Why do you love Carnival?

[mikel24m]

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?

 

I guess living so close to casinos we may be spoiled by getting pretty good treatment for spending our money but you would think they would get the idea and get people back and keep them happy so they spend more :)

 

I mean if they would have comped us a cabin our next cruise at least it makes me feel better about getting our butts kicked in the casino :)

 

It worked out for me though, I save money when I cruise now and gamble when we are home a little more.Same difference just regulated casinos and better odds here at home

[sgttami]

For years I was against sailing Carnival due to all the negativity I heard but was pleasantly surprised in doing my first (Feb 13) and my second (Mar 17) on Splendor from New York.

 

Simply, it was FUN! Probably the most fun of all the cruises I ever did.

 

I'm hooked!

 

 

 

Pam

[dorisis]

This is an easy one for me. I think the main thing I love about carnival is that it is a classless society. (Not saying a society without class) I like that they don't have special areas for people in suites etc. People on the ship just seem to blend together. You could be sitting across the table from a plumber, a cashier in a grocery store and a doctor. It makes for an interesting cruise experience.

 

You are right. I find many passengers on Carnival have no class. True on other ships too.

[Skeetersmom]

While I can see your point, I would respectively disagree. We have sailed in almost every cabin other than inside that Carnival has including Ocean Suites, Spa Suites, Junior Suites, Grand Suites, Captains Suites and Owners Suites. That being said, I strongly feel that Carnival has it right and Royal (not picking on them) has it wrong. It should be a better room, not a cast system. By the way, having sailed on Oasis and seeing grand suites and owners suites on that ship, I think the room amenities on Carnival are much better as well.

 

Op, to your question, it's about the fun factor that sets Carnival apart from other cruiselines. It's what keeps us coming back.

 

 

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My husband and I can afford a suite but choose to stay interior as we aren't in our rooms much. And if I did stay in a suite, I wouldn't expect preferential treatment cause I have a fat wallet.

 

OP - we like Carnival because it is laid back, staff is friendly and there is always something to do. If you are bored on a cruise, then you're doing it wrong!!

 

 

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[luv2sleep]

For years I was against sailing Carnival due to all the negativity I heard but was pleasantly surprised in doing my first (Feb 13) and my second (Mar 17) on Splendor from New York.

 

 

 

Simply, it was FUN! Probably the most fun of all the cruises I ever did.

 

 

 

I'm hooked!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pam

 

 

I think this will be my experience too. I hang out on the Disney boards and Carnival is not regarded highly there. Makes you really wary. However, I come here and so far I haven't read anything horrible. I'm not very picky and am pretty laid back. I think I'll enjoy the atmosphere.

 

 

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[SFplusP]

While I can see your point, I would respectively disagree. We have sailed in almost every cabin other than inside that Carnival has including Ocean Suites, Spa Suites, Junior Suites, Grand Suites, Captains Suites and Owners Suites. That being said, I strongly feel that Carnival has it right and Royal (not picking on them) has it wrong. It should be a better room, not a cast system. By the way, having sailed on Oasis and seeing grand suites and owners suites on that ship, I think the room amenities on Carnival are much better as well.

 

Op, to your question, it's about the fun factor that sets Carnival apart from other cruiselines. It's what keeps us coming back.

 

 

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How does Royal do it? If we had a cheap room on Royal what would we miss out on?

[cruizinisthebest]

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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I was 100% with your reply until the part in parenthesis. It's laughable for anybody to look down on people on any cruiseline because of what they perceive a fellow passenger spent on their vacation.

 

Some of these replies are really enlightening.

 

*****

I've only sailed on Carnival and have enjoyed every cruise I've taken. I actually don't expect any different when we booked another line at some point. We count it a privilege and a blessing to be able to cruise, and I take pride when planning our trips - especially now that we've begun taking the kids. It's building memories. And at the end of the day the time I spend with my family is what's most important. If I'm able to do that while seeing new places and meet new people (some I've kept in touch with for years post cruise) then whatever we spent will have been well worth it. There's nothing wrong with enhancing your cruise experience. But spending more money alone doesn't accomplish that. It's the memories you build and the places you get to see. I have great respect for seasoned cruisers on this board. You all know alot and I've learned much reading your threads. But I hope I never get so used to cruising that I lose sight of why I do it in the first place. And that's not you personally, Tapi. That's just a general statement. Sometimes it's hard to tell people are talking about vacations on this board.

