Carnival-no thanks

[Cruising89143]

Some of us liked dueling pianos..."some" music is gone. Why are you so defensive. My last 4 cruises, all within the last 12 months have all been on RCL. Im not a Carnival lover as some are. I like any cruise.

 

The only reason Im booking Carnival now to be honest is because RCL doesnt have a year round ship out of Galveston and Voyager isnt going out of Texas as long as I want to cruise.

 

The OP asked about Galveston and you are pulling RCL ships out of some other port to compare to try and show RCL ships do have some cabins almost as big as Carnival's. Who cares, RCL uses the space wonderfully.

 

Look, I am going to let this conversation go but when I see folks making comments that a cruise line is cutting back without giving the "full" details then I will speak up as it's not fair to the cruise line and that is regardless of cruise line. I even speak up for Carnival IF I feel that someone is telling something that I know is wrong. We can now both go our separate ways on this issue. Happy cruising in the future regardless of cruise line of choice.:)

[momofmeg]

I don't agree that a cruise is what you make it. The basic components have to be there and those are different for all of us.

 

I don't like Carnival, though not because it is a party ship. I have found RCI to be just as active on some sailings in terms of nightlife, pool site and activities.

 

I like my ships elegant, smaller, traditional and formal and Carnival is none of those things. In three sailings with them (1990, 1996, 2005) I have always felt like a fish out of water. I have zero interest in ever getting on one of those ships again.

 

I agree with you-I am looking for something a little more elegant but I will cruise Carnival and RCI for my daughter. She likes them better. but please no 3000 plus PAX ships if I can help it. There has to be a compromise somewhere!

[firefly333]

I agree with you-I am looking for something a little more elegant but I will cruise Carnival and RCI for my daughter. She likes them better. but please no 3000 plus PAX ships if I can help it. There has to be a compromise somewhere!

 

Voyager out of Galveston is one of those 3,100 plus ships, but it sure is pretty.

 

A quiet spot on Voyager of the Seas.

 

[momofmeg]

Voyager out of Galveston is one of those 3,100 plus ships, but it sure is pretty.

 

A quiet spot on Voyager of the Seas.

 

 

I never found any quiet spots on the Mariner of the seas-except in the coffee shop on sea days. (and my stateroom) I was only there because I could not find a spot on the lido.

 

Ofcourse in the evening the complete opposite-then I went up to the lido.

 

I have no desire to ever cruise on a voyager class ship again-and forget the freedom class-no way.

 

But as I said, I would love to crusie a radience class ship.

 

I have heard good things about the HAL vista class. I find out how good in 9 days I guess.

[NCTribeFan]

The Conquest class ships are nothing like the Spirit class in design which IMHO is not a good thing. I call them cattle boats as that is exactly what they are. They are the most cramped ships that I have ever cruised. The promenade and pool area was horrible. On formal night on the Glory when they had all of those photo stations set up, you could not move and to top it off the smoke was so thick you could not cut it with a knife. I have cruised a lot of ships and you will see more complaints about this class ship than any other due to the chopped up design of not being able to get from front to back without going up and down several decks. You may like it but those ships are not for me. They are huge money makers for Carnival and that's why they continue to build them.

 

No! I don't want to read that!

 

I really hadn't planned on booking on the Glory. I liked Miracle so much I was going to book a Western in December on Legend. Then I saw that Fascination was going to start sailing from Jax in the fall and do 5-days with 2 at sea that go to Nassau and HMC. I love HMC so much that I had to book that.

 

So, I had to "squeeze" in a Western somehow, and the only time I could go was after DD was out of school yet before summer prices spiked (and kids were out of school). Since the itinerary was almost the same as Legend's, I booked Glory.

 

I don't hang around the main pool area on any ship, so that usually isn't an issue for me. The Fantasy-class ships have the same issues with the photo area. I hate the mobs around the atrium area, but really love that class ship.

 

caviargirl said "I like my ships elegant, smaller, traditional and formal and Carnival is none of those things."

 

Which RCI ships are you referring to? I loved Empress. She was one-of-a-kind. But when I price cruises, and compare the inside cabin sizes, I just don't see the point in paying more for an RCI cruise to be in extremely tiny cabins.

 

I would never describe RCI as "elegant, smaller, traditional and formal!" Unless, of course, you were referring to another line. But RCI was what you had mention just above that statement, so forgive me if I'm a little confused.

[hurls88]

What an interesting thread. I "was" a RCI only cruiser. I have recently started working for Carnival part time as a Res Agent booking TA's. I was on the Maiden Voyage of Freedom of the Seas and just couldn't imagine going on any other ship class with my family. After going through my Carnival Training class I am going to test the merchandise on the Glory in July and believe that I will have just as much fun with the Family as we had on the Freedom of the Seas..

