lovelife Posted October 7, 2012 #1 Share Posted October 7, 2012 with Carnival. :( I promise it will never happen agan. Ship of Doom & Gloom This was our 23rd cruise - 15 on Royal Caribbean. Our very first cruise was on Carnival 20 years ago and we remember it being fun. Since we just moved within an hour and a half of Baltimore and Turks & Caicos was on my bucket list, we thought we would give Carnival another try. This sailing was not easy on the pocketbook as I had heard about Carnival so I had high expectations in return for my hard earned money. I have never stepped foot on a ship and had such thoughts as I did on this one. We walked into a dark, morose lobby with candelabra that reminded me of Dracula's castle. I thought why did I book this cruise? (DH admitted later he thought the same thing.) Lobby DSC_0175 by KakalinaP, on Flickr But determined to keep an open mind and enjoy myself, I thought okay, it can't all look this bad. I was mistaken. Almost all areas had the same depressing atmosphere. It was all so overly decorated and one would be hard pressed to find a space not covered in baroque decor. I had read on these boards that the ship was a little dark. Oh boy, what an understatement. I was prepared for the adult only artwork so no surprise there but it was just too overwhelming. I talked to other passengers who shared my sentiment about the dreariness of this ship. Casino DSC_0060 by KakalinaP, on Flickr Lounge DSC_0083 by KakalinaP, on Flickr The mattress was hard and the cabin was HOT. After two maintenance visits the AC was never repaired. The food and service were so hit and miss I would rate the overall dining experience a 6 out of 10. The one time we ventured up to Carnival's signature slide there was a huge line of mostly drunks. I can't say enough about Half Moon Cay -- simply heavenly. The sand was like baby powder and I could have stayed in that water for days. This is the best cruise line private island beach I have visited. Too bad I can only go back if I take another Carnival cruise because that ain't happenin'. I try to make the most of things when they are not as expected, but this ship is just too dark and depressing to be called a "fun ship." Will I cruise Carnival again? Nope. Please Royal Caribbean, open your arms - I'm coming home............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JYL Posted October 7, 2012 #2 Share Posted October 7, 2012 I can't say enough about Half Moon Cay -- simply heavenly. The sand was like baby powder and I could have stayed in that water for days. This is the best cruise line private island beach I have visited. Too bad I can only go back if I take another Carnival cruise because that ain't happenin'. You can go to Half Moon Cay on a Holland America cruise, they are the same company. Holland cruises are pretty nice, maybe not as much fun as Royal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRQfireman Posted October 7, 2012 #3 Share Posted October 7, 2012 O.K.....I'll bite......what ship were ya on? (or you rather not say).....I'm guessing the Pride, but not sure or was it the Miracle? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berylde Posted October 7, 2012 #4 Share Posted October 7, 2012 You're right--very depressing. Looks like it might be an older ship Have never been on Carnival and now, no desire to go Thank goodness for RCL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NancyIL Posted October 7, 2012 #5 Share Posted October 7, 2012 O.K.....I'll bite......what ship were ya on? (or you rather not say).....I'm guessing the Pride, but not sure or was it the Miracle? The OP's list of cruises says Carnival Pride. The official Cruise Critic review is quite good: http://www.cruisecritic.com/reviews/review.cfm?ShipID=190 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruising89143 Posted October 7, 2012 #6 Share Posted October 7, 2012 I have cruised on both the Carnival Pride and Legend. The decor is very different and dark. The rose colored glass at the top of the atrium does not help and adds to the darkness. This class ship was my favorite Carnival class due to the layout and fact that it didn't feel crowded compared to other Carnival ships but yes they are not going to win a beauty contest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovelife Posted October 7, 2012 Author #7 Share Posted October 7, 2012 O.K.....I'll bite......what ship were ya on? (or you rather not say).....I'm guessing the Pride, but not sure or was it the Miracle? Pride. Good grief, guess I forgot to say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VillaHappy Posted October 7, 2012 #8 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Oh no... I was pricing a Carnival cruise out of Baltimore next spring. Judging by those pics, I think my family would KILL me if I took them on a ship that looked like THAT! :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grand isle joe Posted October 7, 2012 #9 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Cheating on RCL with Carnival? That's like cheating on your spouse with a skanky common street walker...:eek:....should have picked a little more classy if you're going to stray........;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovelife Posted October 7, 2012 Author #10 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Cheating on RCL with Carnival? That's like cheating on your spouse with a skanky common street walker...:eek:....should have picked a little more classy if you're going to stray........;) Yes, MS Skank - that was it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Langley Cruisers Posted October 7, 2012 #11 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Well, I'm glad we all have a choice on which line we wish to cruise. Said to DH last night, there are members here with dozens of cruises listed, all on Carnival. They love it. And that's fine. A loyal Carnival cruiser might have written this review in reverse, right? :);) Like I said, we are blessed to have a choice in this world. . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonnaK Posted October 7, 2012 #12 Share Posted October 7, 2012 We felt the same after our one-and-only Carnival cruise (ours was on Miracle when she was less than one year old). Photos don't lie, and yours provide a perfect example of how ugly, dreary and dark Carnival ships are. