Considering Carnival for the first time…

[Shona_winelover]

After cruising previously on RC I am considering a cruise on Carnival Vista for June 24 on the 6 day eastern Caribbean itinerary.
 

The main pull is the affordability, coming from the U.K. we need to take flight costs into consideration as well and carnival seem very reasonable price wise compared to the RC fares. 
 

Having sailed on RC freedom of the seas previously how would we find changing to carnival.  We are 2 adults and 2 teenagers - the boys previously enjoyed sports courts. Arcades and eating mainly! 

 

Thanks I’m advance for any advice. 

[ninjacat123]

My family of four started out on RC then after two cruises, started cruising on Carnival.  My DDs (now 20 & 22) love Carnival primarily for the crew.  They always felt special and well taken care of, from our stateroom attendants to our MDR wait staff (we always have a 8:15 dining time).  When they were younger the arcade was popular (we gave them a set budget) and water slides made their day.  I think both cruise lines are great but I think Carnival has the edge with crew personality and bang for your pound (see what I did there😉).  Whatever you choose, have a wonderful cruise!!

[aml3679]

We have only sailed on Celebrity prior to our two cruises with Carnival.  We now live in Florida, about 2 1/2 hours to Port Canaveral. We had low expectations for our cruise on the Freedom in October and were pleasantly surprised. Besides the Buffet, which we found was terrible, we had a great time. We are booked on the Mardi Gras next April.

[firefly333]

Summer can be expensive so any deal is good. 

 

I'm fairly high level on both lines. Carnival pizza gets a big edge for me. Its hand made and can order white pizza. Its fresh and better. Rcl is frozen crusts and pre sauces. Only toppings can be changed out. 

 

Junk type food free is better on carnival and their pay venues are better. 

 

Rcl wins for Mdr dinner. I didnt like almost all my dinners on carnival and went back to rcl. Shows for me are better on rcl but your boys may prefer carnival with piped younger music and no band. 

 

Vista. Lol I did it on a very windy day just before it got shut down. Ha.

 

Edited November 16, 2022 by firefly333

[EngIceDave]

In general 

 

Carnival is typically:

A younger crowd.

More party centric

Has a more "rushed" feel. It's not as chill or relaxing as other lines.

Louder. Music is louder on deck and elsewhere is louder (No problem w me)

Many may disagree, but I have run into more jerks on Carnival, but I blame the booze/party part.

Casino slots are money pits, but still fun. 

Carnival food, in the past, has been surprisingly good compared to others, better actually. Now when we sailed Horizon (9/21) the quality had diminished, but all things considered at the time, to be expected.

Coke vs Pepsi - They have Pepsi (I prefer)

 

The rest is up to you, to you need 30 slides? Do you want an actual party cruise or a more sedate and calm cruise?

[ObstructedView2]

4 hours ago, Shona_winelover said:

🚩June 24 on the 6 day eastern Caribbean itinerary.
 

🚩coming from the U.K. we need to take flight costs into consideration

 

Hi @Shona_winelover🙂

 

I'll keep my reply brief. I see 2 huge red flags within your comment.

 

1) There are tremendous differences between a Carnival 6-day or less sailing, compared to an 8-day or longer voyage.

 

2) You're traveling all the way from the U.K. to sail on a 6-day Carnival cruise. 

 

(Advice) - For your very 1st Carnival cruise I would suggest a sailing longer than 6-days.

 

 

✌

[Shona_winelover]

17 minutes ago, ObstructedView2 said:

 

Hi @Shona_winelover🙂

 

I'll keep my reply brief. I see 2 huge red flags within your comment.

 

1) There are tremendous differences between a Carnival 6-day or less sailing, compared to an 8-day or longer voyage.

 

2) You're traveling all the way from the U.K. to sail on a 6-day Carnival cruise. 

 

(Advice) - For your very 1st Carnival cruise I would suggest a sailing longer than 6-days.

 

 

✌

We would be staying 2 weeks and having a week in Universal after our Cruise. 

[Caps_Shield]

6 minutes ago, Shona_winelover said:

We would be staying 2 weeks and having a week in Universal after our Cruise. 

