HAL Enthusiast Gives Carnival Breeze A Try

[geoherb]

I had read that the ship held 3700 people. There was actually 4,703 aboard plus crew.

I think that the capacity for ships is given at double occupancy. Many cruise lines limit the numbers to that amount or slightly above. Carnival seems to go for getting every booking possible. I've never read of anyone being turned down when trying to add another person or two when they've booked a cabin that could hold them. One source said that the Breeze holds 4,724 passengers when every berth is occupied, so it sounds like your cruise was close to the max. Glad you had a good time.

[marysb]

Thanks for a great review. We have cruised most of the mainstream cruise lines and have enjoyed all our cruises. They all have something to offer.

 

When we cruise with our family (teens) we do prefer carnival .... the kids like it , but mainly the price is right!

[kenevenpar]

I was actually looking at a cruise on Breeze because of solo rate (some with no surcharge, and DW can't get away and I NEED to get on a ship:D), but like many, I discounted it because it was Carnival. Maybe I need to rethink:confused:

 

Thanks for the report.

[iancal]

We have had two out of two good Carnival cruises. But we selected the ship, itinerary, and date carefully to suit our preferences. Same as we do for HAL or any other cruise line.

 

There are ships on both Carnival and on HAL that we would never select.

Edited July 28, 2014 by iancal

[Seago2]

We have had two out of two good Carnival cruises. But we selected the ship, itinerary, and date carefully to suit our preferences. Same as we do for HAL or any other cruise line.

 

There are ships on both Carnival and on HAL that we would never select.

 

I just selected it ;). I'll let you know how it goes. Praying :D

[idiebabe]

My wife and I (both 52 years of age) decided to take a spin on the Carnival Breeze for 8 days. It was an 8 day cruise and our ports were

 

Grand Turk

La Romana Dominica Republic

Curacao

Aruba

 

We left from Miami-

 

Yes I am a big HAL enthusiast cheerleader etc. I assumed I was going on a cruise with a bunch of party animals and booze smugglers,but decided to go for it.

 

What an awesome cruise. It was absolutely fantastic.

 

I had read that the ship held 3700 people. There was actually 4,703 aboard plus crew.

 

We drove to Miami used Premier Cruise parking which will save you $100 in parking charges. They are located about a mile from the port in a secure covered garage. They shuttle you to the port and back to your car after the cruise. we waited 10 minutes for the shuttle to get there,and then another 10 minutes when we got back. Easy peasy

 

We ended up with a handicapped ocean view spa cabin. This cabin was huge.You could play tennis in there. We were assigned a handicapped cabin with the chance we could lose it if a handicapped person needed it. No worries we were going with the flow.

 

We boarded in 20 minutes after reaching the port arrived in our cabin # 11204. What a cabin! You walk out your door take two steps and walk out onto your private observation deck. Turn right walk 5 steps and an elevator takes you to the spa,and the serenity deck (adults only) clam shells, hammocks, rattan couches etc.

 

With the spa cabin you get free use of the t-pool, tile loungers etc,slippers,robes,and beautiful bedding.

 

The ship never felt crowded (hard to believe) with 4700 passengers. The only crowded area was the pools,which are too small for this many passengers. We're not pool people so no biggie.

 

The food is endless. There's fat Jimmy's Bar B-Q on sea days which is delicious. There's Guys Hamburgers very popular and delicious as well. There's Indian food,pizza station,Blue Iguana (tacos, Burritos)

 

and then the Marketplace which is like the Lido but way bigger.

 

I'm probably forgetting more places,there's two dining rooms Blush and Sapphire. We like the blush better (prettier)

 

This truly is the fun ship. People are up till all hours of the night,no not getting drunk. They're going to karaoke,going to the adults only comedy club,dancing in the disco,singing at the piano bar,listening to an 80's band. Getting their pictures taken,watching a movie under the stars by the pool on a lounger with popcorn and a blanket.

 

I though back to HAL... two violin players before dinner and everybody asleep at 10pm. This was very different.

 

The ship is spotless antiseptic clean,friendly crew. The waiters sing and dance on their tables every evening in the dining room. Did I mention this is the fun ship?

 

We even went on the water slide a few times,more fun.

 

The ports were fantastic.

 

in Grand Turk

 

we went on a private excursion snorkeling and sting rays there were only 6 of us on the trip.

 

In La Romana we were going to stay on the ship. Thank god we didn't make a terrible decision like that. We took a private tour (12 of us) to Sanoa Island on a speedboat. Trust me you have never seen a beach like this,it truly is breathtaking. We snorkeled on the way to the Island at an abandoned pier went through some mangroves, then went to the Island. I will never forget how beautiful that beach was. We then stopped at a sandbar on the way back and found some starfish. We also had a delicious lunch on the island.

