If you're thinking of leaving Carnival

[remharri]

Pluses and minuses and to both lines. I'm excited to come back to Carnival on their new ships. I was tired of the same ol same ol as well. And I love both RCL and Carnival. Will be trying NCL in a little over a month, so I'm very excited for that.

[FlyingCruiserNJ]

I was very reluctant to cruise Celebrity. I thought too that they would be a bit "stuffy". Noses in the air and all that, but we bit the bullet and tried them.

I didn't feel any different on there than I did on CCL or RCCL.

Of course this was the Mercury, sailing out of Baltimore.

The only real pampering I felt was when we came back from spending time off the ship in the ports. They give you a nice cool cloth to pat your self with. Could have done without it, but it was nice.

 

I went to an info session once about 10 years ago and a Celebrity rep was there trying to sell the Celebrity brand to attendees. At that time at least, they themselves advertised the overpampering that pax get on their cruises. I didn't like the description and therefore have never cruised on them. Maybe they have changed since, who knows. I know people who have sailed on HAL and don't like them because there is simply nothing to do on their ships. They just said it wasn't a fun atmosphere and very few young or even middle aged people. Therefore I have never gone on their cruises either. But I am really looking forward to NCL. My mom has sailed the Jewel a few times and has raved about it. Between a new ship for me and seeing a new port in Alaska on this upcoming trip, my second to there, it should be great. I just don't get all the talk about RCCL. Went on them once, didn't love it, and have heard they like to nickel and dime worse than even Carnival in some areas. Just felt that something was missing when I cruised them a few years ago.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

I went to an info session once about 10 years ago and a Celebrity rep was there trying to sell the Celebrity brand to attendees. At that time at least, they themselves advertised the overpampering that pax get on their cruises. I didn't like the description and therefore have never cruised on them. Maybe they have changed since, who knows. I know people who have sailed on HAL and don't like them because there is simply nothing to do on their ships. They just said it wasn't a fun atmosphere and very few young or even middle aged people. Therefore I have never gone on their cruises either. But I am really looking forward to NCL. My mom has sailed the Jewel a few times and has raved about it. Between a new ship for me and seeing a new port in Alaska on this upcoming trip, my second to there, it should be great. I just don't get all the talk about RCCL. Went on them once, didn't love it, and have heard they like to nickel and dime worse than even Carnival in some areas. Just felt that something was missing when I cruised them a few years ago.

 

Exactly how do they nickel and dime you more than Carnival?

 

I see you are on NCL in May. You had better hold onto your wallet real tight if you don't want to get nickeled and dimed.

 

Frank Del Rio will be trying to extract every cent you have.

 

You are basing your like of a cruise line but what you heard and a 3-4 day cruise to the Bahamas on a ship that was almost 20 years old when you sailed on it?

 

That's like cruising the Freedom of the Seas, or Oasis and then sailing on the Sensation. Surely it will pale in comparison.

 

But at the end of the day it's your money.:)

 

Bill

[FlyingCruiserNJ]

Exactly how do they nickel and dime you more than Carnival?

 

I see you are on NCL in May. You had better hold onto your wallet real tight if you don't want to get nickeled and dimed.

 

Frank Del Rio will be trying to extract every cent you have.

 

You are basing your like of a cruise line but what you heard and a 3-4 day cruise to the Bahamas on a ship that was almost 20 years old when you sailed on it?

 

That's like cruising the Freedom of the Seas, or Oasis and then sailing on the Sensation. Surely it will pale in comparison.

 

But at the end of the day it's your money.:)

 

Bill

 

Places like Johnny Rockets charge, I have seen they raised drink prices, etc. On Carnival at least, those food places are free and the only places that charge are the high-end steakhouses or sushi type places. But yes, Carnival nickel and dimes you too much also. All lines do but you would expect a line that sells itself as a cut above the rest to tone it down maybe a little. I do have to say that I did get coupons to use for discounts at onboard shops and restaurants on my first time on a Royal ship however. Still, I felt there was something missing from the cruise experience when sailing them. Although cococay was pretty nice when we visited. I do get that the Monarch was an old ship on a short itinerary but it just didn't appeal as much to me as Carnival, Princess, or hopefully NCL.

 

I also know that NCL has many upcharge restaurants but I don't mind paying a little bit for a unique experience like Teppanyaki or a few others they have on their ships. We actually got the package that includes five different onboard upcharge restuarants per person to try on our 9-day sailing due to a massive price drop and subsequent adjustment to our reservation that we got. Hopefully it meets my expectations.

