New to Carnival, what to expect?

[CruizinSusan70]

Carnival, RCI, & NCL are more similar than different.  MSC is skewed a little more European than the other three.

 

[ninjacat123]

43 minutes ago, Drew B 58 said:

For what it’s worth, an 18 year old CAN play in the casino.

 

https://help.carnival.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1061/~/age-restrictions-on-board

True!  My DDs (20 & 22) had a blast playing roulette with $25 each.  Table minimum was $5 and they made it last for 20 minutes.  Then they watched Mommy win big a couple times and leave while Mommy was ahead.  We did this for a couple nights.  Loved it!

[Badfinger]

Expect the worst and hope for the best?

 

Based upon our June 2022 cruise you can expect:

 

Long lines at the pizza, deli and mongolian wok at all times they are open.

 

Rush hour lines at Guys and Blue Iguana.

 

Very slow service during Sea Day brunch in the MDR.  Online check-in only gives you false hope.

 

Comedians that substitute vulgarity and swearing for comedy.  I would not even bring those children to the family friendly shows. 

 

You will find some good food...but you will have to try a lot of food to decide what you like.  Everything sounds so good on paper...on the plate...meh..not so much.  IMO the best I had was the Salmon in the MDR, the Salmon Super Salad and Avocado Toast at the Sea Day Brunch, and of course the first Guys burger (repeat visits not needed).  Even the melting cake was, well, ungood compared to any of our previous 7 CCL cruises.

 

Absolute chaos on debarkation morning.  Every forward elevator lobby and stairwell jam packed with people all with oversized suitcases blocking anybody from moving anywhere.

 

And finally, don't expect to find me on that or any other CCL cruise for quite sometime.

 

 

[CruizinSusan70]

4 minutes ago, Badfinger said:

Expect the worst and hope for the best?

 

Based upon our June 2022 cruise you can expect:

 

Long lines at the pizza, deli and mongolian wok at all times they are open.

 

Rush hour lines at Guys and Blue Iguana.

 

Very slow service during Sea Day brunch in the MDR.  Online check-in only gives you false hope.

 

Comedians that substitute vulgarity and swearing for comedy.  I would not even bring those children to the family friendly shows. 

 

You will find some good food...but you will have to try a lot of food to decide what you like.  Everything sounds so good on paper...on the plate...meh..not so much.  IMO the best I had was the Salmon in the MDR, the Salmon Super Salad and Avocado Toast at the Sea Day Brunch, and of course the first Guys burger (repeat visits not needed).  Even the melting cake was, well, ungood compared to any of our previous 7 CCL cruises.

 

Absolute chaos on debarkation morning.  Every forward elevator lobby and stairwell jam packed with people all with oversized suitcases blocking anybody from moving anywhere.

 

And finally, don't expect to find me on that or any other CCL cruise for quite sometime.

 

 

One bad experience on X ship doesn't necessarily compare to Y ship or Z ship in the fleet.  You can't even compare your experience on X ship from week to week.

Here's something that you can count on that you ignored, don't cruise between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

And the comedians would never swear at a family friendly show.  If they did, their contract would not be renewed.

And if you think that there aren't long lines on NCL or RCI between the aforementioned holidays, I have some oceanfront property in Iowa to sell you.

[notplatinum]

29 minutes ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

One bad experience on X ship doesn't necessarily compare to Y ship or Z ship in the fleet.  You can't even compare your experience on X ship from week to week.

Here's something that you can count on that you ignored, don't cruise between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

And the comedians would never swear at a family friendly show.  If they did, their contract would not be renewed.

And if you think that there aren't long lines on NCL or RCI between the aforementioned holidays, I have some oceanfront property in Iowa to sell you.

Correct, put 2-5000 people on a ship and there will be lines

[ober134]

I'm not sure what to add. I agree with some statements, but it won't stop me from cruising. We are early 60's and recently retired with 3 future cruises booked. We are mostly loyal to CCL. It really depends on the ship and time of year. We avoid cruising in summer or spring break - too hot too expensive and too many kids. Now, I don't dislike kids we just prefer to sail when there are fewer on board. I see all the complaints about food - I have never starved on a cruise. Since restart my 2 cruises have been fine and food in all venues more than adequate. Yes, you may encounter lines here and there--post covid the world has changed and we just have to be patient and deal with supply chain issues and staffing shortages. Hopefully things will slowly improve on both land and sea. I still think cruises are about the most reasonably priced vacays and will continue to sail.