 

In Curacao we took a private tour (8 of us) to the West side of the island,drove all around and went to 2 stunning beaches.

 

In Aruba we took a ship tour. We rode in jeeps off road,all the way to the Natural Pool and then went swimming in it. This is off road seat belted in,if you have a bad back,this excursion is not for you.

 

 

This cruise was off the hook!!!!!!!!!!!

 

The ship,the crew,the ports,

 

Still reeling from all the fun we had, now I understand why they call it the fun ship. I'm still a HAL enthusiast but so glad I broadened my horizons and went on this ship. Any questions feel free to ask:)

 

Enjoyed your review of the Breeze! We did the Med on her and sailed her two more times in the Carib! Awesome Ship, Crew and Staff! :) We love the layout of the Ocean Plaza, too, with the Piano Bar and the Red Frog Pub and the outdoor Seating!

 

Glad you enjoyed your cruise! :)

Edited July 29, 2014 by idiebabe

[AmberTeka]

What an interesting thread. I am reading it because we are looking for a cruise during November. We have sailed on HAL three times, and enjoyed it very much. But there is not a lot to do on sea days. We live in Florida. I don't need more sun. We don't swim on the ship. We are retired so I read a lot at home. while I enjoy food, you can't eat all of the time. I am looking for a thread with daily activities to see what is offered.

 

We have sailed a lot on Carnival. My husband says we have more sea days than most sailors.

 

Carnival is clean. Very clean. I love that. The cabins are bigger than on any ship we have been on, and we have been on a lot. The Pizza is the best in the world. The Steakhouse is very good. MDR is as good as any other line we have been on with the exception of HAL. (I think the MDR food on HAL is exceptional. easily the best) And on sea days............there are so many activities...........it can make you dizzy. Trivia. Many games. Scattergories. Charades. Line Dancing classes. Bean Bag throws, which my DH and his chum won, and he was tickled pink. Art Seminars which is a guilty pleasure tomy husband. He will come out of the casino to play Trivia and to listen to the Art shows. Then at night... Bingo . Production Shows. Music all night I think. Comedy ,shows at night

 

If I were new to Carnival, coming from HAL, I would stick to the newer ships. the Dream. the Breeze. The Magic. The Splendor. The Dream is my favorite. We sailed her four times and each time was a wonderful cruise. For the money you spend, Carnival is the best value for your buck, I think. But I still like Princess the best and want to sail on HAL again if they just have some activities on Sea Day. I am hoping to find a Daily Schedule. the Compass if I remember right.

[AmberTeka]

I think that the capacity for ships is given at double occupancy. Many cruise lines limit the numbers to that amount or slightly above. Carnival seems to go for getting every booking possible. I've never read of anyone being turned down when trying to add another person or two when they've booked a cabin that could hold them. One source said that the Breeze holds 4,724 passengers when every berth is occupied, so it sounds like your cruise was close to the max. Glad you had a good time.

 

That might not be true. I am appointed the person to find and book cabins for our family and the family of my Daughter's in-laws. I have one family with 2 adults and two small children.. They need to be a big room, but no balcony due to the smallest one climbing like a monkey. And she is determined too. It should be an ocean view, but might wind up being an inside, just to get all four together. Booking for three..2 adults, one child. easy. And 2 adults easy too. Carnival does not discount third and fourth passengers as much as HAL or Princess does. They are almost full fare. And do pay full taxes and full gratuities. If HAL has a 3rd and 4th passenger free or reduced that week, we may book there. It would be cheaper on HAL. but......there is not a lot to do. This cruise is for March of 2015. I want to do a dry run in November. ( good excuse to tell my husband who does not cruising as often as I do)

[InTheWASide]

Glad you liked it. I've been on Carnival Splendor (twice) and Magic and Breeze once each. Breeze is an absolutely incredible ship with so much to offer! Lots of fantastic memories and it's a beautiful ship to boot

[InTheWASide]

We haven't done a Carnival cruise in years but maybe time to reconsider. We prefer Princess or HAL when it is just the two of us, but with extended family and grandkids we usually do Royal Caribbean. Think maybe we should consider a Carnival cruise next time, on one of the newer ships.

 

I would recommend Magic or Breeze, and of those 2 while nearly identical on paper Breeze has an all new design and decor on the interior. It's not Joe Farcus anymore and the corridors, public spaces, etc are stunning

[AmberTeka]

I just selected it ;). I'll let you know how it goes. Praying :D

 

As long as you don't sail Carnival in the summer or on dates when school is not in session........the demographic is younger than Princess. But not all that much.

That said, we just returned from a cruise on The Liberty out of Port Canaveral....leaving on June 28 for an eight day cruise to the S. Caribbean.

