Anyone done Carnival, how is it?

[Vacationdreamer<><]

Just got off Carnival Elation yesterday.  
Alchemy Bar was delightful.
Guy's Burgers and Blue Iguana Cantina for the win.
The shows were missable.  The staff was mature and dedicated.

 

We have our first RCCL cruise booked for May and I am a little nervous after reading around this board today.

 

I haven't had a bad cruise yet on DCL, NCL, CCL, or Princess.

[Vacationdreamer<><]

13 hours ago, welshrich said:

so think we will give it a go, after all, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

 

I think we all do best when we have a little sense of adventure.  I strongly suspect a good attitude will make for a great trip!!!  
Bon Voyage!

[Ret MP]

50 minutes ago, Vacationdreamer&lt;&gt;&lt; said:

Just got off Carnival Elation yesterday.  
Alchemy Bar was delightful.
Guy's Burgers and Blue Iguana Cantina for the win.
The shows were missable.  The staff was mature and dedicated.

 

We have our first RCCL cruise booked for May and I am a little nervous after reading around this board today.

 

I haven't had a bad cruise yet on DCL, NCL, CCL, or Princess.

 

48 minutes ago, Vacationdreamer&lt;&gt;&lt; said:

I think we all do best when we have a little sense of adventure.  I strongly suspect a good attitude will make for a great trip!!!  
Bon Voyage!

As you said, "attitude".  I believe most things in life are influenced by about 90% of your attitude going in.  

 

It is my opinion that "MOST", if not a hefty % of negative reviews are with a bias of some type. 

 

I do have a bias about Rustucket Cruise Lines.  That's why I don't review it if not asked, I know I'm biased against the lines.  My negativity towards it is my own thing and it involves not ever calling it by its real name. Rust has nothing to do with my nickname for the line.  

[Ret MP]

I have said here many times that you can cruise on any ship in Royal's fleet one week and the same ship a week or two later and it can seem like a completely different ship.   Why?  Because the crews change constantly.  If you had the best steak in the world this week, it may be the worst next week because that particular chef went to another ship or home, between contracts.   Hell, cabin service may be totally different between the forward part of the ship vs., the aft part of the ship!  Why?  Because the Stewards aren't the same people and their supervisor(s)/manager(s) are probably different people.  

 

To be honest, that's the way I like it, not the bad food or service part.  I wouldn't want every ship and every restaurant to be cookie-cutter.  A little variance is good, as far as I'm concerned.  As we all know, different ships in the same class are different, especially the Oasis Class ships.  And I like it.

 

I don't think the above is unique to RCCL, either.

[broadwaybaby123]

I have, but please bear in mind that it's been 5 years since I've done a Carnival cruise, my next Carnival one will be April 2024.

 

Holiday (20+ years ago): hated it, it was like a floating Las Vegas.  The only activity for us kids was ice cream socials, which I love but not everyday!

 

Triumph (12+ years ago): a little better, much more organized.

 

Pride (5+ years ago): hated it, too dark and wasn't a good match for someone who was handicapped in our party.

[Ret MP]

3 minutes ago, broadwaybaby123 said:

Pride (5+ years ago): hated it, too dark and wasn't a good match for someone who was handicapped in our party.

And that is precisely the root of my problem with Rustbucket.  Thank you for that!

[crzndeb]

13 minutes ago, broadwaybaby123 said:

I have, but please bear in mind that it's been 5 years since I've done a Carnival cruise, my next Carnival one will be April 2024.

 

Holiday (20+ years ago): hated it, it was like a floating Las Vegas.  The only activity for us kids was ice cream socials, which I love but not everyday!

 

Triumph (12+ years ago): a little better, much more organized.

 

Pride (5+ years ago): hated it, too dark and wasn't a good match for someone who was handicapped in our party.

It funny, my first Carnival cruise was in 1985 on the Carnivale, after cruising on Sitmar a few times. Talk about disappointment. It took me 18 years to sail them again, but I took my daughter on her 21st birthday on the Spirit, for a great itinerary and had a great time. I have since taken 2 ships over to Australia 2012 and 2014 and one to Singapore in 2019. I have had a lot of fun on my Carnival cruises, as I have with my Royal cruises. I hope you have fun on your Apr2024 cruise.

I think it’s ok if you had a bad experience, but when people resort to name calling and nasty negativity, they just end up on my Ignore list. I’m to old for that nonsense. I have been cruising since 1980 and have been on most lines, and would never name call or put other people down for their choices. 