[hurls88]

BTW the employee discount didn't hurt as well ;)

[momofmeg]

No! I don't want to read that!

 

I really hadn't planned on booking on the Glory. I liked Miracle so much I was going to book a Western in December on Legend. Then I saw that Fascination was going to start sailing from Jax in the fall and do 5-days with 2 at sea that go to Nassau and HMC. I love HMC so much that I had to book that.

 

So, I had to "squeeze" in a Western somehow, and the only time I could go was after DD was out of school yet before summer prices spiked (and kids were out of school). Since the itinerary was almost the same as Legend's, I booked Glory.

 

I don't hang around the main pool area on any ship, so that usually isn't an issue for me. The Fantasy-class ships have the same issues with the photo area. I hate the mobs around the atrium area, but really love that class ship.

 

caviargirl said "I like my ships elegant, smaller, traditional and formal and Carnival is none of those things."

 

Which RCI ships are you referring to? I loved Empress. She was one-of-a-kind. But when I price cruises, and compare the inside cabin sizes, I just don't see the point in paying more for an RCI cruise to be in extremely tiny cabins.

 

I would never describe RCI as "elegant, smaller, traditional and formal!" Unless, of course, you were referring to another line. But RCI was what you had mention just above that statement, so forgive me if I'm a little confused.

 

We are going to Half Moon Cay in 10 days! so I will get to see how wonderful it is. If we love it, I could see us booking the Fascination for just a quick getaway to go back there.

 

 

My hubby loves the private islands and we hear HAL's is the best!

[momofmeg]

No! I don't want to read that!

 

I really hadn't planned on booking on the Glory. I liked Miracle so much I was going to book a Western in December on Legend. Then I saw that Fascination was going to start sailing from Jax in the fall and do 5-days with 2 at sea that go to Nassau and HMC. I love HMC so much that I had to book that.

 

So, I had to "squeeze" in a Western somehow, and the only time I could go was after DD was out of school yet before summer prices spiked (and kids were out of school). Since the itinerary was almost the same as Legend's, I booked Glory.

 

I don't hang around the main pool area on any ship, so that usually isn't an issue for me. The Fantasy-class ships have the same issues with the photo area. I hate the mobs around the atrium area, but really love that class ship.

 

caviargirl said "I like my ships elegant, smaller, traditional and formal and Carnival is none of those things."

 

Which RCI ships are you referring to? I loved Empress. She was one-of-a-kind. But when I price cruises, and compare the inside cabin sizes, I just don't see the point in paying more for an RCI cruise to be in extremely tiny cabins.

 

I would never describe RCI as "elegant, smaller, traditional and formal!" Unless, of course, you were referring to another line. But RCI was what you had mention just above that statement, so forgive me if I'm a little confused.

 

Just thought I would add, Caviergal is not gung-ho on RCI either, she only likes the radience class. She has not tried the spirit class on Carnival, I do feel she would like that class better, but I still feel she would be unhappy.

[caviargal]

Just thought I would add, Caviergal is not gung-ho on RCI either, she only likes the radience class. She has not tried the spirit class on Carnival, I do feel she would like that class better, but I still feel she would be unhappy.

 

 

Janie, I do think Radiance class is the best of RCI but still don't have any interest in cruising with them again. They have just gotten too casual and too family oriented for my taste. A shame since the ships are so pretty!

 

You are right about Carnival being not my cup of tea. While Spirit class may indeed be better, I know what I like and Carnival is not it. :)

 

And I agree with cruisingator2 that the Conquest class ships are cattle cars. I was on Glory and she was hands down the most overcrowded ship I have ever sailed. I was grateful for my balcony to get away from the lines, the smoke, the noise and the sheer mass of people crowded into too small a space. Freedom and Voyager class are far more intelligently designed. JMO.

[momofmeg]

Janie, I do think Radiance class is the best of RCI but still don't have any interest in cruising with them again. They have just gotten too casual and too family oriented for my taste. A shame since the ships are so pretty!

 

You are right about Carnival being not my cup of tea. While Spirit class may indeed be better, I know what I like and Carnival is not it. :)

 

And I agree with cruisingator2 that the Conquest class ships are cattle cars. I was on Glory and she was hands down the most overcrowded ship I have ever sailed. I was grateful for my balcony to get away from the lines, the smoke, the noise and the sheer mass of people crowded into too small a space. Freedom and Voyager class are far more intelligently designed. JMO.

 

Right now I am excited about my HAL vista class cruise and that is the only class on any ship or any line that I am interested in at the moment-9 days!

