Carnival Stigma?

[bones774]

I have never sailed on Carnival but I am looking at putting a down payment on an upcoming cruise with them. I too have heard all the bad stories, but I've found that everyone enjoys(for the most part) the line they have sailed with in the past w/o experience of any others. All I know is out of the varied lines I have been on, I enjoyed them all and won't let prejudice influence my decision. Looking forward to CCL.

[Duckie26]

I just did my first cruise on Carnival a couple weeks ago and we never felt like it was a party atmosphere or a "party barge".

 

It was FUN.. yes, but it was never rowdy or out of control.

 

There was a huge range of age groups on our cruise, including children.

 

However, anywhere alcohol is served, you are going to run it to some that don't know how to "handle" it. I don't think that should be labeled to any one particular cruise line. I'm betting you will find those type of people on all ships.

 

To be honest, I think I will probably continue cruising on Carnival only, unless we want to go somewhere that they don't. You can't beat the prices. We had an amazing time and can't wait to do it again.

[jules815]

We currently have two cruises booked with Carnival, and have never sailed with them before!

 

When I was pricing cruises for the upcoming 4-day, Destiny was the only ship that traveled to Key West (none of us have been) and the price was right, so we booked it. Of course, being on the Carnival website, I couldn't help but notice the Dream, so we booked it for our family cruise. New ship, new ports, and a cove balcony for my husband and I! :D

 

I think its great that there are so many choices out there. We've had a great time on our RC cruises, and wouldn't hesitate to sail with them again. The image some people have of RC cracks me up sometimes. Their ships are beautiful and elegant, but it's not like people walk around with their pinkies in the air. I've seen a fair share of people who have over indulged a little (including us...haha!)

 

We're also even thinking about trying HAL; a cruise for my husband and I without the kids. I hear their ships are beautiful and service is outstanding. It's a "quieter" cruise, but I could get into that too.

 

We still haven't been to Hawaii, Alaska or the Med. So many ports, so little time (and $$$!! :eek:)

[HeidiHo]

My hairdresser was asking me about cruises just a few days ago. She too said she didn't think they wanted to do Carnival because of their reputation. I told her that I have gone on 2 spring break cruises in recent years and on each cruise I saw only 1 drunk person. These were not teenagers either. One was a 40ish man and the other was a 20 something woman. On our early December cruise 2 years ago we saw no drunks. In fact, my husband said he felt like there were too many elderly people. We are not young (early 50's) but we felt young on that cruise. I did tell her she might want to stay away from 3 and 4 day cruises. She has 2 teens and a 10 year old.

[cruzsearcher]

Vacations are what you make them and you have to decide what makes a vacation for YOU and those with whom you travel.

 

The three of us are pretty easy to please...keep our ice bucket full, our sheets clean, our food hot, drinks cold, the pool filled, waterslide open, bar service available, chairs available, schedule not too confining, be attentive to my kid, and be nice to us.

 

However, I don't think for our big family cruises we will do Carnival again because I just don't think its the right fit for our parents. They have different likes/dislikes and they usually pick the cruise length, etc, and pay a portion so they ultimately have the most say.

 

Carnival allows us to be ourselves and its affordable and unpretentious and DANG! I like going out of Mobile or NOLA as its closer than the Florida ports so we don't have the added expense of overnights both ways.

 

Its all what you make it and you get what you pay for sometimes. Usually we end up feeling we got more than we paid for...I don't expect perfection when crew is turning a ship 2x a week and don't try to find fault in every little thing not being perfect. They all work very hard to do their best...have fun, keep an open mind, be patient, polite, and absorb the fun!

 

Oh and send the naysayers a nice little photo text message when you have a beverage in your hand..."neener neener neener! Have fun working!"