[nimbex1970]

I sail both carnival and royal.  Your itinerary is what is going to change the demographics as those with kids will be fewer, including college-age kids, and will not have the weekend party ship vibe.  You are then left with a general middle age to older demographic. So that being said, Carnival ships are loud like las vegas in decor, royal more subdued. Both have specialty restaurants, I find more free venues on Carnival ships.  I find the quality of entertainment better on royal, but I love to sing along with a mediocre piano player on carnival that can't hit the notes. Meanwhile, I love the schooner bar. I find Carnival has more folks out on deck delivering drinks if I just look up, my guy is there providing round two without asking ahead of time and waiting.  The drink packages ARE different, you max out at 15 on Carnival, so that upsets some as that could be one drink every hour if you are up late.  Many Carnival shps have funky layouts where you have to transverse a few choices of decks, where Royal has more options, you are not going up and down to cross through a few decks. Carnival has more late night parties, events where the cruise director seems to help you transition from one venue to another if thats your thing, while royal is more figure it out on your own.  All my opinions .DO IT, book the cruise, life is short. 

[Tippyton]

Done CCL a bunch.  Doing our first RCL in May.

[Ret MP]

17 minutes ago, Tippyton said:

Done CCL a bunch.  Doing our first RCL in May.

I hope you enjoy it and I'm looking forward to your review!

[ilovesparky13]

On 3/6/2023 at 5:27 AM, welshrich said:

Hi, We've done 40+ with RCI, we are going to do a Celebrity cruise later this year but have seen a great itinerary on Carnival from Singapore to LA.

 

Has anyone cruised Carnival and can advise whether it's comparable, I've heard good and bad but want 1st hand experiences to help decide.

 

Usually would sail RCI but have to look at other lines to see different parts of the world.

TIA.

My family loves Carnival. Good food, good entertainment, and best of all, good prices. 

[RockHoundTX]

I have done 4 RCL and 6 CCL in the last two years. Diamond on RCL but did more CCL since they tended to be 30%-40% cheaper for the same itenerary for a family of 4. Both RCL and CCL have been short-staffed on every trip since the covid lock-downs. As others have said, lunch is better on CCL with Guy's Burgers and Iguana Grill (plus the gellato bar). On average, RCL has been better in MDR but even MDR quality seems to vary greatly week to week on both cruise lines. Last year food quality on both lines really depended on what happened to show up on the dock that week (supply chain issues) and which of the cooking staff were in covid quarantine. Regardless, food quality and selection on both lines over the last 12 months has been way down relative to pre-covid (funny enough, just after the lock-down ended, the food on RCL was fantastic. But then it nose-dived for the last 2 RCL trips and has been consistently "average" to "disgustingly bad" on CCL).  

 

So why do I prefer RCL? I enjoy all the activities during the day: rock climbing, Flow-rider, ice skating, etc. CCL has Sky Rider and Rope Course but these are pretty boring after you have done them once. CCL has basically centered their entire "afternoon entertainment" around trivia, trivia, and more trivia. aaaaugh. Most of their night-time entertainment is comedians (but RCL seems to be going this way as well since it is probably way cheaper than the real acts they used to have).

 

As for the stage productions, it really comes down to the performers. Some of the best singers and dancers I have seen on a cruise where on CCL (2 years ago). Unfortunately, the worst singers and dancers I have seen were also on CCL (same ship back in December. The word my kids used most often was "cringeworthy"). 

 

CCL has much more energetic cruise directors. You may like this or hate this. The late evening CCL deck parties seem to be more fun that the RCL promenade parties at least for my family.

 

Overall, if they were the same price (or even 10% more expensive), I would go with RCL 100% of the time. Unfortunately, both RCL and CCL are currently pricing trips at 40%-50% more than I am willing to pay. My wife checks prices daily and for the last few months the prices have been 2x what we paid pre-covid and 2.5x the "great prices" we got over the last 2 years. With overall quality WAY down (and prices WAY up), currently only have 1 cruise (on RCL) booked.    

   

[PhillyFan33579]

1 hour ago, RockHoundTX said:

I have done 4 RCL and 6 CCL in the last two years. Diamond on RCL but did more CCL since they tended to be 30%-40% cheaper for the same itenerary for a family of 4. Both RCL and CCL have been short-staffed on every trip since the covid lock-downs. As others have said, lunch is better on CCL with Guy's Burgers and Iguana Grill (plus the gellato bar). On average, RCL has been better in MDR but even MDR quality seems to vary greatly week to week on both cruise lines. Last year food quality on both lines really depended on what happened to show up on the dock that week (supply chain issues) and which of the cooking staff were in covid quarantine. Regardless, food quality and selection on both lines over the last 12 months has been way down relative to pre-covid (funny enough, just after the lock-down ended, the food on RCL was fantastic. But then it nose-dived for the last 2 RCL trips and has been consistently "average" to "disgustingly bad" on CCL).  

 

So why do I prefer RCL? I enjoy all the activities during the day: rock climbing, Flow-rider, ice skating, etc. CCL has Sky Rider and Rope Course but these are pretty boring after you have done them once. CCL has basically centered their entire "afternoon entertainment" around trivia, trivia, and more trivia. aaaaugh. Most of their night-time entertainment is comedians (but RCL seems to be going this way as well since it is probably way cheaper than the real acts they used to have).