[Jade13]

Right now I am excited about my HAL vista class cruise and that is the only class on any ship or any line that I am interested in at the moment-9 days!

 

 

I love the Westerdam! You should have a great time. I think Andreas is still the Executive Chef. Don't miss the Galley Tour on the first sea day and High Dutch Tea later that afternoon (usually at 3:00pm).

[momofmeg]

I love the Westerdam! You should have a great time. I think Andreas is still the Executive Chef. Don't miss the Galley Tour on the first sea day and High Dutch Tea later that afternoon (usually at 3:00pm).

 

I do remember from my Statendam cruise that HAL has great teas!

[NCTribeFan]

...And I agree with cruisingator2 that the Conquest class ships are cattle cars. I was on Glory and she was hands down the most overcrowded ship I have ever sailed. I was grateful for my balcony to get away from the lines, the smoke, the noise and the sheer mass of people crowded into too small a space. Freedom and Voyager class are far more intelligently designed. JMO.

 

NNNOOOOOOO!!!!!

 

Please stop! :(

 

You have to realize that I started out on Jubilee and Empress and thought they were huge. Then I sailed two Fantasy-class ships and thought they were huge!

 

I was sure I'd find the Miracle to bee too large for my tastes, but the Spirit class really didn't feel gigantic and really is well-laid-out. Full ship and the only crowd was getting into the Captain's party because everyone was going in one door.

 

I can imagine if I started out on the megaships and was working my way down the food chain.

 

I don't plan on sailing the largest ships out there. I truly do enjoy the Fantasy class ships, despite their age and lack of supper club. I just feel the size is great. Not too large, not too small.

[trvlgrl422]

Just sailed the Majesty and must say that my Carnival Liberty cruise was much nicer. The food on Carnival was more plentiful and tastier. The dining room food was just average on this past RCI cruise. I'm a little anxious about the my next cruise booked. I'm hoping that the food quality will be better.The Carnival deck party was definitely more happening too.

[momofmeg]

Just sailed the Majesty and must say that my Carnival Liberty cruise was much nicer. The food on Carnival was more plentiful and tastier. The dining room food was just average on this past RCI cruise. I'm a little anxious about the my next cruise booked. I'm hoping that the food quality will be better.The Carnival deck party was definitely more happening too.

 

Majesty of the Seas ? You are comparing a much older ship to a much newer ship so you are comparing apples to oranges.

 

Compare the Carnival Liberty to Liberty of the Seas. You can't fairly compare a $399 a person 3 day cruise on an older ship to a $999 a person newer ship 7 day cruise.

 

That is unfair, and if you don't believe me, just taker a cruise on Carnival Fascination, Sensation , or Holiday, and you will find the Carnival Liberty was MUCH nicer then them.

 

There is a reason the lines use the older ships for their cheapo mini crusies and have such great prices on those crusies. They are not as nice. Carnival just gets a bad rap because Carnival has so many of these older ships/mini cruises.

 

Now I feel it is unfair Canrival gets such a bad rap. So what if they go after a market that can't afford the nicer crusies? or those like my hubby and I wanted to see what cruising was about before we laid out major bucks? Obviously Carnival has a corner on that market-I have no gripe with that-it was one of those old cheapo ships that hooked me!

 

Still, I do hate it when a person takes one of the cheapo cruises (no matter the line) and then takes a much nicer cruise on a much nicer ship (no matter the line) and then compares the 2. It is unfair to compare the 2.

[NCTribeFan]

There are some of us out there who actually LIKE smaller, older ships! I love the Fantasy-class ships!

 

I've always had great service from cabin stewards to drink servers to dining room staff. No, they aren't elegant (at least not the ones I've been on), but they haven't felt like a "cheapo" bargain-basement cruise, either. My only real issue was that there was so much smoke in Elation's casino that it triggered asthma attacks. Of course, that also kept me from losing every dime I took with me!

 

Yes, price has been a major reason why I've sailed that class ship, but it was mostly because I didn't have the time for 7-day cruises due to my schedule. If I can sail two 5-day cruises for less than 1 7-day, believe me, I'll do it! Especially if I can drive to the port (not that I like doing that, but I can and will).

 

I'm just not interested in newest, biggest, more bells and whistles. I don't find time to enjoy all there is to offer on a smaller ship. Why would I want to pay for amenities and attractions I'll never use?

 

Again, I sail for the ports. But I've had NO issues with the service, food quality, cabins, or other passengers on my Fantasy-class cruises.

 

I can't wait to sail Fascination in December!

[momofmeg]

There are some of us out there who actually LIKE smaller, older ships! I love the Fantasy-class ships!