[51st FMS]

Thanks for all the replies.  From your comments, the most important thing is I need to change to fixed dinning and then not sure we'll get all 12 together.  I'll check with the dinning room as soon as we can board.  Seems most of the other comments were standard experiences no matter what line you are on.  Good/bad food, good/bad entertainment, long/short lines.  Best advice was to go with the flow and have a good time. Which we will and alway have.  Thanks again. 

Just a note, but I have to say something about it as it seems all to frequent on these boards.  I requested info about Carnival which I got, however it seemed some had to bash our decision to go with them.  When I was putting this together, I had to deal with 12 people's schedules, cost for 12 people, flights, hotels and what was best for my 6 grandkids.  Holland and Princes are great lines and we have enjoyed each cruise we've been on. But they are not for kids to enjoy.  RCL and NCL looked good but the schedules were not right. for us. Disney was out of the picture because of cost.     Due to covid, this was the 4th cruise we booked.  I have to have an accessible cabin and I have to start really early to book what I want.  (in part because people without disabilities are booking accessible cabins)  This whole process started with an Alaskan cruise in August of 2021, being booked in Feb of 2019.  I was looking for positive informative comments a I got more than enough, but as usual there are always those who have to put a damper on it.  

[ontheweb]

47 minutes ago, 51st FMS said:

Thanks for all the replies.  From your comments, the most important thing is I need to change to fixed dinning and then not sure we'll get all 12 together.  I'll check with the dinning room as soon as we can board.  Seems most of the other comments were standard experiences no matter what line you are on.  Good/bad food, good/bad entertainment, long/short lines.  Best advice was to go with the flow and have a good time. Which we will and alway have.  Thanks again. 

Just a note, but I have to say something about it as it seems all to frequent on these boards.  I requested info about Carnival which I got, however it seemed some had to bash our decision to go with them.  When I was putting this together, I had to deal with 12 people's schedules, cost for 12 people, flights, hotels and what was best for my 6 grandkids.  Holland and Princes are great lines and we have enjoyed each cruise we've been on. But they are not for kids to enjoy.  RCL and NCL looked good but the schedules were not right. for us. Disney was out of the picture because of cost.     Due to covid, this was the 4th cruise we booked.  I have to have an accessible cabin and I have to start really early to book what I want.  (in part because people without disabilities are booking accessible cabins)  This whole process started with an Alaskan cruise in August of 2021, being booked in Feb of 2019.  I was looking for positive informative comments a I got more than enough, but as usual there are always those who have to put a damper on it.  

Glad you were able to find positive information that helped you, and that you were also able to basically dismiss those who were just being critical of your choice. I hope it all works out for you and rest of your party.

[notplatinum]

14 minutes ago, ontheweb said:

Glad you were able to find positive information that helped you, and that you were also able to basically dismiss those who were just being critical of your choice. I hope it all works out for you and rest of your party.

I agree. Every cruise is what you make of it, like everything in life. 😀

[notplatinum]

1 hour ago, 51st FMS said:

Thanks for all the replies.  From your comments, the most important thing is I need to change to fixed dinning and then not sure we'll get all 12 together.  I'll check with the dinning room as soon as we can board.  Seems most of the other comments were standard experiences no matter what line you are on.  Good/bad food, good/bad entertainment, long/short lines.  Best advice was to go with the flow and have a good time. Which we will and alway have.  Thanks again. 

Just a note, but I have to say something about it as it seems all to frequent on these boards.  I requested info about Carnival which I got, however it seemed some had to bash our decision to go with them.  When I was putting this together, I had to deal with 12 people's schedules, cost for 12 people, flights, hotels and what was best for my 6 grandkids.  Holland and Princes are great lines and we have enjoyed each cruise we've been on. But they are not for kids to enjoy.  RCL and NCL looked good but the schedules were not right. for us. Disney was out of the picture because of cost.     Due to covid, this was the 4th cruise we booked.  I have to have an accessible cabin and I have to start really early to book what I want.  (in part because people without disabilities are booking accessible cabins)  This whole process started with an Alaskan cruise in August of 2021, being booked in Feb of 2019.  I was looking for positive informative comments a I got more than enough, but as usual there are always those who have to put a damper on it.  