[Sirwinston]

I have been on many cruises. Bang for the buck, Carnival is the best. Sometimes I get a suite for what an inside cost on another cruise line. I will agree it is a whole range of people. But you can find quiet or party if you like. I have rarely seen out of control people. The rooms are usually bigger, I like the food, the crews are friendly. As one poster pointed out things are not perfect, but you are not paying for that. I have gone on one cruise line that promised perfection only to dissapoint.(oddly engouh owned by Carnival) Carnival is a good real world choice for people that actually have to work for a living. I am now platinum on Carnival.

Even on short cruises things have been fine. During spring break lots of school age kids, But no problems.

 

Tom in Long Beach

[Stevie17]

Catching alot of flack here for booking a cruise on Carnival. I thought some of stigma associated w/ CCL had quieted down over the years. Yet still, I keep hearing, "I won't do CCL, to much party and drinking." Definately wouldn't take the kid's on that ship. :confused:DH and I aren't big drinkers but enjoy live music and entertainment.

Please reassure me regarding CCL. We booked w/ them this time because the ship is 30 minutes from our house, worked for our school schedule, and yes...budget friendly. I'm tired of watching the ship sail by every weekend without me on it! We could have tried RCI or Celebrity too but figured why not give Carnival a try. This cruise is our first on Carnival, first time in a balcony cabin and first time trying your time dining. I keep telling myself that vacation is what you make of it. I sure hope I'm right.

 

We've done many cruises on multiple lines, and I can honestly assure you that Carnival has a quality product that frankly is very similar to the other major-market cruise lines. There really isn't a vast difference between them....sure, there are subtle differences, but to categorize Carnival as a party-only ship not suited for families is absolutely ridiculous. We have two young daughters, and we love Carnival for them.

 

It sounds to me like whoever is telling you these things perhaps hasn't even gone on a Carnival cruise recently. Ignore them and have a great time on your trip.

[diathoney]

Eh - let them keep thinking that. More cabins and discounts for the rest of us! I have a great time and so do my kids. You can see drunks on any cruise line. Yes, I do think the cabin service and food is better on some of the other lines, but I'm very happy with what I get for my money on Carnival. That's why we keep sailing with them - I'd rather spend my money on excursions.

[BobbyD]

Have a great time on Carnival. I have been on both RCCL and CCL and have had awesome cruises on both. I do admit that I usually lean towards RCCL because I like the design and flow of their ships better but I am days away from booking the Carnival Magic to Europe because, for the same itinerary, will save me approx. $2000 over the Brilliance on RCCL. We took our 4 year old twins on the Fantasy many years ago. No issues. We took them again on Carnival Legend when they were in their early teens. Had a great cruise. I agree with most other people that CCL and RCCL are more similar than different, and that on the short cruises one might encounter more "fun" people than on the more traditional 7 night cruises. Enjoy! You'll have a blast on any ship!

[blessedwith12]

I recently had a friend comment on this very thing, stating they THEY (sniff, sniff) only cruised Princess and went on to make some disparaging comments about Carnival - which she had not been on.

 

I ended up sending her a link to a Fodor's review which listed the food on Carnival as the best. I explained I really enjoy the food on the cruise, and so I enjoy sailing on Carnival.

 

I consider myself extremely conservative. I don't drink and don't visit the casinos. I can have a great time on Carnival. I traveled during spring break for my first 2 cruises and we still found the ship to be very quiet in the evenings. I agree with the other posters who have said that Carnival is a fun ship - but not an out of control party ship.

[Michylicious]

I actually saw more obnoxious people on my Princess Cruise in May than on my Liberty Cruise 2 years ago during the same week. I like both lines and am looking forward to my trip on the Miracle in 3 months!!

[mlzangel78]

I actually saw more obnoxious people on my Princess Cruise in May than on my Liberty Cruise 2 years ago during the same week. I like both lines and am looking forward to my trip on the Miracle in 3 months!!

 

lets also not forget for those who snub carnival that carnival cruise lines actually owns Princess......