Edited April 21, 2014 by cruizinisthebest

[Stateroom_Sailor]

I don't believe those that pay more for their cruise should get the same as those that sail on the inside Riviera cabins.

 

Well, maybe Carnival isn't for you? If the suites aren't worth the money, why do you keep booking them? When I book a suite in a hotel I don't get a special breakfast in a special area. I'm sitting in one right now, and don't think it's the job of the hotel to try and make me feel special. The question is, why would I need to feel special anyways?

 

Think of Morpheus from the Matrix: "What if I told you that when you book a suite cabin, you're paying for a suite cabin?"

[sjn911]

This is an easy one for me. I think the main thing I love about carnival is that it is a classless society. (Not saying a society without class) I like that they don't have special areas for people in suites etc. People on the ship just seem to blend together. You could be sitting across the table from a plumber, a cashier in a grocery store and a doctor. It makes for an interesting cruise experience.

VERY Well said!!!!...there is often just a relaxed camaraderie with a wonderful bunch of unpretentious folks and still plenty special cruse vacation things...all are there with one goal...to have a nice budget doable..life enhancing cruise travel experience, exploring places in a casual style with some special different cruise choices..like the steakhouse, a tea time, a dressy night or two in main dining room, a brunch, a disco dance, a kareoke experience, casino time, ship tour, wide variety of more affordable excursions...a comedy show...a cruise song and dance show, small gourmet chef experience, new special beer bar, Mojito bar, martini, and margarita bars, variety in the lido food and new secondary special places w/o extra charges like Guys burgers..free pizza, ice cream and room service always on all ship classes..limited offers but enough simple variety make room service things timely and FREE 24 hrs a day (except minimal tip) good, spa, mini golf, or exercise gym..sauna or whirlpool on any ship class...different ports around the world and often the most reasonable price. Cookie cutter and nice sized cabins at all levels with comfy and cookie cutter bedding that is nice but money saving due to being mass made. Childrens activites.. more affordable cabins inside to balcony to suite size...Fun unique out of the ordinary ship decour..adds to casual fun but special feeling. Always can find a quiet chair somewhere on the ship..you can participate in zaney activities or have your own experience. Allowing each soul to bring a 12 pack of pop and one bottle of wine is extremely nice for tight budgets.

Edited April 21, 2014 by sjn911

[sjn911]

We have been on a lot of Carnival cruises and always had a great time but the time has come to try other lines again. Entertainment is just not what it used to be

 

Off on our first Princess cruise next week.

 

Have a great time..I can't wait to hear abt your expereince and I love looking forward to trying many different lines..my only repeat line out of well 7 I think cruises has been Carnival..and yes..this is a decline I have noticed too. :)

[Tapi]

I was 100% with your reply until the part in parenthesis. It's laughable for anybody to look down on people on any cruiseline because of what they perceive a fellow passenger spent on their vacation.

 

 

I agree with your statement 100%. It doesn't matter which cruise line. Nobody should be looking down on anybody for what they spend on a cruise. What I wanted to say was that, on Carnival, it's even MORE laughable for a suite passenger to look down on an inside cabin passenger simply because everybody is pretty much being treated the same.

 

 

 

 

 

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[maldenmusic]

CCL is my favorite because it is the only cruise line I've used. The lower prices and the fact that one of the ports is close enough for me to drive to are the reasons I will probably stay with them.

[gtalum]

In 10 sailings, we have yet to be disappointed by Carnival. Having sailed in oceanview, balcony, and suite cabins we've enjoyed every single trip.

