Ecstasy from Charleston, just back

[rlkubi]

We are getting ready to go on our 25th Carnival cruise! I knew from my first cruise on the Holiday which was an 80's ship that I was addicted! I love cruising with Carnival but it's not for everyone! I would definitely try one of the newer ships - Legend, Pride, Miracle or the Magic or the brand new Vista when it comes to US. Totally difference experience. I loved the Holiday but I prefer the Spirit class ships (Legend, Pride, Miracle). Or try another line. We are a pretty easy going group and don't want fancy. For us for the price you can't beat a Carnival cruise :).

[Muushka]

We are getting ready to go on our 25th Carnival cruise! I knew from my first cruise on the Holiday which was an 80's ship that I was addicted! I love cruising with Carnival but it's not for everyone! I would definitely try one of the newer ships - Legend, Pride, Miracle or the Magic or the brand new Vista when it comes to US. Totally difference experience. I loved the Holiday but I prefer the Spirit class ships (Legend, Pride, Miracle). Or try another line. We are a pretty easy going group and don't want fancy. For us for the price you can't beat a Carnival cruise :).

 

You would probably be a great person to ask this question.

 

We've never sailed Carnival but were toying with the idea for this Nov.

Quite honestly I am hesitant because of the cancellation policy. If I understand correctly, if you book and have to cancel (under the super saver price, otherwise it is too expensive) they will not refund your money (obviously prior to the penalty, what, 90 days out or so) but just give you a credit towards a new Carnival cruise. Do I understand it correctly?

Thank you.:)

[misslucy01]

Wow

[rs45thompson]

Thank you for taking the time to do this review. Personally I think you would have liked a newer ship better. That being said thank you for the mention of all inclusive land vacations never thought about it but thanks to you we may try a rui resort next June for our twenty fifth wedding anniversary.

 

I wouldn't give up on cruising just yet. Maybe try a bigger ship like vista or breeze or try royal. You may find you like cruising after all.:)

[justusfour2014]

It's interesting to read about other people's experiences and opinions of Carnival's ships.

 

Our first was on Fascination, out of Jax, to Nassau and HMC. We'd never cruised so our expectations didn't exist. Certainly can't compare it to our trips to Disney bc that's like comparing apples to tomatoes.

 

My point is if we based going on a cruise ever again by what we experienced that week (bad weather, large swells, missed HMC, decks roped off and couldn't go out there), we would have never had THE BEST CRUISE EVER last year on the Triumph. Or have the best memories ever of snorkeling for the first time in Cozumel (with the kids and grandparents) when we cruised on the Elation.

 

Life, vacation - it's what you make of it. Enjoy it!

Edited June 10, 2016 by justusfour2014

[tandemcruzr]

You would probably be a great person to ask this question.

 

We've never sailed Carnival but were toying with the idea for this Nov.

Quite honestly I am hesitant because of the cancellation policy. If I understand correctly, if you book and have to cancel (under the super saver price, otherwise it is too expensive) they will not refund your money (obviously prior to the penalty, what, 90 days out or so) but just give you a credit towards a new Carnival cruise. Do I understand it correctly?

Thank you.:)

 

I'm not that person, but what you describe is the Early Saver fare restrictions. You will also lose $50 per person subtracted from your deposit or total fare.

 

However, if the cruise price drops you will be eligible for that price drop up until 2 days prior to sailing. BUT, and a big BUT -- you have to check prices frequently because the drops aren't automatically applied to your booking.

[Muushka]

I'm not that person, but what you describe is the Early Saver fare restrictions. You will also lose $50 per person subtracted from your deposit or total fare.

 

However, if the cruise price drops you will be eligible for that price drop up until 2 days prior to sailing. BUT, and a big BUT -- you have to check prices frequently because the drops aren't automatically applied to your booking.

 

thank you for answering my question.:) I'm actually surprised at the cancellation policy.

While it is nice that they honor price drops so close to the cruising time, I doubt we would ever cruise with Carnival with that sort of cancellation policy. But it sure does encourage loyalty, you have no choice!;)

[shonuf]

thank you for answering my question.:) I'm actually surprised at the cancellation policy.

While it is nice that they honor price drops so close to the cruising time, I doubt we would ever cruise with Carnival with that sort of cancellation policy. But it sure does encourage loyalty, you have no choice!;)

 

Feeling as you do, I certainly wouldn't book with Carnival and wouldn't expect to see you on this board again.

[tandemcruzr]

thank you for answering my question.:) I'm actually surprised at the cancellation policy.

While it is nice that they honor price drops so close to the cruising time, I doubt we would ever cruise with Carnival with that sort of cancellation policy. But it sure does encourage loyalty, you have no choice!;)

 

You're welcome. Please understand that this policy applies only to Early Saver bookings. Other bookings can cancel up to final payment date with no such penalties. After final payment, penalties are expressed as percentages lost depending on how early or late you are before your actual cruise date -- very similar to all other cruise lines.

Edited June 11, 2016 by tandemcruzr

[sunset785]

You are comparing two totally different trips. We have been to 3 Al's and 7 cruises. If you thought Ecstasy would compare to a large, sprawling AI, then of course you would not like the cruise. In order to at least somewhat compare, you need to book a larger ship on Royal Caribbean like the Freedom or Oasis. Of course by doing that an AI would probably be less expensive. Honestly when I'm looking for pure relaxation, we go to an AI. When looking for something more upbeat and on the go, we cruise.

