Is Carnival the best cruise line for me?

[Krunu15]

As a bit of background, I'm a 28 year old grad student who will be cruising with my 33 year old fiance. This will be our first major vacation together and his first cruise. I've cruised twice before, once with my parents on NCL to Alaska when I was a teenager (2000) and once with a friend on Carnival Miracle out of New York when I graduated college (2007). While budget is a concern, it isn't our biggest concern; so more expensive cruise lines aren't out of our reach.

 

I've got a cruise booked for Carnival Pride out of Baltimore in September and we are both very excited, but as I've read some of the complaints about Carnival I'm wondering if there would be better cruise lines for us going forward. When I was on the Carnival Miracle in 2007, I don't think I could have asked for a better experience but I see there have been quite a few cutbacks.

 

Some of the things that are particularly important to us are:

• A more "traditional" cruise - formal nights, dressing nicely for dinner other nights, sitting at the same table with new cruisemates with dining at a set time, breakfast and lunch in the dining room, afternoon tea, etc.
  
• A relatively smaller ship - I like the Carnival Spirit Class ships because they don't seem insanely huge.
  
• Entertainment including production shows on most nights. I'm not into comedians.
  
• Fun and varied daytime activities onboard.
  
• A cruising demographic that is neither too young for us or too old for us. We'd be perfectly comfortable amongst young families, but probably wouldn't enjoy college age kids or "spring break" groups at this point.
  
• We both love good food and my fiance is a pescetarian.
  
• Sizable, comfortable rooms, with balconies are a huge plus.
  

 

Some of the things that aren't really important to us:

• Spa Services
  
• Specialty restaurants
  
• Alcoholic Drinks
  

[Loving My Life]

Some of the things that are particularly important to us are:

 

A more "traditional" cruise - formal nights, dressing nicely for dinner other nights, sitting at the same table with new cruisemates with dining at a set time, breakfast and lunch in the dining room, afternoon tea, etc.

 

Carnival has "elegant" nights (2 on a 7 day cruise) that are not as formal as they used to be, but many people still dress nicely. Carnival also offers breakfast and lunch in the dining room, set seating times (in addition to anytime dining), and afternoon tea on sea days.

 

A relatively smaller ship - I like the Carnival Spirit Class ships because they don't seem insanely huge.

 

So far, Spirit class is our favorite too.

Entertainment including production shows on most nights. I'm not into comedians.

 

On our 7 day cruise in January, there were production shows 3 nights only. There were several nights that, even with the comedians, there was nothing offered. Of course, there is the casino, piano bar, and clubs, but they allow smoking in most, if not all, of these venues so we couldn't enjoy them (I have asthma). This was my biggest complaint of the cruise.

Fun and varied daytime activities onboard.

 

Depends on what you like to do. Plenty of trivia, bingo, and lido games (hairy chest, etc), but not a lot of more refined activities, so I read a lot on the Serenity deck.

A cruising demographic that is neither too young for us or too old for us. We'd be perfectly comfortable amongst young families, but probably wouldn't enjoy college age kids or "spring break" groups at this point.

 

We are in our late 30s and fit in just fine. Plenty of families, but not a ton of college-aged partiers. Keep in mind, this was in January, so school/college was in session.

We both love good food and my fiance is a pescetarian.

 

Food was good, not amazing, but always something we enjoyed in the dining room. We did the Chef's Table which was a wonderful experience.

Sizable, comfortable rooms, with balconies are a huge plus.

 

Carnival's cabins are quite roomy - the same as your last cruise in 2007.

[Thebosn1]

As a bit of background, I'm a 28 year old grad student who will be cruising with my 33 year old fiance. This will be our first major vacation together and his first cruise. I've cruised twice before, once with my parents on NCL to Alaska when I was a teenager (2000) and once with a friend on Carnival Miracle out of New York when I graduated college (2007). While budget is a concern, it isn't our biggest concern; so more expensive cruise lines aren't out of our reach.

 

I've got a cruise booked for Carnival Pride out of Baltimore in September and we are both very excited, but as I've read some of the complaints about Carnival I'm wondering if there would be better cruise lines for us going forward. When I was on the Carnival Miracle in 2007, I don't think I could have asked for a better experience but I see there have been quite a few cutbacks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the things that are particularly important to us are:

• A more "traditional" cruise - formal nights, dressing nicely for dinner other nights, sitting at the same table with new cruisemates with dining at a set time, breakfast and lunch in the dining room, afternoon tea, etc.
  