 

Perhaps if the itinerary, ship and price is right I will give RCCL another shot someday but there are other lines out there that I perceive to be a much better value and that is where my money will go.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Places like Johnny Rockets charge, I have seen they raised drink prices, etc. On Carnival at least, those food places are free and the only places that charge are the high-end steakhouses or sushi type places. But yes, Carnival nickel and dimes you too much also. All lines do but you would expect a line that sells itself as a cut above the rest to tone it down maybe a little. I do have to say that I did get coupons to use for discounts at onboard shops and restaurants on my first time on a Royal ship however. Still, I felt there was something missing from the cruise experience when sailing them. Although cococay was pretty nice when we visited. I do get that the Monarch was an old ship on a short itinerary but it just didn't appeal as much to me as Carnival, Princess, or hopefully NCL.

 

I also know that NCL has many upcharge restaurants but I don't mind paying a little bit for a unique experience like Teppanyaki or a few others they have on their ships. We actually got the package that includes five different onboard upcharge restuarants per person to try on our 9-day sailing due to a massive price drop and subsequent adjustment to our reservation that we got. Hopefully it meets my expectations.

 

Perhaps if the itinerary, ship and price is right I will give RCCL another shot someday but there are other lines out there that I perceive to be a much better value and that is where my money will go.

 

I was just pointing out about the Monarch being old because if an RCI cruiser came here and said they usually cruise RCI and they tried Carnival on the Sensation a lot of people would tell them to try a newer CCL ship.

 

NCL has just raised all their drink prices across the board, raised their daily service charge to the highest in the industry,added an automatic 18% gratuity to the specialty dinners even though you are also paying the wait staff with the DSC and they are trying to charge $7.95 for room service.

 

They say that is only a 2 week test on 2 ships but we all know how that goes.

 

NCL had a good product pre De Rio. Time will tell how the line is post Del Rio.

 

Enjoy Alaska it is as good as it gets.:)

 

Bill

[jimbo5544]

I was just pointing out about the Monarch being old because if an RCI cruiser came here and said they usually cruise RCI and they tried Carnival on the Sensation a lot of people would tell them to try a newer CCL ship.

 

NCL has just raised all their drink prices across the board, raised their daily service charge to the highest in the industry,added an automatic 18% gratuity to the specialty dinners even though you are also paying the wait staff with the DSC and they are trying to charge $7.95 for room service.

 

They say that is only a 2 week test on 2 ships but we all know how that goes.

 

NCL had a good product pre De Rio. Time will tell how the line is post Del Rio.

 

Enjoy Alaska it is as good as it gets.:)

 

Bill

Disturbing news on the room service, and drink price raising, did I see RCCL raised their drink package pricing as well (don't know, just asking).....

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Disturbing news on the room service, and drink price raising, did I see RCCL raised their drink package pricing as well (don't know, just asking).....

 

I'll have to check it out but I wouldn't be a bit surprised.

 

These cruise lines are pricing me out.

 

Looks like I'll be back on CCL before I know it.:)

 

I feel like when the casinos stopped the $5 blackjack tables. Lol

 

Haven't gambled in years. More money for cruising.:p

 

Bill

[jimbo5544]

I'll have to check it out but I wouldn't be a bit surprised.

 

 

 

These cruise lines are pricing me out.

 

 

 

Looks like I'll be back on CCL before I know it.:)

 

 

 

I feel like when the casinos stopped the $5 blackjack tables. Lol

 

 

 

Haven't gambled in years. More money for cruising.:p

 

 

 

Bill

 

 

Ditto the thoughts on gambling and saving for cruising.

[RobinKY]

I sailed on both in 2014. As with many other (entertainment) purchasing decisions it comes down to preferences. Some people will pay more for a Lexus while others just want a reliable, affordable car to get you from A to B.

 

I did RC my first two cruises and was a total snob my first day on Carnival. I chose Carnival b/c of price and it was cruise #2 in 2014. By then end of the cruise I was a big fan of Carnival. Very fun time, food was great. Yes, the RC ship was newer, bigger and nicer but I enjoyed the older, smaller and in some places dingy Carnival ship better, especially for the price difference.

[CptSticky]

Disturbing news on the room service, and drink price raising, did I see RCCL raised their drink package pricing as well (don't know, just asking).....