I don't want to stick my nose in someone's vacation but you sorta asked.  Depending on where you stay at Universal, a week is way too long.  It can be done in 3 days, especially if you have their "fast pass".  It is only 2 parks.  That would leave you more days for a cruise if the days lined up, of course.   

[Shona_winelover]

2 minutes ago, Caps_Shield said:

I don't want to stick my nose in someone's vacation but you sorta asked.  Depending on where you stay at Universal, a week is way too long.  It can be done in 3 days, especially if you have their "fast pass".  It is only 2 parks.  That would leave you more days for a cruise if the days lined up, of course.   

Not at all, I’m always open to suggestions.  That could actually be a good call, perhaps an 8 day cruise, 5 days at Universal would work as we will also need a night in Port Canaveral before the cruise which could take us to the 14 nights. 
 

We need to take spending money into consideration as well. This summer we cruised 4 days on freedom then 2 weeks in a villa in Orlando and spent a fortune.  The cost of groceries and eating out was a lot more expensive than previous trips and the dollar to pound rate didn’t help. 
 

The positive aspect of a longer cruise is most things are included. 

 

 

Edited November 16, 2022 by Shona_winelover

[Shona_winelover]

Just now, Caps_Shield said:

I don't want to stick my nose in someone's vacation but you sorta asked.  Depending on where you stay at Universal, a week is way too long.  It can be done in 3 days, especially if you have their "fast pass".  It is only 2 parks.  That would leave you more days for a cruise if the days lined up, of course.   

Not at all, I’m always open to suggestions.  That could actually be a good call, perhaps an 8 day cruise, 5 days at Universal would work as we will also need a night in Port Canaveral before the cruise which could take us to the 14 nights. 

 

 

[Drazil65]

We cruise both RCCL and CCL, DS is 19 now and has been a regular cruiser a couple times a year (sans covid) since he was just under 2.  DS definitely prefers CCL for activities, food options (the stuff he wants to eat), DH and I would more than likely choose CCL most of the time as well.  Carnival seems to give us the better offers on any given day. 

 

I agree with the posts that suggest you sail on a  7 or  8 day cruise and maybe look into a balcony (or 2 if you need the kids in a separate cabin) or suite.  Having that outside real estate space for some down time reading, drinking wine before dinner (👍) or watching the sunrise on a peaceful early morning in your pjs, its worth the space.  You decide how much of the crowd you want to interact with and its easy to stay away from lido, the pools etc. and its nice knowing you have the option of getting away in your own cabin.  

 

Also,  you picked the best theme park to spend a week at for your family, DS by far will always choose Universal over the rest (since he was about 8 yrs old), you will have a blast on the cruise and the park!

Edited November 16, 2022 by Drazil65

[Shona_winelover]

Just now, Drazil65 said:

We cruise both RCCL and CCL, DS is 19 now and has been a regular cruiser a couple times a year (sans covid) since he was just under 2.  DS definitely prefers CCL for activities, food options (the stuff he wants to eat), DH and I would more than likely choose CCL most of the time as well.  Carnival seems to give us the better offers on any given day. 

 

I agree with the posts that suggest you sail on a  7 or  8 day cruise and maybe look into a balcony (or 2 if you need the kids in a separate cabin) or suite.  Having that outside real estate space for some down time reading, drinking wine before dinner (👍) or watching the sunrise on a peaceful early morning in your pjs, its worth the space.  You decide how much of the crowd you want to interact easy to stay away from lido, the pools etc. and its nice knowing you have the option of getting away in your own cabin.  

 

Also,  you picked the best theme park to spend a week at for your family, DS by far will always choose Universal over the rest (since he was about 8 yrs old), you will have a blast on the cruise and the park!

Thank you - love the sound of drinking wine on the balcony before dinner.

 

When booking a balcony room for 4 would it be pull down beds or a sofa bed?

 

We also much prefer Universal to Disney now.  I feel Disney are pricing out the working man these days. 

[Drazil65]

We only need a cabin for 3 so the balcony or suites have a sofa for DS, I am sure there would be a pull down bed for the 4th in most cases.  It may depend on the ship also.  

 

We normally spend  5 days at Universal on the premises to take advantage of the transportation and the extra hour before the general public comes in (especially for HP world).  We break up our days and will take a break in the afternoons then go back in the evening.  

