Which Carnival Offering do You Feel Are UNDERrated?

[RadicalRic]

The MDR on Carnival beats Royal Carib, hands down. RC has far better entertainment but their basic food fare is close to un edible. I had prime rib that had No taste whatsoever.

[MaiTaiMary]

Definitely the pizza! 😀

[Jimmy Geegitz]

In the interest of balance, since we already have a thread regarding overrated "Carnival Items," which aspects of Carnival's ships and vacations do you feel don't get enough praise? I'll start the show.

 

1. The Staterooms. I've sailed on four cruise lines at least once and Carnival's staterooms are easily my favorite. I won't mention what I didn't like about the competitor's cabins, but will stick with what I like about the rooms Carnival offers us. The beds are comfortable. The rooms are laid out to be functional and cozy. There is ample storage space. And I even like the décor. Note* I've never booked an inside cabin, so I can't speak to those. We book a balcony stateroom, Cat. 8B, 8C, or Cove. Also, I can't speak to aft balconies, nor suites, but I'd venture a guess that those equal, or exceed, what other cruise lines offer in those categories.

 

Next up...

 

2 major things I would change about Carnival balcony cabins. Would go to sliding doors and put couch next to window instead of the bed.

[Bunkie103]

2 major things I would change about Carnival balcony cabins. Would go to sliding doors and put couch next to window instead of the bed.

 

It's funny you mentioned the location of the couch. Cunard cabins are similar on QM2 but the couch is by the window and I enjoyed it much more.

[ashevillenccruiser]

First... Thanks so much for starting this thread. It is great to hear others who appreciate what Carnival offers!

 

I like being able to carry on a good bottle of wine and enjoy it on a balcony cabin we can afford!

[sandij]

I don't know where to start, everyone has listed all my favorites already so I'll just say they do a remarkable job of giving you your money's worth of food, provisions, entertainment and just a wonderful time. We have cruised several other lines, mostly for the itineraries, and always come back to Carnival and always will.

[mikana876]

How about Carnival itself? I think it's definitely underrated as a cruise company. They offer a great product and a great value.

[faroozi]

I was amazed at how few attended tea time. A lot of fun and yummy desserts.

[Towel Critter]

I agree. The staff makes the difference.

Edited July 11, 2015 by Towel Critter

[Towel Critter]

I agree with many in this thread that the Carnival staff is their biggest asset. Almost always cheerful, friendly, and helpful. I found the staff on another cruise line I've sailed once (and it shall remain once) to be just the opposite. It really makes it hard to enjoy your vacation surrounded by unhappy faces. I can certainly see how the staff might have good reason at times to be unhappy, which makes Carnivals' smiling staff all the more amazing. And how DO they remember all our names? Amazing.

[Bases5]

The rivets that hold the ship together

[tropicaledrink]

Alchemy Bar!

 

I also really appreciate the time and attention to details...I have an allergy issues an they have always been accommodating and worked to get me what I want, and not just settle for something. We've also had to visit guest services a couple of times, and been really impressed with the follow up.

[rivermist19]

The rivets that hold the ship together

 

Thanks for the smile and I agree. One of my students in 3rd grade had cancer and I appreciate Carnival supporting St Judes. Great organization that does wonderful things. Thanks to all of you who support it.

[Towel Critter]

The rivets that hold the ship together

 

What, no love for the welders too? :)

[ptcounselor]

I agree with everything already mentioned...but I want to add a selection from my boys: My 10 year old loved Camp Carnival and all of the activities they provided. My almost 16 year old loved Club O2. We rarely saw him and he still is in contact with friends he made on the ship. My 19 year old loved the casino....but I think he loved using our money. Haha! I was really worried about the quality of the kids' activities. I am a school counselor and former teacher. I had researched the programs and wanted the boys to be in vacation, but have fun and be safe when they were in these programs. I couldn't have asked for better staff and activities.

[dogbert's mom]

I like the openness of the Lido Deck and having food available close to the pool.

[singbluesilver1]

Room service!

[momof3cruisers]

I like the openness of the Lido Deck and having food available close to the pool.

 

I like the arrangement of the Lido deck buffets. It's nice to have seperate areas so everyone is not in one big line.

 

I really like their beds and pillows. I almost always bring my pillow on vacations but not on a Carnival cruise. Really regretted not having mine on Princess.

 

The variety of activities day or night but then also plenty of places to just sit and relax quietly.

[MasterMason]

The cigar bars, for us smokers. I've been onboard and ran out of cigars before. It was really great being able to purchase and smoke one. Actually, just having a closed in, ventilated bar for the sole purpose of enjoying a cigar/cigarette is really cool for those of us that enjoy a nice stogie.

 

I also agree with the Alchemy Bar, and hope it stays that way, it's already hard enough getting seats each and every night!!!

 

Oh, and +1 on the staff. I love them, and tip them accordingly. Without them, the cruise would NOT be worth the fare.

[skyeman27]

Room service!

 

Agree

[Hoosierpop]

Comedy club. We have a lot of fun there.

[StrangeBrew]

The cabins and the staff . I like the food , but the wife not so much (food that is) she likes the beds the most .

[bwaz]

The seaday brunch.

 

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[Towel Critter]

I think the food on Carnival ships gets a bad rap. It may not be five star gourmet, but in my experience it is much better than what I've had on three other cruise lines. I think we sometimes forget just how much food has to be prepared daily on a cruise ship. It's a minor miracle it is as good as it is. I've never failed to find something on the menu, or buffet, that I liked. I've even heard the food on Carnival compared to "Golden Corral." I ate at "Golden Corral" just a few days ago, and I beg to differ. No comparison. None.

[OrlandoGirl57]

This is a great thread and I wish ALL of you were on my next cruise!

The pumpkin soup is AMAZING! ALL staff members are AWESOME!!!

Price can't be beat!!