The rumors that I've been seeing around here on CC is that they raised some drinks to $12. At our level we don't pay for drinks so it doesn't bother me but I bet they will sell more drink packages. Maybe that's why they did it:eek:

[S.S.Oceanlover]

The rumors that I've been seeing around here on CC is that they raised some drinks to $12. At our level we don't pay for drinks so it doesn't bother me but I bet they will sell more drink packages. Maybe that's why they did it:eek:

 

My wife had one of those $12 drinks on our last RCI cruise.

 

We ate at Sabor and the meal was $19, the drink $12.

 

Won't do that again if we ever find ourselves on another RCI ship.

 

Bill

[WetToes]

We just cruised RCCL. My DH's Bloody Mary cost nearly $15.00 with the 18% tip.

Only one he had.

Coors Lite was $7.00 +.

[FlyingCruiserNJ]

I was just pointing out about the Monarch being old because if an RCI cruiser came here and said they usually cruise RCI and they tried Carnival on the Sensation a lot of people would tell them to try a newer CCL ship.

 

NCL has just raised all their drink prices across the board, raised their daily service charge to the highest in the industry,added an automatic 18% gratuity to the specialty dinners even though you are also paying the wait staff with the DSC and they are trying to charge $7.95 for room service.

 

They say that is only a 2 week test on 2 ships but we all know how that goes.

 

NCL had a good product pre De Rio. Time will tell how the line is post Del Rio.

 

Enjoy Alaska it is as good as it gets.:)

 

Bill

 

I wasn't expecting the oasis when we went on the monarch buy to me something was just missing. It didn't have the same feeling as other cruises I've been on. The cabin steward was flat out hostile to us for no reason because I surely don't ask for much on any cruise which was infuriating. The food was ok though.

 

I don't drink a whole lot on cruises because it's just too expensive for what they give you quite frankly but I always get the unlimited soda package which makes sense for me because I will drink enough of them to break even. I don't ever order room service but think about it, they should charge because lots and lots of food ordered gets wasted and that costs a lot of Money. I don't have a problem with the upcharge restaurants either because they still offer a free main dining room option and the upcharge places are unique and worth the relatively small fee you pay to go to them.

 

But yeah, I've been to Alaska back in 07 so I kinda know what to expect but it is awesome there. I will surely have fun on this cruise.

[deborahjo]

Were on the Liberty in September 2014. Went to the desk to book my next cruise to Alaska for 2015. When we got to the front of the line the guy only wanted to talk about the Carnival Credit Card. Explained to him what I wanted to book and he very plainly to me to come back when I was ready to take out a CCC. I told him I did not want their credit card. I wanted to book a future cruise. He told me I was "wasting his time and to go away". he ask for the next customer.

 

I ask him if he was going to book our cruise and he told me "go to my cabin and book it myself". I went to Guest relations and explained to them the guys attitude. All they would say was "It was my option to book it myself". I explained I wanted the benefits for my family so they could travel with us and the OBC. The only thing they could tell me was to "try again".

 

I am now sailing on the Coral Princess in September to Alaska in September of 2015. My sister wants to do her 60th birthday cruise on Carnival 2016. It will be a hard pill to swallow after the way I was treated but am sure we will sail Carnival again.

[True Texan]

Have cruised Carnival, RCCL, and NCL. All of them are more alike than different. Small differences don't bother me. But It do like my soft serve at all hours on Carnival while RCCL has better entertainment, and I liked all the live music on NCL.

[justusfour2014]

Oh my . . . no 24 hour ice cream would ruin my husband's and son's vacation. It's how I lure them on!lol

[ronrythm]

And never any chocolate! Sorry to be petty but I missed that too! :( Oh and just forget about a welcome packet of sample amenities!! RC doesn't leave you a thing!! Not sure why but...I missed that too!

Be prepared to be disappointed with Carnival. My last two Carnival cruises no amenities either. To be fair, none of the cruise lines actually buy them; they are given them by the companies that want you to try their product so you'll by it. And they have all cut back on the samples as it wasn't working. They track whether it works or not by how many people use the coupons include with the sample and not enough of them were used. Even the Carnival Brand Ambassador, Heald has commented on this. Oh and we didn't get any chocolates last cruise, but that may have just been our steward.

Enjoy

Ron

p.s. I've really enjoyed my cruises on CCL, RCI, Celebrity and NCL. Princess not so much. To each their own.

[ronrythm]

We are cruising on carnivals Splendor this October...I've heard it's the only one of its kind for carnival. Apparently Costa built the vessel but sold it to carnival. So the layout will be a surprise!!! Hoping a 'good' surprise ha!

