OPINIONS NEEDED: Carnival fans who have tried "upgraded" lines. . . what is the advantage and is it worth it?

[Z0nker]

1 minute ago, zentraveler said:

THANK YOU ZOnker!  This answers a question I had not quite gotten around to formulating but really wanted to know.

 

We live right in SF a few miles from the SF port and a short ride away.   I have recently tuned into what is available to us in terms of cruising from here and have booked trips on both of those ships this summer - first on each. Your very succinct and specific information is incredibly useful.

 

What I am still puzzling, and would love it if anyone know the answer, is why only those 2 two cruise lines? This is a world class city; why don't more cruise lines sail out of here?

I agree. I know the market is much bigger in Florida and Southern California, but why not develop the Bay Area market? There are a lot of people who live driving distance from SF and who love to travel. I would really like to see Celebrity here. Their style seems like a great fit for the Bay Area.

[BlerkOne]

11 minutes ago, zentraveler said:

 

What I am still puzzling, and would love it if anyone know the answer, is why only those 2 two cruise lines? This is a world class city; why don't more cruise lines sail out of here?

Limited ports = limited demand.

[CruizinSusan70]

7 hours ago, Z0nker said:

I agree. I know the market is much bigger in Florida and Southern California, but why not develop the Bay Area market? There are a lot of people who live driving distance from SF and who love to travel. I would really like to see Celebrity here. Their style seems like a great fit for the Bay Area.

California Coastal and Mexican Riviera for 7 day cruises, Ensenada/Cabo for 4 day cruises and the occasional 15 day to Hawaii are about the only options.  With limited choices comes limited demand and profits.

[Itried4498]

8 hours ago, Z0nker said:

I agree. I know the market is much bigger in Florida and Southern California, but why not develop the Bay Area market? There are a lot of people who live driving distance from SF and who love to travel. I would really like to see Celebrity here. Their style seems like a great fit for the Bay Area.

Los Angeles is a poor cruising market - Carnival had been the sole year-round operator for a decade.  Norwegian, Princess, Disney, etc. served the market seasonally, generally when it becomes too cold to serve Alaska (from Seattle/Vancouver). 
 

In the winter, it’s cold and often rainy in SoCal.  In the spring, it’s still chilly and there’s a strong current making it very windy.  The summer is plagued by cloud coverage, which makes cruises chilly and cold.  At best, you have a few weeks out of the year in which weather conditions are what people expect of a cruise.

 

and as bad as LA is, SF is worse…

 

[Joebucks]

So far, we have only sailed Carnival. We've intended to try different cruise lines by now, but it just always seems like Carnival worked out better. My most recent one was the Mexican Riviera on Panorama. They offered me a 7-day cruise with a balcony at $880 for 2 after taxes and fees. I couldn't say no. We love the vibe. I love the food and amenities. Sure some things aren't perfect. I used to be fairly bummed about the food options. Now that I'm older, I wake up earlier and go to bed sooner. Not as much of a problem. With any experience, the more you do it, the less special it becomes. That is where I think the luxury interest largely comes from.

 

Personally, I just can't jive with the luxury cruises. I may try some one day, but I truly doubt I'll ever be sold on them. I am not a "service" person. In fact, I believe it is one the biggest wastes of money there is. Service is a high-margin offering. You will never convince me that a 7-day trip is better because you feel "pampered" or someone knows your name vs 14 days of vacation, all for the same price. Being away more often is truly more valuable to me than some brief, often manufactured feeling. That is more relaxing to me than anything. I could also care less about "5-star dining". It's available where I live, and don't care about it here either. I don't need a more expensive cruise to trick me into believing it's all free. Give me a burger and a taco, in a vacation setting, and I'm happy as a clam.

 

I also don't jive with the small ship setting. As with anything, there are pros and cons to either choice. Also, for some ports, the small ship is the only option. When given a choice, I want the big ship. Because choice and variety leave you with more options to do what you want. Simple math. After a day at the port, it's a good problem to have when you have to decide what to choose from: comedy club (multiple shows), stage show, bar visit, music, night club, deck movies, casino, and other events. Similar to the 5-star dining topic is the stage shows. I could care less about having one "higher quality offer" and then the rest of the night is boring. 

 

I definitely want to try NCL and RCL soon. Leaning more towards RCL. Both seem to be right up my alley for what interests me. MSC I am torn on. It seems to be a love or hate relationship. My guess is that it has brought great aspects of cruising that some have associated only with luxury, to the mass market. 

