Heading to Carnival

[caseymorgan]

I enjoy both lines very much, there are many similarities between them. Both have their pros and cons, but thats true of any line. If you can get past the odd decor and lack of RCI staples (Royal Promenade, rock wall, Viking Crown Lounge) there are good times and great values to be had on CCL.

 

Exactly-- it's the lack of Royal Promenade that frustrates me. The entertainment walkway on many Carnival ships is clostrophobic compared to the Promenade. And you can run into dead ends on Carnival where you have to go up or down a level to continue forward or aft.

 

All in all we've enjoyed quite a few good Carnival cruises.

[midnightblue]

I don't think you can lump all the ships in any cruise line into the same category. We have sailed both Carnival and Royal. 2 out of the 3 Carnival cruises were great Ships and fantastic cruises. One of the trips was just so-so. We sailed the Adventure of the Seas on Royal and Loved every thing about it. We just sailed the Enchantment with Royal and it was just OK. All Cruises are good Cruises some ships are just better than others. The crews usually only do 6 months contracts at a time. You could sail the exact same ship within a few weeks that your friends sailed and have a completely different experience. Just the changing of a cruise director can make a huge difference in you experience.

Just a side note, my nephew is in a Cruise Ship Orchestra on Royal and we partied with him in some of the lounges and clubs. If that was tacky, well excuse me, but we had a good time. He deserved to have some fun too. Life on a cruise ship for the crew isn't all peaches and cream.

[firefly333]

Rita's Cantina.

 

lol, Im not on Oasis until Sept. Thats why I put a ? after it. I dont like the idea of paying per item, but I love chicken wings if they are good. Not doing Carnival Magic until next year.

 

Exactly-- And you can run into dead ends on Carnival where you have to go up or down a level to continue forward or aft.

 

Actually, the only decks that do not go thru are the decks with the dining rooms/kitchen on them. If one can remember which decks have the dining rooms, you wouldnt have this problem. I am baffled why people dont figure this out within a week's cruise, so they dont continue to run into dead ends where the galley is. (1 deck on smaller ships, 2 decks on larger ships).

[Cruzaholic41]

lol, Im not on Oasis until Sept. Thats why I put a ? after it. I dont like the idea of paying per item, but I love chicken wings if they are good. Not doing Carnival Magic until next year.

 

...and Rita's is on Allure. The Oasis ala carte restaurant is Seafood Shack.

[bobmal99]

Will be going on my first RCCL (NOS) December 11.

Have been on a few Carnival and NCL Cruises. Carnival

cabins are a good size, love the balconies.

Service and food were very good, and I believe

Carnival gives you the best bang OVERALL for your buck.

 

Carnival get's a good mix of ages.

The young wild party kids tend to go on the

3 & 4 day cruise as the 7 + day cruises are

usually to expensive for them.

Don't know yet about RCCL but Carnival

has some excellent kids programs.

 

Where ever you go, just go with an open mind.

 

Although on Carnival you can call their Bon Voyage Dept.

prior to your cruise and have most any kind of

alcohol delivered to your cabin prior to boarding.

Notice the Captain Morgan in one of the pictures below.

 

 

 

Another two views of a Junior Suite on Carnival Glory, 2/11

 

 

 

 

We loved the double sink in the Jr Suites!

 

 

Notice the wrapped bottle of Captain Morgan!!

 

[DebJ14]

When we have sailed on Carnival, I just go into it knowing not to expect what I do with Royal Caribbean and Princess. I know the decor is tacky/brassy/color scheme is loud - Las Vagas style and the smoke smell is horrid. On the up side - it usually is cheaper and the cabins are a bit larger. Food on Carnival was fairly good.

 

The smoke smell should improve with the new changes in the smoking policy. We are Emerald on RCCL and Milestone/ Platinum on Carnival. As for decor on Carnival - some ships are better than others. The Fantasy class ships have been undergoing major drydock and refits and the new decor on them is much more appealing. The new management team has gone a different direction so the new builds out have much better decor as Joe Farcus is not doing the interiors.

 

As for the food - we prefer the MDR food on Carnival and found the steakhouses on Carnival better than Chops or Portofino. The RCI food seems bland. The worst food we have had on 40 + cruises was on an RCCL ship. 10 days of nothing but salad and dessert because the entrees were not edible. One night the Chef's special recommendation was Chicken Cordon Bleu. It was a frozen item just like you can buy at Sam's Club. Only problem was - RCCL served it frozen. Also, if you have food allergies we have found Carnival to be superior to RCCL in handling those issues. The dining room hostesses on Carnival handle the special diets and they are very diligent about getting you what you need as well as special items. For us being able to order gluten free special occasion cakes on Carnival is a real plus as we often travel for birthday or anniversary celebrations.

