Why do you sail Carnival and I don't think it's for the vifp benefits

[BNBR]

You know I’ve always heard that saying but never felt it until I sailed NCL Breakaway. That IMHO is the Wal-Mart of the seas.

 

I do have my first NCL cruise coming up. Granted, it's in the Haven. Carnival offers nothing of the sort. I am curious to see what vibe I get on the ship though.

[Shaded Lady]

DH hates to fly to start with and after all the shenanigans on United he is refusing to fly anywhere right now.

I know this post was from last June, but I read this in light of the current news with United, Delta and American. I couldn't help but think:

 

"Shenanigans? Couldn't bring your emotional support peacock on board with you???"

LOL... :hearteyes:

[BNBR]

I know this post was from last June, but I read this in light of the current news with United, Delta and American. I couldn't help but think:

 

"Shenanigans? Couldn't bring your emotional support peacock on board with you???"

LOL... :hearteyes:

 

[RS77471]

 

 

This picture is hilarious!!!!:')

[dmdiver]

She must be awfully strong to carry that big ole pig!

[salty dingo]

Like most things you buy, it's all about value. Carnival offers a good experience and good food for a good price. It's not for everyone but it works for us.

[sw33twif3]

Value received for dollars paid and home-port within driving distance.

 

I agree. I live in New Orleans. There are always 2 Carnival ships here. The other cruise lines are only here part time in Winter months.

 

And it is cheaper to book with Carnival. I may not get as many spiffs (currently VIFP Gold), but I have never been disappointed.

[bethshebas]

The only benefit I care for is the free water bottle.

 

When I get on a Carnival ship, I already know where everything is.

 

You can do your own laundry on Carnival

[crusinpsychRN]

Value received for dollars paid and home-port within driving distance.

 

Agreed. Also tried RCL and Princess and didn't really like them. On RCL I spent way too much time signing things for my kids to do anything. Princess food was horrible.

[tallnthensome]

I actually feel bad for the people that say "If it ain't broke don't fix it". That's a weak excuse not to try something else, no variety. It's fear ......

[BNBR]

Agreed. Also tried RCL and Princess and didn't really like them. On RCL I spent way too much time signing things for my kids to do anything. Princess food was horrible.

 

Are you referring to the activities waivers that you can sign real quick online before you ever go on the cruise.... :rolleyes:

[gmblr]

Carnival is a good value and I haven’t had a bad experience. If they stop giving me free cruises I’ll probably try NCL. Everyone says NCL comps better.

[JMKreno]

WE book Carnival because I pretty much know what to expect at this point in terms of food, entertainment, ships, staff, etc. That makes the planning easy to do.

 

We had planned on booking the Harmony of the Seas (we went on Carnival Vista so wanted to see RCCL "biggest and baddest" for comparison) for our trip upcoming in late September/October. But to start the price was almost $4k for an ocean view balcony for 4, carnival was $2k for a cove on the Magic. I basically can get airfare, cruise, excursions, extras, & hotel for the cost of JUST the cruise on RCCL. Top that off that my family loves the Pizza on Vista (Magic has the same pizza place), Guys burgers at lunch, burrito for other lunch...RCCL just didn't seem to compare in the "Deck food" department and that's a huge factor for us. I am a few more cruises from Platinum which I look forward to (priority boarding, arcade credit for the kids is nice) but I don't cruise them for that alone. Carnival just gives me a consistent product, to places I want to go, for a price I can't beat.

[RS77471]

So agree with the “deck food” just got RCCL and missed the deck food so much!

[live.love.cruise]

I’ve sailed with other cruise lines but there’s no place like home....and Carnival feels like home to me. My first cruise was almost 10 years ago on the Holiday and every cruise since leaves me wanting to come back again and again. Like others have said, it’s a great value. Carnival is consistent, I know what to expect and I’m rarely disappointed. The staff is also a big plus for me. Always smiling, friendly and seem to enjoy what they do regardless of their position. I enjoy the other guests..it feels like one big happy family. Lastly, Carnival has more ships at closer ports so it’s very convenient to plan last minute or extended family vacations.

[bigredbw]

Just wondering why it seems Carnival has the worst benefit programs amongst the other cruise lines.i love carnival just as much as other people but is there a reason everyone stays loyal when other cruise lines treats their customers better and gives them better rewards

 

 

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16 cruises on carnival never a problem 1 was 16 days .

[jordanaire]

We sail with Carnival because of the treatment we've received during our 22 cruises with them. Number 23 is 60 days away! We tried RCL twice but didn't feel the friendliness that Carnival gives us. Until we don't enjoy a Carnival cruise, we'll continue spending my hard earned money with them!