 

[trvlgirlmq]

This thread has been very helpful.  I am looking at a 2024 Mediterranean cruise for a big birthday celebration for myself and my mom. Unfortunately, Carnival is sticking with their Europe model of not doing the Med until Sept/Oct and we will have 2 (or 3) college age kids travelling with us so it must be while they are on summer break.  Also, our birthday's are in June so we want to get as close to those dates as we can.  

 

I have ruled out NCL because they have no sea days on any of their 2024 itineraries.  I also don't think MSC is for us even though we are fine with "Europe" and have done many land trips. I am looking at Princess and Celebrity with the possibility of Royal as well. I prefer the newer, larger ships because we do like to have activities on sea days. 

[MMastell]

I've sailed almost 70 times in the last 20 years on every major and minor cruise line.  I am not one who likes formal dinners or formal dress but likes good, well prepared food.  I also like to see parts of the world other than the Caribbean even though I love getting away for a Caribbean cruise to just relax.  I'm not a party person but love a good drink and a fun night in the casino.  My wife and I do mostly our own excursions on shore, either private or on our own. I have never had a cruise excursion I thought was wonderful.

 

It really comes down to perception and expectations when you choose a cruise line.  Seabourn will give you a wonderful itinerary, great service, definitely better food and a nice cabin.  To me this is great but not worth the price unless it's a unique itinerary then I will pay it.

 

With RCL, NCL, Carnival you are getting basically the same experience with slight differences.  More "stuff" to do on RCL, more options on NCL and more of a party atmosphere on Carnival.  Of the three I'll take NCL because I like the multiple options of the standard ships.  The newer and bigger ships on each line will give you more options but the core product is the same.

 

My overall favorite lines are Oceania and Azamara.  They are laid back, great itineraries, elegant but not overly formal with excellent food.  I like the small ship atmosphere where I can still go to the casino, have a drink at a nice bar, dinner when I want and just relax after a day on shore or on a sea day.  

 

On the luxury lines you will occasionally run into the snobbish passenger but overall most don't care who you are or your bank account.  Granted you won't be wearing cargo shorts and flip flops for dinner but if you have on a pair of Dockers and a polo you won't be out of place on most nights.

 

I sailed Cunard once and it was the only time that I found a larger number of snobbish people.  Perhaps it was a culture clash between European and North American ideas.  I haven't cruised Cunard since because I could have a better experience on another line.

 

It all comes down to what is right for the individual.  I strongly encourage anyone to not just cruise one cruise line.  Try different ones and make your own decision on what you like.  You may be pleasantly surprised.

 

Take care,

Mike

[KmomChicago]

1 hour ago, trvlgirlmq said:

This thread has been very helpful.  I am looking at a 2024 Mediterranean cruise for a big birthday celebration for myself and my mom. Unfortunately, Carnival is sticking with their Europe model of not doing the Med until Sept/Oct and we will have 2 (or 3) college age kids travelling with us so it must be while they are on summer break.  Also, our birthday's are in June so we want to get as close to those dates as we can.  

 

I have ruled out NCL because they have no sea days on any of their 2024 itineraries.  I also don't think MSC is for us even though we are fine with "Europe" and have done many land trips. I am looking at Princess and Celebrity with the possibility of Royal as well. I prefer the newer, larger ships because we do like to have activities on sea days. 

I hope someone can weigh in here but I believe MSC cruises in Europe have some different policies than their US ships and Euro lines in general have a few policies that are just weird for Americans. 
 

 The one I’ve read about in the past is charging for tap water or any beverage at all in the MDR at dinner which just feels ludicrous that a cruise includes meals but no liquid nourishment of any sort. Do Europeans not consider beverages to be part of meals? Do they eat full meals without glasses or cups on the table? I know at least one UK meal is actually called tea so you get a drink at that meal! 😂 On the continent maybe not so much?
 

I used to think it might be a hoot to try Costa, Aida, or (now defunct) Pullmantur in Europe and just go with the language oblivion for a week but paying for warm tap water is a bridge too far for me. So now I assume if we ever decide to take the long flight we would end up on a familiar brand instead.

 

Experts and internationals, please help us here?

[CruizinSusan70]

2 hours ago, Joebucks said:

I definitely want to try NCL and RCL soon. Leaning more towards RCL. Both seem to be right up my alley for what interests me. MSC I am torn on. It seems to be a love or hate relationship. My guess is that it has brought great aspects of cruising that some have associated only with luxury, to the mass market.