[G&TQ]

The only time I saw anyone who looked like they had to much of a good time (read stumpling drunk) was leaving the various ports and watching teens and some adults stumbling back down the pier to the ship. Some of the most funny is when everyone was watching over the rails telling people to hurry. Or watch some folks who really had trouble walking. Can't wait for Cozumel... When leaving the beach that is the only thing that keeps me from crying...

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Catching alot of flack here for booking a cruise on Carnival. I thought some of stigma associated w/ CCL had quieted down over the years. Yet still, I keep hearing, "I won't do CCL, to much party and drinking." Definately wouldn't take the kid's on that ship. :confused:DH and I aren't big drinkers but enjoy live music and entertainment.

Please reassure me regarding CCL. We booked w/ them this time because the ship is 30 minutes from our house, worked for our school schedule, and yes...budget friendly. I'm tired of watching the ship sail by every weekend without me on it! We could have tried RCI or Celebrity too but figured why not give Carnival a try. This cruise is our first on Carnival, first time in a balcony cabin and first time trying your time dining. I keep telling myself that vacation is what you make of it. I sure hope I'm right.

 

Have any of the naysayers ever stepped foot on a CCL ship? I'll bet the answer is no, so basically they have no clue what they are talking about.

 

The myth lives on.

 

My wife and I are in our 50's and have cruised 10 times on CCL. Between the 2 of us we are lucky to have 6 drinks for the week.

 

Not partyers at all but we keep coming back. You'll be fine and have a great time.:)

 

Bill

[cruzsearcher]

Another thing I thought of was...when traveling with children...how many times have you thought "ohhh, we gotta do this, that, the other cuz we paid sooooomuch for it."? Then had a moody, tired, fussy, or sick child....yah. That explains Disney World for me. Never again till the kid can take a friend, a cellphone, and a designated meeting place every couple hours.

 

Until then, we cruise as inexpensively and as relaxed as possible. If we have a moody, tired, fussy, or sick kid (or adult!) we can regroup and change focus without the pressure of spending thousands of dollars. Our basic needs are met. Ask our daughter if she wants to do several cruises in the next few years or one trip to DW and nothing for 4 or 5 years, and she'll say cruise every time.

[moochy one]

From a long time HAL faithful, who just tried Carnival this last year: These hard-partying, slobbering, drunk, belligerent, simpletons are mythical creatures, not unlike unicorns or fairies.

[rnenrick]

I have always been told by various travel agents that Carnival was a step down from RCI. The more I read and educate myself, it seems the only true step down is the price.

Yes and no. I am platinum with Carnival and Diamond with RCI. So, I like both lines. But in my experience, yes, RCI is a step up from Carnival, but, no, it's not worth the cost they're asking. Therefore, I have reluctantly shunned RCI (my favorite line) and instead I get a little less quality from Norwegian, Princess and Carnival but for a lot less cost than comparable cruises on RCI.

[halos]

Catching alot of flack here for booking a cruise on Carnival. I thought some of stigma associated w/ CCL had quieted down over the years. Yet still, I keep hearing, "I won't do CCL, to much party and drinking." Definately wouldn't take the kid's on that ship. :confused:DH and I aren't big drinkers but enjoy live music and entertainment.

Please reassure me regarding CCL. We booked w/ them this time because the ship is 30 minutes from our house, worked for our school schedule, and yes...budget friendly. I'm tired of watching the ship sail by every weekend without me on it! We could have tried RCI or Celebrity too but figured why not give Carnival a try. This cruise is our first on Carnival, first time in a balcony cabin and first time trying your time dining. I keep telling myself that vacation is what you make of it. I sure hope I'm right.

 

You are right.

I think CCL's reputation has been going strong for so long that it has become an Urban Legend. The only way to know if you will like a cruise line is to try it for yourself.

Think of all the ships carnival has in the water and how many people they hold each week...all those people like it, so how bad can it be???

 

Who wants to go on a ship that is dead after 10pm? I am fixing to go on my 21st Carnival cruise since Sept 2005. My kids enjoy the program for them onboard.

