First time on Carnival what to expect...

[boopsahoy]

compared to Norwegian? Do they still have fixed dining times? Anything different I should know about? I am getting a "free" cruise in a balcony cabin through my Atlantic City casino. Any cabins to stay away from? Any decks with larger rooms/balconies? Will myself (57) and my gal friend (65) have things to do? Any tips?

 

Thanks in advance for your help:D

[brookeq]

What ship will you be on?

 

Carnival has set dining times or you can choose any time dining. There is only one restaurant for any time dining (not multiple choices like some norwegian ships). All of the main dining rooms have the same menus.

 

We sailed on the Norway many years ago and enjoyed it. We have sailed Carnival and also enjoyed it. We liked the food better on Carnival. The shows we saw on the Norway were better then what we saw on Carnival.

[KPfromCT]

It would be nice to have a little more information, especially which ship you are sailing on?

 

They now have ATD (anytime dining), and you can go at whichever time you please.:D:D

 

Give us a little more, and we can help.....

[boopsahoy]

What ship will you be on?

 

Carnival has set dining times or you can choose any time dining. There is only one restaurant for any time dining (not multiple choices like some norwegian ships). All of the main dining rooms have the same menus.

 

We sailed on the Norway many years ago and enjoyed it. We have sailed Carnival and also enjoyed it. We liked the food better on Carnival. The shows we saw on the Norway were better then what we saw on Carnival.

 

I am thinking of the Splendor. Ive only been on RCCL and NCL.

[SMSACE6]

I have not been on NCL in many years (before freestyle) so I cant compare the two, but; on Carnival you will have both fixed time dining and your time dining, where you can go when you like, but you have to make this decision at the time of booking.

 

Last year I was planning to go on the Epic, was booked for months, and while researching the reviews and boards, I kept hearing that the two lines were more alike than different. I also believe that the entertainment is likely better on Norwegian, this just from what I have read and heard. I didnt get to take that cruise though.

 

Carnival has a similar relaxed dress code.

 

Im not sure about decks and cabins to avoid, it would depend on the ship. (ok, I see Splendor )

 

Congrats on the free cruise though!:)

Edited February 27, 2014 by SMSACE6

[lara_lox]

Boops! Nice to see a friendly name over here! I'm actually in the process of booking a Carnival Cruise myself, on the Sunshine around the Caribbean at the start of May. So I too have been spending some time on this board and considering the differences between them and NCL. What do you think, are Carnival ready for the Solo Fashionista?! ;)

[SMSACE6]

Boops! Nice to see a friendly name over here! I'm actually in the process of booking a Carnival Cruise myself, on the Sunshine around the Caribbean at the start of May. So I too have been spending some time on this board and considering the differences between them and NCL. What do you think, are Carnival ready for the Solo Fashionista?! ;)

 

Absolutely!:D I have read your reviews while I was researching taking a cruise on the Epic (never got to actually take the cruise sadly), but I really enjoyed your reviews!

 

On Carnival you will see a mix of people dressed casually and more elegant, especially on the elegant nights ( 2 in a 6,7 or 8 day cruise). I think Carnival is similar to Norwegian in that it is up to you.

 

I will look forward to a review from you of Sunshine!

[boopsahoy]

Boops! Nice to see a friendly name over here! I'm actually in the process of booking a Carnival Cruise myself, on the Sunshine around the Caribbean at the start of May. So I too have been spending some time on this board and considering the differences between them and NCL. What do you think, are Carnival ready for the Solo Fashionista?! ;)

 

HI! I follow all your posts! I havent decided 100% to do this cruise, I wanted to see if I would be comfortable on a ship/line that I know nothing about. I would be going in May if I take the plunge.

[boopsahoy]

Absolutely!:D I have read your reviews while I was researching taking a cruise on the Epic (never got to actually take the cruise sadly), but I really enjoyed your reviews!

 

On Carnival you will see a mix of people dressed casually and more elegant, especially on the elegant nights ( 2 in a 6,7 or 8 day cruise). I think Carnival is similar to Norwegian in that it is up to you.

 

I will look forward to a review from you of Sunshine!

 

Glad to hear you can be casual all the time-I pretty much do dressed up casual if there is such a thing LOL

 

How many main dining rooms? Do they have good specialty restaurants?