• A relatively smaller ship - I like the Carnival Spirit Class ships because they don't seem insanely huge.
  
• Entertainment including production shows on most nights. I'm not into comedians.
  
• Fun and varied daytime activities onboard.
  
• A cruising demographic that is neither too young for us or too old for us. We'd be perfectly comfortable amongst young families, but probably wouldn't enjoy college age kids or "spring break" groups at this point.
  
• We both love good food and my fiance is a pescetarian.
  
• Sizable, comfortable rooms, with balconies are a huge plus.
  

 

Some of the things that aren't really important to us:

• Spa Services
  
• Specialty restaurants
  
• Alcoholic Drinks
  

 

I think Carnival is definately playing to the younger crowd now. The DJ music and stuff on the lido deck is a good example.

 

That said, I think Carnival still should be a good fit for you. There are plenty of things to do during the day, and if you have a good cruise director you will be involved in the fun. There was only one short show on the Breeze, it was OK though. The food was great even in the buffet, and the cabins were good sized and comfortable. :)

[Xina143]

As a bit of background, I'm a 28 year old grad student who will be cruising with my 33 year old fiance. This will be our first major vacation together and his first cruise. I've cruised twice before, once with my parents on NCL to Alaska when I was a teenager (2000) and once with a friend on Carnival Miracle out of New York when I graduated college (2007). While budget is a concern, it isn't our biggest concern; so more expensive cruise lines aren't out of our reach.

 

I've got a cruise booked for Carnival Pride out of Baltimore in September and we are both very excited, but as I've read some of the complaints about Carnival I'm wondering if there would be better cruise lines for us going forward. When I was on the Carnival Miracle in 2007, I don't think I could have asked for a better experience but I see there have been quite a few cutbacks.

 

Some of the things that are particularly important to us are:

• A more "traditional" cruise - formal nights, dressing nicely for dinner other nights, sitting at the same table with new cruisemates with dining at a set time, breakfast and lunch in the dining room, afternoon tea, etc.
  
• A relatively smaller ship - I like the Carnival Spirit Class ships because they don't seem insanely huge.
  
• Entertainment including production shows on most nights. I'm not into comedians.
  
• Fun and varied daytime activities onboard.
  
• A cruising demographic that is neither too young for us or too old for us. We'd be perfectly comfortable amongst young families, but probably wouldn't enjoy college age kids or "spring break" groups at this point.
  
• We both love good food and my fiance is a pescetarian.
  
• Sizable, comfortable rooms, with balconies are a huge plus.
  

 

Some of the things that aren't really important to us:

• Spa Services
  
• Specialty restaurants
  
• Alcoholic Drinks
  

 

We just got off the Pride (April 7-14) and I can say my husband and I had a blast! It was just the two of us on this cruise, our boys were at home.

 

If you are interested in sitting with the same people make sure you pick either early or late seating. IF you do YTD, you will sit where they put you. We liked the flexibility of that. As for breakfast and lunch, they don't have set times, so while you might sit with other guests, they won't necessarily be the same people every day.

 

-The Pride is a smaller ship, but we didn't feel that it was too small, always a lot to do.

 

-There were shows each night, but give the comedians a try. I didn't think I would enjoy the shows, but it was hilarious. Especially if it is just the two of you, try new things!

 

-There was always something to do on board-trivia games, the casino, the pools. We loved the Serenity Deck-adults only-it was a great place to just relax and have a drink.

 

-I would imagine since most schools around here (VA, MD and W.VA) start in August that you might miss the summer rush. There were some children in April, but there was a very wide range of ages and people. Didn't see a lot of college kids partying, though it isn't like a group of 18 year olds can just book, they would need an adult.

 

-we really enjoyed the food! There was always a vegetarian option in the MDR, and seeing as your fiance does not eat red meat, you might not be interested, but the Steakhouse was wonderful (they did have fish). Great ambiance and excellent service.

 

-We had a balcony. Now, unless you book a suite, realize you aren't getting a huge room. But our balcony room had plenty of room for the two of us.

[cruizinisthebest]

I think you would enjoy Carnival just as much as any other. There something for every age group on Carnival.

[Midwestgal]

In my opinion no, I love my Carnival cruise and for the most part it meets all my needs however I don't think any cruise line will be able to check every box you've listed.

 

Pros with Carnival ; cabin size,mixed ages ,fun things to do,small ships.