Edited November 16, 2022 by Drazil65

[Caps_Shield]

13 minutes ago, Shona_winelover said:

Not at all, I’m always open to suggestions.  That could actually be a good call, perhaps an 8 day cruise, 5 days at Universal would work as we will also need a night in Port Canaveral before the cruise which could take us to the 14 nights. 

 

 

Now all you need to do is take me with you!  🤣

[ObstructedView2]

46 minutes ago, ObstructedView2 said:

There are tremendous differences between a Carnival 6-day or less sailing, compared to an 8-day or longer voyage.

 

For your very 1st Carnival cruise I would suggest a sailing longer than 6-days.

 

13 minutes ago, Shona_winelover said:

 

perhaps an 8 day cruise

 

 

Yes!

 

 

✌

[EngIceDave]

I missed the thing on Universal, 1 week is WAY too long. I live here, been going to Universal since it opened.

 

My tips:

Buy the "Xpress Pass" and I do not care what it costs that day. With that, you can easily ride every ride in each park and do it all in a day.

Look at Universal as two distinct sides, which it is, think and plan that way. Tickets, Xpress Pass and everything works that way.

With an Xpress pass, I can do both parks in one day and ride 99% of the rides (I avoid the wet ones). You can easily do one.

The food plan is a rip off and avoid it, as a matter of fact, ALL  the food inside the park is pretty terrible.

Since the food inside is terrible, eat outside at the Universal CityWalk right outside the gates. Don't go in the gates hungry, trust me. 

Traffic once you walk in typically goes clockwise. At Islands it's because Hulk roller coaster is to your left, so most go that way. At Studios, many go straight ahead. Go the other way, especially if you go at opening. You get through faster.

Unlike Disney, beer and adult beverages can be found at Universal

 

Edited November 16, 2022 by EngIceDave

[Shona_winelover]

Just now, EngIceDave said:

I missed the thing on Universal, 1 week is WAY too long. I live here, been going to Universal since it opened.

 

My tips:

But the "Xpress Pass" and I do not care what it costs that day. With that, you can easily ride every ride in each park and do it all in a day.

Look at Universal as two distinct sides, which it is, think and plan that way. Tickets, Xpress Pass and everything works that way.

With an Xpress pass, I can do both parks in one day and ride 99% of the rides (I avoid the wet ones). You can easily do one.

The food plan is a rip off and avoid it, as a matter of fact, ALL  the food inside the park is pretty terrible.

Since the food inside is terrible, eat outside at the Universal CityWalk right outside the gates. Don't go in the gates hungry, trust me. 

Traffic once you walk in typically goes clockwise. At Islands it's because Hulk roller coaster is to your left, so most go that way. At Studios, many go straight ahead. Go the other way, especially if you go at opening. You get through faster.

Unlike Disney, beer and adult beverages can be found at Universal

 

Thank you.  
 

We are planning to stay at Endless Summer Dockside - are the restaurants on international drive walking distance? 
 

 

[EngIceDave]

Just now, Shona_winelover said:

Thank you.  
 

We are planning to stay at Endless Summer Dockside - are the restaurants on international drive walking distance? 
 

 

No, I-Drive (That's what we call it, so can you) is across a major freeway (I-75) and it's a long street....Icon Park is a LONG walk. You'll need to Uber or Lyft.

 

IMO, don't eat on I drive, it's just junky chain restaurants...same as it ever was....and it's usually fried.

As at the desk, the pool guy, ask local staff "Where's a good place to eat" and tell them you'll have an Uber take you. We do have great restaurants, but they aren't chains and they aren't on I-drive. Don't rent a car, just Uber it. Driving in that area can be terrible....hectic, chaotic.

 

[cruisinqt]

I’ve cruised with Royal, Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, and Hal. Out them all Royal Caribbean and Carnival are the most alike. They both have a young fun crowd (not rowdy or drunk like some cruise snobs like to say) and more fun youthful activities to do. Where other cruise lines pretty much shutdown after 10 pm, Carnival and Royal still have lots of fun stuff to do. Some things I really like about Carnival is the Punchliner Conedy Club with shows throughout every afternoon and evening including late night adult comedy shows with top notch comedians. Carnival is also known for having larger cabins than most cruise lines. Their standard inside cabin is bigger than everyone else’s. Carnival also has a much better selection of free food venues to eat at though I agree that Royal has better MDR food. With their sky rides, ropes courses, and roller coasters Carnival is very similar to Royal in both the median age of cruisers and young fun activities for the young and young at heart. 

