Is it Enjoyable to cruise right now?

[linga]

Currently on board Carnival Freedom!  In Dominican Republic today! Having a great time!! Other than wearing a mask, which I’m used to & reduced capacity. (Which means lesser lines/waiting). It feels like a normal cruise! 
 

staff has been great!  Food in MDR very good, and Chefs Table was wonderful!!  Shows have been good & Ports have been fun! 
 

Have another one booked & looking at others.   🛳😁

[bstel]

totally enjoyable.  who would have thought that I would become a super cruiser during a pandemic.  Before COVID my wife and I have been on 3 cruises in 14 years.  had a Carnival cruise cancelled in march of 2020.  But we have now sailed 2 times since June 2021 (RCL and Carnival).  Leaving on a 3rd cruise tomorrow (NCL), and have a 4th cruise in April 2022 (MSC).  Wife is also cruising with some girlfriends in June (Carnival).  Love the not crowded ships and cheap prices.  Only negative so far was the food quality on our Carnival cruise in the MDR.  Quality definitely took a hit.

[britbritrawr09]

44 minutes ago, linga said:

Currently on board Carnival Freedom!  In Dominican Republic today! Having a great time!! Other than wearing a mask, which I’m used to & reduced capacity. (Which means lesser lines/waiting). It feels like a normal cruise! 
 

staff has been great!  Food in MDR very good, and Chefs Table was wonderful!!  Shows have been good & Ports have been fun! 
 

Have another one booked & looking at others.   🛳😁

I was thinking of chefs table but a table with fifteen or so people I wasn’t so sure. Did you feel comfortable? 

[jsglow]

Okay, here's my response to all of this.  It's totally worth it.  But that's totally price point dependent.  Would I pay 'rack rate' right now? No way.  But here in February we're essentially sailing for the price of gratuities.  That makes a very big difference.

[1kaper]

3 minutes ago, jsglow said:

Okay, here's my response to all of this.  It's totally worth it.  But that's totally price point dependent.  Would I pay 'rack rate' right now? No way.  But here in February we're essentially sailing for the price of gratuities.  That makes a very big difference.

That is a really good point. 

After reading I asked myself if I would book regular rate.  I agree.  With the worrying about missing stops or testing positive, I wouldn't book at full price either. But the prices make it appealing enough that I would risk it. 

[vacruisin]

Just did a b2b on the Magic and had a great time.  Here in Northern VA mask wearing is the norm so I am very comfortable wearing a mask so it didn't bother me too much on the cruises. 

 

Also, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the overwhelming majority of people on both cruises followed the rules; there were very few exceptions.

 

People were laughing, drinking, doing trivia, laying out in the sun, eating late night pizza and deli, and hanging out in the club, bars, and casino just like all other past cruises.  (And it was an extra bonus to go into the smoke free casino)! 

 

I think too many people overthink things when it comes to the protocols but then again that is just my opinion.

 

We seriously considered canceling out cruises up to like a few days before we went but I am glad that we didn't.  We got away from the cold and snow of VA and had a great time on both cruises.

 

However, to each his/her own. 

[thenexus2k]

Recent article suggests that cruising satisfaction is currently at a high:
https://thepointsguy.com/news/cruise-ship-satisfaction-scores-soaring/

 

 

Edited January 27, 2022 by thenexus2k

[LaRue1975]

1 hour ago, jsglow said:

Okay, here's my response to all of this.  It's totally worth it.  But that's totally price point dependent.  Would I pay 'rack rate' right now? No way.  But here in February we're essentially sailing for the price of gratuities.  That makes a very big difference.

I have been thinking a lot about this question and have come to the same conclusion as you. I have four cruises on the books and plan to cancel 3, just keeping my Vista 2023 cruise because I already have a great rate and prime Havana Vista balcony. I feel like I am getting a free fresh start and I am hopeful I will be offered better deals once I clear the decks. If not, that’s ok too. 
 

I am hoping to get a really good rate for the Panorama 4/23 cruise so I can rebook. I am sure there will be some restrictions in place so I would only consider it at a very reduced rate. Living in California I am stumped trying to find another option for our anniversary vacation that would not be comprised. We are taking the family to Florida in June so want to at stay closer to home for this one. Vegas changed it’s name to Mask City so that’s out too, I would rather be sitting on my balcony enjoying an ocean breeze with a Fun Ship in my hand. I hope it works out! 🤞🤞🤞

[pjhootch]

It is enjoyable for me- but that is going to be subjective.  If people want to experience cruising like pre-pandemic, this isn't it.  