 

Don't bother to book a suite on Carnival unless a larger room is all you want. The only suite perk on Carnival is priority embarkation and debarkation. Carnival's standard cabins are definitely larger than RCCL standard cabins.

 

Carnival is a good value. I think you will find more similarities between RCCL and Carnival than differences. We've had great cruises on both lines and lousy cruises on both lines. Just don't go comparing every little detail to RCCL - if you go with an open mind you will enjoy Carnival. Also, if you want a bottle of booze in your cabin you can call ahead and order it and each adult can bring on one bottle of Champagne or wine at embarkation. Less need to smuggle on RCCL.

[sherilyn70]

If you are going on the Victory it doesn't really matter much about the ship. With only one day at sea we were not even interested in the ship. We spent our day at sea napping for the most part because we did so many excursions. We were in it in February this year. The service was great, but the boat and food choices were kind of meh... so that's why we're trying RCI this time around. But I wouldn't say no to Carnival again.

 

My cruise photos for Victory can be found at http://sherilyn70.shutterfly.com

[boingy300]

If you are going on the Victory it doesn't really matter much about the ship. With only one day at sea we were not even interested in the ship. We spent our day at sea napping for the most part because we did so many excursions. We were in it in February this year. The service was great, but the boat and food choices were kind of meh... so that's why we're trying RCI this time around. But I wouldn't say Carnival again.

 

My cruise photos for Victory can be found at http://sherilyn70.shutterfly.com

 

Thanks so much for the advice. Esp. for the pics Sherilyn! In our Dec. Holland cruise the staff (officers) did mingle with us and I have to admit their pub crawl (I am not a drinker/party type) was the most fun event I've ever had on a ship's activities- sumo wrestling is up there....maybe because it was a very sedate cruise? Anyway I appreciate the comparisons it sounds like there are more similarities than differences (sans decor- got it). Our twins will be 18 and we do plan on spending a night pre & post in SJU. I LOVE SJU and this will be our 3rd Southern Caribbean cruise. I have never been to St. Lucia or St. Kitts.

The reason I posted this was because this week I went into a local AAA travel agency and they refused to book Carnival anymore due to so many complaints. I didn't find that to be accurate and wanted to ask experienced cruisers, not an agent in a store in Ohio. I am visiting another agent tomorrow. I am still bummed about not getting to go RCCL for the Southern as I did a "next cruise" not knowing they were pulling out. June 2012 is not hurricane season....but it is June, and there is a tropical storm on the Western route.

What is the "Cruise Compass" called for Carnival. I do like to skim the activities. Thanks again!

Karen

[sherilyn70]

Just noticed a typo (and fixed it)

 

I meant to say "But I wouldn't say no to Carnival again." :D

 

I have all of my books from the cruise (except for the tear off tabs I didn't think to keep) and will see if I can get them scanned in and uploaded sometime tonight.

[yogimax]

The worst food we have had on 40 + cruises was on an RCCL ship. 10 days of nothing but salad and dessert because the entrees were not edible.

 

Huh?

 

Ten straight days of inedible food??? That's a bit of hyperbole, eh?

 

From my perspective, RCCL and Carnival's MDR's selections are both very good... Actually, the only course I would favor on Carnival would be dessert and that is only because of the warm chocolate melting cake.

[firefly333]

The reason I posted this was because this week I went into a local AAA travel agency and they refused to book Carnival anymore due to so many complaints.

 

What is the "Cruise Compass" called for Carnival. I do like to skim the activities. Thanks again!

Karen

 

I know another big TA who quit selling Carnival when Carnival clamped down on allowing any discounting. They were discounting 10%. No longer allowed. Perks from TAs can only be 5% of the total etc. Some TAs say Carnival pays cheaper commissions than other lines etc. Not worth their time. I very much doubt it was because people complained. sounds like they made up a easy reason to give people. They arent going to say its about booking on their end.

 

Fun Times. Its been cut to the bone, and there is a tear off portion. Some things are not even listed, like the farewell party the last day at 5 pm, they never say it has free drinks.

[sherilyn70]

Actually, the only course I would favor on Carnival would be dessert and that is only because of the warm chocolate melting cake.

 

Mmmmm..... such fond memories. Once I tried that there were no other desserts in my life.

[amc80]

I've sailed on Carnival three times and am now trying RCI for the first time. There have been a lot of comments in this thread about smoke. My last cruise was in November and the only place where smoking was an issue was in the sports bar. In general, food are Carnival is awesome and the staff is great.

