Why do you love Carnival?

[jimbo5544]

It's not Royal. It's pretty much ANY cruise line besides Carnival (and airlines and hotel chains). I strongly support a system where you get more when you pay more or have earned it with your loyalty.

 

There are times when I've been the guy with that bare bones inside cabin and there are times when I've been the guy with the perks-filled suite. And when I've paid a lot more for that suite, you can bet I was very happy to have the extra perks that came with it.

 

Do I get a little jealous when I see what passengers in suites get? Absolutely. But that doesn't mean that I believe that everybody should be treated the same for the sake of avoiding frowny faces from passengers traveling in standard cabins.

 

I know that the concept of a classless society sounds real pretty, but we are not talking politics or discussing the benefits of socialism. We are talking about a vacation where I'm very happy to get more when I pay more.

 

And anyway, Carnival isn't this "classless nirvana" that some people here envision. There are VIP lounges, special perks, restricted access areas reserved seating, and specialty restaurants available ONLY to those who are willing to pay more for those privileges.

 

 

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Your right, it is all others, as I said I was not picking on them. Again I much prefer Carnival way. I don't think I should get a better seat around the pool or better reserved seats at shows because I have a better room. These thoughts have nothing to do with societal thoughts, we are talking about rooms here. On the QM2 your room designates where you eat dinner, not my cup of tea (pun intended). I respect your opinion, but to me it smells of snobby.

Edited April 20, 2014 by jimbo5544

[Casco Bay Kid]

We have been on a lot of Carnival cruises and always had a great time but the time has come to try other lines again. Entertainment is just not what it used to be

 

Off on our first Princess cruise next week.

 

Intetested on what you think of Princess. We too are thinking of trying Princess. Tho we are happy with Carnival. I think they are trying to improve entertainment.

 

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[Carnival Beerleader]

I appreciate concierge floors in hotels, and love the separate pool areas onlines like NCL. Anyone trying to find a chair around a pool that is overrun by people claiming they would prefer that over a pool area set aside for guests in suites are being disingenuous. Carnival created this environment by having such small pool, pool areas, and number of pools.

 

Their ships of yore were so much less crowded, on ships 1/2 to 2/3rds smaller. There's a whole market they can attract.

 

I think you miss read the question. The OP asked what people loved about Carnival.

[jimbo5544]

The true test of a Carnival "lover" would be being true to one self answering the question, if Carnival and RCCL were priced the same same, which would they choose?

 

 

Easy Carnival

 

 

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[etwright]

The true test of a Carnival "lover" would be being true to one self answering the question, if Carnival and RCCL were priced the same same, which would they choose?

 

Carnival.

[TPFKAH]

I think you miss read the question. The OP asked what people loved about Carnival.

 

That's incorrect. The OP asked. "Is Carnival your favorite line?" and "Why do YOU love cruising on Carnival?" "What" was never even mentioned.

[crazycatlady82]

The true test of a Carnival "lover" would be being true to one self answering the question, if Carnival and RCCL were priced the same same, which would they choose?

 

Carnival. I don't need a Coach store, or a mall on my ship. I don't need a rock climbing wall...All I need is good service, the ocean or a drink in my hand.

 

I've never sailed RCCL, and I have no desire to sail with them, even if the price was the same. Now if the price was cut in 1/2 of Carnival's (like MSC in October), then we'll talk...

[YesJeffery]

The true test of a Carnival "lover" would be being true to one self answering the question, if Carnival and RCCL were priced the same same, which would they choose?

 

RCCL because I've never been on a Royal Caribbean cruise before so I would be interested in checking out another company. Done and done no Cruise line war or elitism nessary. Are you sure you're just not trying to stir the pot? ;) You never really answered what you like about CC.