 

Personally, I love the low capacity.  I hate wearing masks everywhere but I am used to it and deal with it.   I don't care much for the shows so I don't mind if things are scaled down or canceled in that regard.  I think for someone that has their heart set on something in particular happening on a cruise this isn't a good time to go.  Ports change, schedules change, activities change.   If you can't just roll with uncertainty, I would wait a while to cruise.

 

I do notice people who agree to abide by the same rules as the rest of us, and then get on the ship and decide it isn't necessary.  If someone is going to sit around inside common areas with no mask on- please just stay home.   If someone is going to walk around the corridors, get in the elevators, sit in the shows and not wear a mask- please stay home. This becomes more common as the cruise goes on.  People usually start out fairly compliant and get complacent as the days go by.

 

I also have met a lot of people that think they are bullet proof because everyone is vaccinated.  Some people on my previous cruises became ill with Covid and were very upset because they thought that shouldn't happen on a "vaccinated" cruise.

 

A cruise should be a relaxing event, and if wearing a mask inside makes you stressed out this isn't a good time to go.  If seeing other people NOT wearing masks inside stresses you out, this is not a good time to go.

 

Stay safe and enjoy cruising, either now- or later- whichever makes you happy.

Edited January 27, 2022 by pjhootch

[jsglow]

I do have to say that challenges associated with testing right now are FAR worse and more stressful.  Not only did this Omicron crap break through and infect millions this past month (including numerous friends) making the risk of a positive test real, but the lack of available Antigen testing has made this extremely difficult.  We busted our butts for a week to successfully replace tests that were canceled last Friday but were eventually successful.

 

Took them 3 hours ago.  Just got the results............. both negative.

 

Fly tomorrow; sail Saturday.  Heald better have a beverage waiting for me!

[BigAfts]

no

[linga]

6 hours ago, britbritrawr09 said:

I was thinking of chefs table but a table with fifteen or so people I wasn’t so sure. Did you feel comfortable? 

Felt totally comfortable 👍 great experience 

[scpirate]

I am the opposite of these people. I pay full price ,no casino rates for us. We go  for the ports . Food and entertainment is a big deal too. We do not drink. All this switching of ports,cancelled shows and mediocre food (the food was garbage before covid) So i cancelled my 2 for this year i am still trying to use up a $1500 carnival gift card from a cancelled cuba cruise. Once i accomplsh that i am through with Carnival. My bride says she would rather do land vacations from here on out. The big ships have too many people and the small ships have too few amenities. You go to a port for 6 hours you feel like you saw nothing. You fly to a destination for a week  you are satisfied for a life time.

[britbritrawr09]

23 minutes ago, scpirate said:

I am the opposite of these people. I pay full price ,no casino rates for us. We go  for the ports . Food and entertainment is a big deal too. We do not drink. All this switching of ports,cancelled shows and mediocre food (the food was garbage before covid) So i cancelled my 2 for this year i am still trying to use up a $1500 carnival gift card from a cancelled cuba cruise. Once i accomplsh that i am through with Carnival. My bride says she would rather do land vacations from here on out. The big ships have too many people and the small ships have too few amenities. You go to a port for 6 hours you feel like you saw nothing. You fly to a destination for a week  you are satisfied for a life time.

You may be able to sell the gift card probably for a discounted rate, but better then cruising when you  don’t like cruising. Also I think you think you have to gamble a lot to get the casino offers you don’t it’s random . 

[devinc]

Wed go next week but pesky jobs are in the way.  Vista was awesome a few weeks ago. 

[mz-s]

27 minutes ago, scpirate said:

I am the opposite of these people. I pay full price ,no casino rates for us. We go  for the ports . Food and entertainment is a big deal too. We do not drink. All this switching of ports,cancelled shows and mediocre food (the food was garbage before covid) So i cancelled my 2 for this year i am still trying to use up a $1500 carnival gift card from a cancelled cuba cruise. Once i accomplsh that i am through with Carnival. My bride says she would rather do land vacations from here on out. The big ships have too many people and the small ships have too few amenities. You go to a port for 6 hours you feel like you saw nothing. You fly to a destination for a week  you are satisfied for a life time.

 

What I'm hearing is just that cruising definitely isn't for y'all. It's not necessarily a COVID thing.