 

In the middle; food is hit or miss, MDR service can be way too slow, most people dress but some do not, entertainment is ok but not top notch.

 

 

Cons; Can't think of any.

 

In my opinion I think you will find flaws on all the lines.

 

 

Personally I can care less how people dress .

[Cruizinman]

Years ago I would have said Carnival in a split second.

Today I would explore any and all options before I made that decision .

[panoramaofthepast]

As a bit of background, I'm a 28 year old grad student who will be cruising with my 33 year old fiance. This will be our first major vacation together and his first cruise. I've cruised twice before, once with my parents on NCL to Alaska when I was a teenager (2000) and once with a friend on Carnival Miracle out of New York when I graduated college (2007). While budget is a concern, it isn't our biggest concern; so more expensive cruise lines aren't out of our reach.

 

I've got a cruise booked for Carnival Pride out of Baltimore in September and we are both very excited, but as I've read some of the complaints about Carnival I'm wondering if there would be better cruise lines for us going forward. When I was on the Carnival Miracle in 2007, I don't think I could have asked for a better experience but I see there have been quite a few cutbacks.

 

 

Some of the things that are particularly important to us are:

• A more "traditional" cruise - formal nights, dressing nicely for dinner other nights, sitting at the same table with new cruisemates with dining at a set time, breakfast and lunch in the dining room, afternoon tea, etc.
  
• A relatively smaller ship - I like the Carnival Spirit Class ships because they don't seem insanely huge.
  
• Entertainment including production shows on most nights. I'm not into comedians.
  
• Fun and varied daytime activities onboard.
  
• A cruising demographic that is neither too young for us or too old for us. We'd be perfectly comfortable amongst young families, but probably wouldn't enjoy college age kids or "spring break" groups at this point.
  
• We both love good food and my fiance is a pescetarian.
  
• Sizable, comfortable rooms, with balconies are a huge plus.
  

 

Some of the things that aren't really important to us:

• Spa Services
  
• Specialty restaurants
  
• Alcoholic Drinks
  

Some of the ships have shifted to a Comedy Brunch in the MDR on sea days. I did not care for this - the menu offered some strange options [like French toast crusted with cereals] and the service was slow.

I found the family friendly comic shows far more entertaining and definitely less "blue."

[Krunu15]

Thanks for the responses thus far everyone. This has gone a long way toward easing my mind that we will have a great vacation. Like I said, I loved the cruise on the Carnival Miracle in 2007, I was a little worried based on what I've seen about cutbacks that this one wouldn't measure up. It seems that at least so far, Carnival will still exceed our expectations.

 

I do wish they had more production shows though.

[Krunu15]

In my opinion I think you will find flaws on all the lines.

 

 

Personally I can care less how people dress .

 

Thanks for your comments. This was helpful :)

 

I'm not aiming for flawless, just wanting to make sure I find the best fit. In practice, really not as picky as I sound, just stating the things that I was delighted by in my previous Carnival Cruise.

 

It's not so much that I care how other people dress, but I don't want to feel out of place for dressing up either. Since Carnival still has the "elegant" nights I'm sure that won't be a problem

[jsfromsc]

Also be aware that you're cruising during hurricane season. That could be an issue on any line. But if there are hurricanes or tropical storms present you could have a change in ports and/or rough seas.

[ibcnusoon]

Years ago I would have said Carnival in a split second.

Today I would explore any and all options before I made that decision .

 

I agree, have you checked out Norwegian Gem sailing from New York City? Norwegian Gem has great Caribbean stops such as Tortola, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and more.

 

I think you might be happy at Norwegian, they have A LOT more bars, clubs, shows, restaurants than Carnival and, as such, you may find Carnival "boring" on sea days.

 

New York City is just a quick train ride from Philadelphia and then all you'll need to do is take a taxi to the port! Easy-Peasy!

[Sparky2]

As a bit of background, I'm a 28 year old grad student who will be cruising with my 33 year old fiance. This will be our first major vacation together and his first cruise. I've cruised twice before, once with my parents on NCL to Alaska when I was a teenager (2000) and once with a friend on Carnival Miracle out of New York when I graduated college (2007). While budget is a concern, it isn't our biggest concern; so more expensive cruise lines aren't out of our reach.

