Underwhelmed by the Mardi Gras

[Butterbean1000]

8 hours ago, SRQbeachgirl said:

 

For a mega ship, Carnival has done a good job of still giving you a sense of connection to the ocean. There are a lot of places around the ship with large floor-to-ceiling windows. The Grand Central is the most conspicuous of these areas, but the Excel class was not left wanting of areas to either see outside or be outside.

 

I can appreciate the openness of some venues, but that doesn't do anything about the size and number of people.  I just seem to prefer the 'coziness' of the non mega ships and I think that's ok.

[Butterbean1000]

2 hours ago, Drazil65 said:

 I love feeling of being at sea. I just seems to me you wod miss that on a mega ship.  

 

Not at all!  I see the ocean from my balcony every day when I wake up or walk into my cabin.  I see the ocean while I enjoy my coffee each morning as I watch the sunrise or pull into port.  Look out any window as you are walking around, eating in MDR, relaxing on serenity deck or in the casino on MG and truthfully it feels like that on every cruise we have been on. 

 

One of the benefits of a bigger ships is there are more common space areas on the decks to see and feel the ocean, many places to choose from.  We loved being on MG last December and will sail her again later this year and next.  We also enjoy the larger ships on RCCL as well, its all good!

I don't feel like I need to be doing  something all the time while on the ship.  I love being on my balcony,  reading or having coffee/drink.  Spending quiet time with the hubs while listening to the water and watching for flying fish. I don't need a big ship to do that.  I feel like I have to justify preferring smaller ships.  Everyone has their preference and that's ok.

 

 

[SRQbeachgirl]

22 minutes ago, Butterbean1000 said:

I can appreciate the openness of some venues, but that doesn't do anything about the size and number of people.  I just seem to prefer the 'coziness' of the non mega ships and I think that's ok.

 

14 minutes ago, Butterbean1000 said:

I don't feel like I need to be doing  something all the time while on the ship.  I love being on my balcony,  reading or having coffee/drink.  Spending quiet time with the hubs while listening to the water and watching for flying fish. I don't need a big ship to do that.  I feel like I have to justify preferring smaller ships.  Everyone has their preference and that's ok.

 

 

 

You definitely shouldn't feel like you have to justify preferring smaller ships. We love the smaller ships as well and I actually prefer them, as I like feeling the ship sway. Mr. SRQ, however, has a tendency to get seasick and the bigger ships don't bother him like some of the smaller ships can.

[rolloman]

Kind of risky having those monkeys crawl all over you if you have no verification the animals have been vaccinated... for example ...rabies.

[cmichael1221]

On 5/10/2023 at 5:16 PM, beshears said:

I'm glad you posted this. I was thinking of this ship for next year, but with having 6,000 or more people on board, I think that is way too many people (even if it was a tad less) for the 8 of to deal with.

I have been on Mardi Gras/Celebration 6 times now - the crowds weren't bad at all

[Racegirl6]

I personally don't think you should compare the Mardi Gras to the Freedom, those are 2 completely different types of ships. Yes, the Mardi Gras can be difficult to navigate at first but there is just so much more to do. You can do a lot or you can do a little. We did not do any of the specialty restaurants, did not go to the pools, but still had an amazing time playing trivia, seeing comedy shows and just enjoying our time together. It may not be for you, but I have to disagree. I couldn't even compare the Mardi Gras to the Magic, my other favorite ship. 

[CruizinSusan70]

26 minutes ago, Racegirl6 said:

I personally don't think you should compare the Mardi Gras to the Freedom, those are 2 completely different types of ships. Yes, the Mardi Gras can be difficult to navigate at first but there is just so much more to do. You can do a lot or you can do a little. We did not do any of the specialty restaurants, did not go to the pools, but still had an amazing time playing trivia, seeing comedy shows and just enjoying our time together. It may not be for you, but I have to disagree. I couldn't even compare the Mardi Gras to the Magic, my other favorite ship. 

You're completely right.  The Excel Class ships have raised the bar for Carnival and brought them closer to the newer builds by their competition.  Some Carnival cruisers like the same old, same old and they're happy with the Fantasy, Spirit or Conquest Classes.  They've never sailed on the Dream or Vista Class, let alone the Excel Class.  

[hard_eight]

Skipped the Vista class all together😁 Excel #1 

[CruizinSusan70]

14 minutes ago, hard_eight said:

Skipped the Vista class all together😁 Excel #1 

I would recommend the Vista Class for the Havana area.  It's the one thing that is better on the 3 Vista Class ships compared to the Havana area on the Excel Class.