[icft]

50 minutes ago, scpirate said:

I am the opposite of these people. I pay full price ,no casino rates for us. We go  for the ports . Food and entertainment is a big deal too. We do not drink. All this switching of ports,cancelled shows and mediocre food (the food was garbage before covid) So i cancelled my 2 for this year i am still trying to use up a $1500 carnival gift card from a cancelled cuba cruise. Once i accomplsh that i am through with Carnival. My bride says she would rather do land vacations from here on out. The big ships have too many people and the small ships have too few amenities. You go to a port for 6 hours you feel like you saw nothing. You fly to a destination for a week  you are satisfied for a life time.

 

12 minutes ago, mz-s said:

 

What I'm hearing is just that cruising definitely isn't for y'all. It's not necessarily a COVID thing.

I agree with mz-s and that is not a criticism. Cruising isn't for everyone. After each cruise Carnival sends out that survey with the first question being how likely are you to recommend Carnival to a friend. I always put a very low number because I know a number of people who tried and hated cruising and it isn't good being trapped for a week somewhere you don't want to be. I won't be responsible for pushing someone into that.

 

Would I recommend Carnival for food? No - it is acceptable but not where I would go for great food. Would I recommend Carnival for the ports? No - spending a few hours somewhere on a guided tour is not experiencing the place, but it is kind of entertaining. Would I recommend Carnival for the entertainment? No - there is better, but Carnival's is OK.

 

To enjoy cruising you have to like the overall mix of things. No one thing will be the best to be found, other than the experience of standing on a deck watching the ocean go by.

[jetsfan58]

Had a very nice Cruise in December. Was glad to see Carnival employees reminding guests to put on their masks when entering the venues. Already have two more cruises booked. Enjoy yourselves and obey the rules.  

[topaz123]

Now I know what Daddy meant when he says " The good old days",  just miss the true experience. With so many mandates and do this, do that...it sure takes the luster off cruising. We'll continue to cruise, but probably pare it down , hoping some return to normalcy.  The endless new variant, and blast of news reports of OMG..more covid cases...well It's a real pain in da ***. We've done some inclusive resort trips, and they have been pretty enjoyable with a lot less hassle than the "New" cruise experience.

[Calnev1]

On 1/26/2022 at 7:00 AM, waytoodeep03 said:

 

Is it fun with a near empty ship? 

 

Do you like waiting in lines?  Do you like going to a ship's venue only to find out it is already full and you can't get in?  Do you like bumping into people in the hallways?  And do you like to pay higher cruise fares?

 

I answered NO to all of my questions.  As for your question, HELL YES, it's fun to cruise on a near empty ship!!!  (Radiance 1/14/2022 sailing).

Edited January 28, 2022 by Calnev1

[SNJCruisers]

Very enjoyable.  Just got back from 12 days on the Celebrity Apex earlier this month.  Had more crew than passengers on our 7 day backend. Looking forward to our B2B on the Mardi Gras in February, our B2B on the Discovery Princess in April to Mexico and the California Coastal, our B2B on the Oasis of the Seas in June to Canada and the Bahamas and our return B2B on the Mardi Gras in August.  

 

[cruisingguy007]

3 hours ago, icft said:

 

I agree with mz-s and that is not a criticism. Cruising isn't for everyone. After each cruise Carnival sends out that survey with the first question being how likely are you to recommend Carnival to a friend. I always put a very low number because I know a number of people who tried and hated cruising and it isn't good being trapped for a week somewhere you don't want to be. I won't be responsible for pushing someone into that.

 

Would I recommend Carnival for food? No - it is acceptable but not where I would go for great food. Would I recommend Carnival for the ports? No - spending a few hours somewhere on a guided tour is not experiencing the place, but it is kind of entertaining. Would I recommend Carnival for the entertainment? No - there is better, but Carnival's is OK.

 

To enjoy cruising you have to like the overall mix of things. No one thing will be the best to be found, other than the experience of standing on a deck watching the ocean go by.

 

Wait what? Not cruising for the food, ports or entertainment? So what then? A floating Golden Corral and getting drunk are the highlights? LOL. I hope no cruise line hires you for their sales pitch, you've basically said not to expect a cruise to be a cruise. Floating in the sea, eating bad food and drinking overpriced drinks won't be enough for a lot of people. Sheesh! 

[Duanerice1]

Back to the original question.  I had the same reservations. I live in Florida and we pretty much don’t wear masks.   Wasn’t sure how I’d like it on a cruise.  We were on the Sunrise last week. 
 

