What Do You Love About Carnival?

[CarnivalCruiser875]

- Value

- Most laid back atmosphere- like someone else said, not taken too seriously versus other lines).

- Serenity Adult Only Deck

- Menu- I know a LOT of people disagree, but cooking for 4,000+ people, 3x a day, there should be a reward for that. Plenty to choose from, and we always enjoy it

- Service- We had an issue with our room last time we cruised (some sort of consistent knocking noise above us, and was assumed to be cords/rope/etc that was moving around and could not be stopped). We alerted Guest Relations about the noise in the night keeping us up. Not only did they move us from Ocean View to Balcony at no extra cost, we were also surprised with a complimentary bottle of wine the next night at dinner. We said it wasn't necessary but Carnival refused. Just went to show us that they want to make sure you have a memorable time and truly care about their guests. That in itself made me want to always come back.

[lab_love123]

This is a great thread, so thanks to the OP!

 

I’m going on my third Carnival cruise this fall. I just really like the unassuming nature of a carnival cruise. Carnival doesn’t try to be anything other than what they are - just fun for a great value. I’ve been on two other cruise lines, and I enjoyed my cruises on those a lot, but I always seem to want to come back to Carnival.

[teknoge3k]

I love the value first and foremost. I also love the demographics for the most part. When we cruise we want to have a fun atmosphere and something lively. I want a younger crowd, I don't want to feel like I am at a K&W cafeteria for a week. Also the food. Carnival has great food!

[djcass4199]

Definitely the value and the number of ship options from so many home ports. The crew is amazing. Alchemy Bar rocks. Guys Burgers are delicious. Blue Iguana Cantina breakfast burritos are my favorite breakfast item at sea.

 

Quite simply, they haven't done anything to me to make me want to stop cruising with them. I'm sure some day my family and I will try another cruise line (we've talked about it), but for now we will stick with Carnival. Why try to fix something that isn't broken?

[Purvis1231]

Price and location are the main factors for us.

[evandbob]

I like Carnival's newer ships and the perks I get as a Diamond member, like chatting with the Captain, priority boarding and unlimited laundry. However, I won't limit my cruising to Carnival alone, especially now that their fares have risen rather substantially.

 

I have 4 cruises booked for the rest of the year: on the Carnival Horizon spa balcony from NYC, Carnival Miracle casino fare, MSC Seaside Fantastico balcony,(getting top tier loyalty match), and NCL balcony11 day Panama Canal partial transit.

 

I find that mixing up my cruises and cruise lines tends to keep my seafaring experiences fresh and stimulating. I get bored during Carnival's CD announcements because I already know what snake oil the shill will be pushing.

[momof4girls]

I love Carnival for the “laid back attitudes” of most of the cruisers. If I’m going to be on a ship for 5-7 days, I’d really love the time to be spent around people, who like myself, aren’t trying to impress anyone and just want to have a good time. The staff are wonderful, and they’ve always made me feel welcome.

 

Cruising in general is my favorite way to vacation, because IMHO, a vacation is: no cooking, very, very little cleaning, no schedules or time clock to live by, quality time wih my family (with very few electronics to distract).

[jeb2791]

The crew! Sailed with Celebrity last summer and noticed the difference. I prefer the service on Carnival. Their team members are warm, friendly, and go above and beyond. Also like the fact that you are called by name all over the ship.

[vawalkers]

Guys Burgers and Blue Iguana Tacos

[IPlayWithString]