The NCL Prima should be your top of the list choice between NCL and RCI.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThISJOnoBcI

 

[KmomChicago]

7 minutes ago, MMastell said:

I've sailed almost 70 times in the last 20 years on every major and minor cruise line.  I am not one who likes formal dinners or formal dress but likes good, well prepared food.  I also like to see parts of the world other than the Caribbean even though I love getting away for a Caribbean cruise to just relax.  I'm not a party person but love a good drink and a fun night in the casino.  My wife and I do mostly our own excursions on shore, either private or on our own. I have never had a cruise excursion I thought was wonderful.

 

It really comes down to perception and expectations when you choose a cruise line.  Seabourn will give you a wonderful itinerary, great service, definitely better food and a nice cabin.  To me this is great but not worth the price unless it's a unique itinerary then I will pay it.

 

With RCL, NCL, Carnival you are getting basically the same experience with slight differences.  More "stuff" to do on RCL, more options on NCL and more of a party atmosphere on Carnival.  Of the three I'll take NCL because I like the multiple options of the standard ships.  The newer and bigger ships on each line will give you more options but the core product is the same.

 

My overall favorite lines are Oceania and Azamara.  They are laid back, great itineraries, elegant but not overly formal with excellent food.  I like the small ship atmosphere where I can still go to the casino, have a drink at a nice bar, dinner when I want and just relax after a day on shore or on a sea day.  

 

On the luxury lines you will occasionally run into the snobbish passenger but overall most don't care who you are or your bank account.  Granted you won't be wearing cargo shorts and flip flops for dinner but if you have on a pair of Dockers and a polo you won't be out of place on most nights.

 

I sailed Cunard once and it was the only time that I found a larger number of snobbish people.  Perhaps it was a culture clash between European and North American ideas.  I haven't cruised Cunard since because I could have a better experience on another line.

 

It all comes down to what is right for the individual.  I strongly encourage anyone to not just cruise one cruise line.  Try different ones and make your own decision on what you like.  You may be pleasantly surprised.

 

Take care,

Mike

Thank you Mike @MMastell. This is a perfect response and very helpful, especially about Seabourn.  
 

And the point about expectations is spot on. We met a very nice lady and her mom at trivia on Oasis. They were around 65 and 85 and in chatting said they weren’t enjoying this cruise nearly as much as their others as it’s far too “loud.”
 

We asked what other cruises they’d taken and they said, several, all on Cunard! 
 

How did they imagine a spring break cruise on the largest, amenity-jammed, family-focused RCI cruise ship on the planet would provide a similar experience as Cunard?  
 

They found this and thought it looked like a good deal compared to what they usually pay but found. . . guess what? It was not a good deal for them after all. 

[KmomChicago]

13 minutes ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

The NCL Prima should be your top of the list choice between NCL and RCI.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThISJOnoBcI

 

Holy Bajoley!! 

[trvlgirlmq]

20 minutes ago, KmomChicago said:

I hope someone can weigh in here but I believe MSC cruises in Europe have some different policies than their US ships and Euro lines in general have a few policies that are just weird for Americans. 
 

 The one I’ve read about in the past is charging for tap water or any beverage at all in the MDR at dinner which just feels ludicrous that a cruise includes meals but no liquid nourishment of any sort. Do Europeans not consider beverages to be part of meals? Do they eat full meals without glasses or cups on the table? I know at least one UK meal is actually called tea so you get a drink at that meal! 😂 On the continent maybe not so much?
 

I used to think it might be a hoot to try Costa, Aida, or (now defunct) Pullmantur in Europe and just go with the language oblivion for a week but paying for warm tap water is a bridge too far for me. So now I assume if we ever decide to take the long flight we would end up on a familiar brand instead.

 

Experts and internationals, please help us here?

 

Yes, in Europe tap water is not served. You are expected to purchase bottled water (still or sparkling) or wine (which is less expensive than a soda here sometimes).  In France if you ask for a carafe d'eau they will bring a small bottle of tap but it's barely enough to get you through a meal. This is just a different way of living and should not be looked down on.  I'm sure when European's come here and see our outrageous portion sizes they are appalled too.  We love travelling to Europe and have been to several countries and experienced wonderful food, sites and experiences.

