Why do you love Carnival?

[iSpark]

Cause it's cheap and a local home port.

[Gamecock_Cruiser]

A great BANG FOR YOUR BUCK! Not to upscaled where I feel out of place. Great food.

[Texas Flood]

It's fun. Cruise Director, John Heald, is the best CC we have ever had. The best cruise we ever went on was a 12 day Baltic on Carnival. Every day was soooo much fun.

 

 

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[seeing this world]

simple i can afford it, i can pick a cruise 15 months out, pick my room and pay for it monthly. I can not do that on land resort vacations. What i like about cruising is ... I can visit a port for a day and get a feel for it while i am there and it gives me an idea would i like to spend a week there. Cruising has given me this choice. I like carnival i have not sailed with any other company yet. i love sailing

[golfadj]

Intetested on what you think of Princess. We too are thinking of trying Princess. Tho we are happy with Carnival. I think they are trying to improve entertainment.

 

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JH says they are but other than let us pay for concerts exactly what have they added on the ships up to now?

[luv2sleep]

It's fun. Cruise Director, John Heald, is the best CC we have ever had. The best cruise we ever went on was a 12 day Baltic on Carnival. Every day was soooo much fun.

 

 

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Sounds like a fantastic trip! Can you share some highlights that made it so fun!

 

 

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[Tapi]

I respect your opinion, but to me it smells of snobby.

 

 

Nothing to smell here. If I want perks and special treatment in order to be segregated from the more budget conscious passengers because I think I'm better than them, you bet I'd be a snob. But when I've chosen to splurge, it's been in order to get a better overall personal experience, like not having to stand in line, enjoying dinner in a quieter and more intimate venue, better quality cuisine, more personal staff, and seats closer to the action. That doesn't make one a snob. It just means that once in a while, I may want a bit more out of my vacation and I may have an appreciation for things that are just a bit nicer.

 

I know that there are plenty of people that do "look down" at those who choose to cruise in more economical accommodations or cruise lines, (which on Carnival is laughable). But IMHO, a person who perceives someone who is willing to spend more to get more as a snob, may have some unresolved issues that unfortunately we can't address here on Cruise Critic.

 

 

 

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[ATL2LAS]

I cruise Carnival because it provides me with everything I need on vacation. Inexpensive, fun, sightseeing, warm weather, casino, food. I love the people I meet, the crews on the ship have been great. When I cruise solo or with family and friends, I know I'll come back relaxed and ready for the next one.

[Maxpilot]

I sometimes think threads like this are posted by Carnival employees. Carnival is nice, but so are the other cruise lines. My wife and I cruise Carnival most out of convenience, as they operate full-time out of the port we use most often.

 

I have cruised on many different lines and out of them I would rank Carnival third behind Disney and RCL.

 

We liked Disney because of all the entertainment you get on board (and off). We like RCL because of the ships. RCL's ships are the best. RCL's on board entertainment is better than Carnivals.

 

That being said, we have cruised on Carnival the most, like I said out of convenience of schedule.

 

We have done inside and outside but no suite yet. I really like the inside cabins because I sleep much better, but I love the ocean views and sounds of the balcony. I agree that you should get more if you pay more, but to me it seems like all you get for paying more is the same cabin, same service but in a more desirable location on the ship.

[Splash14]

They are just so affordable and I like the food much better!

And the other guests don't seem so snooty.

[luv2sleep]

I sometimes think threads like this are posted by Carnival employees. Carnival is nice, but so are the other cruise lines. My wife and I cruise Carnival most out of convenience, as they operate full-time out of the port we use most often.

 

 

 

I have cruised on many different lines and out of them I would rank Carnival third behind Disney and RCL.

 

 

 

We liked Disney because of all the entertainment you get on board (and off). We like RCL because of the ships. RCL's ships are the best. RCL's on board entertainment is better than Carnivals.

 

 

 

That being said, we have cruised on Carnival the most, like I said out of convenience of schedule.

 

 

 

We have done inside and outside but no suite yet. I really like the inside cabins because I sleep much better, but I love the ocean views and sounds of the balcony. I agree that you should get more if you pay more, but to me it seems like all you get for paying more is the same cabin, same service but in a more desirable location on the ship.

 

 

Oh I'm not an employee! I was very sincere when I posted. I've inly been on Disney but I'm very much looking forward to my Carnival cruise. I know so much about Disney and next to nothing about Carnival. I posted to learn more about what people love and what I can look forward to. I'm very excited about trying Carnival for the first time. I posted earlier that I'm very low maintenance and only have been on Disney because I'm a local southern Californian Disney nut, lol. I love Disney. However, Carnival is here local this summer. A cruise is better than no cruise IMO so I'd rather try a local cruise than spend money to fly out to Disney this summer. I love Disney for the theming and family stuff but I love cruising just for relaxing and looking at the ocean. I don't need Disney exclusively for that.