 

I've got a cruise booked for Carnival Pride out of Baltimore in September and we are both very excited, but as I've read some of the complaints about Carnival I'm wondering if there would be better cruise lines for us going forward. When I was on the Carnival Miracle in 2007, I don't think I could have asked for a better experience but I see there have been quite a few cutbacks.

 

 

Some of the things that are particularly important to us are:

• A more "traditional" cruise - formal nights, dressing nicely for dinner other nights, sitting at the same table with new cruisemates with dining at a set time, breakfast and lunch in the dining room, afternoon tea, etc.
  
• A relatively smaller ship - I like the Carnival Spirit Class ships because they don't seem insanely huge.
  
• Entertainment including production shows on most nights. I'm not into comedians.
  
• Fun and varied daytime activities onboard.
  
• A cruising demographic that is neither too young for us or too old for us. We'd be perfectly comfortable amongst young families, but probably wouldn't enjoy college age kids or "spring break" groups at this point.
  
• We both love good food and my fiance is a pescetarian.
  
• Sizable, comfortable rooms, with balconies are a huge plus.
  

 

Some of the things that aren't really important to us:

• Spa Services
  
• Specialty restaurants
  
• Alcoholic Drinks
  

 

We also love the Spirit Class ships. We have been on Miracle twice & Legend once. Wish they wouldn't keep moving them away from the USA.

[Leo's Rule]

As a bit of background, I'm a 28 year old grad student who will be cruising with my 33 year old fiance. This will be our first major vacation together and his first cruise. I've cruised twice before, once with my parents on NCL to Alaska when I was a teenager (2000) and once with a friend on Carnival Miracle out of New York when I graduated college (2007). While budget is a concern, it isn't our biggest concern; so more expensive cruise lines aren't out of our reach.

 

I've got a cruise booked for Carnival Pride out of Baltimore in September and we are both very excited, but as I've read some of the complaints about Carnival I'm wondering if there would be better cruise lines for us going forward. When I was on the Carnival Miracle in 2007, I don't think I could have asked for a better experience but I see there have been quite a few cutbacks.

 

Some of the things that are particularly important to us are:

• A more "traditional" cruise - formal nights, dressing nicely for dinner other nights, sitting at the same table with new cruisemates with dining at a set time, breakfast and lunch in the dining room, afternoon tea, etc.
  
• A relatively smaller ship - I like the Carnival Spirit Class ships because they don't seem insanely huge.
  
• Entertainment including production shows on most nights. I'm not into comedians.
  
• Fun and varied daytime activities onboard.
  
• A cruising demographic that is neither too young for us or too old for us. We'd be perfectly comfortable amongst young families, but probably wouldn't enjoy college age kids or "spring break" groups at this point.
  
• We both love good food and my fiance is a pescetarian.
  
• Sizable, comfortable rooms, with balconies are a huge plus.
  

 

Some of the things that aren't really important to us:

• Spa Services
  
• Specialty restaurants
  
• Alcoholic Drinks
  

 

I've only cruised on Carnival so I can't tell you if other lines are better; which would be subjective any way. But with any business, they all have something that they do better than their competitors.

 

And from what I've seen on the boards, all of the lines are cutting back in some way. I think you'd get the spring breaker type on cruises during spring break.

 

I'd say be sure to let the MDR/Chef know of your husband's dietary restrictions. I could have googled what a pescetarian is, but my thoughts are he only eats fish; if I'm wrong; still, notify the ship of his restrictions/needs.

 

Only you know what's best for you. Give them a try, if you don't like it, then move on.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

I agree, have you checked out Norwegian Gem sailing from New York City? Norwegian Gem has great Caribbean stops such as Tortola, San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and more.

 

I think you might be happy at Norwegian, they have A LOT more bars, clubs, shows, restaurants than Carnival and, as such, you may find Carnival "boring" on sea days.

 

New York City is just a quick train ride from Philadelphia and then all you'll need to do is take a taxi to the port! Easy-Peasy!

 

NCL certainly would not fit the bill if the OP is looking for A more "traditional" cruise - formal nights, dressing nicely for dinner other nights, sitting at the same table with new cruisemates with dining at a set time.

 

Bill

[Midwestgal]

I'm to the point where after 4 Carnival cruises we're going to try a few other lines, not because we don't like Carnival anymore but just wanting to see what other lines have going on.

[firefly333]

Some of the ships have shifted to a Comedy Brunch in the MDR on sea days. I did not care for this - the menu offered some strange options [like French toast crusted with cereals] and the service was slow.

