Disappointed

[G.C]

I just want to review my last trip a few months ago on the Carnival Paradise. I am not sure if it is because this was an older ship, or because it was only a 3 day cruise, or if it was simply Carnival, but I felt that it was trashy! In my opinion the food was not even close to any other cruise I have been on. Breakfast I thought fell short, the offerings were typical and very few. I was constantly bombarded by the drink people to purchase a drink, and honestly 5 minutes ago I told you NO and my answer is still the same. The fact that I felt that they were constantly hovering around me ready to pounce was annoying. The room smelled old and musty, the tile in the shower was extremely dirty, the grout was just beyond discolored. There was rust on the mirror. The only good thing I can say I really enjoyed was our waiter was awesome! At this point I will not ever sail carnival again I was extremely disappointed. I knew that Carnival was cheaper than princess so I was expecting a little less from them, but not THAT much less. So it could be the ship, could be the duration, but I was not impressed.

 

We have sailed over a dozen times with CCL in the last four years on cruises ranging from 3 to 8 days. There is a different feel to a shorter cruise. I think it unfair to compare a 3 day CCL to a seven Princess cruise.

 

We have sailed on the Princess Emerald and the Ruby in the last three months and loved both ships. To compare the two each has things they are better at. For main dining room food I think CCL is much better. For that reason I always eat at a specialty restaurant or have dinner delivered from the main dining room to my balcony. We do book full suites on both lines and Princess is light years ahead of CCL in taking care of those in full suites.

 

In short we enjoy both cruise lines and will continue to sail both.

[bythehex]

Define quality of people? I hope that you don't mean people with lower income..... Does that mean we aren't allowed to go on vacation also? :eek: ~~~((I'm sure that isn't what you mean))~~

 

Thank you for asking so kindly. You're absolutely correct, I don't mean people with lower income. I mean quality of people, as in people who are disrespectful of their fellow cruisers, who think nothing of pushing others out of the way to get to the buffet. People who let their children run wild, pushing people out of the way on the stairs or getting in and out of the elevator. I've been on other cruise lines and I've never seen the kind of behavior on those cruise lines as I've seen in Carnival. What's the reason for it? Is it because it's cheaper? I don't know. I'M not the one suggesting that. All I'm saying is that IN MY EXPERIENCE, there is a definitely different caliber of behavior on Carnival that I've experienced on other cruise lines. Others might have a different opinion based on their own experiences. I can't speak for them, only for myself.

 

I knew I would be flamed by people who choose to interpret what they thought I was saying. Had they asked as respectfully as you did, I would have been glad to answer them as well.

 

- Sharon -

[halos]

http://www.bing.com/travel/content/search?q=What's%20Your%20Cruise%20Ship's%20Personality?&fc_idx=1

[F22Smitty]

Actually there is an explanation for shorter cruises and older ships being lower quality cruises.

 

As I was told some years ago by the hotel director on a 4 day Ectasy cruise, "they use the short cruises and older ships as training ships and they reward the better employee's with the newer ships and longer cruises".

[jpg1747]

I've been on many different short cruises - NCL, RCCL, Carnival and Princess - and they were all pretty much the same experience. Good but not great. Even the short Princess cruise was not as good as their longer ones. I did a 4 day and a 7 day on the Caribbean Princess within months of each other and there was definitely a difference. The longer one was much better. I have found there to be more similarities than differences between Princess and Carnival on their 7 day cruises. On the shorter cruises, I didn't noticed much difference in the passengers, but moreso in the dining room and entertainment on the ship. I pretty much know what I'll experience now on every cruise and adjust my expectations accordingly.

[cbressler76]

Thank you for asking so kindly. You're absolutely correct, I don't mean people with lower income. I mean quality of people, as in people who are disrespectful of their fellow cruisers, who think nothing of pushing others out of the way to get to the buffet. People who let their children run wild, pushing people out of the way on the stairs or getting in and out of the elevator. I've been on other cruise lines and I've never seen the kind of behavior on those cruise lines as I've seen in Carnival. What's the reason for it? Is it because it's cheaper? I don't know. I'M not the one suggesting that. All I'm saying is that IN MY EXPERIENCE, there is a definitely different caliber of behavior on Carnival that I've experienced on other cruise lines. Others might have a different opinion based on their own experiences. I can't speak for them, only for myself.

 

I knew I would be flamed by people who choose to interpret what they thought I was saying. Had they asked as respectfully as you did, I would have been glad to answer them as well.

 

- Sharon -

 

 

People always misinterpret what I am trying to say.....so I figured that you ment something else.....

