workers who just happen to be sending all their hard earned Dollars back home and out of Australia:)

 

Den

[GandM-nq]

I can't see how land based resorts would be feeling pressure from cruises given the enormous price differential. Our upcoming cruise on Carnival Spirit is twice the price of an equivalent land based holiday.

 

Equivalent land based resort holiday (travel, accommodation, breakfast/lunch/dinner + entertainment) at half the price of the cruise cost? Certainly not holidaying in Australia then.

[SpiritofCharles]

Equivalent land based resort holiday (travel, accommodation, breakfast/lunch/dinner + entertainment) at half the price of the cruise cost?

 

Yep, that's right. Adding up all the costs the cruise is about twice the cost of equivalent standard of holidays we've done interstate or flying to Asia/South Pacific. But I accept that you have to pay more for the convenience of taking your hotel with you and visiting a number of places in the one trip.

[fishtaco]

Yep, that's right. Adding up all the costs the cruise is about twice the cost of equivalent standard of holidays we've done interstate or flying to Asia/South Pacific. But I accept that you have to pay more for the convenience of taking your hotel with you and visiting a number of places in the one trip.

 

This would depend I suppose on your choice of Cabin category on a cruise v Hotel star rating on land and your spend per day on food/entertainment on that land based holiday.

 

I can go camping in a WA tourist area and it will cost more than a cruise unless I take all my groceries and cook for myself.

 

I can go to Bali with a cheap air asia tickets stay in a cheap hotel with cheap food and it works out a bit less than a cheap cruise.

 

12-14 nights in Thailand costs me around $5000 for 2 staying in cheaper hotels,my RCI 2 pax cruise to Asia cost $3500 for 14 nights.

 

But a true comparison would be an all inclusive land based resort V a Cruise plus ship spend.

 

 

Den

[avalon007]

Yep, that's right. Adding up all the costs the cruise is about twice the cost of equivalent standard of holidays we've done interstate or flying to Asia/South Pacific. But I accept that you have to pay more for the convenience of taking your hotel with you and visiting a number of places in the one trip.

 

 

Really, is it a true comparison? What sort of holidays are you comparing it to may I ask, I'd be interested to know?

If anyone has to do the driving, make a bed, go to the laundry or cook a meal, then it's not an equivalent holiday. :)

 

I was a travel consultent & from my experience not many holidays are better value than cruising based on the same level of available service, food & entertainment.

 

Our last cruise on RCCL was 12 days for a Deck 8 balcony cabin & cost us about $166 per person per day (adult), you could cut that back significantly if you had a lower grade cabin.

 

There is no way I could get the same equivalent standard of holiday in Australia for the two of us with everything that is included on the ship.

 

A basic motel room costs $60+ pp per night, breakfast on top is usually about $10 - $15, then add the cost of a decent lunch & 3 course dinner at an equivalent restaurant standard, not to mention the cost of all the snacks added on & room service would cost you as well.

 

Add on air fares or fuel if it's a driving holiday (plus hidden costs like car wear & tear).

 

Even a Qld resort holiday with meals included would still struggle to offer the same level of entertainment at the same price.

 

Take into account costs to do similar activities like mini golf, rock climbing wall, the price to go to the movies, see equivalent stage shows, comedians etc each night if not available at your hotel or resort.

 

Even the price of cocktails at about $7.50- $8 a go, is a good $5 cheaper than most decent hotels/restaurants in Australia.

 

The cost of child minding if you have kids can also add up.:)

[SpiritofCharles]

But a true comparison would be an all inclusive land based resort V a Cruise plus ship spend.

 

Yep, that's what I'm comparing. All I can tell you is that I've added up every dollar spent on past holidays, including incidental cash, and the cost of the cruise is about twice as much. I know I'm paying a premium because we're going in the school holidays, but the other holidays have been in school holidays as well.

 

And at this stage we haven't gone on the cruise, so there'll be all the incidental costs to add on to that as well, which will make the total cost of the cruise even more! :)

 

Cheers,

Charles

[avalon007]

Yep, that's what I'm comparing. All I can tell you is that I've added up every dollar spent on past holidays, including incidental cash, and the cost of the cruise is about twice as much. I know I'm paying a premium because we're going in the school holidays, but the other holidays have been in school holidays as well.