[hartsnvt]

Ok, so we had to book an OS because my Mom who has Alzheimer's needs a tub. I thought we got a good rate for the extra space. The only amenity I see is priority boarding. Other lines have concierge service and butlers and alcohol etc etc. I am so glad that Carnival does not. I do not need those services when on a cruise. ANd they cost a ton more! We are paying $729 each (plus taxes of course) for a 5 night cruise in a cabin that has a separate bedroom and a queen pull out for Mom. I could not have been able to justify the cost on any other cruise line . It was thousands more. I feel that if someone wants to spend thousands of dollars to get these perks...good for them, it is obviously a service they want to have on their vacation. Different strokes for different folks I say. We all put our pants on one leg at a time. I know I will enjoy our cruise as we show Mom a wonderful time as soon she will not be able to remember who we are and we take care of her 24/7. As long as Carnival offers great rates in rooms with bathtubs, we will keep sailing on their ships! :)

[maywell]

What I'm liking about Carnival is that their fares (specially when they take off the single supplement charge) are cheap for last minute cruising. Next year is going to suck badly because they don't have much sailings from NYC but I'm hoping that the combine airfare and sailing from FL is not over $700-$800 which is not including the onboard charges for drinks / soda / souvenirs / etc.

 

I'm also liking that Carnival really does have the meals all included in the fare, they're the only mass-market (not luxury, let's be honest; they are so not a luxury line - Royal Caribbean and Norwegian are more luxurious than them) that doesn't have alot of specialty restaurants. Can't tell if that's a good or bad thing yet; but it is one less charge to have to budget in for nightly dinners.

 

Regarding the paying extra for room benefits - what benefits are there in a Suite room on a Carnival ship other than the average benefit of having your own balcony to eat from which can be found on other lines? Unless its the Spa rooms which includes free access to Spa; I really don't see special benefits at all. And if those that want to be separated from the low/common masses that paid for the regular interior / oceanview room then maybe they should sail on other lines that are more accustom to that. As for me, I'm going to enjoy my guarantee interior room in the Riviera, suntanning at Serenity or a outdoor lounge; drink at one of the bars and my 8:15 dinner. :D Not liking that any person but you can do that at Carnival, that sounds like your personal problem not mines or anyone else. :cool:

[TPFKAH]

RCCL because I've never been on a Royal Caribbean cruise before so I would be interested in checking out another company. Done and done no Cruise line war or elitism nessary. Are you sure you're just not trying to stir the pot? ;) You never really answered what you like about CC.

 

I find a healthy discussion is never to stir a pot. It's to discuss ideas and talking points.

Personally, I used to choose Carnival because I found more choices, more quality, better service, all under that umbrella of fun. The only thing they never excelled at was a quality ship. The staterooms may be bigger, but I prefer better. Been a bit disPpointed in the shrinking portions, where there's more plate than food, but while I can order multiple entrees and such, I can make up for that shrinkage.

Now, there's less choice, mediocre quality, so so service, and tired fun. I'm watching as they are trying to inject some new stuff, but it all seems to be focused on the kiddies.

I'm also hoping that they inject quality into this new up and coming ship just to stun us all.

[jimbo5544]

I find a healthy discussion is never to stir a pot. It's to discuss ideas and talking points.

 

Personally, I used to choose Carnival because I found more choices, more quality, better service, all under that umbrella of fun. The only thing they never excelled at was a quality ship. The staterooms may be bigger, but I prefer better. Been a bit disPpointed in the shrinking portions, where there's more plate than food, but while I can order multiple entrees and such, I can make up for that shrinkage.

 

Now, there's less choice, mediocre quality, so so service, and tired fun. I'm watching as they are trying to inject some new stuff, but it all seems to be focused on the kiddies.

 

I'm also hoping that they inject quality into this new up and coming ship just to stun us all.

 

 

You think the staterooms on Royal are better than Carnival? I would disagree, especially at the suite level. Service has never been lacking.

 

 

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[diverdon48371]

I find this statement is usually made by people that don't sail in suites.

 

I don't believe those that pay more for their cruise should get the same as those that sail on the inside Riviera cabins.

 

I'm hoping the new Vista class has areas for those that do pay more, or where the pay restaurants are included in their fare. And that can be a plumber, a cashier or a doctor that has also paid their premium fare.

I am one of the people who usually chose the inside cabin on the lower deck, not because I can't afford it a suite. I try to spend as little time as possible in my cabin, so why spend twice the price when I can go on two cruises instead. Just because you spend more money for a room, why do you feel you deserve more perks? I pay more taxes than my neighbor does, so does that mean I should get more perks? If you don't like carnivals struture, there are cruise line that might meet your needs better.