 

 

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[Maxpilot]

Oh I'm not an employee! I was very sincere when I posted. I've inly been on Disney but I'm very much looking forward to my Carnival cruise. I know so much about Disney and next to nothing about Carnival. I posted to learn more about what people love and what I can look forward to. I'm very excited about trying Carnival for the first time. I posted earlier that I'm very low maintenance and only have been on Disney because I'm a local southern Californian Disney nut, lol. I love Disney. However, Carnival is here local this summer. A cruise is better than no cruise IMO so I'd rather try a local cruise than spend money to fly out to Disney this summer. I love Disney for the theming and family stuff but I love cruising just for relaxing and looking at the ocean. I don't need Disney exclusively for that.

 

 

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Oh, I did not mean to offend (if I did). We really enjoy Carnival and I'm sure you will too. My wife and I are looking forward to our next cruise on Magic in August/Sept.

[shredie]

I find this statement is usually made by people that don't sail in suites.

 

 

I'm doing my first Carnival suite in two weeks, so I'll let you know if I find myself making pretentious statements after. :rolleyes:

 

This question made me think. I don't think I'd say I love Carnival more than any other line because what I love is cruising, period! I'm not a huge fan of Carnival decor, but that's minor. I do like the food (well, haven't done American Table yet...) For us, it's the itinerary, and Carnival offers what we want consistently. It's also one of few (IMO) lines that sails from the west coast.

[Shaded Lady]

And anyway, Carnival isn't this "classless nirvana" that some people here envision. There are VIP lounges, special perks, restricted access areas reserved seating, and specialty restaurants available ONLY to those who are willing to pay more for those privileges.

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Not disagreeing- just asking... what restaurants are available to those willing to pay more? Do you mean places like the steakhouse etc? Or were you referring to a restaurant only available to certain people, like those in a suite? I know other cruise lines have restaurants you can only go to if you're staying in a certain type of cabin, but I'm not aware of any on any Carnival ship.

 

If I misunderstood, my apologies! :)

[luv2sleep]

I sometimes think threads like this are posted by Carnival employees. Carnival is nice, but so are the other cruise lines. My wife and I cruise Carnival most out of convenience, as they operate full-time out of the port we use most often.

 

 

 

I have cruised on many different lines and out of them I would rank Carnival third behind Disney and RCL.

 

 

 

We liked Disney because of all the entertainment you get on board (and off). We like RCL because of the ships. RCL's ships are the best. RCL's on board entertainment is better than Carnivals.

 

 

 

That being said, we have cruised on Carnival the most, like I said out of convenience of schedule.

 

 

 

We have done inside and outside but no suite yet. I really like the inside cabins because I sleep much better, but I love the ocean views and sounds of the balcony. I agree that you should get more if you pay more, but to me it seems like all you get for paying more is the same cabin, same service but in a more desirable location on the ship.

 

 

Read again... Why are RCL ships the best? You mean all of the stuff to do on them? Rock wall, etc, shops, restaurants?

 

 

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[Maxpilot]

Read again... Why are RCL ships the best? You mean all of the stuff to do on them? Rock wall, etc, shops, restaurants?

 

 

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I like RCL ships because of the layout. Very roomy. I love the open areas. The promenade through the center of the ship. The ice show on Mariner was pretty "cool". How many ships have an ice rink? We liked that.

 

But the layout, I know this is vague. We just found Mariner to be easy to get around from one end to the other.

[luv2sleep]

I like RCL ships because of the layout. Very roomy. I love the open areas. The promenade through the center of the ship. The ice show on Mariner was pretty "cool". How many ships have an ice rink? We liked that.

 

 

 

But the layout, I know this is vague. We just found Mariner to be easy to get around from one end to the other.

 

 

Ah ok. Got it. Thx!!!

 

 

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[SMSACE6]

I would'nt quite call it love, but like might be a better word for me.

 

But reasons why I like Carnival are;

 

Price, and this is very important because I mostly cruise solo now, and dont have a huge vacation budget.

 

I am also content with the product that I recieve for said price. At least I was four years ago, when I took my last cruise. Yes, I know lots of things have changed since then, and I have kept myself informed on those, so know what to expect and not to expect in Nov. But I have no doubt that once again, I will be satisfied with the product recieved for my price.

 

I also like that I have an excellent Carnival PVP, who knows my limitations, in that I cant cruise every year and sometimes have a gap of 4 years between cruises. She keeps me updated on offers without being intrusive, and when I call her, she responds usually within a few hours or next business day.

 

Though I have previously cruised on two different lines and enjoyed them, it has been over ten years since then, and those other cruiselines either havent offered an acceptable price, or things otherwise didnt workout to cruise on them again, but I would.

 

I also like Carnival ship's casinos, where twice I have won the price of my cruise, and managed to hang on to those winnings and bring them home to pay off my bill:D Other cruises, I have won enough to keep me playing on those winnings, without having to dig into my "cash reserve".