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kymbakitty Posted October 7, 2012 #13 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Only went on one Carnival cruise and it was one of our best cruises ever. I think we had low expectations,, but it was fabulous. It was a 17 day Panama Canal cruise on the new "Spirit" back in 2001. It was very expensive....close to $9k. But we had an awesome suite on the back of the ship with wrap around balcony. Nice living room, separate bedroom, and a nice small dressing room that connected the two rooms. Food was awesome, and the alternate dining option (Joe's Stone Crab under the big red thing) changed our mind about alternate dining forever....went 3 or 4 times. Exercise facility was really nice too. We haven't been on another Carnival cruise because there is no way it can be as good. Just assume keep that memory safe and sound. :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovelife Posted October 7, 2012 Author #14 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Well, I'm glad we all have a choice on which line we wish to cruise. Said to DH last night, there are members here with dozens of cruises listed, all on Carnival. They love it. And that's fine. A loyal Carnival cruiser might have written this review in reverse, right? :);) Like I said, we are blessed to have a choice in this world. . Of course. It is my opinion only. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ladysilver Posted October 7, 2012 #15 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Looks like the perfect cruise ship for Halloween. :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matj2000 Posted October 7, 2012 #16 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Cheating on RCL with Carnival? That's like cheating on your spouse with a skanky common street walker...:eek:....should have picked a little more classy if you're going to stray........;) Don't try to act like to much of a snob, it doesn't work. It's like the Kmart people making fun of the Walmart people for being low class. Or like the Chevy drivers laughing at the Ford drivers. There really is not too much of a difference.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FloridaMomma Posted October 7, 2012 #17 Share Posted October 7, 2012 I haven't been on Carnival yet (we're going in June 2013), but probably half of my friends prefer Carnival over RCI. I'm looking forward to our sailing on Sensation, but those pictures look awful! It looks like the Haunted Mansion at Disney World! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grand isle joe Posted October 7, 2012 #18 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Don't try to act like to much of a snob, it doesn't work. It's like the Kmart people making fun of the Walmart people for being low class. Or like the Chevy drivers laughing at the Ford drivers. There really is not too much of a difference.... .....or people who live in the suburbs thinking they are cowboys..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DebJ14 Posted October 7, 2012 #19 Share Posted October 7, 2012 We felt the same after our one-and-only Carnival cruise (ours was on Miracle when she was less than one year old). Photos don't lie, and yours provide a perfect example of how ugly, dreary and dark Carnival ships are. Then you haven't been on the Carnival Magic. The decor in public areas is soft blues and tans and nothing like the old Carnival ships. Much lighter and easier on the eye. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coralc Posted October 7, 2012 #20 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Ship of Doom & Gloom I have never stepped foot on a ship and had such thoughts as I did on this one. We walked into a dark, morose lobby with candelabra that reminded me of Dracula's castle. I thought why did I book this cruise? (DH admitted later he thought the same thing.) Lobby DSC_0175 by KakalinaP, on Flickr That is too funny! I thought for sure you must be exaggerating...until I looked at the photo! It looks hideous! I made DH come in and see it on the computer. Thanks for the warning with visuals. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
karinad Posted October 7, 2012 #21 Share Posted October 7, 2012 We were just on our 2nd Carnival cruise in Sept. Our first was in 1989, it was horrible! We were scared to go again on Carnival for yrs. We found a good price on The Miracle from our homeport, so no flying. We loved it! The entertainment was good. The food was really good! The ship was clean, and the decor was different! We've cruised most with Princess, Celebrity, Disney, and RCCL. Every cruise had different things to offer and we learned to go with the flow and accept the bad along with the good. We'll be going on the EOS this month. We were on her last yr. With just being on Carnival, we'll be able to really remember how each one was good or bad. There's no guarantee that this cruise will be the same as last yr. We have faith in RCCL that they're more consitant then the reviews I've read about Carnival. I wouldn't hesitate to go on either or all the lines we've been on. So sorry that you didn't have a positive experience! I know what a drag it is to look forward to going and things weren't as you hoped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ticktoneer Posted October 7, 2012 #22 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Oh no... I was pricing a Carnival cruise out of Baltimore next spring. Judging by those pics, I think my family would KILL me if I took them on a ship that looked like THAT! :( Don't go Carnival - PLEASE ! Lol I went on Carnival Destiny in September and all the twinkling lights, LED and mirrors made my head spin all week - ha ha ha. It was another of their vile ship interiors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ticktoneer Posted October 7, 2012 #23 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Don't try to act like to much of a snob, it doesn't work. It's like the Kmart people making fun of the Walmart people for being low class. Or like the Chevy drivers laughing at the Ford drivers. There really is not too much of a difference.... Yawn yawn yawn !!!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funfamilyof6 Posted October 7, 2012 #24 Share Posted October 7, 2012 I came across this thread and couldn't resist reading it because I had the same feeling 6 weeks ago on Carnival Liberty. Yours sounds worse because you had to contend with ugly decor which was not the issue in our case. We find RCCL to be more upbeat and friendly, especially the crew, although our room steward on Carnival was very nice. The thing we disliked most about Carnival were the LINES. The layout in the food area was terrible and very crowded no matter where you went. It didn't help that there were many rude people constantly knocking into you. While waiting on a buffet line, my daughter got stepped on by somebody rushing by with high heels on, causing an injury to her toe. Currently, she has no toenail. Yes, this can happen anywhere on any ship, but it hasn't. The clod didn't even apologize. I doubt we will be giving Carnival a second chance, and I don't think I am brave enough to give NCL a try. Back to RCCL, even if it's double the price. We will just have to cruise less. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ticktoneer Posted October 7, 2012 #25 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Funfamilyof6 What great cruises you've been on. Some of my all time favourite ships - Disney Magic, RCCL Freedom & Explorer. Roll on many more great cruises :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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