Nicest carnival Ship?

[firefly333]

The most crowded ship ever for us was the Freedom of the Seas. RCCL lost us forever on that cruise...ugh. Buffets were impossible...pools too

 

So you are going to try Carnival who has smaller pools and hot tubs and a even lower space ratio?? RCL has stations in their buffet to help with the crowding. On Carnival, if you are there at a bad time, you can wait 20 minutes for the buffet.

 

Im feeling more and more confused what you are looking for to be honest.

 

Spirit class ships on Carnival have the best space ratio .. but then you say you dont go by that either??

 

Maybe go when its too cold to swim, like January when the pool areas are less crowded?? Pick a date when you dont need to fight the pool crowds.

[Nanaimobound]

The travel consultant in me feels the need to let you know that Carnival is a different product than RCI, Celebrity, and Princess. they would be closer to RCI, but Celebrity and Princess are considered Premium, and Carnival is Mass Market.

we went on our first Carnival cruise last May and really enjoyed ourselves, but we went knowing it would not be upscale. Carnival isn't trying to upscale, they provide and energetic, fun based, laid back atmosphere.

we are traveling with our whole family and grand children again in May, and can't wait for the Splendor. Carnival staff were just spectacular with my Grand kids. They all made them feel special. Carnival Staff are very friendly and full of greetings and smiles! The fun filled atmosphere is carried in to the dining experience on Carnival with wait staff even providing entertainment.

Carnival cruises can be a little loud, because people are having a good time, and are encouraged to do so. If you like to gamble, they have the largest casinos I have ever seen on a cruise ship! They have lot's of lounges, the food is great but not gourmet, and the cabins are simply furnished and decorated, but large, and the beds are the most comfortable we have ever slept on. You won't have your tray carried for you at the buffet, but you will have a great time if you are open to it! I just don't like people to think It is going to be like Princess or Celebrity. As for Disney, they are luxury, as you can tell by the price. You can get some suites on Carnival for the price of an inside cabin on Disney. They all have their good and not so good points. But we liked the family atmosphere for our big family group on Carnival, and we can afford a balcony, which i am in love with! Hope this helps, happy sailing.

[beach410]

In my opinion, if you're trying to avoid a "cheap feeling" cruise, don't take one of the older Fantasy class ships built in the early 90's. They do have that "cheap Vegas hotel, neon sign" feel. Also, because they are normally used for short, inexpensive cruises out of "drive-to" ports, they attract many fellow cruisers looking for a good bargain, and not so much interested in an upscale experience...

 

 

 

I disagree, all I have sailed are the Fantasy class, they dont feel "cheap" to me, yes, some areas are more glitzy. And I dont know who out there isnt looking for a good bargain when they price out their cruise. While I dont think that they are what anyone would consider "upscale vessels", they are of very good quality and have been remodeled and decorated very nicely to compare with the newer ships, they've done a nice job with them, I sailed before and after.

 

They attract myself and my family, who are enjoy a quality experience and excellent service and great food and fun. They offer 3-5 day cruises. We spent 3 grand on our first family 5 day cruise on a Fantasy class vessel, so please dont stereotype us Fantasy Class sailers with "cheap"! Thank you.

[hoop4321]

surprised no one mentioned the granite flag on valor....just gorgeous!

[Bo Didly]

Nicest would be in the eye of the beholder.:rolleyes:

 

The only true way to answer your question, sail on em all.

Then you will know ;).

[SteelerCruiser]

any ship is a great ship!........it can be whatever you make of it.....I have been on Glory, Freedom, and Fascination and like them all:D

[inlinesick]

2 times on the valor which is my favorite, one time on the spirit which was really good to considering the year of the ship couldn't tell. My last one was on the dream which i hated, too crowed everywhere, food quality was a downgrade compare to the others, even if we were in the cloud 9 spas section room was smaller and really,really noisy. Pieces of advice keep the same class as the valor its the perfect combination imo.

[Tapi]

I disagree, all I have sailed are the Fantasy class, they dont feel "cheap" to me.

 

Soooo, if you've only sailed Fantasy class ships, how would you know if they feel cheap when compared to the other classes of Carnival ships, or other cruise lines?

 

...And I dont know who out there isnt looking for a good bargain when they price out their cruise...

 

Not everybody looks for the absolute bargain cruise (which, these short Carnival cruises usually are). Some people do place more emphasis on other things, not on price. Many people will pay more to sail to a specific destination, type of ship, type of cabin, ambiance, cuisine, etc.

 

so please dont stereotype us Fantasy Class sailers with "cheap"! Thank you.