[vacruisin]

There is no right or wrong answer...it's just a matter of preference.  As has been stated, some people like the smaller ships so they automatically rule out the newer, larger ships.  While others want to try the newer ships.  

 

I will say that just because a ship is bigger that does not mean it feels more crowded; that is the only mis-conception I've seen stated.

 

We sailed on the Magic and Legend last year and so far we've been on the Celebration this year (will be on Mardi Gras in about 7 weeks) and I can honestly say that the Celebration did not seem any more crowded that the Magic and Legend.  Plus, the new dining options and bars on the Celebration blew the Magic and Legend out the water (no pun intended).  We are super excited to sail on the Mardi Gras in a few weeks after sailing the Celebration.  

 

It is all about preference.  When it comes to most things I'm a "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" kind of guy; I usually like to stick with what I know and enjoy rather than branch out.  The exception to that rule for me is when it comes to cruising; I say bring on the mega ships with all the bells and whistles! 

 

At the end of the day it's all about what you enjoy; there is no wrong answer.  Happy Sailing all!

Edited May 15, 2023 by vacruisin

[Butterbean1000]

4 hours ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

You're completely right.  The Excel Class ships have raised the bar for Carnival and brought them closer to the newer builds by their competition.  Some Carnival cruisers like the same old, same old and they're happy with the Fantasy, Spirit or Conquest Classes.  They've never sailed on the Dream or Vista Class, let alone the Excel Class.  

Again, it seems like there is something amiss with you if you don't like the mega ships.  Can't we all just get along? 🙂🙃

[CruizinSusan70]

4 hours ago, Butterbean1000 said:

Again, it seems like there is something amiss with you if you don't like the mega ships.  Can't we all just get along? 🙂🙃

It seems like there is a contingent of cruisers that like the Conquest and smaller ships because that's what they're familiar with and it's their comfort zone.  Others will branch out and try the newer classes.  The Vista Class is hated by some because of the main showroom and congestion at times, while others love these 3 ships because of the Havana area.

Personally I think that the Excel Class has raised the bar and it finally brings Carnival up to the level of their competition.  I think it's a shame if dedicated Carnival cruisers don't take the blinders off and try the newer ships.  We have had great vacations on the five times we've sailed the Excel Class.  If others are happy with just sailing on the older ships in the fleet, that is entirely their choice.

[momof3cruisers]

Great pictures. We aren’t super fans of the bigger ships either though IMO, Carnival has done a better job with the Excel class than Royal’s Oasis class as far as actually feeling like you are on the ocean. 
 

Can I ask where you go the tags you made up for your ducks? I have a friend sailing with me next winter and she is way into this duck idea. 

[staceyglow]

38 minutes ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

It seems like there is a contingent of cruisers that like the Conquest and smaller ships because that's what they're familiar with and it's their comfort zone.  Others will branch out and try the newer classes.  

I have been on over 25 Carnival cruises, and I have never been on an Excel class ship.  But it's not because it's out of my comfort zone.  I cruise based on destinations and price, and there has never been a cruise on an Excel ship that went where I wanted to go at the price I wanted to pay.

 

Someday, I hope to at least try it.  But right now, I am not one of those people who are willing to pay a premium to do it.

[Illbcruzn4life]

10 hours ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

I would recommend the Vista Class for the Havana area.  It's the one thing that is better on the 3 Vista Class ships compared to the Havana area on the Excel Class.

By a long shot too. On the Celebration the last 2 days were days at sea and we couldn’t get a lounger in the Havana area where the bar is.

on Horizon we never had a problem finding a lounger.

[Illbcruzn4life]

On 5/14/2023 at 7:31 PM, Butterbean1000 said:

I can appreciate the openness of some venues, but that doesn't do anything about the size and number of people.  I just seem to prefer the 'coziness' of the non mega ships and I think that's ok.

I can see why I didnt know there were windows in Grand Central. Every time i passed by, which was always at night except for the day we embarked. We always saw it like this.

 

[CruizinSusan70]

35 minutes ago, staceyglow said:

I have been on over 25 Carnival cruises, and I have never been on an Excel class ship.  But it's not because it's out of my comfort zone.  I cruise based on destinations and price, and there has never been a cruise on an Excel ship that went where I wanted to go at the price I wanted to pay.

 

Someday, I hope to at least try it.  But right now, I am not one of those people who are willing to pay a premium to do it.