 

I like the serenity decks, and I now know the conquest class ships layout very well, and know how to get from here to there easily. Many things I like about Carnival, and I guess it is mostly what I am used to. While I would like to spread out and try different lines just to be more experienced, none other offers me a price that I can accept.

 

Oh yes...forgot to say...I do like the food, and the many options available during the day. I always manage to gain a few pounds.

Edited April 20, 2014 by SMSACE6

[Maxpilot]

Oh, another thing... Carnival seems more crowded to us. For example, Mariner of the Seas is listed as 138,279 GRT and Carnival Magic is listed as 130,000 GRT. A Gross Registered Ton is how they measure the volume of space in a ship.

 

Mariner of the Seas is listed to hold 3114 guests and Carnival Magic is listed to hold 3652. Magic has 538 more pax in 8279 GRT less space. To me, it fees like it too.

Edited April 20, 2014 by Maxpilot

[YesJeffery]

Nothing to smell here. If I want perks and special treatment in order to be segregated from the more budget conscious passengers because I think I'm better than them, you bet I'd be a snob. But when I've chosen to splurge, it's been in order to get a better overall personal experience, like not having to stand in line, enjoying dinner in a quieter and more intimate venue, better quality cuisine, more personal staff, and seats closer to the action. That doesn't make one a snob. It just means that once in a while, I may want a bit more out of my vacation and I may have an appreciation for things that are just a bit nicer.

 

I know that there are plenty of people that do "look down" at those who choose to cruise in more economical accommodations or cruise lines, (which on Carnival is laughable). But IMHO, a person who perceives someone who is willing to spend more to get more as a snob, may have some unresolved issues that unfortunately we can't address here on Cruise Critic.

 

 

 

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:thumbup:

 

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[TPFKAH]

You think the staterooms on Royal are better than Carnival? I would disagree, especially at the suite level. Service has never been lacking.

 

 

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It's an aesthetic thing to me. D cabins are basically the same size as the cat 8's, only a bit narrower yet longer. But the decor is not a fake or cheesy. Except for the Robinson Family like showers. I also prefer a sliding balcony door.

 

And although i usually reserve the word LOVE for the people around me, I am reserving any feelings toward Carnival until the Vista class designs come out. I believe they took a break and a step back and are looking for a way to. One out with something new and inventive. Something that shows they mean business. It's been more than 10 years since they shelved the Pinnacle class and just "let" RCCL proceed with the Genesis class, which turned out to be more than a success.

[Tapi]

Not disagreeing- just asking... what restaurants are available to those willing to pay more? Do you mean places like the steakhouse?

 

 

If I misunderstood, my apologies! :)

 

 

No worries! :) On Carnival, I do refer to the specialty restaurants like the Steakhouse and Cucina del Capitano. I may want to spend more money one night at the Steakhouse simply because the food is SO much better than at the MDR and because I truly enjoy the sedated atmosphere, not because I consider myself better or to rub it in to those eating at the MDR.

 

But yes, as you mentioned, other cruise lines do include a specialty restaurant exclusive to passengers in more lavish accommodations (like the health conscious Blu, for Celebrity's Aquaclass staterooms, which I would love to experience someday).

 

Based on what I've read here though, it seems that some people would consider snobs those willing to pay more for a better chunk of steak! I better eat only at the buffet from now on! Don't want to upset anybody!

 

 

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Edited April 20, 2014 by Tapi

[Tutontow]

One cruise I lost over $15k gambling and the next cruise they gave me $75 in casino cash LOL. What I was playing a hand in blackjack when the casino was open FOR A WEEK!!! was half of a cruise for one person and my recognition was $75 and not even the free cruise offer. I guess I will never understand it the philosophy behind it :)

 

This reminds me of one cruise I was on before they offered the "drinks on us" program. I was in the casino every time it was opened. I got to know another Blackjack player and he was always in there also. He played two hands at $200.00 a hand. After the third day he asked the pit boss for a comped scotch on the rocks. You wouldn't believe the gyrations he had to go through for that drink. Finally the player said just forget it. Eventually the pit boss did get him his drink but it was like pulling teeth. This was a while back and cruises and fuel were cheaper. I turned to the pit boss and said his two bets are more than I paid for my entire cruise, are you guys penny wise and dollar foolish or what?

[golfadj]

Read again... Why are RCL ships the best? You mean all of the stuff to do on them? Rock wall, etc, shops, restaurants?

 

 

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Once upon a time Carnival was the innovative leader in the industry. Sadly those days seem gone.

 

Hoping when they finally announce features of new class they will rediscover innovation.

[miched]

Because it is a great value for the money. Have sailed on other cruise lines and don't enjoy them as much. They are too formal, and not what I want when on vacation. I want to let it all hang out.

 

If you ever seen me in my speedo you would appreciate it. :eek:

 

 

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