what do you all love about Carnival

Hello all

DH and I are trying to decide on our first cruise. We will be going to the western Caribbean. We've narrowed it down to two choices: Carnival Valor or RC Mariner of the Seas.

We really like that Valor goes to more "out-of-the-way" places like Honduras and Belize, but both itineraries would be fine and since we're going during hurricane season, I know we should go for the experience and the ship rather than the ports, as they may be changed.

So, I'm hoping you all can tell me what it is you love about Carnival, and any experience with the Valor that you've had.

Background info: we're mid-20s and want a mix of adventure, romance and relaxation. we'll likely spend some time in the casino, at shows, at the pool of course, at the spa and some at the bars, though I drink very little. DH enjoys a cocktail, but we're not the falling-down-drunk types.

thank you all in advance!

Good Question Lynne,

I have been on many cruises but never Carnival. I will be on the Spirit for my first Carnival cruise.

weve been on NCL, carnival and celebrity

carnival was our favorite...

reasons,,

we are also mid 20's. loved the entertainment on carnival, adult comedy etc....the nightclub was fun, everyone was in a partying mood not like on celebrity, everyone was asleep at 9pm...

the service was great, the good was good,

we had a great time on the conquest,

i also liked it that your bill can be accessed on the TV ,( on the conquest , not sure if on every carnival ship)

and the shopping on board was the best ive seen out of the three cruises weve been on....

were going on the PRide in novemeber, i think we are hooked on carnival.

think about the conquest for the caribbean, it was awesome,, beautiful ship!!!

happy cruising

melissa

The large comfy cabins!

My DH and I and family sailed on Carnival Glory Jan 05 and on RC Legend of the Seas Dec 05. I can't say anything really bad about RC but I must say that I just liked Carnival better. I feel the food in the dinining room was better and I just think I had more fun on Carnival with all their activities. I loved the Carnival "Colors" game that goes on all week and we got involved in lots of activities throughout the week to rack up points for our 'team' (your 'section' of the dining room is your 'team'). I LOVE towel animals in my room each night and we got one every night on Carnival and only had 3 on RC. Just a little thing I know, but it's the little things that count. On Carnival, our cabin steward took better care of our room. On RC he kept leaving empty soda cans and dirty glasses in our room every day. I Love, Love, LOVE cruising and we are already book with Carnival again for Dec 06. Now we get to go to the repeat cruisers party.

BTW, DH and I are both 50 and not to old to get involved and have a good time. We are not big drinkers either, but enjoy trying the 'special drink of the day' every evening.

I'd be happy to answer any questions you have.;)

Kathy in Maine

Butterfinger1954@yahoo.com

Hello all

DH and I are trying to decide on our first cruise. We will be going to the western Caribbean. We've narrowed it down to two choices: Carnival Valor or RC Mariner of the Seas.

We love Carnival because put simply, you get more bang for your buck! Larger cabins more reasonably priced, a wide range of ships and itineraries, food galore, the chance to be as involved in the fun as you want, or just find a sunny spot to curl up and read a book. The choices are unlimited! As you can see, I've cruised other lines, but we keep coming back to Carnival. They really are the "fun ships!"

Mainly the prices....good value.

since hubby started as a single person in 1982.

As a family, we have been on 11 different Carnival ships and one of the things I love about Carnival is their consistancy. I am the kind of person who likes to know what to expect. Carnival has never disappointed.

We have not been on the Valor, but we have been on the Conquest and we had a wonderful time.

Personally, I don't think you can go wrong either way (Carnival or RCCL). Just look at the price (bottom line) and see which cruise gives you more bang for the buck.

Just going with some of the other posters here - more bang for the buck. Bigger cabins, less money - better food, less money - same itineraries, less money - more relaxed atmosphere, less money. Need I say more????

I loved the Valor...it is a beautiful ship. Visiting ports of call that one would not normally get to is a bonus. DH & I are in our 30's and can find fun just about anywhere. They have awesome entertainment, great food and wonderful cabins. This was the most fun we have had on a cruise.