There's no right or wrong answer.  Since we have cruised the Caribbean over 40 times, we cruise for the ship these days.  Celebration, Mardi Gras, Prima, Discovery Princess, Apex are all ships we've cruised on over the past year.

[CruizinSusan70]

11 minutes ago, Illbcruzn4life said:

By a long shot too. On the Celebration the last 2 days were days at sea and we couldn’t get a lounger in the Havana area where the bar is.

on Horizon we never had a problem finding a lounger.

How was the postage stamp sized pool?

[Itried4498]

1 hour ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

It seems like there is a contingent of cruisers that like the Conquest and smaller ships because that's what they're familiar with and it's their comfort zone.  Others will branch out and try the newer classes.  The Vista Class is hated by some because of the main showroom and congestion at times, while others love these 3 ships because of the Havana area.

Personally I think that the Excel Class has raised the bar and it finally brings Carnival up to the level of their competition.  I think it's a shame if dedicated Carnival cruisers don't take the blinders off and try the newer ships.  We have had great vacations on the five times we've sailed the Excel Class.  If others are happy with just sailing on the older ships in the fleet, that is entirely their choice.

 

Or alternatively, some people are mesmerized by new, large ships.  If you’re not interested in ice skating, paying $60 for a single ride on the roller coaster for your family, have health/ mobility issues that prevent you from going down high-speed waterslides, are not traveling with small children who’d appreciate the plethora of amenities introduced In recent years, etc., then the additional features added by the megaships are completely meaningless.  Posters who believe that paying for features they don’t plan to use, just because they’re available/ nice to have, have spent too much time with seedy car salesman.

 

Reality is that yes, cruise lines continue to pack more people into incumbent spaces.  Standard stateroom sizes have been decreasing for years – the Excel class is roughly 15% smaller than the Vista class, for example.  “Passenger space ratio” is an archaic measurement largely promoted by click bait websites.  Large spaces are increasingly being carved out and reserved for the dedicated few who pay an upcharge (typically included in the cost of their stateroom) to use them. 

What about a “passenger pool & hot tub space ratio?”  While finding a space in a pool or hot tub is challenging on any cruise ship post-lunch on a hot sea day, it’s a lot easier on an older ship.  I haven’t been on an Excel class ship, but the Vista class leaves a lot to be desired. 

 

Most recent overhaul and new builds have seen reductions in stateroom sizes, theaters, noticeably smaller pool & hot tub spaces, etc. but increases in bars/ lounges, shopping spaces, premium restaurants, reserved spaces, etc.  This trend is only going to accelerate, as nearly every single cruise line has made it clear they need to increase monetization of incumbent spaces. 

 

What makes Carnival underwhelming is that its overall product is underwhelming.  You don’t need to build out new, large, fancy ships to incorporate enjoyable shows.  Carnival invests heavily in comedians, then delivers mediocre production shows that are often filled with garbage (one of the house bands, an old movie, etc.) on off nights.  That said, for the price, Carnival delivers a great value.

[CruizinSusan70]

1 hour ago, Itried4498 said:

 

Or alternatively, some people are mesmerized by new, large ships.  If you’re not interested in ice skating, paying $60 for a single ride on the roller coaster for your family, have health/ mobility issues that prevent you from going down high-speed waterslides, are not traveling with small children who’d appreciate the plethora of amenities introduced In recent years, etc., then the additional features added by the megaships are completely meaningless.  Posters who believe that paying for features they don’t plan to use, just because they’re available/ nice to have, have spent too much time with seedy car salesman.

 

Reality is that yes, cruise lines continue to pack more people into incumbent spaces.  Standard stateroom sizes have been decreasing for years – the Excel class is roughly 15% smaller than the Vista class, for example.  “Passenger space ratio” is an archaic measurement largely promoted by click bait websites.  Large spaces are increasingly being carved out and reserved for the dedicated few who pay an upcharge (typically included in the cost of their stateroom) to use them. 

What about a “passenger pool & hot tub space ratio?”  While finding a space in a pool or hot tub is challenging on any cruise ship post-lunch on a hot sea day, it’s a lot easier on an older ship.  I haven’t been on an Excel class ship, but the Vista class leaves a lot to be desired. 

 

Most recent overhaul and new builds have seen reductions in stateroom sizes, theaters, noticeably smaller pool & hot tub spaces, etc. but increases in bars/ lounges, shopping spaces, premium restaurants, reserved spaces, etc.  This trend is only going to accelerate, as nearly every single cruise line has made it clear they need to increase monetization of incumbent spaces. 