[cdamion]

Also why did everyone leave Southern Caribbean? There is limited variety......(sad face)

Karen

 

I wish I knew the answer to this. The Southern itineraries out of San Juan are, in my opinion, the best cruises out there. I was sorely disappointed to learn that Princess discontinued them after this winter. No to hear that RCI's not doing them in the summers was extra disappointing. I was really hoping to do that route on the Serenade.

 

I just don't prefer Carnival anymore. I like what Princess and RCI have to offer better. This being said, I still think that Carnival's food is better than both, and their crews have been the most genuinely friendly crews I have encountered.

 

The fact of the matter is that while I prefer the other lines more, I would enjoy being on any ship.

[janetz]

I have been a fairly loyal Royal cruiser, but the summer 2012 schedule has ZERO ships in the Southern Caribbean. As a matter of fact the only ship sailing Southern Caribbean in June 2012 is Carnival. We have some teens and a few other family members going. It's only 1 day at sea. Rather than this turn into a Carnival bashing event, since it is what it is- I am seeking advice from RCCL folks who have sailed both and can give me a heads up about the differences. I know the decor is an issue. But I am hoping to be on the islands mostly (Only 1 day at sea)> Are there any people out there who have sailed both who can give HELPFUL advice? I considered Freedom Eastern but it's about $400 pp more and has 3 days at sea going to places we've already been. I'm not interested in a mega ship as i still think the islands are enough. I can't handle another loop around Cuba (Western)! Plus I still like San Juan. I think elderly couples doing the salsa is very romantic. Any transition advice appreciated- thanks!

(Also why did everyone leave Southern Caribbean? Greece and the Mid-east not looking too appealing for me.) There is limited variety......(sad face)

Karen

 

 

The beds and bedding are great. They even sell their bedding. :)

 

 

http://www.carnivalcomfortcollection.com/

[blacksheep2]

We have sailed on both RCCL and Carnival

I agree with the poster who said “the worst day on vacation is better than the best day at work”

Also-your first is always the best and you compare everything to it

We sailed on Explorer of the Seas in 2003 when it was brand new-a group of 14 friends age 35-50 went and we were all wowed-we loved every minute of the adventure-we ate, drank, ate some more and drank some more-toured each island and did some group adventures-you could never top that experience and the amount of weight each one of us gained—so funny by Friday none of our clothes fit-the food was fantastic-we must have all looked like deer in headlights all of the trip!

Then came Serenade of the Seas –lost a few of the original crew but added others had the same great experience

We were no longer newbie’s –we were a little smarter –only gained 2 pounds on this cruise-again had so much fun -loved that boat!

Then Freedom of the Seas was the newest and biggest on the block ---so we had to try that –what a ship-so grand-everyone almost bowed when you sailed into port-it was some of the old gang and our grown daughter-newly engaged and our soon to be son in law-again we were smarter in many ways-had so much fun-good service-good food and lots of great adventures-they were right nothing compared to that boat! Walked the stairs on that one-didn't gain any weight-experienced the Speciality Restaurants-and the wine and the fo-fo drinks-what a trip!

The next year our kids were married at a resort in Jamaica on Valentine's Day–the ships all docked across the bay from the resort and even though we were having a great time we had ship envy real bad-our friends went without us, which made it harder-but 35 family and friends at a great resort for a great reason healed it!

The next year almost to the day our grand daughter was born-wonderful time but sure missed cruising-some day Grandma and Grandpa will take her--

Two years ago the friends we cruise with decided it was time to take their children-Carnival was better suited to what they had in mind and they did have a big new boat-we sailed Carnival Dream—honestly it was a nasty vacation-the weather was bad-lucky the only good two days we had were island days-St Thomas and St Martin were great-had tours booked on both islands-the boat is just not set up well-long lines to eat-no where to sit-it rocked the entire week without high seas-it was very noisy with the music from the teen club pounding the floor and the music from the dance club/comedy club keeping us up most of the night (I should have mentioned we always book an aft balcony) we did get some refund on the cruise as ship board credits and also a future discount or we would have never tried Carnival again

This past March we booked Valor out of Miami with the same friends and several new to our group–determined to have a good time despite our skepticism we boarded with a new attitude –we were with a group of 13 but

DH and I were going to try new things and make our own fun-we chose Any Time Dinning even though the rest of our group decided on early dinner-we had the chance to meet so many interesting people –food still wasn’t the best but so what –food isn’t the same at any restaurant you go to-but by the end of the week we looked back and really hadn’t had anything but one night –that we even liked-we didn’t do the second formal night but went to the buffet and it was ok-we noticed the staff never seemed happy-no one ever spoke unless you forced the issue and there was always cleaning supplies and equipment in the halls-yes it is great the you are cleaning but I don’t like stepping over things all the time. there was one day we came back to our room several times and it had not been cleaned-finally it was 4:30 and we found someone in the hall and we asked them to find our steward and ask that our room be made up. He had introduced himself the first day and we never saw him again The islands we chose made the cruise and the things we chose to do on them had nothing to do with the cruise line-at that point we decided it was time to go back to RCCL.

