Is Carnival that bad?

[LHP]

[quote name='sotadragon']I don't think that person was saying you shouldn't write about your experience. The thing is, you're taking your one bad cruise and writing off the entire line because of it, telling people to avoid Carnival entirely. Just remember Carnival Corporation owns MANY cruise lines... including the other lines you're considering cruising with.[/QUOTE]


Very good point!! There have been many posts where people have slammed other cruise lines over one cruise. Regardless of which cruise line it is, it is certainly irresponsible to condemn an entire cruise line over one cruise. If that were the case, every one of them would be out of business.

[gr1634]

I am so tired of seeing all the WalMart comments and the low end cruising comments about Carnival. And people making comments about loud, drunken parties that reportedly go on on Carnival ships. Saw a video last night taken on the Crown Princess (one of those that touts being above the rest), where drunken college kids basically took over the ship yelling and screaming for hours on end on most every deck, and had I been the chief of secuirty I would have locked everyone of the yahoos in their rooms for the remainder of the trip. The other one I saw today was discussing flashing breasts all over the ship and people eating at the buffet with no shirts on and as those of us who frequent these boards know a million other "terrible" things that reportedly happen only on Carnival because it such a low class cruise line. I must have missed the flashing - darn it! :)

Well here is my humble opinion - believe what you want and if you believe all the trash you see - stay off Carnival and leave more room for those of us who have actually cruised on the line and NOT experienced any of those activities. Go on the Princess, RCL HCL or any of the other boards and guess what - you will see the same complaints over and over and over about everyone of the cruise lines.

We have cruised Carnival 6 times now and have our next cruise - on Carnival - schedule for next month. We have never see the flashing, nor have I see people in the buffet line with no shirts on. And if we did I guess we could blame the cruise line because they let some slob on board. Come on people.

I can afford to cruise any line I'd like. I choose Carnival because I get a good value for my dollar and an excelleant cruise experience every time thus far. If you need a rock wall, an ice skating rink, or a pool table then go to the line that has them and have fun. I don't cruise to play on the ice. So I don't need that. If I did, I'd go on that line. I don't like the hairy chest contest, so guess what - I don't go there. But if thats what you like - more power to you. I also don't want to sit around a dark room playing bridge with a bunch of sedate folks either - so I don't. Bottom line - once again - a cruise is what you make it. There is a reason there are different cruise lines out there - there are different people with different likes and dislikes. Just because you don't like women in g-strings dancing on a stage doesn't mean the cruise line should stop doing it. And oh by the way - every time we've been to the shows (and we never miss them) in addition to the g-strings the women have had on an additional cover (of sorts) - so........

OK so I have vented my frustration. Sorry about that. Its just that the misinformation that flows so freely out there drives me nuts every once in a while. I have no doubt someone out there will totally disagree with my view - and thats ok too. Flame away but do not misunderstand. I fully realize that there are folks out there who have in fact had a bad cruise experience on Carnival and RCL, and HCL and Princess and Cunard and.. and.. and ...and........Carnival does not have the exclusive rights to any of the negatives.

[gr81]

Vacation "ideas" are like opinions, there are a lot of them, they differ greatly, and we like to "share" them with others.

I believe that if someone already has a p[FONT='Times New Roman']re-conceived notion (works with anything from vacaiton to a new brand of toothpaste), that it will play on their experience which makes me very glad that when we took our first Carnival cruise that we didn't get any pre cruise opinions from anyone at that time.[/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman'] [/FONT]
[quote name='Island_Guy']Perspective my friend, perspective.

You are a wise man. I agree completely. And I appreciate the comments by those that say chose the ship, not the line. There may be merit in that as well.[/quote]

I would go a step further and length and timing. A short cruise that spans saturday and sunday will bring a different crowd then a longer cruise that uses up monday thru friday.

[quote name='EngIceDave']Island Guy, I consider myself a bit of a snob as well. It angers my wife that my personal motto is basically "The Average Public Is A Moron."[/quote]
I always liked "The world would be a better place if poeple werent in it, for an individual I can ignore, but the group as a whole is anoying!":eek:

[crusinpsychRN]

I've cruised about 14 times, mostly on Carnival but also Cunard, RCCL, and Princess. They ALL have their bores. I just never meet as MANY bores on Carnival. I could count the number of Walmart shoppers on RCCL because WE ALL got the beach towels on sale just prior to that cruise!

On Cunard I was never so shocked by the pretense. On RCCL the yuppie preppie with the Barbie Doll girlfriend were so obnoxious going on about all her ball gowns and jewels I wanted to puke! However, the chiropractor on the Pride who wore a tuxedo T-shirt to formal night carried it off with pizzaz somehow.

A ship is a floating microcosm, don't forget!