 

And at this stage we haven't gone on the cruise, so there'll be all the incidental costs to add on to that as well, which will make the total cost of the cruise even more! :)

 

Cheers,

Charles

 

 

Sounds like you pick up some bargains then Charles, were did you last stay that was such a good deal? Might be worth considering.

 

I guess if you have a few kids then you may be able able to save more if they offer big discounts for kids at these places.

 

How does it compare for adults only?

[SpiritofCharles]

I don't think I've received any bargains in the past, at least I haven't particularly sought them (and you don't expect any in school holidays!). We normally stay 4 star (at least according to the resorts) and have two interconnecting rooms for us and our two children.

 

We're certainly looking forward to the day when we can travel on our own and not in school holidays, and not be taken advantage of all the time! :)

[The_Big_M]

I guess if you have a few kids then you may be able able to save more if they offer big discounts for kids at these places.

 

How does it compare for adults only?

 

I think if you're travelling for two, it's easier to get a good deal on a cruise, and the price doesn't add up so much on a cruise. When you have more than two, it's easy to be paying for $500-600 a night for an inside or outside on a holiday cruise or even more for balconies or suites. That racks up very quickly, and is easily beaten with a land holiday.

 

Of course, with the cruise you get extras thrown in like entertainment every night and kids club, and big buffets for every meal. In normal situations you wouldn't go to a show every night nor have kids club every day, nor a buffet for every meal. So it's easy for cruise sales people to add up the cost of everything and then say it's great value. But like those bundle deals it's really more like you've been upsold to a higher priced package with more inclusions.

 

So, both arguments are valid. Cruising is an expensive type of holiday compared to land, but also does provide good value.

[avalon007]

I think if you're travelling for two, it's easier to get a good deal on a cruise, and the price doesn't add up so much on a cruise. When you have more than two, it's easy to be paying for $500-600 a night for an inside or outside on a holiday cruise or even more for balconies or suites. That racks up very quickly, and is easily beaten with a land holiday.

 

Of course, with the cruise you get extras thrown in like entertainment every night and kids club, and big buffets for every meal. In normal situations you wouldn't go to a show every night nor have kids club every day, nor a buffet for every meal. So it's easy for cruise sales people to add up the cost of everything and then say it's great value. But like those bundle deals it's really more like you've been upsold to a higher priced package with more inclusions.

 

So, both arguments are valid. Cruising is an expensive type of holiday compared to land, but also does provide good value.

 

If you compare having the exact same meals & doing the same activities at an Australia resort with a cruise I don't think you would get a better deal, that was the point I was making, comparing 'apples to apples' so to speak.:)

 

But if you had kids over 11 years old, or needed multiple rooms, plus you don't take advantage of all that is offered, or don't want to have so much choice with dining, it could add up as more costly I'm sure.

But the good thing about a cruise is if you run out of spending money before it's over is that you can still have just as good a time. :)

 

Those kids can be expensive can't they! :) I know studies have shown the real cost to raise a child in Australia to adulthood is over a million dollars!

Pity not many pay you back by shouting you on a few luxury holidays when they grow up & leave the nest!!:D

 

My parents took us on 2 cruises as children though & we were just average Australians with 1 wage coming in, they were the best holidays we ever had as children, with lifelong positive effects.

 

So if you can afford to take kids cruising then it's worth it for the new cultures & countries they get to see, experiences that are 'priceless' as they say.

[rabbit1971]

Hi all,

Just to enter into the discussion on cruise vs land based holidays. As a family of 4 we have had a number of land based holidays ranging from $8000 for 10 days on gold coast in a 3 bedroom hotel with car hire and theme parks, this also includes air fares and meals but not shopping/incidental money, to $3500 for a trip to melbourne ( we're in tassie) for 4 days to see a theatre show plus trip to museum and zoo, this also included airfares and meals and cost of show but nor incidental spending. So these trips worked out to approx $800 per day for a family of four

our upcoming cruise will set us back $7200 for 12 nights factoring in air fares plus one nights accomadation prior to setting sail ( another $200 give or take) equates to $766 per day.

To us its very similar value, yes we will have shore excursion costs added on, but its very hard to put a price on the experience which is what we want to give our kids. our youngest is quite disabled and in a wheelchair so family camping trips/ caravanning are not options for us and we find the idea of travelling to different countries without the flights/ changing hotels a real bonus.

Cheers maree:)

[rabbit1971]

OOPs sorry airfares should have been $2000 my terrible typing:D