I agree.  People here take you question and flip it all around. It's great you can find a cruise with 12 people. Have fun. I have always found by just asking, cruise personnel, they are very accommodating to your request, since the goal is to make your trip more enjoyable. Enjoy

[MJSailors]

@51st FMSAs I was reading some of the responses posted here questioning your choice of CCL and ship, I thought those posts were unnecessary. You have already booked the cruise and planning a vacation for twelve family members is certainly not easy.

The suggestion that I have is if you cannot be accommodated with a table for twelve,you may consider two tables of six next to each other.There may be more availability of two tables and it may be more comfortable for your family as you can talk with each other if there is a smaller group apt each table.. Family members could change table places each night on a rotating basis so you get to visit with all of your family that way.

I hope you enjoy celebrating your special anniversary.

Sharing the vacation with each other is more important than what ship you have chosen.

Bon Voyage and cheers!

MJ🙋🏻

[notplatinum]

9 minutes ago, MJSailors said:

@51st FMSAs I was reading some of the responses posted here questioning your choice of CCL and ship, I thought those posts were unnecessary. You have already booked the cruise and planning a vacation for twelve family members is certainly not easy.

The suggestion that I have is if you cannot be accommodated with a table for twelve,you may consider two tables of six next to each other.There may be more availability of two tables and it may be more comfortable for your family as you can talk with each other if there is a smaller group apt each table.. Family members could change table places each night on a rotating basis so you get to visit with all of your family that way.

I hope you enjoy celebrating your special anniversary.

Sharing the vacation with each other is more important than what ship you have chosen.

Bon Voyage and cheers!

MJ🙋🏻

Thank you. This site can be exhausting at times

[KmomChicago]

4 hours ago, 51st FMS said:

Thanks for all the replies.  From your comments, the most important thing is I need to change to fixed dinning and then not sure we'll get all 12 together.  I'll check with the dinning room as soon as we can board.  Seems most of the other comments were standard experiences no matter what line you are on.  Good/bad food, good/bad entertainment, long/short lines.  Best advice was to go with the flow and have a good time. Which we will and alway have.  Thanks again. 

Just a note, but I have to say something about it as it seems all to frequent on these boards.  I requested info about Carnival which I got, however it seemed some had to bash our decision to go with them.  When I was putting this together, I had to deal with 12 people's schedules, cost for 12 people, flights, hotels and what was best for my 6 grandkids.  Holland and Princes are great lines and we have enjoyed each cruise we've been on. But they are not for kids to enjoy.  RCL and NCL looked good but the schedules were not right. for us. Disney was out of the picture because of cost.     Due to covid, this was the 4th cruise we booked.  I have to have an accessible cabin and I have to start really early to book what I want.  (in part because people without disabilities are booking accessible cabins)  This whole process started with an Alaskan cruise in August of 2021, being booked in Feb of 2019.  I was looking for positive informative comments a I got more than enough, but as usual there are always those who have to put a damper on it.  

 

I am sure you will have a great cruise and that you made the exact perfect choice for this particular situation.  I believe Carnival is good about not allowing people to book accessible cabins unless needed, but I guess that is impossible to confirm from out here in the Peanut Gallery. Enjoy!

[Velvetwater]

We've just got off the Glory and I plan on doing a review in the next few days as I'm used to long Carnival sailings.

 

Some bits n some misses and a very odd looking old girl but we had fun.

[kona_wahine]

I’ve been on many Carnival and finally tried NCL Encore to Alaska. Biggest take away was food quality was way better on NCL. Went on the Spirit to Alaska after NCL because the offer was just too good to pass up. Food in buffet for dinner was just terrible. The rest wasn’t too bad…. I usually grabbed a sandwich. Had my granddaughter with me so we didn’t go to dining room but a couple times. But NCL food was really good! Other than that I’m a happy cruiser. 