 

I don't think CCL is for everyone.....I haven't been on a cruise since I was 18....(I'm 32 now)....so I can't comment on how I feel about it.....but I know that I LOVED it then.....I'm easy to please.....not much bothers me...so I'm sure that I will love it in 9 days..... :) I went on a day cruise to the bahamas last year & I LOVED it! It was an older ship, but that didn't bother me at all....BUT if you are used to super fancy things and super behaved people....then I guess it would have bothered me..

[cathyz]

Actually there is an explanation for shorter cruises and older ships being lower quality cruises.

 

As I was told some years ago by the hotel director on a 4 day Ectasy cruise, "they use the short cruises and older ships as training ships and they reward the better employee's with the newer ships and longer cruises".

This isn't always the case, we talked with a bartender on our Elation cruise a while back who was a 30-year Carnival employee, so obviously he wasn't a 'trainee'.

[Smithkids5521]

It's all about expectations and attitude. You'll have a great time!

 

I think that after your cruises on Princess...that Carnival cruise had a lot to live up to. Sorry you didn't have an awesome time. I have a feeling that if someone like myself had been on that ship, it wouldn't have bothered me as much since I have nothing else to compare it to.

 

If after years of driving a BMW I suddenly had to drive a Ford Escort- the Ford would not be good enough for me. Not saying Ford Escort is bad, but we get used to a certain type of amenities/luxuries and BMW is a bit higher class than an Escort. Now, if all I have ever driven is an Escort, then how the heck would I know any different, right. LOL!!!:D My hubby likes to tease me that I have "champagne dreams with a beer budget" or something like that! LOL!!!

 

At least you can chalk it up to the "been there, done that" pile...and you know better for your next cruise. Not short cruises on carnival...haha!

 

Take care,

Diana :)

[F22Smitty]

This isn't always the case, we talked with a bartender on our Elation cruise a while back who was a 30-year Carnival employee, so obviously he wasn't a 'trainee'.

 

But he may not have been one of there best or he may have some other problems.

 

Just Sayin

[Smithkids5521]

It was the only cruise that I had experienced a young, drunk, punk of a guy trying to pick a fist fight with a crew member outside of one of the clubs. Not to say this doesn't happen on longer cruises but it is less likely in my opinion. People in the dining room at breakfast in their pajamas, not even taking the time to run a comb through their hair. The first day when we got to our cabin we could smell the strong scent of pot all through the halls. I had a diffucult time trying to explain all this to my then 8 year old daughter.:eek:

Happy cruising!

Toni

 

Toni, are you sure you were on a cruise and not in my dorm in college? LOL!!! Ahh...memories...;)

[cathyz]

But he may not have been one of there best or he may have some other problems.

 

Just Sayin

He was actually a great bartender (we've had a few bad ones for sure) and said he requested the Elation, he liked the smaller ships better, said his co-workers were more friendly and less stressed.

[cathyz]

I think that after your cruises on Princess...that Carnival cruise had a lot to live up to. Sorry you didn't have an awesome time. I have a feeling that if someone like myself had been on that ship, it wouldn't have bothered me as much since I have nothing else to compare it to.

 

If after years of driving a BMW I suddenly had to drive a Ford Escort- the Ford would not be good enough for me. Not saying Ford Escort is bad, but we get used to a certain type of amenities/luxuries and BMW is a bit higher class than an Escort. Now, if all I have ever driven is an Escort, then how the heck would I know any different, right. LOL!!!:D My hubby likes to tease me that I have "champagne dreams with a beer budget" or something like that! LOL!!!

 

At least you can chalk it up to the "been there, done that" pile...and you know better for your next cruise. Not short cruises on carnival...haha!

 

Take care,

Diana :)

Just another side, we have a friend who sailed with us last year on the Spirit and had a great time. He just sailed an 11-day on Princess and said he enjoyed the Spirit cruise much more, the food was MUCH better, and he thought the ship atmosphere was more fun and the crew more friendly. This is just one incident, but it can happen.

[Traveler353]

But he may not have been one of there best or he may have some other problems.

 

Just Sayin

 

I am sure that you did not mean for that to sound like it does. Just sayin.;)

[broberts]

He was actually a great bartender (we've had a few bad ones for sure) and said he requested the Elation, he liked the smaller ships better, said his co-workers were more friendly and less stressed.

 

Elation is a great ship, in my opinion, and used to do 7 day cruises. It's quite possible that it has crew and staff who simply like the ship & its management. So they elect to stay aboard. Also, no sane management is going to staff an entire operation with trainees. Most would try to have a good number of very good, very experienced employees present to do the training and to set good examples.