I found the family friendly comic shows far more entertaining and definitely less "blue."

 

I am pretty sure I read Pride had shifted from serving breakfast and lunch in the dining room on sea days to serving just the one meal, "brunch".

 

Its more of a fixed menu, for instance you cant order jelly on the side, or different bread than what is in the basket for that days offering. Its not a bad menu. Some will say this is a cutback so they dont have to serve you two different meals in the MDR on sea days.

 

It also does not open until 9 am if you are a early riser.

[Tapi]

OP: if you are looking at sailing from Baltimore, have you considered Grandeur of the Seas? I think it may check more boxes on your "must" list than the Carnival Pride.

 

You will have a chance to dress up a bit more on Formal nights (Carnival has ditched the concept and switched to "Elegant" night which many times is taken very lightly).

 

You should still feel comfortable in your age group, but you will experience a bit more polished cruise experience.

 

Entertainment will also be of better caliber and more professional, including the new Cirque du Soleil inspired performances in the ship's Centrum,

 

Grandeur of the Seas went through a massive revitalization in 2012 which updated most public areas, staterooms, and added new venues.

 

Definitely check it out. I think it's a good compromise based on what you are looking for.

[bphman]

I would take a look at Celebrity or Royal Caribbean as well. I do like Carnival and have never had a bad time but I find Celebrity has better services. The Bayonne option is also a very easy ride up the Turnpike as you know. Bermuda is beautiful but you will have little entertainment when docked. Another nice option is the ships are going to New England and Canada at that time. It may be cooler though and no beach time. If you are looking for beaches, you can do better than the Bahamas.

[JennN]

Hi there,

 

I am 35, my wife is 33 and we've been cruising for three years. We love Carnival. My responses are in purple below. I know that CC gives Carnival (for the most part) a bum wrap. I've only ever cruised with Carnival but won't look elsewhere. When it's broke, don't fix it! I think you should pick a longer cruise (6+ days). Reasons below.

 

Either way, enjoy your vacation!

 

• A more "traditional" cruise - formal nights, dressing nicely for dinner other nights, sitting at the same table with new cruisemates with dining at a set time, breakfast and lunch in the dining room, afternoon tea, etc. There are two formal nights on ^+ day cruises. You can Always dress nicely for dinner, any night. Elegant nights I've seen prom dresses and bridesmaid dresses, tuxes and suits to what I wear (work clothes - nice black pants, fancy shirt) to a polo and khakis. I say go with what you are comfortable with and what you want. And you can always request a table to share with cruisemates! Just choose an early or late seating as well. Or Your Time and go at your own set time. You can eat breakfast in the Main Dining Room (they have brunch there on Sea Days as well). No afternoon tea that I know of though.
  
• A relatively smaller ship - I like the Carnival Spirit Class ships because they don't seem insanely huge.
  I like the Dream class ships. They are big, but not too big for me. I prefer the Dream to say, the Valor. Not only in decor but the people to boat size ratio. But if you know what you like, stick to it!
  
• Entertainment including production shows on most nights. I'm not into comedians.
  I am not "into" shows but have gone to two on Carnival and enjoyed them as much as I could. I prefer comedians!
  
• Fun and varied daytime activities onboard.
  There is a TON of stuff to do. Lots of little things and big things alike (Bingo, Karaoke, contests, shows, mini golf, ropes course [depending on ship], pool, library, lounges, arcade, slides) - I've never ever ever been bored!
  
• A cruising demographic that is neither too young for us or too old for us. We'd be perfectly comfortable amongst young families, but probably wouldn't enjoy college age kids or "spring break" groups at this point.
  I've never found the ship itself to be too old or too young. We go on longer cruises to avoid spring breakers! They generally don't have the money. Plus, we like to go in December. But I will sound, don't count anyone out. We've met some lovely older couples on our cruises!
  
• We both love good food and my fiance is a pescetarian.
  Try the Chef's Table - I did it on the Valor 3 weeks ago and was in love! The food is great on elegant nights too in the MDR. But the steakhouse is my favorite. Food on Lido for lunch is great and there will be a pescetarian selection.
  
• Sizable, comfortable rooms, with balconies are a huge plus.
  The rooms for me aren't all that important as I am hardly in it but for about 8 hours a day, if that! The balcony rooms are great however, the smokers (if you aren't one) ruin it. We booked another cruise for December and are springing for a Spa (no smoking) balcony. I would spring for at least an oceanview, if not a balcony.
  