[golfb4cruzing]

I was looking at cruises in November. Princess was 300 more than carnival. No brainer to me. I know some RCCLers, no thank you. I did Carnival and I'll save a little to not have that experience again. Princess all the time. But to answer your question, I guess Carnival taught me cruising at it's lowest level.

[luv2sleep]

I was looking at cruises in November. Princess was 300 more than carnival. No brainer to me. I know some RCCLers, no thank you. I did Carnival and I'll save a little to not have that experience again. Princess all the time. But to answer your question, I guess Carnival taught me cruising at it's lowest level.

 

 

Curious but what's that about RCCL'ers?

 

We've only cruised Disney. I love everything Disney. We live in southern CA, have annual passes, and go to Disneyland all of the time. Special place for me since childhood and through adulthood. I love the Disney cruises for the Disney atmosphere and family friendliness. That's pretty much it though. I'm not high maintenance. I don't need super great service. I don't want to be treated badly either, of course, but I don't need concierge staff, a butler, special arrangements made for me, or anything like that. Just friendly helpful staff is enough. I expect that anywhere I go though. I also don't need specialty restaurants. I don't like to pay extra for food. I'm not that picky and can usually always find something to eat wherever I go. I also don't need high intensity fun on a cruise. I don't need outrageous slides, a rock wall, surf pool, etc. I do like a nice pool to swim/play in. I don't need great nightly entertainment. I don't shop on a cruise. What a waste of $$. I also don't gamble for the same reason. The thing I like about a cruise is the ability to relax. I read a lot on the ship and just watch the ocean. I'll walk, maybe take a class, maybe do a spa special but that's it. For my son, he's happy with pool/water play, the kids club, and hanging out with me.

 

I've looked at other lines. The latest RCCL ships seem to push the high entertainment, shopping, and dinning. That's a bit much for me. NCL seems to push the food venues. This is all just on first blush as I haven't been on then yet. We have NCL booked for 2016 so I'll see. I'm looking forward to our first Carnival cruise. I hear the food is good and the kids clubs are fun. Sounds like that's all we'll need.

 

 

 

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Edited April 20, 2014 by luv2sleep

[YesJeffery]

I was looking at cruises in November. Princess was 300 more than carnival. No brainer to me. I know some RCCLers, no thank you. I did Carnival and I'll save a little to not have that experience again. Princess all the time. But to answer your question, I guess Carnival taught me cruising at it's lowest level.

 

Curious? What were the RCCLers like?

[cruising_diva]

1. ) Value for the money. Cheapest vacation you can take. You don't have to spend another dime once you get on the ship if you don't want to.

2. ) Maybe we're not as picky as some others, but we enjoy the food very much. All of it. The food on the lido is great. The food in the main dining rooms is excellent. Room service is excellent.

3.) The staff is wonderful. Stewards are always excellent and greet you with your name. Friendly. :)

4. ) No real work or planning on our part. We don't have to figure out where we want to go, where we're going to stay, what we're going to eat, what we're going to do... all the travel, food, and accommodations are taken care of. All I have to do is plan excursions, which simplifies matters a lot.

5.) Fun!! Vacation -- you can do whatever YOU WANT!!!! Nothing is expected of you!! You can participate in as many of the activities as you want, or none of them. No pressure. :) It's awesome.

[mawmawmaw123]

I find this statement is usually made by people that don't sail in suites.

 

I don't believe those that pay more for their cruise should get the same as those that sail on the inside Riviera cabins.

 

I'm hoping the new Vista class has areas for those that do pay more, or where the pay restaurants are included in their fare. And that can be a plumber, a cashier or a doctor that has also paid their premium fare.

But some people can't afford that. Like my family. If they can pay that much anyways why don't they just go on a luxury cruise ship?

[jimbo5544]

I was looking at cruises in November. Princess was 300 more than carnival. No brainer to me. I know some RCCLers, no thank you. I did Carnival and I'll save a little to not have that experience again. Princess all the time. But to answer your question, I guess Carnival taught me cruising at it's lowest level.

 

 

Which begs the question why are you here? Gotta love the Carnival bashers.