 

The key is when you travel. If the colleges are closed and it is a shorter cruise, then the chance of it getting wild increases. Traveling in the winter time and going on a 7-day or longer cruise will guarentee a different clientale aboard the ship.

 

Each week is different as to the atmosphere onboard. A lot has to do with whom you are traveling.

Dave

 

All very true, I agree!!!

 

I do not go to the shows...But I found NCL to have better live music performers.

 

 

I like both lines...they each offer great options. :D

Wasn't NCL a nice surprise????

 

There you go. I read all kinds of crap about NCL on these boards and put off trying them for years. Lo and Behold, I give them a try and love them too.

It took me years to figure out that I shouldn't listen to negative people. LOL!!

[GaNavy]

Well *I* am hooked. I prefer the stigma, that keeps my ships from being overcrowded or overpriced. SHhhhhhhhhhh, it's a secret. ;)

 

We've been on three cruises, and I have yet to see someone tanked or obnoxious (due to alcohol, anyway). Took the kids on the last one and we all had a blast. You have nothing to worry about. :)

 

Well said, Mama! Even when you encounter someone who's had maybe a little too much, they will still be good-natured and not aggressive or sloppy. You'll have a great time, and here's a plus - you're going to love the food - I think Carnival's food is excellent, and though I've never cruised them myself, I've had many fellow travelers say that Carnival's food was much better than RC or NCL.

[InnKeep32]

Went last Sept. and we had the times of our lives. No problems no issues.

[cruisercrash]

I have the Carnival Stigmata . . . drink of the day appears on an appendage, and changes every day.

[Socref124]

Catching alot of flack here for booking a cruise on Carnival. I thought some of stigma associated w/ CCL had quieted down over the years. Yet still, I keep hearing, "I won't do CCL, to much party and drinking." Definately wouldn't take the kid's on that ship. :confused:DH and I aren't big drinkers but enjoy live music and entertainment.

Please reassure me regarding CCL. We booked w/ them this time because the ship is 30 minutes from our house, worked for our school schedule, and yes...budget friendly. I'm tired of watching the ship sail by every weekend without me on it! We could have tried RCI or Celebrity too but figured why not give Carnival a try. This cruise is our first on Carnival, first time in a balcony cabin and first time trying your time dining. I keep telling myself that vacation is what you make of it. I sure hope I'm right.

 

We were on RCL's Monarch of the Seas in October and there is as much partying if not more than on any Carnival cruise we have been on. Also, RCL and NCL are more like Carnival than different so the heck with the stigma. I think it is being wise and getting more bang for my dollar. Which port are you sailing from and which ship?

[buddylover]

We have cruised as a couple, with our kids, and with our elderly parents. All age groups and EVERYONE loved CCL. In our experience, we keep coming back to and rebooking with CCL because we think the food is the BEST, the cabins are the LARGEST, the people the FRIENDLIEST (and have NEVER seen anyone wild or drunk), and the ships have the MOST entertainment way into the evenings if you choose, for the BEST VALUE on the seas! What could be more perfect?

[Golden Tee]

This subject always cracks me up. Anyone that would look down on a Carnival cruiser reinforces why I love cruising on Carnival... down to earth people, plain and simple.

 

Let's take a family of 4 for example. Two parents and two kids.

 

7 day "frat boat" cruise.......

 

Flights.... $1500

1 Balcony/1 inside $3000

Spending money $2500

 

Me sitting at the bar with the down to earth parents who just dropped $7000+ for a week away.....priceless

 

 

I'd rather strangle myself with the sweater tied around the neck of an "upscale cruiser" on a "better cruise line" than cruise on Carnival

[Cruisin Suzin]

I'm so glad that I started with Carnival...I spoiled myself though starting off with an aft balcony, and now I have a wrap aft balcony...I love cruising, we even outran a hurricane,so the waters were rough, and not one complant about anything...just getting off the ship...Enjoy your cruise..