[Cruisin Trkrs]

On 8/21/2022 at 2:21 AM, Gumbo4Life said:

I would think with anytime dining they could still accommodate your group.  Link your reservations and check in using the app, when you check in list the party size and they will let you know when the table is ready.  It may be a little longer than normal but I would think Carnival sees this all of the time. 

 

Congrats on 50 ("+") years, very excited for you.  Nice to take the gang with you, we are celebrating 40 years on our upcoming cruise, very excited about it!  😊

Congratulations to all y'all and we hope your upcoming cruises are amazing! Lol, we're the (married)newbies here at only 35yrs!😉 Celebrating our anniversary in Oct on the awesome Magic to Bermuda. Can't wait... 

[TomCruise48]

9 hours ago, 51st FMS said:

Thanks for all the replies.  From your comments, the most important thing is I need to change to fixed dinning and then not sure we'll get all 12 together.  I'll check with the dinning room as soon as we can board.  

As others have mentioned, it is important that all of your bookings are linked so the maitre d' knows to seat you together.  You can do this online under the "Booking & Order" tab in your cruise manager.  I believe that there are only two circular tables on this class of ship that can accommodate 12 persons.  They can also push multiple rectangular top tables together to accommodate 12 or more.  If you wait until you board, neither of these options will likely be available. If you are using a PVP, your PVP can send a seating request for you directly to the ship.  If not, you can email the maitre d' with your request, but the maitre d' is not obligated to read or honor requests sent directly from a guest.  Some will, others won't.  You can search this forum for how to contact the maitre d'.  In any event, so long as your bookings are linked, your group should be seated at tables that are near each other.

[notplatinum]

3 hours ago, kona_wahine said:

I’ve been on many Carnival and finally tried NCL Encore to Alaska. Biggest take away was food quality was way better on NCL. Went on the Spirit to Alaska after NCL because the offer was just too good to pass up. Food in buffet for dinner was just terrible. The rest wasn’t too bad…. I usually grabbed a sandwich. Had my granddaughter with me so we didn’t go to dining room but a couple times. But NCL food was really good! Other than that I’m a happy cruiser. 

I concur

[notplatinum]

1 hour ago, TomCruise48 said:

As others have mentioned, it is important that all of your bookings are linked so the maitre d' knows to seat you together.  You can do this online under the "Booking & Order" tab in your cruise manager.  I believe that there are only two circular tables on this class of ship that can accommodate 12 persons.  They can also push multiple rectangular top tables together to accommodate 12 or more.  If you wait until you board, neither of these options will likely be available. If you are using a PVP, your PVP can send a seating request for you directly to the ship.  If not, you can email the maitre d' with your request, but the maitre d' is not obligated to read or honor requests sent directly from a guest.  Some will, others won't.  You can search this forum for how to contact the maitre d'.  In any event, so long as your bookings are linked, your group should be seated at tables that are near each other.

Simple, just walk in the first day and ask.  

[BoozinCroozin]

A lot of fun

[Honolulu Blue]

10 hours ago, kona_wahine said:

I’ve been on many Carnival and finally tried NCL Encore to Alaska. Biggest take away was food quality was way better on NCL. Went on the Spirit to Alaska after NCL because the offer was just too good to pass up. Food in buffet for dinner was just terrible. The rest wasn’t too bad…. I usually grabbed a sandwich. Had my granddaughter with me so we didn’t go to dining room but a couple times. But NCL food was really good! Other than that I’m a happy cruiser. 

 

7 hours ago, notplatinum said:

I concur

I don't have anything to add for the OP, but I wanted to highlight these two posts.  What I had heard about NCL in the past is that their food is so-so at best in the free outlets, but much better in the surcharge venues.  I wonder if something has changed on NCL, or if it's always been like this and it's been misreported by others.  Food for thought.

 

Sorry for the interruption.  I'll see myself out.

[Badfinger]

On 8/21/2022 at 8:48 PM, CruizinSusan70 said:

One bad experience on X ship doesn't necessarily compare to Y ship or Z ship in the fleet.  You can't even compare your experience on X ship from week to week.