[JudyKa]

[quote name='LHP']I'm not sure where you are from, but here in the South we call that the "bubba" factor. Please know that is an endearing term....since I am myself married to a bubba and raising two bubbas of my own. The only difference is that my "bubbas" know how to act. And they will certainly answer to this "mother bubba" should they forget. ...[/QUOTE]

ROFL, LHP! I LOVE< LOVE<LOVE your post. Made me laugh out loud. I have a "bubba" hubby and young adult "bubba" junior of my own....lol......and they HAVE to follow this 'bubba momma's' couth/uncouth rules also......LOL!

[sotadragon]

Very good point!! There have been many posts where people have slammed other cruise lines over one cruise. Regardless of which cruise line it is, it is certainly irresponsible to condemn an entire cruise line over one cruise. If that were the case, every one of them would be out of business.

Thank you, LHP! And you have a very good point also!

[jbags58]

I thought I posted on this yesterday....anywho...

 

I have been on the Pride (heading out on her in 10 days again..different venue), the paradise twice, the Glory and have the Truimph booked for April, 28th,07.

 

We have yet to have anything but a GREAT TIME on all of them...weather permitting. We prefer to cruise Late April, early May as less kids and thats our anniversary!

 

Good luck with your choice!! I doubt you will be disappointed and you can tell by the posts!!

[45014]

We are about the same age range, and after sailing on a number of cruise lines we are just fine with Carnival. The mix in ages (not during school breaks) is very diversified and almost (?) anyone can find their own niche. We are leaving in February on the Legend and I have been counting the days for almost a year. You sound like someone who enjoys traveling and having a good time. Just remember to watch the time of year that you choose to travel.

[rdk123]

A real Bubba has his shirt on in the buffet line. He holds the doors for ladies and shows respect for other people and demands that his kids to the same. I live in a very nice home on a great golf couse and shop at Walmart because it is cheaper. The people that I do have trouble with in life are the poor creatures that think they are better than someone else.

Bubba and Proud of It. Love the great food on X but have to say I did not care for the snobbish attitiude of some of our fellow passengers.

[Umbarger]

A real Bubba has his shirt on in the buffet line. He holds the doors for ladies and shows respect for other people and demands that his kids to the same. I live in a very nice home on a great golf couse and shop at Walmart because it is cheaper. The people that I do have trouble with in life are the poor creatures that think they are better than someone else.

Bubba and Proud of It. Love the great food on X but have to say I did not care for the snobbish attitiude of some of our fellow passengers.

 

Totally agree! Thank you rdk123!!!!!!!!!!:D I would rather sit with a Bubba at dinner than a snob anyday.

[AFuncruiser]

On the first cruise I ever took I ask an old salty couple who had been on 60+ cruises what their favorite ship was and they said "always consider the ship you are presently on as your favorite"....I have found that great advice and enjoy being away on the water no matter what cruise ship or cruise line.

 

Dennis

An afternoon on the Norway 1981

Christmas cruise 7 night1984

Sky Princess 10 night

Russian Cruise Line 4 night

Crown Monarch 7 night

Festival Carnival 7 night

Norway 7 night September 1989

Regent Sea 15 night Panama Canal 1993

Commodore Caribe 7 night

Regal Princess 7 night 1998

Star Princess 7 night 1999

Zuiderdam Holland America 14 night 2000 ( Dec)

Tropical Carnival 5 night 2001

Norway August 7 night 2002

Rydam Holland America 19 night South America 2003

Westerdam Holland America 7 night 2004

Zenith Celebrity 14 night March 2005

Celebration Carnival 5 night September 2005

MSV Lucia Central America 21 night Christmas 2005

Celebration Carnival 4 nights August 2006

Celebration Carnival 5 nights September

Seven Seas Mariner 18 nights November 2006

[RumpunchGirl]

Island Guy,

 

I have only been on Carnival as well. Hubby and I have booked another cruise on 2/4/07. This will be our 4th with CCL. Numbers 1&2 were fantastic. Number 3 was a bit below our expectaions. This time, however, our TA expressed our concerns to her CCL rep and they are jumping thru hoops to make up for our less than wonderful 3rd cruise. We are to recieve a bottle of champagne in our statroom, VIP check in and they are currently working on a VIP upgrade. Also, they are trying to set us up to dine with the Captain and get a Bridge tour. I keep trying to book with other cruise lines but CCL just has more to offer for the price. I am really impressed with cabin size. And being previous cruisers, we always get free upgrades. I also do a lot of reading of the CDC scores and reports. I'm sure other lines are just as nice but for us budget minded people, CCL is the one we can afford.

 

By the way, are a member of Locogringo?

[tom e boy]

From what you have posted as to your requirements for an enjoyable cruise I would say that you should have a wonderful time on Carnival. I would stay away from the busy weeks for families which would be any school vacation time as there are a lot more families and children onboard.