 

How is the casino?

Edited February 27, 2014 by boopsahoy

[SMSACE6]

Im not sure about the Splendor, but usually that class of ship has two main dining rooms, and one level, of one dining room is set aside for your time dining, which is dinner anytime between 5.45pm and 9 something?

 

Only one specialty restaurant on most of this class of ship, and I have heard that they are very good, and cost approx 35.00, could have changed since it has been a few years for me. There will be at least one.

 

There is a dress code, but if anything I think it would be even more relaxed than NCL.

 

Casino....while many say that casinos on cruise ships are tight, and I have been on some, but out of 5 Carnival cruises, I have one anywhere from 400 to 600 on slots three times, and I am not a heavy better, usually only minimum amount in. I dont know about the table games though.

Edited February 27, 2014 by SMSACE6

[boopsahoy]

Im not sure about the Splendor, but usually that class of ship has two main dining rooms, and one level, of one dining room is set aside for your time dining, which is dinner anytime between 5.45pm and 9 something?

 

Only one specialty restaurant on most of this class of ship, and I have heard that they are very good, and cost approx 35.00, could have changed since it has been a few years for me. There will be at least one.

 

There is a dress code, but if anything I think it would be even more relaxed than NCL.

 

Thank you!

[SMSACE6]

You are welcome...and I edited my last post because I forgot to mention the casino.:)

[boopsahoy]

You are welcome...and I edited my last post because I forgot to mention the casino.:)

 

Thank you-I edited my original post because I forgot to ask about it :D

[klaner64]

No one mentioned that there is a steakhouse restaurant that you can pay extra for (I think $35 pp) which has thicker steaks than in the dining room. You can book that when you get on board. If you go there first night of sailing you get a free bottle of wine. There is also option to do the Captain's table with reservations also (I think around $90 pp). If you don't go to the main dining room for early, late or anytime dining you can go to the lido deck for buffet style food. There is a Mongolian Wok, Burrito Bar, Pizza (24 hours), Deli and other buffet style foods available for lunch, breakfast and dinner. At Breakfast/Brunch or Lunch they have meals in the main dining rooms as well as the buffets. All food choices are included in price except Steakhouse and Captain's table. You can see more info about specific restaurant choices on their website.

 

As far as rooms, Splendor does have balconies, oceanviews, suites but it is one of their smaller ships. Newer ships are Breeze and Dream and have more ammenities.

[boopsahoy]

No one mentioned that there is a steakhouse restaurant that you can pay extra for (I think $35 pp) which has thicker steaks than in the dining room. You can book that when you get on board. If you go there first night of sailing you get a free bottle of wine. There is also option to do the Captain's table with reservations also (I think around $90 pp). If you don't go to the main dining room for early, late or anytime dining you can go to the lido deck for buffet style food. There is a Mongolian Wok, Burrito Bar, Pizza (24 hours), Deli and other buffet style foods available for lunch, breakfast and dinner. At Breakfast/Brunch or Lunch they have meals in the main dining rooms as well as the buffets. All food choices are included in price except Steakhouse and Captain's table. You can see more info about specific restaurant choices on their website.

 

As far as rooms, Splendor does have balconies, oceanviews, suites but it is one of their smaller ships. Newer ships are Breeze and Dream and have more ammenities.

 

I am a fan of the smaller ships myself. How is the food in the buffet? Im not picky at all...

[silverpenguin]

For first timers, I say board with low or no expectations & resist the urge to compare...you'll have a great time.

[boopsahoy]

For first timers, I say board with low or no expectations & resist the urge to compare...you'll have a great time.

 

Ive never NOT had a good time on a cruise-it is what you make it! I just want to be prepared for the differences:D

Edited February 27, 2014 by boopsahoy

[klaner64]

Some food is cold by the time you get through line and find a table. I recommend getting a table (have someone save it while you go to buffet). Get your cold salads first then go back for hot food. I would also recommend going to lines where they make the food in front of you (ie Burrito Bar, Mongolian wok, pizza, made to order omelets, etc) then you know your food will be fresh and have ingredients that you picked. Food is good tasting, but if you don't like it don't eat it. There is plenty more to choose from.