[prncsscruiser]

Just to clear some things up. I was not comparing carnival to princess. I was on the sea princess last year as well, and let me tell you that ship needed a dry dock terribly. However the trip was still pleasant because it was clean, the crew was fantastic the food was excellent and the people on the ship were all friendly and nice. I never expected carnival to be the same as princess and I knew that going into the trip. But there are certain things on a cruise that I do expect no matter what line it is on. I expect good food, and offerings that are different than the everyday, I expect a clean stateroom that no matter how old it is, is kept clean. I expect that the crew will assist me with my needs but not bombard me when I am on deck to buy a drink. These were not met on this ship. If it just so happens that an opportunity arises that I take another carnival cruise I will. As far as waiting so long to post...I am extremely busy, I worked full time and also go to school full time. I really haven't been on these boards in months. Just because I waited a few months to post it really doesn't mean much to me, just because the cruise happened a few months ago doesn't mean anything changed. I am not sure if it was something I said about the passengers or another poster, but I simply felt that the passengers on this particular ship were just way more relaxed than on my previous cruises, there really wasn't a "formal" night. ppl wore jeans, shorts and stuff were common in the dining room. POT smell was everywhere. That is all I meant, I know that this happens on ALL lines, just for some reason this particular cruise stood out to me more.

[tonit964]

Toni, are you sure you were on a cruise and not in my dorm in college? LOL!!! Ahh...memories...;)

 

 

That's what it reminded me of!

 

Have a great cruise, you WILL be hooked!:p

Toni

[Smithkids5521]

We'll probably sail Carnival Pride at some point because let's face it, it's cheap, and we can easily drive to Baltimore and avoid flying, but we'll know exactly what to expect. And I don't care what those Carnival cheerleaders say, but Carnival is not at the same level as Princess in my opinion. Everything was of a much higher level on Princess.

Let the flames begin.

- Sharon -

Hi Sharon,

I know you didn't mean what other folks are taking from your comments, but I would sure hope that everything would be of a higher level on princess, since it costs so much more. It goes back to my comment about buying a Ford but expecting a BMW or Mercedes...it will always be "you get what you pay for". If I had paid the prices for a Princess cruise...it had better be damn good if not amazing! They better be hand feeding me grapes while Rico the pool boy massages my neck. Oh, sorry- TMI...LOL!!;) Could I afford a higher priced cruise...sure. But for a family 1st cruise with my 2 munchins...the CCL one will do for now.

 

Why don't you come on up to B-More and hang out with me on the Pride this August...I'll have you doing keg stands and playing beer pong in no time (I think someone in one of the other threads even mentioned bringing his own beer pong table!). I'll even promise to chew with my mouth closed and I may even brush my hair just to look purdy for ya before I come to the buffet in my bathrobe-. LOL!! (I'm kidding everyone...Sharon- no offense meant. I'm just being playful...although I can beer pong with the best of them and currently hold the Turbo cup title against my college aged niece and nephews! This old girl has still got it...:D)

 

Take care,

Diana:)

[Cruise, J.D.]

But there are certain things on a cruise that I do expect no matter what line it is on. I expect good food, and offerings that are different than the everyday, I expect a clean stateroom that no matter how old it is, is kept clean. I expect that the crew will assist me with my needs but not bombard me when I am on deck to buy a drink. These were not met on this ship.

 

Nothing wrong with those expectations. I expect the same and would have no problem calling out Carnival and the ship if those expectations were not met.

 

I believe you had a problem with the breakfast offerings? Did you try the dining room for breakfast? Much better than the Lido IMO. The smoked salmon is great.

[mlzangel78]

Hi Sharon,

I know you didn't mean what other folks are taking from your comments, but I would sure hope that everything would be of a higher level on princess, since it costs so much more. It goes back to my comment about buying a Ford but expecting a BMW or Mercedes...it will always be "you get what you pay for". If I had paid the prices for a Princess cruise...it had better be damn good if not amazing! They better be hand feeding me grapes while Rico the pool boy massages my neck. Oh, sorry- TMI...LOL!!;) Could I afford a higher priced cruise...sure. But for a family 1st cruise with my 2 munchins...the CCL one will do for now.

 

Why don't you come on up to B-More and hang out with me on the Pride this August...I'll have you doing keg stands and playing beer pong in no time (I think someone in one of the other threads even mentioned bringing his own beer pong table!). I'll even promise to chew with my mouth closed and I may even brush my hair just to look purdy for ya before I come to the buffet in my bathrobe-. LOL!! (I'm kidding everyone...Sharon- no offense meant. I'm just being playful...although I can beer pong with the best of them and currently hold the Turbo cup title against my college aged niece and nephews! This old girl has still got it...:D)

 

Take care,

Diana:)

 

Just a quick note... ive paid much less on princess than on carnival... balcony cabin on princess was 627.00 pp for a BB, carnival is 980.00, RCI voyager was 729.00.. so its not nessesarily true that paying the higher price will get you higher class.. so far carnival has been the most exspensive... i love ANY ship and ANY line that gets me away from my office.. but i have the best vacations on carnival so far.. sailed from 3/7/and 9 day cruises...