 

We sailed NCL once and found the same great service, enjoyable activities, and friendly staff, but with a smaller cabin and higher fares (though in fairness we did really enjoy the many "freestyle" dining options).

 

In a nutshell I love Carnival because they provide a great product at unbeatable fares. I don't ever choose a brand based on what other people think of my choice, and that goes for cruising as well.

Edited April 21, 2014 by gtalum

[jimbo5544]

How does Royal do it? If we had a cheap room on Royal what would we miss out on?

It's a little more complex than that and I am not an expert on Royal (nor CCL for that matter) but I will give you the best feedback I can. Starting at the Grand suite level on Royal, there are perks that come along with the suite. Some of these are: on certain ships there is a suite concierge lounge where you can get breakfast and coctails before dinner for free. They will also coordinate reservations as well. There is also a diamond lounge that offers similar perks, but that is a whole other topic. There is reserved areas around the pool (not right in front, but still reserved chairs). There are reserved shows seats. There may be more.

[jimbo5544]

My husband and I can afford a suite but choose to stay interior as we aren't in our rooms much. And if I did stay in a suite, I wouldn't expect preferential treatment cause I have a fat wallet.

 

OP - we like Carnival because it is laid back, staff is friendly and there is always something to do. If you are bored on a cruise, then you're doing it wrong!!

 

 

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I agree with your comments.

[Rogueperson]

Carnival is my favorite for this reason.

 

Overall, taking into account, cost, service, amenities, passenger diversity, ports of call, food, activities, and general cruise points, Carnival overall averages out the highest for me, which pretty much answers the question "which cruise line do i have the most overall fun on".

 

This is not to say that other cruise lines fall short.

 

Service. Carnival isn't the best service, but viewing the service from my 5 different cruise lines, I found Carnival has the most consistently good service across the board. Princess and Royal Caribbean individually for me, had astounding services in one area or another, but disappointed me elsewhere. They averaged out pretty high still, but I've never been truly disappointed with any of the service for Carnival.

 

Entertainment. The comedy club is where Carnival shines, but if it wasn't for the comedy club, all the cruise lines have a fairly similar entertainment scheme. RCI and Princess has comedians, but they didn't come close to Carnival's dedication to this venue.

 

Food. Celebrity wins on this count, but that doesn't mean Carnival is a slouch. Their Chef's Table was amazing, and although I'm going on RCL this winter, I will have to try their Chef's table to compare. They hold their own. I feel RC has slightly better food, it really isn't an issue, as its all pretty decent.

 

Cost. You bring this factor in, and Carnival is the best bang for your buck. You get a quality vacation for less than their competitors, and THIS is the vehicle they use get us on their ships. If you're the guy who dropped 15K in their casino, YOU'RE the one they want aboard.

 

As for perks for being in suites, or loyalty members. An interesting thing happened on my last cruise on the Independence of the Seas. There was a flood of diamond+ members onboard. I think originally this cruise was labeled some kind of specialty loyalty cruise prior, but was changed. The result, was a whole throng of older people who had high loyalty status were expecting preferential treatment because of it, and found themselves competing with way more people then usual in their same class. For example, diamond+ priority check in was mobbed, as they all used that line to check in. I'm on the lowest tier gold, and I walked up straight to the desk because there were very few people in my tier at the time.

 

On board, there were some nasty arguments from people who were expecting priority, but didn't get it, because there were many others in the same boat as them. I would say there was at least 3 times as many diamond+ members than usual, from what my diamond+ people I met told me.

[mousey]

I love Carnival because of their low prices and the fact that every Carnival cruise I've been on has been a blast! Everyone mingles and you get to meet really nice people from all walks of life. I also like that they offer a choice between ATD and traditional dining. I like choices!:D

 

Carnival presents themselves as the Fun Ships and I've always had Fun (with a capital F) on them. :D

[PatchesJ72]

Ok, so we had to book an OS because my Mom who has Alzheimer's needs a tub.

 

I know that this is off topic, but I understand what you're going through. I looked after my grandmother's brother, her sister, and her until their deaths. It is difficult and trying at times, but so worth it.