For us, we love Carnival for many reasons. One, we're within driving distance of two ports (Galveston and NOLA). Two, because of my husband's work schedule and my son's school schedule, we can only cruise during either Spring Break or summer break. Carnival is ALWAYS leaving at least two or three times a week from Galveston, so pretty much any time my husband can get off for vacation, there's a good chance we'll be able to sail. Three, we have an awesome PVP who probably has a file three inches thick of notes on us about what we like, what we don't like, what excursions we've done before so he knows what to suggest to us and what our son needs from the Special Needs dept to make our vacation go smoother than butter off a bald monkey's butt. Four-Carnival doesn't take itself too seriously and we always feel right at home. I've kinda poked around on the websites of some other lines and I feel that some of them (even if they are comparable, price wise, to Carnival) I'd feel out of place because they're so fancyschmancy. Five--Guy's Burgers and the Pig&Anchor. My son is *mostly* vegetarian (it's a sensory thing) but he LOVES Guy's burgers and the pulled pork with the sweet barbecue sauce from the Pig&Anchor. Six--the Froot Loop crusted French toast from the MDR brunch menu. I usually only get this once a cruise because of how much sugar is in it but it's worth it to watch people go "OMG are you really going to eat THAT? Holy snotballs." :') Seven--Blue Iguana breakfast burritos and arepas. Eight..the comedy. Nine--The Red Frog pubs that have a tabletop shuffleboard. My son could play shuffleboard for HOURS if I let him. LOL Ten--the staff! OMG we love the staff because they're AWESOME!!!!!!

[peteandpris]

We are turning Platinum Sept.8,2018 and Love Carnival. You get more bang for your buck. We cruise when kids are in school, I only had one bad encounter with a bartender. We had cheers and my husband was getting drinks for both of us with both cards and I went up the next time to get us both a drink and this bartender says I am surprised you are still standing. Excuse me. I was dumbfounded.

[AD5ZA]

Nothing anymore

 

 

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[Cafedumonde]

Great value. Kids club. Movies on deck.

[Woodfaerie]

Thank you OP for starting a thread that is 99% positive. Its a nice change!

[Fighterone]

I like Carnival's newer ships and the perks I get as a Diamond member, like chatting with the Captain, priority boarding and unlimited laundry. However, I won't limit my cruising to Carnival alone, especially now that their fares have risen rather substantially.

 

I have 4 cruises booked for the rest of the year: on the Carnival Horizon spa balcony from NYC, Carnival Miracle casino fare, MSC Seaside Fantastico balcony,(getting top tier loyalty match), and NCL balcony11 day Panama Canal partial transit.

 

I find that mixing up my cruises and cruise lines tends to keep my seafaring experiences fresh and stimulating. I get bored during Carnival's CD announcements because I already know what snake oil the shill will be pushing.

Couldn’t agree with you more, evandbob! Yes to the newer ships. We were fortunate and wise to book a cruise to become Platinum before they changed the requirements. Love those perks, boarding at our convenience, immediate access to the stateroom, no waiting for a table for 2.

Also agree with you about “mixing up my cruises”. Generally speaking, we don’t book a ship more than once and after retiring to SW FL, we decided to try all the different cruise lines that were available to us within a 3 hour drive. We have 6 cruises booked 5 on different cruise lines but the next one will be on CCL Horizon.

We enjoy the category HM staterooms most (aft wrap Havana) for the spaciousnous of the balcony and the uncrowded areas of the Havana pool, the friendliness of the crew, the steakhouse selection filet mignon in the MDR regardless of the $20 up-charge, the affordable cost of the bottled water when pre-purchased, (I just got off HAL’s Veendam where I paid $36.80 for 12 - 1 liter bottles of Evian...a little steep) the pizzas, the wide selection of foods, the Indian meal cooked specially for us when ordered 24 hours ahead, the towel animals, and the comfortable venues for the muster drills without the dirty life jacket (instead of being crammed like sardines on the promenade deck) as used to be the case.

[Shipcats6]

Carnival Spirit was our 1st cruise in 2011. We have been to places with Carnival that I never dreamed I would see. We have branched out because of certain itineraries but we come back to Carnival for the WCMC, Miami Vice, friendly hardworking people and the relaxed fun atmosphere. We are older but still enjoy the smiles.

[Cakraz]

My top 5:

 

Value for money

Serenity deck

Adult only aft pool

Friendly and hard working crew

Free ice cream

[sparks1093]

I can only echo what others have said, value, friendly staff, comedians, and the list goes on. That being said my wallet speaks louder than most other factors and when I found a cruise with Royal that is $494 less than a cruise with CCL I had to jump at it.

[JTBCruiser]

I enjoyed reading this thread. DW and I have primarily cruised with RCI but going on our 2nd Carnival cruise in over 25 years. Looking forward to it.