Here's something that you can count on that you ignored, don't cruise between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

And the comedians would never swear at a family friendly show.  If they did, their contract would not be renewed.

And if you think that there aren't long lines on NCL or RCI between the aforementioned holidays, I have some oceanfront property in Iowa to sell you.

 

Yes I can compare two experiences...and I do.  Why should you not be able to do this?  Is not Carnival trying to deliver the same experience to all cruisers regardless of ship or time of year?  

 

I have been on 9 cruises.  8 of them have been between June and August as we had our kids.  So, yeah I can compare the horribly long lines of our last cruise in June to the previous 7 during the those months.  Same port and same class of ship (Breeze or Magic).  This past cruise the lines and level of service was frankly beyond bad, and because of that we have put a pause on cruising for the foreseeable future...maybe forever.  But that is a good thing...one less person in line with you and more private guided fishing trips to MN and Canada for me!

 

As for the comedians,  sure they may not swear, but they still will not be funny.  I don't think I have seen funny comedian on CCL since Cowboy Bill about 8 years ago.  Hope for some he is still working ship some where.

 

And thanks for the heads up about the NCL and RCI.  I guess we won't think about going on them either if as you say long lines are the norm across all cruise lines.

 

 

[Drazil65]

OP, ignore the naysayers and those that have a need to put other people down (or dispute decisions made by others for vacations) as a way to make themselves feel better I guess. 

 

The most important thing is that you will be on a cruise vacation (finally) with the people you choose as your nearest and dearest.  I am sure you would not have it any other way and after all this covid stuff the last couple of years we should all be grateful that we can make it on a vacation with our healthy family (many families dont have that choice any longer unfortunately).  

 

The kids will have a blast regardless and the adults should just enjoy the company and whatever libation suits them!   Have fun and look up videos on you tube for your ship and possibly one out there for your cabin numbers.  Many people do a ship/cabin walk through so you have some idea what things look like and how to navigate.  

Edited August 23, 2022 by Drazil65

[Longwood50]

On 8/21/2022 at 9:46 AM, 51st FMS said:

We will be sailing out of New Orleans on December 26, 2022 on the Glory,  My wife and I have been on several trips,

I took the same exact cruise a few years ago on the Glory.  Mind you I have been on 9 Carnival cruises plus 22 on other lines.  The Glory was my last cruise with Carnival.  The other 8 were either very good to excellent.  The Miracle was probably the best cruise of my 22.  

With that said, the Glory is an older ship but that was not my issue with it.  The entertainment not the auditorium was at that time scheduled back to back with early show, main show, late show.  So if you tried to go people were just staying in their seats for all three shows and it was impossible to get seated.  More importantly the food in the MDR was at times not edible.  The term rubber chicken was totally appropriate.  

I complained following the cruise to Carnival which was the first time I ever complained about a cruise and I did not receive so much as a reply.  So, bottom line, I assumed Carnival was downgrading its product/service and chose to go elsewhere for my future cruises.  

[BoozinCroozin]

On 8/22/2022 at 11:51 AM, 51st FMS said:

Just a note, but I have to say something about it as it seems all to frequent on these boards.  I requested info about Carnival which I got, however it seemed some had to bash our decision to go with them.

You're going to get all types of answers. You can't compare cruising now to pre-covid or when cruising just started again. It is different. Pre-covid there were no issues with staffing numbers. During covid, ships at 50% capacity were fine with the amount of staff. When they went to near 100% capacity, the staff did not increase accordingly. There will be issues. 

 

I have only been on 2 cruises: Carnival Magic and NCL Breakaway. Both were nice in their own way. However, I won't cruise on NCL again. It just wasn't as fun. Casino is heavily slanted to the ship. One person I was with proved it on 3 straight nights with the auto-shufflers. He was banned from the casino after proving it. The casino was empty most of the cruise. Everything fun was closed unless there was a charge for it. The private port in Belize is insanely expensive. Food was ok and mostly ate at the 24-hour bar. On the other hand, we had so much fun on Carnival. More of a party-type atmosphere. Always getting the crowd to have fun with something.