 

As for the stage productions, it really comes down to the performers. Some of the best singers and dancers I have seen on a cruise where on CCL (2 years ago). Unfortunately, the worst singers and dancers I have seen were also on CCL (same ship back in December. The word my kids used most often was "cringeworthy"). 

 

CCL has much more energetic cruise directors. You may like this or hate this. The late evening CCL deck parties seem to be more fun that the RCL promenade parties at least for my family.

 

Overall, if they were the same price (or even 10% more expensive), I would go with RCL 100% of the time. Unfortunately, both RCL and CCL are currently pricing trips at 40%-50% more than I am willing to pay. My wife checks prices daily and for the last few months the prices have been 2x what we paid pre-covid and 2.5x the "great prices" we got over the last 2 years. With overall quality WAY down (and prices WAY up), currently only have 1 cruise (on RCL) booked.    

   

Keeping in mind food is subjective, I think the food on RCI is just as good if not better than prior to COVID. I have been on 23 cruises on RCI post COVID and the food quality has been similar on every ship I have sailed. I have also not experienced any decrease in service at the MDR, specialty restaurants, bars and cabin. If anything service is better than prior to COVID. The overwhelming majority of crew members I have talked to are thrilled to be working on a cruise ship again. 
 

If my experience on RCI was significantly worse these days, I would be cruising on Celebrity a lot more than the handful I have sailed post COVID. 

[nwcruiselover]

I am Diamond on Royal, Diamond on Carnival and Sapphire on NCL.  I have also cruised on Holland America.  I agree with those who say there are pluses and minuses on all of the cruise lines.  Carnival and Royal are my favorite lines, as my last several cruises on NCL were very “loud.”  Everywhere I went there seemed to be loud music blaring.  I had to retreat to my cabin for peace and quiet. I know Carnival has gotten a reputation as having party boats, and that just isn’t so on the longer cruises.  At this point all of my future cruises are on Carnival except my first Celebrity cruise coming up.  I’m glad there are some Royal loyalists who are willing to give Carnival a try.  I recommend a longer cruise, 10+ days, and one of the newer ships.

[Z0nker]

We sailed the Carnival Miracle out of SF last May. The demographics were similar to Royal Caribbean. Younger, more diverse crowd than most other lines. Lots of activities especially on the pool deck.  Good bar scene for mixed drinks and craft beer. Hit or miss on wine quality but you can bring on one bottle per adult. Food was solid in the MDR and buffet. Excellent service. Sea day brunch was a treat, don’t miss it. Guy’s burgers and fries were good and the taco joint was decent. Casino was hopping. Pizza Pirate made to order pizza was good, too. The seafood corner that you pay extra for in the buffet is best avoided. The balcony room was spacious. 

[rcrabb1513]

On 3/6/2023 at 7:27 AM, welshrich said:

Hi, We've done 40+ with RCI, we are going to do a Celebrity cruise later this year but have seen a great itinerary on Carnival from Singapore to LA.

 

Has anyone cruised Carnival and can advise whether it's comparable, I've heard good and bad but want 1st hand experiences to help decide.

 

Usually would sail RCI but have to look at other lines to see different parts of the world.

TIA.

Sailing on our first Carnival cruise in a couple weeks.  We booked suite on par with a Jr. Suite on RCCL. First pleasant surprise out of the box, Suite and top 2 loyalty tier members get to checkin online 2 days before general online checkin opens.  Nice perk I think RCCL should copy!

[Z0nker]

On 3/7/2023 at 2:11 PM, Vacationdreamer&lt;&gt;&lt; said:

Just got off Carnival Elation yesterday.  
Alchemy Bar was delightful.
Guy's Burgers and Blue Iguana Cantina for the win.
The shows were missable.  The staff was mature and dedicated.

 

We have our first RCCL cruise booked for May and I am a little nervous after reading around this board today.

 

I haven't had a bad cruise yet on DCL, NCL, CCL, or Princess.

We’ll, with an attitude like yours you’re never going to have a bad cruise. 😃

[Giantfan13]

I see many here don't mind Carnival. That's fine for them. I, and my DW, will never sail on that line again. Depending on how you cruise, like you want to party all the time, drink all the time, and have no worries that no one from the cruise line will interrupt your fun, then Carnival is for you also. Maybe we are a bit older but we sailed Carnival many times in our early cruise experiences and we sailed on her as our first cruise back after the pandemic, and as I said, never again. 

I am certainly not putting anyone down who likes to sail on Carnival, but for us, they simply have no control over what the passengers want to do and it would be a cold day in hell if they told any passenger that they cannot do something. I'm sure RCCL has its share of the same thing, but Carnival is what it advertises a Party type cruise with, I hate to say this, with a bit of a lower-class clientele, more families, and kids.