 

For the record, I've also been a "Fantasy Class" sailer several times, I'm not saying that you are cheap. What I'm saying is that these Fantasy class vessels are cheaper (and thus FEEL cheaper) than anything out there that I've experienced. That doesn't mean that they are a bad product. They do provide quite a bit of bang for your buck, great cabins, decent food, many activities, and a chance to get away without breaking the bank, but I can't pretend that they are more than what they truly are. Carnival touts itself as being a bargain cruise line catering to middle America and they live up to it!

[LizaMM]

Yes....."Nice" is in the eye of the beholder.......truely a subjective thing.

 

The Spirit Class ships seem to be a little more "elegant" as far as decor and the Lido Deck layout on this class provided for a larger, less crowded feeling in my experience.

 

However, I much prefer the layout of the Triumph & Conquest Class. I like the evening entertainment venues being closer together. I also found that when travelling with family the layout of the Lido Buffet on this class made it easier for us to visit different stations and still be seated with food at about the same time.

 

I loved the decor on every Carnival ship that I have sailed. I do agree with other posters that the Liberty is the most "beautiful" if you are equating beautiful with "pretty" or luxury rather than the glitzy or more far out beauty of other Carnival ships.

 

There is a wonderful Pictorial Liberty Review from one of the recent CC Group Cruises which shows this.

 

The product is similar from ship to ship. Carnival is FUN.......there is always something to do from Hairy Chest on the Lido Deck to Trivia at an indoor lounge; large casino if you like to gamble; well appointed gym and spa; good food with options ranging from Lido Buffet Dining to 5* Steakhouse and the large standard cabin sizes as well as the comfy beds & bedding are fantastic!

 

I can't compare to other lines because so far Carnival is the only cruiseline I have sailed. I have stayed at many resorts ranging from family syle to upscale and for ME Carnival is much nicer at this point in my life.

[jstcruizin]

I've only sailed on 1 Carnival years ago. Since I have been with Princess/Celebrity/RCCL, and we are considering tryng Carnival.

 

What do you think is the nicest Carnival ship...for those who have been on several?

 

Of the seven I've sailed so far I would say the Dream

[TabFox]

I've been on the Conquest (first cruise), Star Princess, and Glory. Although the Star Princess was nice, I felt it was a tad boring and I didn't feel the food was as good as Carnival. I really like the "forget real life and have fun" atmosphere of Carnival. Decor doesn't really have such a huge impact on me. I think they're all beautiful, each unique. I've always experience wonderful, friendly service on Carnival. I love meeting new people and just escaping from the normal day to day cooking, cleaning, work, taking care of everyone else.

[DeRon]

So you are going to try Carnival who has smaller pools and hot tubs and a even lower space ratio?? RCL has stations in their buffet to help with the crowding. On Carnival, if you are there at a bad time, you can wait 20 minutes for the buffet.

 

Im feeling more and more confused what you are looking for to be honest.

 

Spirit class ships on Carnival have the best space ratio .. but then you say you dont go by that either??

 

Maybe go when its too cold to swim, like January when the pool areas are less crowded?? Pick a date when you dont need to fight the pool crowds.

 

Firefly...if you are confused, don't worry about it. Most everyone gave great answers that helps me...Spirit Class is basically the answer I am getting. Remember, I have been on Carnival and RCCL. I was just wondering what people consider the best ship experience on Carnival.

 

Your advice to go when it's too cold to swim so there is room by the pool...really? Really?? :rolleyes:

[beach410]

Soooo, if you've only sailed Fantasy class ships, how would you know if they feel cheap when compared to the other classes of Carnival ships, or other cruise lines?

 

 

I am a CC'r arent I?! LOL I read other reviews of Carnival cruises, love the ones with tons of pix btw and other cruise lines boards as well, I have sailed RCL and I have friends and family that also cruise other lines. From what I have viewed, I still dont think any of our cruises felt "cheap".

[Pee-ah]

Spirit class is basically the answer I am getting.

 

I have been on two classes.. Spirit and Conquest... Liked the Glory.. but LOVED the Spirit:D

 

Hope that helps :)

[hankandteri]

Fair enough...my "nicest" comment is a bit vague. Here is what I call nice (for me): crowds not a problem, good food/restaurants, more upscale vs cheap feeling, plenty of room around chairs, and just a better overall cruise.

 

The ship makes a difference (I also vote for the Spirit class), but the length of the cruise will make a bigger difference. For me a week-long cruise seems less crowded, a bit more upscale and provides a better overall cruise experience. I know they put the same number of people on the ship no matter the length of the cruise, but the longer cruises seem less crowded and frantic to me.

[cruiser fanatic]

I would have to say Carnival Ecstasy because of that crystal award.

[magic&buddy]

Liked the Dream. Loved, loved, loved the Miracle!