 

 

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[jmcancruise]

Sorry wasn't trying to start something. All I was trying to say was that I enjoy being with all kinds of people and enjoy I interacting on a level playing field. If I wanted something different I would sail a different line.

[mawmawmaw123]

I haven't been cruising that long just since the 90s and just on Carnival but one thing I never understood (and still don't) is why there isn't greater rewards for those that spend the most money regardless of how.I throw the loyalty perks right out the window because we all know they can change the rules midway through the game.

 

I don't think its fair that I pay double for my balcony on the Lido that the inside Riviera deck cruisers do and get the same benefits. I mean I know its everyones choice and I have cruised in almost all class cabins except suites but they don't recognize the cruisers that make cruising affordable for the rest by picking their cabin ,drinking ,gambling ,buying pictures/excursions and spending 4 or 5 times what some people spend. One cruise I lost over $15k gambling and the next cruise they gave me $75 in casino cash LOL. What I was playing a hand in blackjack when the casino was open FOR A WEEK!!! was half of a cruise for one person and my recognition was $75 and not even the free cruise offer. I guess I will never understand it the philosophy behind it :)

You get a BIGGER, BETTER room! Isn't that good enough? You are paying for the room, aren't you???

 

And to answer the first question, we just use Carnival because it's the cheapest and it's all we can afford. At least that's what my mom says. I have a feeling we have enough money for other cruise lines but my mother would rather just save the money.

[wmowan8485]

For me I love the value of a Carnival Cruise. It's not just about the price, the food options are good, ports of call are good, comedy club is good, cabins are comfy and roomy, entertainment can be spotty.

 

Since I travel solo alot, it is not worth it to book expensive suites. When traveling with my family or friends, it's a different story.

 

Trying to segregate pax's by how much they've paid goes totally against the vision on which Carnival was founded. Carnival cruise lines was created for the masses so that they would get the opportunity to enjoy cruising. Which, up until that time was reserved for the wealthy.

[luv2sleep]

1. ) Value for the money. Cheapest vacation you can take. You don't have to spend another dime once you get on the ship if you don't want to.

 

2. ) Maybe we're not as picky as some others, but we enjoy the food very much. All of it. The food on the lido is great. The food in the main dining rooms is excellent. Room service is excellent.

 

3.) The staff is wonderful. Stewards are always excellent and greet you with your name. Friendly. :)

 

4. ) No real work or planning on our part. We don't have to figure out where we want to go, where we're going to stay, what we're going to eat, what we're going to do... all the travel, food, and accommodations are taken care of. All I have to do is plan excursions, which simplifies matters a lot.

 

5.) Fun!! Vacation -- you can do whatever YOU WANT!!!! Nothing is expected of you!! You can participate in as many of the activities as you want, or none of them. No pressure. :) It's awesome.

 

 

Great descriptive post! Sounds perfect!

 

 

 

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[mikel24m]

You get a BIGGER, BETTER room! Isn't that good enough? You are paying for the room, aren't you???

 

And to answer the first question, we just use Carnival because it's the cheapest and it's all we can afford. At least that's what my mom says. I have a feeling we have enough money for other cruise lines but my mother would rather just save the money.

 

The cabins are not bigger... so no its not good enough

 

And no we do not just "pay for the room" we pay for a vacation and keep people to be able to cruise Carnival "because its all they can afford" by paying double what most pay

[PortSideCruzan]

 

New to Carnival. First Carnival cruise is in July.

 

Is Carnival your favorite line?

 

Why do YOU love cruising on Carnival?

 

 

Hi luv2sleep :)

 

My wife & I do not have a favorite cruise line, simply various favorite aspects

concerning each line we travel with. For the past 31 years we have rotated

our voyages between four cruise lines as often as we can.

 

Typically we will sail one to three voyages with a particular cruise line

then rotate to the next. We could never limit ourselves to one particular

product.

 

With us, it basically comes down to mood 1st. Do we want a high energy

voyage, or do we require a voyage involving more pampering (so to speak).

 

Our voyage decision making process is always based on:

Mood

Itinerary

Ship

Cost

 

In that order..

 

When we choose Carnival, and what we love most about Carnival, is the

high energy level, fun excitement aspects.

 

Have a wonderful voyage in July!!

 

 

 

:)