Please don't turn on me, as I am just giving how we feel about Carnival. They simply had no control over the passengers especially right after the pandemic when everyone was supposed to wear masks and Carnival couldn't care less if anyone did. Kind id scared the hell out of us.

 

Cheers

Len

[teddybear231]

We used to do Carnival with a friend group of ours, but after trying to RCL, we won't be going back.

 

Carnival is certainly a more "wild" atmosphere. The one thing I would give Carnival is they have Guys Burgers (which are free). They are delicious, but not good enough to make us travel with them again.

[ilovesparky13]

7 hours ago, Z0nker said:

We sailed the Carnival Miracle out of SF last May. The demographics were similar to Royal Caribbean. Younger, more diverse crowd than most other lines. Lots of activities especially on the pool deck.  Good bar scene for mixed drinks and craft beer. Hit or miss on wine quality but you can bring on one bottle per adult. Food was solid in the MDR and buffet. Excellent service. Sea day brunch was a treat, don’t miss it. Guy’s burgers and fries were good and the taco joint was decent. Casino was hopping. Pizza Pirate made to order pizza was good, too. The seafood corner that you pay extra for in the buffet is best avoided. The balcony room was spacious. 

Hey, we ALSO sailed Carnival Miracle out of SF last May!! 😃 One of the best trips of my life. 

[Vacationdreamer<><]

6 hours ago, Z0nker said:

you’re never going to have a bad cruise. 😃

hope this is 💯spot on!

🚢🌟🌊

[AquarianCruiser]

I’ve been on Carnival and I’ve never had a bad cruise however I have noticed more rowdiness and immature behavior among the passengers on Carnival.  I’ve since tried MSC and Celebrity and I’ve definitely noticed a huge improvement in the quality and behavior of the passengers.  

[Ret MP]

On 3/6/2023 at 10:25 AM, resetjet said:

Similar.  Carnival a tad more on the tacky side but cheaper too.  + and - on both sides.   To me it depends on the ship,  not the line.  

It is my belief that bad behavior, consistent bad behavior is a "Line" issue.  On my last cruise on the Independence of the Seas, several times a day, I'd see this very professionally dressed and business-looking lady with an iPad.  So, one night as we were entering Chop's Grill, she was there at the Host kiosk just standing, watching, and typing on the iPad.  So, I asked her if she was an employee of the ship.  She said that she was from Corp., and she was inspecting the customer relations of the ship's crew and management.  I asked if that was a normal thing for Royal and she said that on almost every cruise on every ship, there is a Corp., director, or upper-level Corp., representative checking things out and evaluating the ship's crew and management and/or other ship's operations.  I think that may contribute to better behavior on Royal Ships.  No, I'm not saying that there isn't any bad behavior on a Royal ship.  I just don't think it is as common on a Royal ship.  

[resetjet]

42 minutes ago, Ret MP said:

It is my belief that bad behavior, consistent bad behavior is a "Line" issue.  On my last cruise on the Independence of the Seas, several times a day, I'd see this very professionally dressed and business-looking lady with an iPad.  So, one night as we were entering Chop's Grill, she was there at the Host kiosk just standing, watching, and typing on the iPad.  So, I asked her if she was an employee of the ship.  She said that she was from Corp., and she was inspecting the customer relations of the ship's crew and management.  I asked if that was a normal thing for Royal and she said that on almost every cruise on every ship, there is a Corp., director, or upper-level Corp., representative checking things out and evaluating the ship's crew and management and/or other ship's operations.  I think that may contribute to better behavior on Royal Ships.  No, I'm not saying that there isn't any bad behavior on a Royal ship.  I just don't think it is as common on a Royal ship.  

Itinerary has alot to do with it.  Take a spring break cruise or a short weekend cruise on either line and expect chaos. We did an 8 day panama canal in feb on carnival,  and its sure wasnt a party ship. At 55 we were at the younger end.  Almost no kids.  Same ship,  4 night weekend and party central i am sure.  Royal is more expensive especially when considering drink packages so that help keeping out the riff raff.

[Ret MP]

2 minutes ago, resetjet said:

Itinerary has alot to do with it.  Take a spring break cruise or a short weekend cruise on either line and expect chaos. We did an 8 day panama canal in feb on carnival,  and its sure wasnt a party ship. At 55 we were at the younger end.  Almost no kids.  Same ship,  4 night weekend and party central i am sure.  Royal is more expensive especially when considering drink packages so that help keeping out the riff raff.

That is true, the itinerary and length of a cruise have a lot to do with the demographics of a cruise.  No doubt!  

 

"Royal is more expensive especially when considering drink packages so that help keeping out the riff raff".

 

A price I'm willing to pay.