[KmomChicago]

2 minutes ago, trvlgirlmq said:

 

Yes, in Europe tap water is not served. You are expected to purchase bottled water (still or sparkling) or wine (which is less expensive than a soda here sometimes).  In France if you ask for a carafe d'eau they will bring a small bottle of tap but it's barely enough to get you through a meal. This is just a different way of living and should not be looked down on.  I'm sure when European's come here and see our outrageous portion sizes they are appalled too.  We love travelling to Europe and have been to several countries and experienced wonderful food, sites and experiences.

I apologize for the attitude. Again I don’t intend to be insulting but more about being educated on which product choice is the right fit for each customer.  Of course I assume if you buy the drink package on these lines, that solves the issue. 

[CruizinSusan70]

2 hours ago, trvlgirlmq said:

I have ruled out NCL because they have no sea days on any of their 2024 itineraries.  I also don't think MSC is for us even though we are fine with "Europe" and have done many land trips. I am looking at Princess and Celebrity with the possibility of Royal as well. I prefer the newer, larger ships because we do like to have activities on sea days. 

Since the 2024 summer schedule has not been released yet for many of the lines, you can use 2023 as a guideline.  Most of the lines have only 1 sea day at the most for a 7 day sailing in the Med.  I would look at the Seashore or World Europa from MSC as possibilities.  With RCI, the Symphony of the Seas would be a good choice.  If you want two sea days and a slightly longer cruise, the brand new Celebrity Beyond has 10 and 11 day itineraries with two sea days.  But, once again this is all 2023 choices.  Many of the 2024 NCL choices as you know have zero sea days on their 7 day voyages.

[zentraveler]

49 minutes ago, MMastell said:

It really comes down to perception and expectations when you choose a cruise line.  Seabourn will give you a wonderful itinerary, great service, definitely better food and a nice cabin.  To me this is great but not worth the price unless it's a unique itinerary then I will pay it.

We took Seabourn to Antartica and loved the 3 week cruise. It is quite expensive to go to Antartica - no matter which ship/cruise line  you pick, so Seabourn was a really good choice given that the price range was small even for considerably less luxurious lines.. Seabourn had amazing naturalists, wonder

 

We have never found the guests to be stuffy or snobbish and the all inclusive, no gratuity policy is a relaxing change of pace.  Staff were friendly and accommodating without being intrusive and seemed to genuinely enjoy their jobs.

[zentraveler]

1 minute ago, zentraveler said:

We took Seabourn to Antartica and loved the 3 week cruise. It is quite expensive to go to Antartica - no matter which ship/cruise line  you pick, so Seabourn was a really good choice given that the price range was small even for considerably less luxurious lines.. Seabourn had amazing naturalists, wonderderful equipment for the twice daily outings off the ship, binoculars and telescopes for use etc. 

 

We have never found the guests to be stuffy or snobbish and the all inclusive, no gratuity policy is a relaxing change of pace.  Staff were friendly and accommodating without being intrusive and seemed to genuinely enjoy their jobs.

Edited for truncated sentence!

[CruizinSusan70]

31 minutes ago, KmomChicago said:

Holy Bajoley!! 

It's a game changer for them.   We're booked on them for an 11 day repo cruise from Galveston to Miami at Halloween going to Cozumel, Great Stirrup Cay and the ABC's.   Booked it again for a B2B in February and March out of Port Canaveral before she finally home ports in Galveston.

[Joebucks]

57 minutes ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

The NCL Prima should be your top of the list choice between NCL and RCI.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThISJOnoBcI

 

 

Thank you for sharing this video. One day, I do hope to try one of the big NCL ships and their experiences.

 

With that said, I have stayed away from NCL because I do not care for their business model. I am not fooled by their already expensive prices, being raised further to get "free stuff". Combined with smaller itinerary choice. The cheapest options this year between the NCL Prima and Carnival Mardi Gras this year are as follows:
Prima - $739.99pp for 5 day out of New York
Mardi Gras - $539.99 for 7 days out of Orlando

 

For many, the difference is worth it with NCL because you can pay more to get "free" stuff and food 24/7. I can get late night food on Carnival for $6.

When and if I sail NCL, it is to get the experience and a full value of the vacation. All of the noise around is insignificant.

[BlerkOne]

2 hours ago, KmomChicago said:

 

 The one I’ve read about in the past is charging for tap water or any beverage at all in the MDR at dinner which just feels ludicrous that a cruise includes meals but no liquid nourishment of any sort. Do Europeans not consider beverages to be part of meals? Do they eat full meals without glasses or cups on the table? I know at least one UK meal is actually called tea so you get a drink at that meal! 😂 On the continent maybe not so much?
 