The Splendor was originally to be for Costa, but it never went in service for them. Carnival Corp. (the parent company) transferred from one daughter company (Costa) to another (Carnival Cruise Line) during construction. Based on the same design as the Carnival Conquest class, the Concordia class has several other ships sailing for Costa. Unfortunately, the ship the class is named after came to a tragic end, striking the rocks, capsizing and causing the deaths of 32 people.

[satxdiver]

I agree with most of what the OP said about RCCL which is why I stopped sailing on their ships. The ships do have an ice rink but after the first few ice shows I never went back. I have not been on a ship with the flow rider but at my age, I think I will pass on it. Same goes for the climbing wall, inline skating etc. One of the last cruises I did on RCCL I had the audacity to go up to the drink dispensers in the WJ (buffet) and attempt to fill my sport bottle. The crew member there actually chewed me out for trying it! So I took a glass of water from their tray and poured it into my sport bottle and got chewed out again for taking the glass without permission - he had to hand it to me! - and pouring it into my sport bottle while not seated at a table. I don't mean he just told me not to do it but actually admonished me for being so bold. Great way to leave a good impression on a client.

 

The table availability in the WJ has been an issue for me as well at lunch time. On one cruise I had a full plate of food and could not find a table open so after trying for several minutes, I gave the full plate to the waiter to throw away and left. Breakfast I have room service and dinner in the MDR.

 

If you are in the pool area and the WJ is closed and locked, the only food available is on deck 5 which can be a real problem. In the late evening the only food is on deck 5 and it can be very crowded so expect to take it elsewhere to eat. When the WJ is closed, water is only available at the bars or the cafe promenade on deck 5 and then with no ice. Towel animals on your bed at night or chocolate is not done. Late night room service is $3.

 

Princess also owned by Carnival Corp is much more like CCL with a grill and pizzeria by the main pool, HC (buffet) open all day, free room service (pizza from room service is $3 though), friendlier staff and perhaps better food at least to me. The new style buffet I found on the Magic has been copied to the PCL Royal and Regal. I do love that style as it is open and very easy to get around.

 

In conclusion it may be awhile before I sail on another RCCL ship and then never but never on the gargantuans of the sea (aka Oasis).

 

The real plus for a Carnival Corp is that if you own stock, you can get an OBC on any of their cruise line ships. Those 100 shares I own has paid me back several times just in OBC plus the annual dividends.

Edited April 5, 2015 by satxdiver

[CptSticky]

I agree with most of what the OP said about RCCL which is why I stopped sailing on their ships. The ships do have an ice rink but after the first few ice shows I never went back. I have not been on a ship with the flow rider but at my age, I think I will pass on it. Same goes for the climbing wall, inline skating etc. One of the last cruises I did on RCCL I had the audacity to go up to the drink dispensers in the WJ (buffet) and attempt to fill my sport bottle. The crew member there actually chewed me out for trying it! So I took a glass of water from their tray and poured it into my sport bottle and got chewed out again for taking the glass without permission - he had to hand it to me! - and pouring it into my sport bottle while not seated at a table. I don't mean he just told me not to do it but actually admonished me for being so bold. Great way to leave a good impression on a client.

 

The table availability in the WJ has been an issue for me as well at lunch time. On one cruise I had a full plate of food and could not find a table open so after trying for several minutes, I gave the full plate to the waiter to throw away and left. Breakfast I have room service and dinner in the MDR.

 

If you are in the pool area and the WJ is closed and locked, the only food available is on deck 5 which can be a real problem. In the late evening the only food is on deck 5 and it can be very crowded so expect to take it elsewhere to eat. When the WJ is closed, water is only available at the bars or the cafe promenade on deck 5 and then with no ice. Towel animals on your bed at night or chocolate is not done. Late night room service is $3.

 

Princess also owned by Carnival Corp is much more like CCL with a grill and pizzeria by the main pool, HC (buffet) open all day, free room service (pizza from room service is $3 though), friendlier staff and perhaps better food at least to me. The new style buffet I found on the Magic has been copied to the PCL Royal and Regal. I do love that style as it is open and very easy to get around.

 

In conclusion it may be awhile before I sail on another RCCL ship and then never but never on the gargantuans of the sea (aka Oasis).

 

The real plus for a Carnival Corp is that if you own stock, you can get an OBC on any of their cruise line ships. Those 100 shares I own has paid me back several times just in OBC plus the annual dividends.