 

 

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[Drazil65]

Cruising doesn't seem to be your thing so if it isn't broke then don't fix it, stick to AI's...some love being in one place for the whole time and it fits their style.

 

We have cruised on several different cruise lines and have done the AI thing in several places as well. We had the opposite experience and actually hated the fact that we were in the same place for the entire time. Yes, the AI's were expansive but pretty much the same thing every day. We love cruising cuz we unpack once and but wake up in a new port 3 or 4 days on a 7 day cruise to explore a new place. But we are very well traveled and love to explore new places on our own so this type of vacation is very appealing to us.

 

Also, don't forget to research before committing so you know what you are working with (ie: older ships, small cabins as you might have been better off in a suite on a larger ship), it will save you a lot of headaches when trying something new.

[AdoraBelle]

OP has been gone for months.

[sammee]

OP may be gone, but I found this thread amusing, especially after seeing a fresh post from RCC board, about somebody wearing a t-shirt with the "F" word.

[gatormom108]

Although part of me is cringing because I just booked this same cruise...lol..part of me is laughing as well. I have sailed at the top of the line and I know this is more of a budget cruise just to get out of the house. Our expectations are lower and we did spend the $$ on the excursions. I wouldn't give up cruising just yet. This will be my 15th cruise. No matter what ship or where you go, the cruise will be what you make of it. It's really hard to compare apples to oranges though. I can understand your disappointment as a first time cruiser. I would try again! We always sail out of NY, so this will be different for us!

[billys5764]

We just got off the Legend last week (July 5). I lost so much money in the casino they felt sorry for me and offered me a free cruise! My son and I are going on the Ecstasy August 15. That is the only one I can do with my schedule. While I would prefer a 7+ day cruise out of FL, this one will do.

 

Hey, it's free! I can't complain.

[cruizergal70]

Some people have unrealistic expectations. Seriously, if one is looking for an upscale experience, book an upscale cruise. I find it offensive when other passengers are put down and criticized as being low class people.

[gatormom108]

We just got off the Legend last week (July 5). I lost so much money in the casino they felt sorry for me and offered me a free cruise! My son and I are going on the Ecstasy August 15. That is the only one I can do with my schedule. While I would prefer a 7+ day cruise out of FL, this one will do.

 

Hey, it's free! I can't complain.

 

Free is most awesome! Congrats on that one!

[makeda]

have "done" Disney parks on each side of the country, have done AI, and I still prefer to cruise....love the décor, plenty of food choices and always something to do....kids enjoyed it to, love the ecstasy....you didn't like it, ok, buh-bye...

[jd10013]

I'm going to have to admit to being a little confused here. where in the world are you finding 5 star AI resorts for the same price as a five day cruise on the ecstasy? I booked a 7 day on the ecstasy for oct 8th, and that is running me about $1200 for 2, not including extras like drink packages and such. that's cabin and port fee's, taxes, etc. my last AI was to couples in Jamaica (wouldn't even call it 5 star) and that ran me, with air travel, about 4k. and that was staying at ocho rios and not negril. I'm sure you could find an AI cheaper, but cant imagine wanting to stay at one.

Edited August 27, 2016 by jd10013

[joeyancho]

Free is most awesome! Congrats on that one!

 

That cruise was far from free

[gatormom108]

I'm going to have to admit to being a little confused here. where in the world are you finding 5 star AI resorts for the same price as a five day cruise on the ecstasy? I booked a 7 day on the ecstasy for oct 8th, and that is running me about $1200 for 2, not including extras like drink packages and such. that's cabin and port fee's, taxes, etc. my last AI was to couples in Jamaica (wouldn't even call it 5 star) and that ran me, with air travel, about 4k. and that was staying at ocho rios and not negril. I'm sure you could find an AI cheaper, but cant imagine wanting to stay at one.

 

We just got back from a 5-day on the Ectasy last week. That was my 15th cruise, but our first on Carnival. I have to admit, we had a great time. A cruise is always what you make of it. No, it isn't the best of the best, but it was great and the crew was awesome. You can see a few areas where she needs a remodel, but overall, a great time was had by all.

[cruzin Phillis]

Being that i sailed on both carnival and RC, i suggest what others are saying and try the new ships. From your past experience, i say one of RC oasis or allure. I think it would give you the feel of an AI. My experince personally on Oasis, there was never shortage of things to do or places to eat and the shows were dynamite!!! However the ports they go to are a bore. I love carnival because they go to ports that i have not been to and still a cost effective measure.

 

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[AdoraBelle]

(Thread is from April, OP got dogpiled and is long gone.)

[Cinders411]

As other's have said, I would not give up on cruising because of a less than great first one. My first cruise was no picnic either. I had terrible sea sickness and fell down a flight of stairs (Not due to alcohol). You can see from my signature I have cruised many other times since then. I think you just need a larger ship or different line with more "bells & whistles" than the Ecstasy affords.

[TrinaLC]

(Thread is from April, OP got dogpiled and is long gone.)

 

I think it is still a useful thread!

 

We just did a similar quick cruise on Elation out of Jacksonville. We knew what to expect, and had a great time. As good a time as we had last year on NCL's Getaway, where we shelled out big bucks to stay in the Haven. Our expectations for each trip were "rightsized" by having done research before hand.

 

Also, seems to me OP way overpaid for the Ecstacy trip. Maybe a last minute booking, but we paid less for suite on the Elation (same basic trip).