 

Don't even think about ordering iced tea in the UK. 🙃

[KmomChicago]

17 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

Don't even think about ordering iced tea in the UK. 🙃

 

I"ve actually been to Europe a few times including the UK once, mostly decades ago. I don't remember water being an issue but perhaps I stuck with bottled as a travel precaution.

 

I am not really much of a tea drinker in any case, whether hot poured from a proper teapot, hot steeped in a mug with a bag, US north iced or US south cold sweet.  However all this exposure over a long life has educated me into the delicate nature of ordering tea in various cultures. 

Edited July 10, 2022 by KmomChicago

[djfrangella]

I feel very fortunate to have been on over 50 cruises since we started in 1985. Royal was our favorite(my husband was a little cruise snob back then) But none (NCL< ROYAL< PRINCESS<HOLLAND) can beat the casino deals we get thanks to my hubby on Carnival. Unless the grandkids are with us we just relax and enjoy the quiet on ship when everyone else gets off. We no longer pack suits or formal wear. Walking on those huge ships would probably tire us out. We can drive easily to baltimore from cleveland. so for now , for the money, its carnival.

[80sGal]

For the OP, I think it's clear that everyone has priorities that will make them choose one or two lines over the others.  We are in the same position, as we are early 50s empty nesters no longer tied to school and sports schedules.   Our work schedules are both fairly flexible so we have cruised 4 times since the restart and have been questioning our loyalty to Carnival.  We're taking a 12 day on the Pride in a couple of weeks, with mixed reviews about the Pride.   We've done several of the Fantasy class along with the Dream, Sunrise and Horizon multiple times, but not Spirit class.  I'm so excited about the European itinerary that I can overlook all the Rust Reviews I'm seeing .... anyway more to my point, like the OP, we question the experience on Carnival over the others.   So, we're booked on 2 RC, 1 MSC and 1 NCL between now and Spring 2024 along with Carnival Celebration for comparison purposes of apples to apples.  3 of those in Europe for more new places to visit, 3 in the Caribbean for places we've been plus a couple of new ports/private islands of the lines.   I'd say, just book it!!  You can read all the reviews you want, but until you try it, you won't know!  I found MSC to be very reasonably priced even on the new Seashore, RC Odyssey snd Symphony right in line with our Carnival Pride even for better experiences on board, and NCL definitely the most pricey, but then again it includes some extras that we all know aren't really free, just like Carnival's Cheers promo codes last year.   (I do wish I had more of those.)  

[CruizinSusan70]

13 hours ago, Joebucks said:

 

Thank you for sharing this video. One day, I do hope to try one of the big NCL ships and their experiences.

 

With that said, I have stayed away from NCL because I do not care for their business model. I am not fooled by their already expensive prices, being raised further to get "free stuff". Combined with smaller itinerary choice. The cheapest options this year between the NCL Prima and Carnival Mardi Gras this year are as follows:
Prima - $739.99pp for 5 day out of New York
Mardi Gras - $539.99 for 7 days out of Orlando

 

For many, the difference is worth it with NCL because you can pay more to get "free" stuff and food 24/7. I can get late night food on Carnival for $6.

When and if I sail NCL, it is to get the experience and a full value of the vacation. All of the noise around is insignificant.

You're comparing an apple to an orange with your Prima vs Mardi Gras.  Use a bare bones rate that NCL has as a comparison since that is perks free.  And the 24 hour pub they have on board will blow the doors off of anything on the 6.00 room service from Carnival.  I've also cruised on NCL 4 times and Carnival over 20.

[CruizinSusan70]

11 hours ago, djfrangella said:

 We can drive easily to baltimore from cleveland. so for now , for the money, its carnival.

But a steady diet of one ship, the Legend gets pretty monotonous after awhile, even with great rates and and long drive.

[BlerkOne]

11 hours ago, djfrangella said:

I feel very fortunate to have been on over 50 cruises since we started in 1985. Royal was our favorite(my husband was a little cruise snob back then) But none (NCL< ROYAL< PRINCESS<HOLLAND) can beat the casino deals we get thanks to my hubby on Carnival. Unless the grandkids are with us we just relax and enjoy the quiet on ship when everyone else gets off. We no longer pack suits or formal wear. Walking on those huge ships would probably tire us out. We can drive easily to baltimore from cleveland. so for now , for the money, its carnival.

So you wouldn't dump hubby for a newer model, I'm thinking.