We are veteran RCI cruises - 14 so far. Went on the Liberty in January and were blown away by the experience. It was MUCH better than we expected, and we'll be booking another one when we get a deal as good as that one was. The RCI Voyager class ships are a llittle too big for us - too far to walk for everything with DH's arthritis.:D

My wife and I (early 30's) have only been on 2 cruises so far, first cruise Carnival Paradise, second cruise Celebrity Galaxy. Now, as far as I'm concerned, cruises are my favorite vacation and even though my time on the Celebrity wasn't as enjoyable as the one on Carnival...it was still a cruise, and it was great. That being said, I find Carnival that much more enjoyable. It's just more fun, the people are more enjoyable, it was just an over all better experience. We met so many more people on Carnival, passenger wise, that we got to know. On Celebrity it was a little more staunchy. And I'm kind of a loner type of guy too...but the passenger's on Carnival just seemed nicer and happier, and they were of all ages. It was just an awesome experience which is why we're booking our next cruise on the Liberty next year. And by the way, everyone raved about the food on Celebrity...but I didn't find it that great.

Carnival for the win!

I was just on the Valor on the Western itinerary. I think for the money it was one of the best cruises. Have been on Golden Princess and RCCL Voyager and a couple of others. We paid $500 each for an inside. Pleased with the price-still got all the same ammenities (sp?). We thought the dance production show ('80's music theme) was one of the best we had seen on a cruise. The food was good with lots of choice during the day. In the evening dining room service was very good and although there wasn't as much food choice as in our previous experiences quality was still pretty good. The guy at the piano bar was excellent and the disco was hopping every night. I have never seen so many comedians on one cruise. We went to two shows every night (dance productions and/or comedians). Was with my 19 year old daughter and I believe she would now choose Carnival over other lines. Did the Xunantunich mayan ruins tour in Belize and liked it and thought Carnival's tour was worth the money. Just a good overall package for the money and something for everyones interest. Go on the Valor!!

Thank you all for your help!

besides saving money, having fun, seeing the shows, eating good dinners, visiting the funnel deck, enjoying the Drink of the Day, etc., everybody is singing Carnival's theme songs. I can't remember one from any other cruiseline!

Carnival has a very good military discount and their balcony cabins are spacious.

Thankyou everyone for your comments. I wished I had tried Carnival before now.

Celebrity (no night life, in bed by 9pm)

Holland America (no life )

We have been on and enjoyed five different cruiselines including Carnival. Things we like about Carnival include the spacious cabins, nice bathrooms and large showers, best buffets of the major lines, very good dining room food and variety of entertainment. Carnival gives excellent value for your money. Things we don't like are the constant announcements pushing products & upsells, the sounds of pool activities being broadcast over the sound system of the other pool, the behavior of some of the less than classy passengers and crewmembers who pretend not to understand when you ask them to enforce their own rules. (This happens on other lines too.)

The Mariner of the Seas is a fantastic ship so if you don't pick her this time go on her in the future. (It's OK to like more than one cruiseline.)

Carnival has better food, better variety. The people are always more friendly. If you don't have fun, there's something wrong with you if you're on Carnival!

Carnival!!!!!! I was in my mid 20's on my first Carnival cruise,( now at the tail end of 20's) and my second Carnival cruise will be in 22 days! You will not be dissapointed with Carnival! After all, it is the Fun ship!! It really is fun! I'm not a huge party animal, sure I like a couple drinks, but there is so much to do on this line. The shows are great, fun atmosphere, tons of activities to keep you busy throughout the day. Tons of food and snacks, fun nightlife, etc. The only thing you will regret is having to leave at the end of your trip!!

I'm new to cruising but have a close relatrive that no one can please and they LOVE CARNIVAL. Need I say More?!:p

When you get onboard its ALIVE, Thats why they call it The FUN SHIPS !:D

I just got back from a Royal Car. cruise. I've taken 4 Carnival cruises before this. Boy do I love Carnival so much more, which really surprised me. I'd say the dining room food is equal on both lines. But Carnival offers much better food during the day. Example: on RCCL, hamburgers and hot dogs are cooked ahead of time and kept in chafing dishes. On Carnival, they're cooked fresh when you order. The same with the pizza. Carnival's rooms are also much nicer and larger. Drink prices are cheaper on Carnival. All in all, Carnival is just so much better!