Again, ENJOY!

[RRLLAL]

You will absolutely love the Pride. Go and enjoy. You will find plenty to do at all times.

 

Sent using my Commodore 64

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Hi there,

 

I am 35, my wife is 33 and we've been cruising for three years. We love Carnival. My responses are in purple below. I know that CC gives Carnival (for the most part) a bum wrap. I've only ever cruised with Carnival but won't look elsewhere. When it's broke, don't fix it! I think you should pick a longer cruise (6+ days). Reasons below.

 

Either way, enjoy your vacation!

 

• A more "traditional" cruise - formal nights, dressing nicely for dinner other nights, sitting at the same table with new cruisemates with dining at a set time, breakfast and lunch in the dining room, afternoon tea, etc. There are two formal nights on ^+ day cruises. You can Always dress nicely for dinner, any night. Elegant nights I've seen prom dresses and bridesmaid dresses, tuxes and suits to what I wear (work clothes - nice black pants, fancy shirt) to a polo and khakis. I say go with what you are comfortable with and what you want. And you can always request a table to share with cruisemates! Just choose an early or late seating as well. Or Your Time and go at your own set time. You can eat breakfast in the Main Dining Room (they have brunch there on Sea Days as well). No afternoon tea that I know of though.
  
• A relatively smaller ship - I like the Carnival Spirit Class ships because they don't seem insanely huge.
  I like the Dream class ships. They are big, but not too big for me. I prefer the Dream to say, the Valor. Not only in decor but the people to boat size ratio. But if you know what you like, stick to it!
  
• Entertainment including production shows on most nights. I'm not into comedians.
  I am not "into" shows but have gone to two on Carnival and enjoyed them as much as I could. I prefer comedians!
  
• Fun and varied daytime activities onboard.
  There is a TON of stuff to do. Lots of little things and big things alike (Bingo, Karaoke, contests, shows, mini golf, ropes course [depending on ship], pool, library, lounges, arcade, slides) - I've never ever ever been bored!
  
• A cruising demographic that is neither too young for us or too old for us. We'd be perfectly comfortable amongst young families, but probably wouldn't enjoy college age kids or "spring break" groups at this point.
  I've never found the ship itself to be too old or too young. We go on longer cruises to avoid spring breakers! They generally don't have the money. Plus, we like to go in December. But I will sound, don't count anyone out. We've met some lovely older couples on our cruises!
  
• We both love good food and my fiance is a pescetarian.
  Try the Chef's Table - I did it on the Valor 3 weeks ago and was in love! The food is great on elegant nights too in the MDR. But the steakhouse is my favorite. Food on Lido for lunch is great and there will be a pescetarian selection.
  
• Sizable, comfortable rooms, with balconies are a huge plus.
  The rooms for me aren't all that important as I am hardly in it but for about 8 hours a day, if that! The balcony rooms are great however, the smokers (if you aren't one) ruin it. We booked another cruise for December and are springing for a Spa (no smoking) balcony. I would spring for at least an oceanview, if not a balcony.
  

Again, ENJOY!

 

Maybe Carnival can adopt this slogan. (just kidding)

 

Bill

[firefly333]

 

I'd say be sure to let the MDR/Chef know of your husband's dietary restrictions. I could have googled what a pescetarian is' date=' but my thoughts are he only eats fish; if I'm wrong; still, notify the ship of his restrictions/needs.[/quote']

 

OK I did google it since I am not familiar with what a pescetarian is.

 

Occasionally used to describe those who abstain from eating all meat and animal flesh with the exception of fish. Although the word is not commonly used and a pescatarian is not technically a vegetarian, more and more people are adopting this kind of diet, usually for health reasons or as a stepping stone to a fully vegetarian diet. Pescetarians often believe that moderate consumption of fish or fish oils, which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, is necessary for optimum health, although vegetarian alternatives, such as flax seed oil, are available.

 

Carnival does offer vegetarian meals and there is always a fish on the buffet line or for dinner, but I know at dinner it might be mixed with pasta etc.

 

Im not sure how strict this diet is for the OPs other half to know if Carnival is a great fit or not!!! It would sure cut down on my dining choices.

[Cindy]

OP, based on what you said is important to you, I'm not sure that the Carnival of 2013 is the best fit. Although my husband and I are quite a bit older, what we are looking for as far as cruise ambience and experience is similar to your tastes. We've found that although we enjoyed our Carnival cruises, it's not a good fit for us when it's just the two of us (sometimes we travel with extended family, and I think the experience when we're travelling with a large group is different).