 

I would ignore the people that say Carnival is a rowdy cruise line full of drunken partiers. If you’ll look at their list of past cruises I guarantee you won’t see Carnival listed because they’re not speaking from experience, they’re just repeating gossip. Many people are very loyal to specific cruise lines and love to think theirs is the best and bash all the others. The people you need to listen to are the well traveled cruisers that have been on lots of cruise lines so they can give you an unbiased opinion. 
 

That being said, I’m head to Alaska in May on the Quantam of the Seas. But before that we’re doing the Carnival Celebration. We love them both and prefer them over the other cruise lines. If you do Carnival I’d suggest a balcony. Your son would be on the sofa bed but it’s quite comfy and makes into a real bed. Carnivals beds are so nice you can order them online. 

[Shona_winelover]

Thank you so much for all the wonderful advice on this post, it’s been so very helpful. 

[ninjacat123]

On the topic of balcony rooms, you could have a balcony for you and DH and an inside room nearby for the teenage boys.  Then you have two bathrooms and the teenagers can keep their mess to themselves.  As long as they know they need to check in with you and stay together.  I believe in security in numbers.  Also, there is a new protocol with Carnival that says 17 and under have to be back in their rooms before 1am.  FYI.

[EngIceDave]

34 minutes ago, Shona_winelover said:

We also much prefer Universal to Disney now.  I feel Disney are pricing out the working man these days. 

I'll go to Universal any day of the week.

 

Disney?

About a 7 years ago, we took our kids to Disney and about half way though, wife and I sat them down and said, "We're not coming back, not until you have grandkids"

and that was that.

Disney is for babies and the kids are grown, the magic has left....sorry. Goes for and Disney, except Epcot for "Food and wine" months.

 

Universal is more Teen/adult oriented.

 

They also have a far superior expedited ride systems than Disney's (which is stupid)

[Swampbabe]

1 hour ago, EngIceDave said:

No, I-Drive (That's what we call it, so can you) is across a major freeway (I-75) and it's a long street....Icon Park is a LONG walk. You'll need to Uber or Lyft.

 

IMO, don't eat on I drive, it's just junky chain restaurants...same as it ever was....and it's usually fried.

As at the desk, the pool guy, ask local staff "Where's a good place to eat" and tell them you'll have an Uber take you. We do have great restaurants, but they aren't chains and they aren't on I-drive. Don't rent a car, just Uber it. Driving in that area can be terrible....hectic, chaotic.

 

The highway is I-4 and who says freeway in Florida? 🤪 Also, FYI, you can drink in every Disney park EXCEPT Magic Kingdom.

[EngIceDave]

Just now, Swampbabe said:

The highway is I-4 and who says freeway in Florida? 🤪 Also, FYI, you can drink in every Disney park EXCEPT Magic Kingdom.

Ooops...you're right

I'm a florida native and I say freeway. What do you call it? Highway? Also, when on forums, I try to use language that's more easily understandable, the OP is from UK, so why confuse the linguistics?

You can drink in every Disney park, NOW, and it's just not as easy to access as in Universal.

Disney has always discouraged it and Disney was "dry" for many years. Walt was against it. Bad for the "Family atmosphere." Alcohol in all of Disney is relatively new.

 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/tourism/os-bz-s4-theme-park-history-alcohol-20180907-story.html

 

But sure alcohol isn't the priority

[Madhatter12]

2 hours ago, Shona_winelover said:

Thank you - love the sound of drinking wine on the balcony before dinner.

 

When booking a balcony room for 4 would it be pull down beds or a sofa bed?

 

We also much prefer Universal to Disney now.  I feel Disney are pricing out the working man these days. 

Carnival has almost all there ships have 4 person balconies one Pullman pulldown bed and a sofa charge into a bad with two twin beds.