 

We had a really good time. At no time did the ship seem crowded. There were children on board, but not huge numbers and they were well behaved. None of them were ever an issue to us. One family even brought their baby to our Trivia games, and she was an angel. Cute as a button . On young girl, perhaps 10, from Canada, wound up sitting with our group each day ( with an older cousin) and throwing the dice when we won points. She was precious. We won the Five Day Super Trivia event, and she was thrilled. We videotaped her throwing for the last point score, and she was going around showing everyone. Nice memory. Nice child.

The ones I sailed and had a great time on...............Freedom.(3 times & just had a big renovation) Dream.(4) Liberty. (1) Glory.(3) ( been a while) Breeze.(1) Legend.(2) And the Fascination. If you are Southern. .you will like it. It is older. Smaller. VERY laid back. Everyone on there is from the South, I think. Everything and everyone is Slow Slow Slow. I was raised in the deep South and I love it. DH. .not so much

 

I am the original Chatty Cathy posting so much tonight.

Edited July 29, 2014 by AmberTeka

[Chelly]

Wakepatrol,

Thank you for you wonderful review. I am sooooo glad you posted it. I've been a HAL fan for years, have wanted to try Carnival but was "afraid" because of its reputation as a party cruise line. Back in the day, I recall seeing garish brochures of the "Mardi Gras", the "Festival" and the "Carnival" Recall hearing about the drunken parties and the misbehavior of the cruisers. Carnival has a couple of itineraries I'd like to consider with good departure ports.

 

Time for me to broaden my horizons too.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Thanks for reporting in Wakepatrol. I totally agree it is good to broaden your horizons when it comes to cruises. I can hear the enthusiasm in your writing :D And I totally can relate. That is how we feel about going on NCL. I love walking around in the evening and finding things to do and entertainment and a lot of it. It is good to get out and have fun. While I have not been on Carnival (other than visiting and spending one day on board) I know a lot of people that really do love Carnival and they are NOT party animal drunks. Several that I know are in their 60's and prefer Carnival and NCL because they don't want to go to bed by 10

Glad you enjoyed the FUN Ships :)

[idiebabe]

I think that the capacity for ships is given at double occupancy. Many cruise lines limit the numbers to that amount or slightly above. Carnival seems to go for getting every booking possible. I've never read of anyone being turned down when trying to add another person or two when they've booked a cabin that could hold them. One source said that the Breeze holds 4,724 passengers when every berth is occupied, so it sounds like your cruise was close to the max. Glad you had a good time.

 

Each room on Carnival is either designated as 2, 3 or 4 passenger capacity. There are a few on Dream Class Ships designated for five. They will never put 3 passengers in a room designated for 2 ppl even though it would be possible to accommodate. If you pull up Deck Plans for the Ships it will show how many can be booked into a room. Depending on how the Ship is selling determines when they will open up sales to 2 passengers for a room designated for 3 or 4 passengers. If two ppl are booked into a room designated for 3 or 4 ppl and there is a demand for that room, they will move the 2 ppl to another room. I think all Cruise Lines would book to full capacity if they could and is more likely the norm for Summer sailings on the Lines that attract families.

 

With regards to booking the Beeze, Dream or Magic there are certain areas to stay clear of when picking a room! Deck 6 for sure because of the protruding Promenade Deck. Also, any rooms directly above the hot tubs that are on the Promenade Deck even if the room is on the higher decks. The noise travels straight up and can be annoying. Also, better to book a balcony on Starboard because of the Red Frog Pub if you like it quieter while on your balcony!

 

Haven't been on Magic but definitely would sail Breeze and Dream again! :)

Edited July 29, 2014 by idiebabe

[SoCal Cruiser78]

Still reeling from all the fun we had, now I understand why they call it the fun ship. I'm still a HAL enthusiast but so glad I broadened my horizons and went on this ship...

 

Glad to hear it! I will be taking my first Carnival cruise next month, as they were the only line that had the sailing date and itinerary I wanted. I figured it was a good time to give Carnival a try. I wouldn't have booked if I really needed quiet relaxation this trip, however. I figure their "party ship" reputation exists for a reason.

 

Thanks for the review!

Edited July 29, 2014 by Ryndam2002

[iancal]

There are so many great ships out there, and great cruise lines. Every time we are on a new ship or cruise line one we find something slightly different and always wonder why it took us so long to try it. Carnival Breeze is one that is on our list, more so since this review.

 

And I agree, just because you happen to like one cruise line in particular is not reason not to stretch out and try another product. Shopping is comparing. Especially in view of how the industry is changing/evolving.

[solocanadian]

Hi Wakepatrol. Glad you posted. Sounds like you had a great time. I just may now consider a cruise to Alaska if they sail out of Vancouver. The variety of eating places sounds interesting. I'm soon to be a 5 start Mariner but am getting bored with HAL. I keep going back because of the perks which I would not have on Carnival. However it would not hurt to try them at least one time now they have lost the "party" cruise name.