[Socref124]

I just want to review my last trip a few months ago on the Carnival Paradise. I am not sure if it is because this was an older ship, or because it was only a 3 day cruise, or if it was simply Carnival, but I felt that it was trashy! In my opinion the food was not even close to any other cruise I have been on. Breakfast I thought fell short, the offerings were typical and very few. I was constantly bombarded by the drink people to purchase a drink, and honestly 5 minutes ago I told you NO and my answer is still the same. The fact that I felt that they were constantly hovering around me ready to pounce was annoying. The room smelled old and musty, the tile in the shower was extremely dirty, the grout was just beyond discolored. There was rust on the mirror. The only good thing I can say I really enjoyed was our waiter was awesome! At this point I will not ever sail carnival again I was extremely disappointed. I knew that Carnival was cheaper than princess so I was expecting a little less from them, but not THAT much less. So it could be the ship, could be the duration, but I was not impressed.

 

I think you are making a huge mistake by only looking at Carnival through a 3 day cruise on one of it's older ships. We have been on Spirit class, Conquest class, Triumph class, Fantasy class and Destiny class Carnival ships. We least liked the Destiny but have been on it twice to be with friends. It wouldn't be our choice, but if friends were going on again, so would we. I would suggest trying the Splendor or a Caribbean cruise on the Legend or Miracle before counting out Carnival, but that's me. Hope whatever you choose to do you have a great cruise next time.:D

[DEcruiser1]

I love carnival ships. Particularly the larger newer ones. Shame on Carnival, but I must admit that my experience on the Elation was very similar to the original poster's. I took a trip on pride before elation, and it was a totally different experience.

[socalcruiser23]

I just want to review my last trip a few months ago on the Carnival Paradise. I am not sure if it is because this was an older ship, or because it was only a 3 day cruise, or if it was simply Carnival, but I felt that it was trashy! In my opinion the food was not even close to any other cruise I have been on. Breakfast I thought fell short, the offerings were typical and very few. I was constantly bombarded by the drink people to purchase a drink, and honestly 5 minutes ago I told you NO and my answer is still the same. The fact that I felt that they were constantly hovering around me ready to pounce was annoying. The room smelled old and musty, the tile in the shower was extremely dirty, the grout was just beyond discolored. There was rust on the mirror. The only good thing I can say I really enjoyed was our waiter was awesome! At this point I will not ever sail carnival again I was extremely disappointed. I knew that Carnival was cheaper than princess so I was expecting a little less from them, but not THAT much less. So it could be the ship, could be the duration, but I was not impressed.

I completely agree. We did a 3 night cruise and it was nothing compared to the other cruises I've been on (which is only 2, but still...). The food was not very good. That stood out the most. It was mainly a booze cruise for locals of Southern California. There were at least 2 bachelorette parties on the ship and even a male stripper for them! However, we had a great time. We were only on it to party like most others.

My biggest complaint was the pool chairs... there were hardly ANY. It was ridiculous actually. It felt like hundreds of people were wandering around on the sea day just trying to find an empty chair. And there was SO much desk space for chairs... but very few chairs. I'm never cruising on the Paradise again.

[FightOnRon]

I'll be on the Paradise in 40 or so days. This thread has made me SO NOT wanting to do this at all. It's making me feel like I am going to a jail cell. Plus I am bringing a friend and his wife for thier first,and I would guess after this thread, last cruise.

 

Tell me at least i can get a hamburger,,how hard is it to make one of those.

[Nunu]

Tell me at least i can get a hamburger,,how hard is it to make one of those.

 

[cathyz]

I'll be on the Paradise in 40 or so days. This thread has made me SO NOT wanting to do this at all. It's making me feel like I am going to a jail cell. Plus I am bringing a friend and his wife for thier first,and I would guess after this thread, last cruise.

 

Tell me at least i can get a hamburger,,how hard is it to make one of those.

As I think I've said before, DH and I have sailed on the Paradise twice and will be again next month. We actually 'like' the Paradise, it's a very comfortable and friendly ship. No, she's not brand new and shiny with all the bells and whistles, but the food is very good the drinks are very good, the beds are comfy, the ship is clean, the crew is very friendly and you're on the ocean, that's enough for me! Since you are with friends, you will have a great time if you 'think' you will have a great time. Go into any vacation with a bad attitude and that's exactly what you'll get. Have a great cruise!