While we will never relive the “good old days” of our first cruises we feel RCCL will give us the best opportunity to get more enjoyment out of new adventures-We are now booked on Adventure of the Seas out of San Juan for February and will see just what happens

I hope your travels are great with new adventures and memories to be made no matter what line you choose-

[05mak05]

Great Attitude!

 

If you go in knowing what to expect/not expect, you will have a good time.

 

I have sailed a few Carnival ships and they are certainly NOT RCCL, however, they are still fun!

No flames please, these are just my personal experiences

1. The ships are tacky (you already know this) no biggie

2. Service is not as good

3. Main pool is small for the number of guests, however, the slides and

splash areas are nice

4. Overall, just not as classy. For example, on Dream the cruise director

and cast members of the show were in the piano bar drinking and

smoking with the guests.

 

That said, the food is decent, the entertainment is A LOT of fun (they don't call it a fun ship for nothing ), you won't be cooking or cleaning, there is plenty to do and you will be in port almost every day.

 

Read the reviews, be prepared and ENJOY !

We've been on one Carnival cruise and that was this past October. We went because it was cheap and we wanted to see our long lost friends. We went expecting the worse but determined to have a good time and not be picky. I agree with all of the above statements. Many people have posted saying "cabins are bigger." Ours was tiny! We were on the Ecstacy out of Galveston and this cruise was a last minute booking. We started out in oceanview R241. Then we got an email asking if we wanted to upgrade to U141 for $30 pp. We did. I knew we'd miss a balcony but I never dreamed that we'd be as cramped as we were. Our cabin had 2 straight backed chairs and barely enough room to walk around the bed. Needless to say, we didn't spend much time in the room. The pool area is small and crowded. If there were available tables, they were piled with dirty dishes and food as there didn't seem to be enough crew members to keep up with the tidiness like RCI does. The food was good and we really enjoyed the penny slot machines in the casino. The decor of the ship looked like the decorator was on crack ... what were they thinking! Having said that, we had a good time and really had no major complaints. I doubt we'll do another Carnival. If we do, however, I'll certainly pay more attention and ask for the square footage of the stateroom.

[NeuroQueen]

I know CCL gets a bad rap, but honestly I've been on more of their ships than RCI (12 to 10), and I think for want you want (southern), it will be better than you expect. Their pool decks are not as well designed as RCI, but you will be in port all day. IMHO CCL's food is just as good but that is subjective and varies from ship to ship. I've never had a problem with rude waiters or poor cabin stewards on either line. Just go and I think you will be surprised. You sure can't beat their prices!

[firefly333]

Many people have posted saying "cabins are bigger." Ours was tiny! We were on the Ecstacy out of Galveston and this cruise was a last minute booking. We started out in oceanview R241. Then we got an email asking if we wanted to upgrade to U141 for $30 pp. We did. I knew we'd miss a balcony but I never dreamed that we'd be as cramped as we were.

 

I saw the other posts about all cabins being bigger on Carnival .. and I think the answer lies in between. Some RCL balcony cabins, including the balcony the s.f. is larger .. Im going by s.f. only.

 

On Ecstasy insides and OVs are both 185 s.f. . ..my OV on Voyager says its 180 s.f.. so that OV on Ecstasy actually was larger. I live in TX so have been on Ecstasy quite a few times for a quick getaway. I do agree that RCL makes better use of the cabin space.

 

All cabins are neither all larger nor all smaller on RCL or Carnival for similar categories.

[05mak05]

I saw the other posts about all cabins being bigger on Carnival .. and I think the answer lies in between. Some RCL balcony cabins, including the balcony the s.f. is larger .. Im going by s.f. only.

 

On Ecstasy insides and OVs are both 185 s.f. . ..my OV on Voyager says its 180 s.f.. so that OV on Ecstasy actually was larger. I live in TX so have been on Ecstasy quite a few times for a quick getaway. I do agree that RCL makes better use of the cabin space.

 

All cabins are neither all larger nor all smaller on RCL or Carnival for similar categories.

I wonder where they ended up putting us. I'm actually not sure about the cabin number. I do know that we were originally in R241.