 

I've always had great service from cabin stewards to drink servers to dining room staff. No, they aren't elegant (at least not the ones I've been on), but they haven't felt like a "cheapo" bargain-basement cruise, either. My only real issue was that there was so much smoke in Elation's casino that it triggered asthma attacks. Of course, that also kept me from losing every dime I took with me!

 

Yes, price has been a major reason why I've sailed that class ship, but it was mostly because I didn't have the time for 7-day cruises due to my schedule. If I can sail two 5-day cruises for less than 1 7-day, believe me, I'll do it! Especially if I can drive to the port (not that I like doing that, but I can and will).

 

I'm just not interested in newest, biggest, more bells and whistles. I don't find time to enjoy all there is to offer on a smaller ship. Why would I want to pay for amenities and attractions I'll never use?

 

Again, I sail for the ports. But I've had NO issues with the service, food quality, cabins, or other passengers on my Fantasy-class cruises.

 

I can't wait to sail Fascination in December!

 

Oh I would do one for a quick getaway. We normally just do one 7 day cruise once a year but every now and then we will throw in a 4 day mini cruise.

 

When we do them, I consider them a "bonus" as we can not afford to do that every year. I just do not expect my $399 cruise to be as nice as my $999 plus cruise. That is all.

 

As I already stated, we hope to do Fascination next winter (after it repositions to Jacksonville) for a quick getaway. We hope to book one that goes to Half Moon Cay.

[momofmeg]

Although I loved HAL Westerdam I was NOT impressed with Half Moon Cay. Princes Cays, Castaway Key even Coco Cay are much nicer. So we will not be booking the Fascination to go there.

 

I guess if we book a 4 day next winter we will drive down to Port Can and go on the Monarch of the Seas.

[NCTribeFan]

Really? What didn't you like about HMC?

 

I was recently reading a thread on the Private Island board that asked those who had been to both Coco Cay and HMC which they preferred and it seemed that the majority preferred HMC. Of course, even if everyone who posts on CC answered, it is still a very small sample size.

 

Sorry you didn't enjoy it.

[Georgiagolfer]

Really? What didn't you like about HMC?

 

I was recently reading a thread on the Private Island board that asked those who had been to both Coco Cay and HMC which they preferred and it seemed that the majority preferred HMC. Of course, even if everyone who posts on CC answered, it is still a very small sample size.

 

Sorry you didn't enjoy it.

Been to both of these, and they are basically the same. Activities, lunch buffet, price for water sports similar. To me, they are basically a diversion from the the typical Caribbean port soas not to have to pay port fees plus you don't worry about booking excursions or listening to locals hawk their wares.

[momofmeg]

Really? What didn't you like about HMC?

 

I was recently reading a thread on the Private Island board that asked those who had been to both Coco Cay and HMC which they preferred and it seemed that the majority preferred HMC. Of course, even if everyone who posts on CC answered, it is still a very small sample size.

 

Sorry you didn't enjoy it.

 

It is so new I guess, there is no natural shade, the palm tress are too young and I can only take the sun in small amounts.

 

This is my fourth private island. I have been to Cocco Cay, Castaway Key, princess Cays and now Half Moon Cay.

 

As far as activities,

 

 

 

Castaway Key (Disney) had the most. Plus they had an adult's only area, a family area and a teen area.

 

Princess Cays was just so beautiful to me. Plenty of shade, no need for a clam shell. Coco Cay did not have as much activites as HMC but they did have plenty of shade.

[momofmeg]

I just wanted to add, I meant I would not take Carnival Fascination just to go back to HMC. I would take a HAL cruise back there.

 

We are considering going on a 4 day cruise with my daughter and her friend next winter. The girl will be 21, but she is an only child and her parents are very protective and they do not want her to go unless I go with them.

 

The Fascination will be going to HMC in February for actually a 5 day cruise, but since I did not care much for HMC I would rather do a 4 day on the Monarch of the seas and go to Coco Cay if we do end up doing that.

 

Hey I would do a 7 day HAL with them but the girls don't have that kind of money so I would be paying- and why should I pay for them when I am only going to make the other girl's parents happy? LOL!

[NCTribeFan]

I changed my cruising plans around totally just so I could sail Fascination out of Jax once she starts the 5 day bahama that has 2 sea days and goes to Nassau and HMC.

 

A good, inexpensive cruise that I can drive to and goes to one of my favorite places anywhere.

 

We didn't have any trouble finding shade. We walk down the beach past the picnic area and the 2nd water sports hut. There were trees, hammocks, chairs plus clamshells to rent. And not nearly so many screaming kids down that far. :D