 

On our last cruise on the Conquest one of my favorite things was to take a book and sit on deck 3 under the lifeboats. Very quiet and relaxing both day and night. You will find all ages having a wonderful time onboard as there are activities to appeal to all age groups from bingo and wine tasting to the piano bars and the hairy chest contest. The cabins are larger than the other lines also so that would be a plus in my book.

 

I would say since you are open to trying it, why not? You might find you like the "Fun Ships" and you will never know until you try.

 

DW and I sail on 4-21 from Miami on the Triumph, would you consider that a shcool vacation week?

[okgirl]

Island Guy,

 

My sister and I agree completely.

 

It's the cruise not the ports. My sister hasn't been off the ship in years!!

 

We just returned from the Carnival Conquest 9/3 sailing. There were only 400 kids on board. We were on the Lido deck in an inside cabin. We had some partiers the 1st night out but never heard a word after that.

 

I have never sailed anyone but Carnival, but I avoid them in the summer and school vacation months. Donna and I are also in our 50's. I particularly like the Wine Tastings and Tea Time on at sea days, I managed to read 2 books this past cruise. And had the chance to talk to lots of intersting people who stayed on board just like us!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I encourage you to experience Carnival. It may not be as upscale, formal, stuffy I don't know. Being from Oklahoma and living in Dallas it seems high living to me.

 

What could be bad about 7 days on a ship with someone else making the bed, cooking the meals and serving you a wine when ever your heart desires!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:)

[sea_u_onboard]

I didn't read through all the responses but wanted to say that I howp the TA's keep telling people to avoid Carnival - MAYBE it would keep the prices down :D - but I doubt it. They always seem to sail full.

 

Tried RCL - LOVE Carnival.

[rlkubi]

As you can see by my signature, I've been on several Carnival and one Holland America. I am 48 and I love Carnival! Holland America was nice but definitely an older, stuffier crowd on the ship we went on. I personally like the towel animals and the entertainment by the wait staff. You develop more of a rapport with them that way! There is a reason Carnival is called the Fun Ship! My friends have been on RC and they like Carnival just as much! I had heard the same stories but don't believe them. Our first cruise was on the Holiday which is one of their oldest ships. We ended up taking the whole family on that ship and had a blast. I think my favorite ship was the Conquest with the Spirit a close second.

[TCF]

We did our first Carnival Cruise last May to the Western Caribbean on Triumph. This is how we looked at it when it was all over.

Carnival gave us the base upon which we could build the vacation that we wanted to have. We didn't care what kind of vacation anyone else on the ship wanted to have...we just stuck to ourselves and enjoyed ourselves.

We don't lay out in the sun on the pool deck, so we just ignored the chair hogs and continued our stroll around the deck.

What others wore to dinner had nothing to do with us... the guy in the shorts and sandles on formal night did not change the quality of the food or the level of service.

Yes...we found that at some times there were just too many people on the ship....so we went to our suite...sat on our deck...and watched the sea go by or read a book.

We took some excursions...some were good...some weren't...but we learned something new on all of them.

We did not expect that Carnival....for the money we paid....would provide us with the greatest vacation of our lives. We did that! We just rented Triumph for the week to do it on!

Next year we are going to give Princess a crack at renting us one of their ships just to see if we can build a really great vacation with them.:D

Going on a crusie is what you make it.

Just my thoughts.

Tom:)

[rlkubi]

Ok here is my comments. I have cruised Carnival 5 times (a 6th booked for January) and Holland America once. We cruise with 3 other couples who have cruised on Princess and RCCL. I personally liked the Carnival cruise a LOT better than Holland America. I am 48 and the Holland America cruise had a lot older age group and a "stuffier" passenger in my opinion. I only did the one cruise on Holland America but I missed the FUN ship. I thought the food, shows, etc were better on Carnival. I missed the shows in the dining room and my towel animals! I am not a "stuffy" person and I like to have fun. No, my husband and I don't drink very much but we haven't come across a bunch of drunks on any cruise we've gone on. The whole time we were on the Holland America cruise I said I wish we had booked Carnival. I am going for Platinum on Carnival and loving it. The other couples that go with us like Carnival too. They said the cruise is as good in areas as the other cruiselines and better in some others.

 

When we went on the HA cruise we sat with some stuffy people from CA who told me that their travel agent had told them NEVER to cruise with Carnival. Well, I told them in my opinion Carnival was way better. You need to do what you feel is best for you. For me Carnival is the way to go.

[Cuizer2]

We are relatively new cruisers, and have been sampling various lines. We have been on Celebrity, HAL, Princess and MSC, and have enjoyed each line, perhaps for differing purposes.