[CJcruzer]

my son, DIL,and 3 small children had an amazing OVcabin on the Dream, for 5- there was plenty of room, actually they had a crib in the room, and there was still plenty of walk-around space - cabin had 2 washrooms, and there was a bathtub.

 

Carol

[Wakepatrol]

Hi Wakepatrol. Glad you posted. Sounds like you had a great time. I just may now consider a cruise to Alaska if they sail out of Vancouver. The variety of eating places sounds interesting. I'm soon to be a 5 start Mariner but am getting bored with HAL. I keep going back because of the perks which I would not have on Carnival. However it would not hurt to try them at least one time now they have lost the "party" cruise name.

 

 

Please be advised Ive only been on the Breeze. I don't know about some of the other ships. The review section on here was very helpful.

[solocanadian]

Please be advised Ive only been on the Breeze. I don't know about some of the other ships. The review section on here was very helpful.

 

Because of age demographic, can't imagine a Carnival Alaska cruise being a booze cruise. I've already checked it out and unfortunately they don't sail round trip out of Vancouver and I have no interest of sailing out of Seattle.

[pearliemae]

Thanks for the review, Wakepatrol, nice to read about another line.

Saw you liked the decor of one dining room better than the other, but please let us know how was the food and service in the dining rooms.

Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

[Wakepatrol]

Thanks for the review, Wakepatrol, nice to read about another line.

Saw you liked the decor of one dining room better than the other, but please let us know how was the food and service in the dining rooms.

Glad you enjoyed your cruise.

 

The dining started out a little dicey. We were stuck with anytime,as you wish,whatever they call it. I went to the Dining room manager the day we boarded and asked if we could get second seating fixed. he explained that the ship was booked to the max and there was no room. (no worries I just thought I'd ask)

 

The first 2 nights we went and got a buzzer and stood on line. It only was a 10 minute wait.

 

The third night for some strange reason they gave me an assigned table (in the same buzzer,fixed,as you wish dining room) I never asked for a set table.

 

It was the worst table on the ship. Right next to the kitchen,there was so much banging and clanging,that I thought we had hit a reef a couple of times. The next night I told the dining room host to please just let me have my buzzer back and we will take whatever is given to us,and that we never requested a specific assigned table,but ended up with one.

 

I guess the mix-up in communication was,when I originally asked for fixed dining,they thought I would only accept a table for two and there weren't any. They let us join a couple from Seattle in second fixed,and we had great company,conversation and a seasoned veteran waiter Winston (28 years with Carnival) The next 5 nights were great. Sorry for the long winded boring story. I actually just bored myself.

Edited July 30, 2014 by Wakepatrol

[chrispb]

Thanks, good review. Totally changed my perception of Carnival.

 

Just goes to show you can't believe everything you read on this forum;)

[pearliemae]

The dining started out a little dicey. We were stuck with anytime,as you wish,whatever they call it. I went to the Dining room manager the day we boarded and asked if we could get second seating fixed. he explained that the ship was booked to the max and there was no room. (no worries I just thought I'd ask)

 

The first 2 nights we went and got a buzzer and stood on line. It only was a 10 minute wait.

 

The third night for some strange reason they gave me an assigned table (in the same buzzer,fixed,as you wish dining room) I never asked for a set table.

 

It was the worst table on the ship. Right next to the kitchen,there was so much banging and clanging,that I thought we had hit a reef a couple of times. The next night I told the dining room host to please just let me have my buzzer back and we will take whatever is given to us,and that we never requested a specific assigned table,but ended up with one.

 

I guess the mix-up in communication was,when I originally asked for fixed dining,they thought I would only accept a table for two and there weren't any. They let us join a couple from Seattle in second fixed,and we had great company,conversation and a seasoned veteran waiter Winston (28 years with Carnival) The next 5 nights were great. Sorry for the long winded boring story. I actually just bored myself.

Not boring, really rather interesting. Sounds like the service was good. Please tell us about the food and how you would compare it to the food on HAL.

[Wakepatrol]

Not boring, really rather interesting. Sounds like the service was good. Please tell us about the food and how you would compare it to the food on HAL.

 

The food was good,but I would have to give the edge to HAL

 

Breakfast just wasn't as good as HALS

 

HAL has better ice cream and the infamous bread pudding.

 

Lunches I would give to Carnival- The Iguana cafe has burritos,fish tacos,a variety of salsas. There's Fat Jimmy's Bar B-Q which is really good. Plus Guys burgers and fries really are the bomb!

 

They have Indian food,better pizza and you can eat in the Italian restaurant free at lunch time.

 

Dinner was probably a tie- The soups were very good,bread tasted fresh. Had some great meals and some so so.

 

If I had to be pinned down I'd give the edge to HAL although Lunches on Carnival win.

 

The chocolate melting cake was so good I had it every night.

Edited July 30, 2014 by Wakepatrol