We've found the dinner experience on Carnival to be more casual than we like. I'm really not talking about Elegant Nights, but the MDR in general. I prefer to not see super casual clothing in the dining room at dinner...that's just me...I know many on here will disagree.:rolleyes: For reference, our "uniforms" on most nights are Docker type pants and a golf or Tommy Bahama shirt for my husband, and capris or pants and a cute top for me. We were frequently the most dressed up people in our section of the dining room.

We're not buffet people, and prefer the dining room for breakfast and lunch whenever possible. Some Carnival ships have converted to a comedy brunch on sea days. You should check to see if your ship has changed over, or if they still offer the traditional meals.

The other thing you mentioned is entertainment, both in the evenings and daytime activities. We struggled to find activities and entertainment that interested us. We prefer shows or live music in lounges for our evening entertainment, and things like trivia, wine tasting, and educational offerings during the day.

There were lots of pool games and contests on the daily schedule, but not a ton of options for people who didn't want to spend an entire day around the pool. We found the evening entertainment schedule was heavy on comedians and passenger created entertainment such as karaoke, but light on the professional entertainment. On our last Carnival cruise as a couple in 2011, we ended up on our balcony most days and in the casino almost every night because there weren't other entertainment options that appealed to us. In fairness, we haven't been on Carnival since they made the piano bars non-smoking, so that would open up an entertainment option for us that we used to avoid.

I think the other things you're looking for would easily be met. I've found Carnival's cabins to be quite spacious with good storage, and I've seen passengers of all ages having fun on Carnival. I don't think Carnival has a typical age demographic...their ships really sail with a wide mix, especially on a 7-night or longer cruise. I think the demographic on shorter cruises tends to be much younger.

 

If you're interested, I think something that Carnival excels at are "special events" such as the Chef's Table and the "Behind the Fun" tour. We've done both, and thought they were excellent.

 

Hope this helps! Whatever you decide, have a great time!:D

[Tapi]

OP, based on what you said is important to you, I'm not sure that the Carnival of 2013 is the best fit. Although my husband and I are quite a bit older, what we are looking for as far as cruise ambience and experience is similar to your tastes. We've found that although we enjoyed our Carnival cruises, it's not a good fit for us when it's just the two of us (sometimes we travel with extended family, and I think the experience when we're travelling with a large group is different).

We've found the dinner experience on Carnival to be more casual than we like. I'm really not talking about Elegant Nights, but the MDR in general. I prefer to not see super casual clothing in the dining room at dinner...that's just me...I know many on here will disagree.:rolleyes: For reference, our "uniforms" on most nights are Docker type pants and a golf or Tommy Bahama shirt for my husband, and capris or pants and a cute top for me. We were frequently the most dressed up people in our section of the dining room.

We're not buffet people, and prefer the dining room for breakfast and lunch whenever possible. Some Carnival ships have converted to a comedy brunch on sea days. You should check to see if your ship has changed over, or if they still offer the traditional meals.

The other thing you mentioned is entertainment, both in the evenings and daytime activities. We struggled to find activities and entertainment that interested us. We prefer shows or live music in lounges for our evening entertainment, and things like trivia, wine tasting, and educational offerings during the day.

There were lots of pool games and contests on the daily schedule, but not a ton of options for people who didn't want to spend an entire day around the pool. We found the evening entertainment schedule was heavy on comedians and passenger created entertainment such as karaoke, but light on the professional entertainment. On our last Carnival cruise as a couple in 2011, we ended up on our balcony most days and in the casino almost every night because there weren't other entertainment options that appealed to us. In fairness, we haven't been on Carnival since they made the piano bars non-smoking, so that would open up an entertainment option for us that we used to avoid.

I think the other things you're looking for would easily be met. I've found Carnival's cabins to be quite spacious with good storage, and I've seen passengers of all ages having fun on Carnival. I don't think Carnival has a typical age demographic...their ships really sail with a wide mix, especially on a 7-night or longer cruise. I think the demographic on shorter cruises tends to be much younger.

 

If you're interested, I think something that Carnival excels at are "special events" such as the Chef's Table and the "Behind the Fun" tour. We've done both, and thought they were excellent.

 

Hope this helps! Whatever you decide, have a great time!:D

 

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