[Jana60]

New to Carnival. First Carnival cruise is in July. Is Carnival your favorite line? Why do YOU love cruising on Carnival?

 

 

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I've cruised 25 times, 15 of those times with carnival. Things that I especially like about carnival in order of importance to me:

-- I love to sing and I love having lots of karaoke available when I'm on vacation. I also enjoy singing with a live band which you get to do with super star live karaoke.

-- the staff and crew are all very friendly and helpful. For years now if I have had to ask any member of the staff or crew on a Carnival ship for assistance they have done everything they can to assist me. This is has not been the response of the staff or crew on other cruise ships I have sailed.

-- love the comedy club

-- love having lobster and escargot available in the main dining room.

-- all the cabins are larger than their same named counterparts on other cruise lines.

-- the ships are large enough to fit alot of entertainment variety but small enough that I don't get tired just walking from one venue to another.

-- although the prices are reasonable they have not cut back on the little extra things that make you feel pampered like having a large, warm, terry cloth bathrobe for each passenger in the room, and free 24 hour room service. You would think that since the price tends to be lower that they would try to nickel and dime you right and left, but they don't! Pretty much every thing that has an extra charge on Carnival has an extra charge on every cruise line that you go on. Except in the case of carnival there are fewer things that have an extra charge.

 

 

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[vitaminsea3]

We love Carnival because it really is the "fun" ship. The pax are unpretentious and friendly. The staff are upbeat and very friendly. Food is great, nightlife is awesome and the price is generally lower than other lines. Highly recommend them.

 

 

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[Texas Flood]

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

 

 

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Well we met some wonderful people on that cruise and that made it special. There was always something fun to do. As I mentioned, the cruise director was so helpful and funny. I have never seen someone work so hard to help everyone.

 

We enjoyed the shows and the main dining room. A singer sang Frank Sinatra songs at dinner each night. Loved that! The waiters were fun, helpful and entertaining.

 

The ports were awesome. When in St Petersburg we went on an evening excursion to Catherine's Palace. That was fabulous! We were greeted by a marching band. We walked through each room and costumed entertainers performed lovely music in many of the rooms. We were not rushed and it was not crowded. In the ballroom we sipped champagne and enjoyed a lovely dance performance.

 

We had dinner in on the grounds and a Russian group performed. As we left a beautiful horse and carriage arrived and a short ballet was performed. I will never forget this excursion! I felt I had stepped back in time!

 

I know most on these board are not proponents of ship excursions but this one was awesome! Most of the time you get what you pay for on the excursions.

 

We have sailed other lines and generally try to be economical and Carnival usually is. Ultimately what determines who we use is the itinerary.

 

Hope you enjoy your next cruise.

 

By the way, I am not affiliated in any way with any cruise line - as someone wondered in an earlier post.

[LHP]

We cruise Carnival because we feel it has the best product for the vacation dollar that fits with our needs.

 

While we are blessed and can "afford" to sail any cruise line....why pay for something that you are not going to enjoy?

 

True, we started cruising Carnival as a family because of familiarity. Hubby had cruised 9 times with them when he was single back in the 1980s.

 

 

I love to sing and Carnival provides many venues for that.

 

Our youngest son with Autism is now very comfortable there. He just completed his 59th cruise at the ripe old age of 22.

 

We have met made many "cruise friends" over the years that we stay in touch with even when we are not sailing. We meet in ports for lunch when our ships are there together.

 

 

Now I do look forward to giving Oceania a try when our son feels like he can handle it. But with Autism, change is not your friend.

 

Btw, as much as we enjoy Carnival...we try to never cruise when school is out and we never do 3 day cruises (usually 5 days is the shortest and even then we do a B2B).

[JerseyHorseLover]

It is easy:

 

Carnival has cruises that have "No Single Supplement" !!! Then I can go on a cruise. My sister only has 3 weeks vacation a year. I can go anytime. Last week I went with friends of mine who are a married couple. I was able to go with them and of course have my own room thanks to the "No Single Supplemet".