[boopsahoy]

Some food is cold by the time you get through line and find a table. I recommend getting a table (have someone save it while you go to buffet). Get your cold salads first then go back for hot food. I would also recommend going to lines where they make the food in front of you (ie Burrito Bar, Mongolian wok, pizza, made to order omelets, etc) then you know your food will be fresh and have ingredients that you picked. Food is good tasting, but if you don't like it don't eat it. There is plenty more to choose from.

 

Thanks for the recommendation!

[Shaded Lady]

I was researching a cruise recently, trying to decide between Carnival Magic and Norwegian Epic... what struck me was how many of the dining options on Epic were either closed to me (unless I was in 'Haven' or other suites) or required additional payment.

 

I like the fact that I can choose the steak house or cucina del capitaine and pay extra, but pretty much everything else is included... on the Epic, it seemed that most of the dining options I had to pay something for.

[boopsahoy]

I was researching a cruise recently, trying to decide between Carnival Magic and Norwegian Epic... what struck me was how many of the dining options on Epic were either closed to me (unless I was in 'Haven' or other suites) or required additional payment.

 

I like the fact that I can choose the steak house or cucina del capitaine and pay extra, but pretty much everything else is included... on the Epic, it seemed that most of the dining options I had to pay something for.

 

The Epic has 2 free main dining rooms and I think Osheehans that is also free as well as the buffet from what I understand and also free room service.

[Mira28]

To the OP,

 

You mentioned the Splendor...

 

I loved my cruise on this ship. Can't make comparisons though.

What I found: clean, comfortable cabins, very friendly staff, excellent food, nice bars, pleasant atmosphere all around, enjoyable entertainment (bands, comedians) and nightlife. Went to the casino and enjoyed it, but am not an expert in that realm at all!

Dining room food (Gold Pearl) ranged from good to great and service there was excellent. Lido buffet was never that busy, and I always found something to eat. (Tandoor in aft area, and deli were standouts.)

Plenty of activity, or peace and quiet according to your preference. (Might be best to sail during school year as some have mentioned lots of kids and teens around, but this was not an issue for me when I went).

You have been on the Gem. I can't say how this will compare. I know the itinerary is not at all as good on the Splendor, but I hope you enjoy the cruise, as I certainly did.

[boopsahoy]

To the OP,

 

You mentioned the Splendor...

 

I loved my cruise on this ship. Can't make comparisons though.

What I found: clean, comfortable cabins, very friendly staff, excellent food, nice bars, pleasant atmosphere all around, enjoyable entertainment (bands, comedians) and nightlife. Went to the casino and enjoyed it, but am not an expert in that realm at all!

Dining room food (Gold Pearl) ranged from good to great and service there was excellent. Lido buffet was never that busy, and I always found something to eat. (Tandoor in aft area, and deli were standouts.)

Plenty of activity, or peace and quiet according to your preference. (Might be best to sail during school year as some have mentioned lots of kids and teens around, but this was not an issue for me when I went).

You have been on the Gem. I can't say how this will compare. I know the itinerary is not at all as good on the Splendor, but I hope you enjoy the cruise, as I certainly did.

 

Sounds wonderful! I read the members reviews and some were rating Splendor 5 stars and other reviews rated it 2 stars! I took everything with a grain of salt though as Ive been on NCL cruises that I loved and other cruisers didnt so its very subjective! So glad though to hear from someone firsthand that they enjoyed the ship!

[SadieN]

The Splendor has a Tandoor at teback of the Lido outside. It's open during lunch.

[ETski]

I am thinking of the Splendor. Ive only been on RCCL and NCL.

 

Hi Remember us from the Gem. Ed and I just got off the Splendor about 2 weeks ago. We enjoyed our cruise. Do go and give Carnival a try. We went with an open minded and were not disappointed. As far as the dinning rooms Carnival has two dress up nights. Food in dinning room was good. But I didn't care for the buffets at night. Lunch time they have a Burrito bar, pizza, sandwiches made to order, Mongolian grill, grill for burgers and hot dogs, Indian food and upstairs a place that served chicken. They also had a buffet.I did prefer the buffet on the Gem. Casino was large but lots of older slot machines. Great brunches on sea days. Any other questions ask. Hope to cruise with you guys again.