You have really hit a hot button for me. If I see someone trying to fill a sport bottle from a dispenser I always find a crew member and point it out. Not only is it a violation of health regulations but an excellent way to spread noro, colds, flu, Hepatitis and several others. Everyone if you want to fill a bottle , please use a glass.

Sorry for the rant. Off soap box. Continue on.

[beshears]

Someone mentioned about trying the NCL, and had mentioned that someone said there was nothing to do on Holland American. Well I hope NCL has CHANGED. When we were on the brand new Star ship, there was nothing to do. I'll do Carnival/Princess anytime before NCL.

[Kimnjimnkids]

Hi! OP here! Our family has cruised twice on carnival since this FOS sailing and we still feel that Carnival meets OUR FAMILY'S needs better ! My sister and her family tried RC and they also said they preferred Carnival. We just aren't fancy Shmancy ppl I guess. We both feel the food is WAY better on CCL. And the convenience of being able to sit and/or walk through all of the public dining areas is something I just don't want to do without on a cruise. And being able to pour our own coffee/tea/water/juice from the dispensers is also something we wouldn't want to do without.

Anyone else have a comparison ?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[BNBR]

Hi! OP here! Our family has cruised twice on carnival since this FOS sailing and we still feel that Carnival meets OUR FAMILY'S needs better ! My sister and her family tried RC and they also said they preferred Carnival. We just aren't fancy Shmancy ppl I guess. We both feel the food is WAY better on CCL. And the convenience of being able to sit and/or walk through all of the public dining areas is something I just don't want to do without on a cruise. And being able to pour our own coffee/tea/water/juice from the dispensers is also something we wouldn't want to do without.

Anyone else have a comparison ?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

I would much prefer an Oasis class over just about anything Carnival has. Though we may give Vista a shot next year. I thought the size of the buffet seating on Carnival was fantastic. ALWAYS a seat. That is a plus. However, the food I found almost inedible on the Carnival buffet. Guys, pizza, MDR, etc, were all stellar on Carnival, though. We had no problems finding a seat on Oasis and if no seats were available for those that show up at busiest tims, the line moved quick enough. However, the buffet food was leaps and bounds - FAR BEYOND what Carnival had. I also prefer the large open spaces on Oasis class - big and airy, spectacular. With free dining options in every neighborhood as well.

 

Due to the kids club ages - until next October, Carnival will suit our family better. But after next October, it's unlikely I'll sail on anything other than Oasis class again. But if we try Vista, that could change, who knows.

 

There was always juice in the buffet, poured in glasses on Royal. I'm almost certain you can grab coffee yourself in the Promenade as well. Those little things are hardly a deal breaker for me, though.

 

I didn't find Royal "fancier" than Carnival, it's just different. I just don't think Carnival has ships that are anywhere near the same level as Oasis. If my option was a smaller Royal ship vs Carnival, I may prefer Carnival, too.

Edited October 24, 2016 by BNBR

[dtwilkin]

Op, I 100% agree with you on all your points! In addition, we like the comedy much better on Carnival. And self service laundry, which wasnt an option on our RW ship.

[winddawn]

I would much prefer an Oasis class over just about anything Carnival has. Though we may give Vista a shot next year. I thought the size of the buffet seating on Carnival was fantastic. ALWAYS a seat. That is a plus. However, the food I found almost inedible on the Carnival buffet. Guys, pizza, MDR, etc, were all stellar on Carnival, though. We had no problems finding a seat on Oasis and if no seats were available for those that show up at busiest tims, the line moved quick enough. However, the buffet food was leaps and bounds - FAR BEYOND what Carnival had. I also prefer the large open spaces on Oasis class - big and airy, spectacular. With free dining options in every neighborhood as well.

 

Due to the kids club ages - until next October, Carnival will suit our family better. But after next October, it's unlikely I'll sail on anything other than Oasis class again. But if we try Vista, that could change, who knows.

 

There was always juice in the buffet, poured in glasses on Royal. I'm almost certain you can grab coffee yourself in the Promenade as well. Those little things are hardly a deal breaker for me, though.

 

I didn't find Royal "fancier" than Carnival, it's just different. I just don't think Carnival has ships that are anywhere near the same level as Oasis. If my option was a smaller Royal ship vs Carnival, I may prefer Carnival, too.

Amazing how this thread from 2014 has resurfaced! I found it amusing that so many of things the OP mentioned she missed from Carnival on her RC cruise are now missing from Carnival. I guess if there's one take-away from this old thread today is that mainstream North American cruise lines are all evolving in a similar way.