 

Every one tells us to avoid Carnival at all costs. We are looking for a cruise this January, and I am tempted by the prices of Carnival, and I have to wonder if they really are that bad.

 

A little about us... we are in our early 50s, and relatively active. The older passengers on some of the lines have been annoying in their complaints and requests. Let's be reasonable: you can't serve dinner to 700 people at the same time and expect restaurant quality food. You can't pay $800 for a cruise and expect to be waited on like it's the White Star line and it is 1924. On the other hand, I would rather put up with the old folks than people with small children on a cruise.

 

We enjoy the ship more than we do the ports. Through the years, we have pretty well seen all of the Carribean, so another day shopping in St. Thomas is not as enjoyable as sitting quietly on the deck and reading a book. We enjoy the casinos, perhaps a little too much, and usually are there until closing, then to a buffet and off to bed. Up at 10 or so for breakfast, and relaxation.

 

So there you have it... are we Carnival people? I know the reponse I would get if I posted this in a HAL or Celebrity board, but I thought I would ask those that might be Carnival fans..

 

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

You have been sampling higher end lines. By that I mean Celebrity and HAL (for example) are more of a four star experience. As a result you see less children.

 

Carnival offers a quality product. However, it is not the same product that Celebrity and HAL offer. Also, Carnival is more family oriented than HAL and Celebrity. Thus you are likely to see children of all ages (not just 1 - 17 but more like 1 - 24). It is a very different experience from the four you have listed. However, I enjoy, and many others, enjoy it.

 

I wonder how many of the "avoid Carnival" have taken a one week cruise on Carnival. There is a big difference between a one week cruise (where I have never seen any of the problems one hears about) and a 3 or 4 day weekend / party cruise (where the problems that one hears about are more common).

 

I would say try it. If you like it, great. If not, go back to Celebrity and HLA or even try Crystal or Silversea. By the way, did you know that HAL (and Seabourn) are owned by Carnival?

[Cuizer2]

And the old double post strikes again ...

[boundingmaynard]

We are relatively new cruisers, and have been sampling various lines. We have been on Celebrity, HAL, Princess and MSC, and have enjoyed each line, perhaps for differing purposes.

 

Every one tells us to avoid Carnival at all costs. We are looking for a cruise this January, and I am tempted by the prices of Carnival, and I have to wonder if they really are that bad.

 

A little about us... we are in our early 50s, and relatively active. The older passengers on some of the lines have been annoying in their complaints and requests. Let's be reasonable: you can't serve dinner to 700 people at the same time and expect restaurant quality food. You can't pay $800 for a cruise and expect to be waited on like it's the White Star line and it is 1924. On the other hand, I would rather put up with the old folks than people with small children on a cruise.

 

We enjoy the ship more than we do the ports. Through the years, we have pretty well seen all of the Carribean, so another day shopping in St. Thomas is not as enjoyable as sitting quietly on the deck and reading a book. We enjoy the casinos, perhaps a little too much, and usually are there until closing, then to a buffet and off to bed. Up at 10 or so for breakfast, and relaxation.

 

So there you have it... are we Carnival people? I know the reponse I would get if I posted this in a HAL or Celebrity board, but I thought I would ask those that might be Carnival fans..

 

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

I think you are definately Carnival people, Carnival hasa some of the best casinos at sea. (people actually have been known to win)

Plus there are many other things to do besides going shopping in port.

Many of the newer ships have supper clubs. The food and wine list are excellent.

[Twaincruisers]

We are about the same age as the OP and we have enjoyed three cruises on Carnival this year with the latest being the Elation. Our previous Carnival cruises were about 4 years; we stopped because other lines had a new variety of itineraries. This year we took advantage of Carnival's new port as well as a couple short cruises. While all were enjoyable, the 7-night Elation was the best. It could have been any one of many things: the new port, great service, very enjoyable tablemates, good food, etc. Children were never a problem, although they were plentiful on the shorter summer itineraries. We've been on 9 cruiselines and believe Carnival gets a bum rap...especially from some who have never done a Carnival cruise. Try it! You'll like it!

[asoutherngal]

You really should try Carnival. I am a single professional aged 61. My first venture with Carnival was on the Spirit to Alaska--I figured this would be a sedate cruise and it was. In addition to being a quiet and relaxing cruise the food, service and ship amenities were wonderful. My regular traveling companion will not go on a Carnival cruise--never has been on one but knows she won't like it. I just returned on 10/12 from a 4 day Sensation cruise to the Bahamas where I had some reservations about "Party Time" atmosphere. Not so at all--this was one of the most pleasant cruises I have ever been on and the service of the staff was impeccable--everyone friendly and helpful. The food was great and the stateroom was absolutely wonderful. Carnival is truly the best value out there and the great mix of ages is refreshing. They really are fun ships!