It wasn’t bad.  Can’t tell you how many times we had to go back to the room to get a mask though. Lol.  We just aren’t used to grabbing one. 
 

In the bars and restaurants you don’t need a mask.  Many in the theater didn’t either because they are drinking.  Nothing is enforced by the way. 
 

And with the ship being half full it did dampen the excitement a bit.  Dinner was empty as were the main shows.  Red Frog Pub was usually packed so that was fun.  On the other hand, no lines for anything was awesome. 
 

We are going again next week so it wasn’t bad.   For the deals we got, we

cant stay home and eat for less. Lol. 
 

enjoy 

[icft]

1 hour ago, cruisingguy007 said:

 

Wait what? Not cruising for the food, ports or entertainment? So what then? A floating Golden Corral and getting drunk are the highlights? LOL. I hope no cruise line hires you for their sales pitch, you've basically said not to expect a cruise to be a cruise. Floating in the sea, eating bad food and drinking overpriced drinks won't be enough for a lot of people. Sheesh! 

You apparently missed my point.

 

If one's goal is great food we have dozens of places near me that have better food than Carnival. Maybe that is just because we live in Louisiana, but I would think most places of any size have places with better food. Good food can always be found on Carnival, but not food worth flying to. So eating the best food is not a reason to cruise. Instead fly to New Orleans and eat better food at a different place each day.

 

If one's goal is to see the sights of another country a four to six hour tour in each of two or three countries in a week is not the best you can do. So the ultimate in experiencing another country is not a reason to cruise. It is a bit of fun but taking a week long cruise for the purpose of a few hours sightseeing is not a reason to cruise. Instead go stay in another country for a week.

 

If going to shows is one's goal Las Vegas or Broadway have better. So going to the best shows is not a reason to cruise.

 

The reason to cruise is the overall experience. The food has to be good enough, not the best. The shore time has to be good enough, not the best, the shows have to be good enough, not the best. But the combination of those things along with enjoying being on the ocean and relaxing and having no chores to do, perhaps a little gambling and other things make the overall experience fun for some. For others who are only interested in one or two or three of the things that combine to make a cruise it is not going to be fun. All those other things that make cruising fun for us are just wasted time for them and they will not be getting the best of the few things they are interested in.

 

If you think Carnival's food is the best there is and that Carnival's engagement with foreign cultures is the best there is and Carnival's entertainment is the best there is then we just disagree.

[cruisingguy007]

27 minutes ago, icft said:

You apparently missed my point.

 

If one's goal is great food we have dozens of places near me that have better food than Carnival. Maybe that is just because we live in Louisiana, but I would think most places of any size have places with better food. Good food can always be found on Carnival, but not food worth flying to. So eating the best food is not a reason to cruise. Instead fly to New Orleans and eat better food at a different place each day.

 

If one's goal is to see the sights of another country a four to six hour tour in each of two or three countries in a week is not the best you can do. So the ultimate in experiencing another country is not a reason to cruise. It is a bit of fun but taking a week long cruise for the purpose of a few hours sightseeing is not a reason to cruise. Instead go stay in another country for a week.

 

If going to shows is one's goal Las Vegas or Broadway have better. So going to the best shows is not a reason to cruise.

 

The reason to cruise is the overall experience. The food has to be good enough, not the best. The shore time has to be good enough, not the best, the shows have to be good enough, not the best. But the combination of those things along with enjoying being on the ocean and relaxing and having no chores to do, perhaps a little gambling and other things make the overall experience fun for some. For others who are only interested in one or two or three of the things that combine to make a cruise it is not going to be fun. All those other things that make cruising fun for us are just wasted time for them and they will not be getting the best of the few things they are interested in.

 

If you think Carnival's food is the best there is and that Carnival's engagement with foreign cultures is the best there is and Carnival's entertainment is the best there is then we just disagree.

 

I get what you're saying and would like to see more overnights in ports and/or longer port times. That said, people do cruise for ports, entertainment, food, shows and it's an important aspect for many cruisers. Not all want to simply eat and drink. But yes, most vacations are a compromise of some sort, it just seems lately that many are too willing to excuse any amount of dissatisfaction as not being reasonable, even when the dissatisfaction is completely reasonable. I've been guilty of it myself, being a bit quick to dismiss others experiences and yielding to the lines in a defensive posture. Thanks for taking the time and expounding your position.