We've always sailed in a balcony. One exception was a "ladies only" cruise that I did with high school friends. We were on the Rhapsody and that cabin was much, much bigger than the one we had on Carnival. The oceanview we were in had the vanity across from the bathroom and then there was the bed. No room for a couch like RCI's oceanview have. It could not have been 185 sf. Now I'm curious and might just call and ask them.

[firefly333]

I wonder where they ended up putting us. I'm actually not sure about the cabin number. I do know that we were originally in R241.

 

Look at cruisedeckplans.com site. I know, the inside cabin part of a balcony on Carnival is also 185 s.f. but its longer and skinnier and with the sofa, it feels bigger. RCL to me has more cubby holes for storage and just sets up the cabins better. I did Rhapsody too, it really had lots of strange storage places, like around the mirror etc. Even on Carnival adding the sofa seems to make a cabin look bigger. Lots of wasted space. Ecstasy the bathroom was bigger, so that could be where some of the s.f. went too. Believe me Im a RCL fan, but I like to drive to Galveston too and cruising 6 to 8 times a year, only because I can drive there and jump on a cruise.

[05mak05]

Our of sheer curiosity, I called Carnival and I also pulled the Ecstasy Deck plan.

 

"6C 6D Ocean View

This stateroom features two twin beds that convert to a king-size bed, sitting area, porthole or picture window, TV with remote control, complimentary room service, and bathroom with shower.

(185 sq. ft.)"

 

This says U141 has a sitting area??? Now I wish I had taken pictures. No way there was room for a "sitting area." I would have guessed that this cabin had maybe 125 to 135 sf. I do not mean this as a criticism ... just puzzled.

[firefly333]

Iv done Ecstasy, Triumph and Conquest each 4 times I think in the last 3 years. I like to go I admit and its less than 5 hours so I go cruise on Carnival because its close. The last two cruises were Elation which is a newer sister to Ecstasy. You are going to love this picture. This is the same size OV you had, except on Elation and Triumph there is this stupid built in box in the corner. The only way I could stand in front of my window was to climb over the end of the bed. Im too old that I want to be climbing over the bed to get to the window. Poor design. This is what 185 s.f. OV looks like on Elation last month.

 

 

Carnival also has 3 nice sizes closets, more closet space than RCL so that also is probably why the cabins appears smaller.

[boingy300]

Cabin size and pool (s/p melanoma) has zero appeal. I'm getting excited about the new islands. I would like to get their daily "compass" but I'm sure it's named something else. Last Dec. Holland's only activity at 11am on a sea day was "Share your best sea adventure" in the library so we really have low standards! I love the sea, love cruising. I'm not a big dessert person but am eager to try this choc. melting cake! Take me to the water. I'm ready!

Karen

[RaiderFaninNM]

I have been a fairly loyal Royal cruiser, but the summer 2012 schedule has ZERO ships in the Southern Caribbean. As a matter of fact the only ship sailing Southern Caribbean in June 2012 is Carnival. We have some teens and a few other family members going. It's only 1 day at sea. Rather than this turn into a Carnival bashing event, since it is what it is- I am seeking advice from RCCL folks who have sailed both and can give me a heads up about the differences. I know the decor is an issue. But I am hoping to be on the islands mostly (Only 1 day at sea)> Are there any people out there who have sailed both who can give HELPFUL advice? I considered Freedom Eastern but it's about $400 pp more and has 3 days at sea going to places we've already been. I'm not interested in a mega ship as i still think the islands are enough. I can't handle another loop around Cuba (Western)! Plus I still like San Juan. I think elderly couples doing the salsa is very romantic. Any transition advice appreciated- thanks!

(Also why did everyone leave Southern Caribbean? Greece and the Mid-east not looking too appealing for me.) There is limited variety......(sad face)

Karen

 

I SOOOO agree in that our 2012 cruise is with Carnival again as RCCL just had crappy ports, again! Now that the Allure and the Oasis are in service these are all that are sailing for them and they present a varied limited ports they can go to....................:(

Carnival's cabins are larger, but the ships in general are much more smoky.

 

At dinner, the warm chocolate melted cake will become a favorite!

 

Not in the least I found the Allure, Deck 4, where we had dinner was the worst smokey smell we have had on a cruise. This was right outside of the Casino and that place reeked of smoke......:mad: Not a nice thing to smell before and or after dinner......:rolleyes: So take that comment with a grain of salt, and yes you will LOVE the warm chocolate melting cake, I had this every night on our last CCL cruise, it was that good! Look at the ports and then decide what you want, we chose a 8 day cruise with 4 ports, 3 sea days and am SOOO looking forward to it! Good luck and let us knwo what you decide!