 

What makes Carnival underwhelming is that its overall product is underwhelming.  You don’t need to build out new, large, fancy ships to incorporate enjoyable shows.  Carnival invests heavily in comedians, then delivers mediocre production shows that are often filled with garbage (one of the house bands, an old movie, etc.) on off nights.  That said, for the price, Carnival delivers a great value.

You have not been on an Excel Class ship, so unless you have your opinion is based on second hand information.  The best thing that Carnival does versus all of their competitors is lunch time food options as well as comedy.  On the Excel Class there could be an adult show and a family show going on simultaneously in two separate venues. Carnival has stepped up their entertainment on the Excel Class ships but since you have not cruised on them, once again, it's second hand opinions.

All of the stuff that you say you don't want can be a money maker for the cruise lines as they attempt to eliminate the huge amount of debt they accumulated during the stoppage. 

The last time I was mesmerized on a cruise ship was back in the day when we cruised on the Carnival Destiny for the first time when it was the first cruise ship to break the 100 K mark.

[Illbcruzn4life]

3 hours ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

How was the postage stamp sized pool?

 

3 hours ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

How was the postage stamp sized pool?

It was small but did the job. Never more than 3-4 people in it. It was coldforthefirst few days so that kept it almost empty.

 

on the Jubilee next year but didnt opt for the Havana area.

[CruizinSusan70]

45 minutes ago, Illbcruzn4life said:

 

It was small but did the job. Never more than 3-4 people in it. It was coldforthefirst few days so that kept it almost empty.

 

on the Jubilee next year but didnt opt for the Havana area.

Smart move.  Enjoy the Jubilee, we won't sail on her unless she changes embarkation ports down the road.  Did Galveston once and that was enough, too much of a hassle to fly to.

Have four sailings currently booked on the Celebration, B2B's in September and January totalling 29 days.

[beshears]

CrusinSusan70, you have responded to my question before. I see that you have done the Carnival Celebration. I know this is just YOUR opinion, was there anything in particular that you didn't like about this ship, and I understand it is a pretty large ship (people) as well.

[beshears]

CruzinSusan70, I just seen another posting by you. You mentioned about not doing the Jubilee because of Jubilee's embarkation area. I know the Jubilee has not come out as yet, and I DID think about it, but I remember years ago we went on another cruise line and it was a brand NEW ship, and I could not believe all the BAD that we found, as well as many people complaining not only on the ship, but even on our flight home, so I think until it has cruised a while, I probably will be staying away.

[Itried4498]

4 hours ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

You have not been on an Excel Class ship, so unless you have your opinion is based on second hand information.  The best thing that Carnival does versus all of their competitors is lunch time food options as well as comedy.  On the Excel Class there could be an adult show and a family show going on simultaneously in two separate venues. Carnival has stepped up their entertainment on the Excel Class ships but since you have not cruised on them, once again, it's second hand opinions.

All of the stuff that you say you don't want can be a money maker for the cruise lines as they attempt to eliminate the huge amount of debt they accumulated during the stoppage. 

The last time I was mesmerized on a cruise ship was back in the day when we cruised on the Carnival Destiny for the first time when it was the first cruise ship to break the 100 K mark.

 

I was responding to your generalized posts, but I don't have to travel on the Excel Class to form an opinion.  Carnival's website tells me that the Excel staterooms are significantly smaller than the Vista.  And logic tells me that if Carnival is increasing space for upsell products (including shops, restaurants, lounges, etc.) plus adding fancy amenities like roller coasters elsewhere... something has to give.  (And BTW, a common architecture "trick" since the mid/late '00s is to use colors to make a small space feel bigger... and Carnival itself touts the colors used throughout the Celebration.)  And that something is almost undoubtedly the pool deck (e.g. space per passenger), theaters, etc. as this space has shrunk on every single class.

 

And no, the Excel Class did not step up the entertainment.  Per Saint Greg's website, the Mardi Gras introduced just one new production show, with three others being carried forward from older ships.  Again, Carnival's entertainment as a whole is underwhelming.  We did an 8-day Miracle cruise two years ago in which the sole entertainment in the theater was the Welcome Aboard show, three productions shows, Love & Marriage Game Show and the house band playing "one night only."  Any other cruise line would've brought on board magicians, hypnotists, destination experts, etc.  Not Carnival.  The cruise director and Fun Squad put on a heavily improvised show using office furniture as props that was actually pretty good and pretty bad at the same time, but deserved an A+++++ for effort.