 

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[Djptcp]

DH and I have cruised 43 times and 30 on Carnival. We choose Carnival the most because we live 45 minutes from the Port of Tampa, so very convenient; before moving near Tampa, we lived in N. FL for 11 years and sailing out of Jacksonville and Port Canaveral was also convenient. We have been Platinums for many years and it's true we don't receive many perks for that. However, we keep coming back for the incredible casino rates, free cruises or $50 per person cruises, so why not? The Carnival crews are great and the food is pretty good. I love Holland America and their Neptune Suites and suite passengers receive many perks - Neptune Lounge access, concierges to help arrange things, double days for suites, and extra days for onboard purchases. I've also received great casino rates with them. I wish Carnival offered more perks for Platinums, but they don't. We'll keep sailing with Carnival and Holland America. NCL and Royal Caribbean just don't interest us anymore.

[pascalburns]

it is close to home.

[KmomChicago]

I actually feel bad for the people that say "If it ain't broke don't fix it". That's a weak excuse not to try something else, no variety. It's fear ......

 

It just means "I like it." Is that a weak excuse to do something? Because you like it?

[BIG POOCH]

We have done both Carnival and Norwegian, and feel we like the layout of the boat better on Carnival. The Haven suites in Norwegian are freakin unbelievable, but the layout of the Bars in Carnival, being in their own separate spaces, is much preferred to the "Kiosk" style bars on the Norwegian Ships.

[JerseyGirlJen]

I'm going on my 3rd Carnival cruise in April, so I'm no expert, but what has kept me choosing Carnival is that I know what I'm getting.

 

I like the friendly, fun "no snobs here" cruisers on Carnival.

 

I love the water slides and Serenity deck. I enjoy being OUTSIDE on deck in both sun and shade, during the day. Carnival has Sports square and Skyride too. Some other lines seem to have a more "indoor" focus.

 

Crew has been great, no complaints.

 

It works with my budget.

 

 

 

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[no1racefan1]

We just love to cruise, and have been on several cruise lines. We haven't had a bad cruise yet. Why Carnival? Why not, when the price is right. For me, the ocean is the ocean is the ocean, and that's my favorite part. Some cruise lines have better perks, some ships are more lovely, some staff is more attentive, some food is better, but I cruise for the ocean...

 

 

I ditto this. While my cruise history is somewhat limited, every cruise has been booked based on price and itinerary. Line and ship really don't matter to me. It is unlikely that I will ever qualify for any of the perks I read about, although some of them sound nice. I'd be stoked about free laundry! To answer the question specifically, here's why I have chosen our cruises the way I did:

 

1st cruise: Alaska Inside Passage on Sun Princess--honestly, knew nothing about cruising and Princess was recommended by a coworker. I got OBC for booking using their referral link. I never did any research into other lines at all. We thought the food and service were both exceptional but were very bored with the sea day activities.

2nd cruise: We knew we wanted to do Hawaii for our anniversary and DH's parents had gone on NCL's Pride of America the year previous and recommended it. I did research other options but I was sold solely on itinerary, since there were zero sea days. The itinerary was spectacular and the ship had a really fun, laid back vibe. Food and entertainment were kind of 'meh' but we didn't care.

3rd cruise: Wanted to get away somewhere warm in February! Had to pick a shorter cruise because it takes us 2 days there and back just to fly to FL. Originally booked NCL based on price and having sailed them previously, but then found out they now offered unlimited drinks. I was worried it would turn into a 'booze cruise' so changed our booking to Carnival--based strictly on price and the fact that it stopped at Key West. Really enjoyed the entertainment and onboard activity options and also the food.

4th cruise (upcoming): Wanted to get away in February again, but decided to sail out of CA because it's easier to travel there. Itinerary-wise it was between Carnival and Princess, but chose Carnival because it was significantly cheaper and we enjoyed the onboard experience more with Carnival.

5th cruise (2019): Have talked about doing British Isles cruise for our 10-yr. anniversary pretty much since we got married. I looked at all the major lines to compare itineraries--was interested in trying something different like Celebrity or RCCL. Princess wins out solely on itinerary--they had the most Ireland/Scotland port stops and longer hours in port.

[nealstuber]

Just wish the benefits were better

 

 

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No such thing as a “free lunch” or free benefits. All loyalty programs are paid for by all cruisers. Part of how Carnival keeps their prices attractive to first time and repeat cruisers is a function of reduced loyalty (and other) perks.

 

 

 

 

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[bingomamma19]

I have done 9 Carnival Cruises and just did the RCI Allure of the Seas a few months ago.

 

I much prefer carnival now that I have done RCI.

 

RCI does not have food on the pool deck (love the convenience on Carnival to eat where all the action is) RCI did not have 24 hour ice cream, nor hardly any food in the late evening. Carnival has pizza 24 hrs.

 

The casino on the Allure was in a back area, poor lighting..it just seemed way out of the way and small. Carnivals is prominent and very easy access. The Allure casino was so smoky, I cant even tell the smoke on the carnival ones, and I am not a smoker at all.

 

RCI was definitely more expensive...more spread out (lots more walking). We just didn't enjoy it at all.

 

Will be sticking to Carnival--will be platinum on our Alaskan Cruise in August.