[Havingfun2010]

I loved the blue light specials. If you get the right crowd, you get to see a bunch of ladies fighting over the last t-shirt. Best entertainment since they cut back the professional shows on the ship.

[kona_wahine]

On my first cruise, first night in MDR, there were 2 things I wanted, and asked the waiter if I could get both. He said ‘Whatever you want”. Wow, I was HOOKED! That is exactly what it is like. The staff always friendly, no matter if its you room steward, bar staff, just someone cleaning who will always say hello. Price point is another. First cruise again, and we stayed inside deck one for under $1,000 for 2 people. Couldn’t believe how inexpensive it was. Of course, we have grown and next cruise will be a Havana cabana so its way more, but super excited about staying there. Also gonna try the Cheers package out. Still a year away, but its what keeps me going.

 

Funny thing, i was just reading reviews of Vista, and I’m amazed at the complaints of people. Things that would never occur to me to let it bother me these people complain. Sheesh, you are on a cruise, and how many people never get that opportunity?

[Joebucks]

Atmosphere: Everyone is having fun and relaxing, very stress-free. I hate having to get dressed up. Even formal night isn't my favorite, but some of the menu options would be a shame to miss out on. There is atmospheres for everyone whether it is the serenity, lido deck, spa, kids clubs, etc. It really is a fun ship.

 

Food: especially love Guy's and Blue Iguana. Food is plentiful. Better than I expected it to be on a cruise ship. We also enjoy the MDR. Sure you can nitpick a meal here and there. Overall, it is pretty solid, especially considering how many people they are trying to serve at once. The service has always been good.

 

Service: first let me say, I am not a big "service" person. I don't need a concierge. I'll even get my own glass of water if I can. Unnecessary service comes at unnecessary prices. Not having to clean my room, cook food, or worry about certain transportation is plenty enough for me while on vacation. However, the staff has always been great. These people work hard to keep your vacation enjoyable. They work with a smile on their face.

 

Variety: So much to do. I've been on vacations where I am bored, looking for things to do. There is literally something for everyone. When I'm tired at the end of the day, I know it is a good vacation.

 

My #1 favorite - Value: tough to beat for any vacation. Foods, room, entertainment, etc all in one, affordable fee. I take two a year now. It is nearly impossible to do everything I do in two cruises vs two other vacations for the same price (let alone the fun I have).

[NauticalNeophyte]

@Fighterone we were crowdwd on the promenade for the muster drill. It was hot, disorganized and annoying. But we met some grat people and had good laughs. Dismissal from the muster drill went much smoother.

 

I love the lively atmosphere, live calypso on the lido deck, and especially the sail away party. The confetti cannon and dancing Dr. Seuss characters were awesome. Food was pretty good and the staff were amazing! They work their butts off and the ship was spotless. All that for less than $500.

[Moviela]

I love the value for the money. I have tried every room category and enjoyed an ocean view at the bow the best. Large balcony aft was also nice. I found a suite roomy, but the lack of genuine perks reduces its value. I love all the food from the 24 hour pizza to the Steakhouse cowboy ribeye. I have to take points off for Teppan grill and Mongolian wok. The food and sauces were bland and without the delicious taste of those styles of cooking. I find the main dining room food excellent, and never let service issues bother me because they are busy as gorillas on free banana night. I am a fixture in the Punchliner venue and love the jokes, and I find the other theatrical shows a bit average, but I work in entertainment so my expectations are perhaps higher.

 

I love going ashore, but I find the ship sponsored excursions expensive, and the transportation not so suitable for a person like me. I have the most fun renting a car near the dock, slapping my GPS on the dash and exploring on my own.

 

The staff aboard are a treasure. Almost all are better than the next. They are friendly, remember my expectations of service, and are genuinely concerned with my comfort. If I hit that Power Ball, I could live aboard for a year.

[iriecruising]

Poolside Entertainment! I have sailed NCL, Princess and Carnival and we have had the most fun on Carnival. Love how the CD's really have a way of getting a lot of people up and dancing and having a good time! Have also enjoyed the music in the bars more on Carnival than any other ship.