Avoid Venezia at all costs.

[mz-s]

19 minutes ago, happy cruzer said:

I must have missed the well ventilated ships.  Every single one of the casinos that has allowed smoking reeked even before opening for business.  And the smoke escaped to surrounding areas. 

 

On one smaller ship with a small casino (i.e. about 3 people inside smoking) it was tolerable.

 

And then there is Celebrity :).

 

We do know the policies going in - just saying....

 

Obviously you're going to smell smoke in any smoking casino.

 

All I'm saying is some smoking casinos have worse ventilation than others.

 

There's nothing wrong with pointing out that fact.

[IntrepidFromDC]

15 hours ago, mz-s said:

 

Some people, particularly people who ... get good Casino offers, are willing to look past the ever degrading level of quality on Carnival. After all, it is said that it is possible to boil a frog alive if you slowly increase the temperature.

 

We gamblers are used to being called degenerates... but frogs???  Now you've really gone too far!!!

[IntrepidFromDC]

15 hours ago, BlerkOne said:

Sounds like the live trip report people are very discerning. I know I enjoyed my 2 weeks+ on Venezia and didn't experience anything like the OP did.

 

I also enjoyed Venezia on the initial TA sailing.

[mamiamjo]

6 hours ago, sparks1093 said:

I wish that I got free suites.

From my experience, the "Free" suites really aren't Free. They are usually paid for through Casino offers given to people that gamble quite a bit more than the average cruiser. I guess you can pay up front or pay in the Casino, but try not to pay both ways

[BlerkOne]

2 hours ago, mamiamjo said:

From my experience, the "Free" suites really aren't Free. They are usually paid for through Casino offers given to people that gamble quite a bit more than the average cruiser. I guess you can pay up front or pay in the Casino, but try not to pay both ways

Yet some on CC brag about how little they it actually gamble and get offers. At the end of the day, just about every cruiser overvalues themselve. Nobody is irreplaceable.

[fair-winds39]

We cruised on Carnival Venezia Oct. 14-23. It was 30th cruise for DH and a little less for me. Our last 10+ cruises have been on Carnival; the cruise prior to Venezia was Sept. 2022 on Carnival Legend. We decided to try the Venezia for what we thought might be a different experience. This latest cruise reinforced for us that the smaller, Spirit class ships were what we prefer.

 

The “Fun Italian Style” vibe fell a little short for us. That’s not to say we it was all bad. The Venezia is a beautiful vessel. The crew was fantastic, from our room steward to waitstaff, to all staff around the ship, We chose traditional late dining; it was rushed, the menus seemed a bit underwhelming or repetitious, the food quality slipping a bit. We felt that they were short staffed in our dining room, thus there was much less interaction with the waitstaff, and we’ve always enjoyed that on other cruises. But the waiters seemed so overworked, they really had no time to chit chat…too many tables, too few waiters to handle them. The Marketplace choices were a disappointment too, but there were other venues with a charge, and complimentary that were pretty good.

 

Casino was very small. Once you got into an aisle it took some maneuvering to get out.

Pool area was small. Ship layout was different, and not like the layout of other ships we’ve been on. Smart elevators worked well once you got used to them. Entertainment was okay. These are just some of the things that we liked or didn’t care for. Again, everyone has their own likes and dislikes.

 

We read a few reviews before our cruise, and were a little apprehensive, but we don’t choose a cruise based on a review. Everyone has different expectations when they cruise. I think we always hope for how it used to be, but times change, and what folks look for in a cruise now, is way different from what cruising was in the past and that’s fine.

 

All in all it wasn’t what we expected. One more thing,  it started off bad, with no organization at all in the Cruise terminal at both embarkation and debarking, it was the worst. They need to work on that for sure.

 

[NYcruzzer]

We were on same cruise as @fair-winds39.. This was a Premier cruise and the Casino was extremely crowded. Of all my cruises this was definitely the smokiest. Didn't stop us from playing. Utilized the non-smoking Casino when we needed a break from the smoke. Of course our favorite machines were in the main smoking casino.

 

Since we are Platinum check-in was a breeze with no signs of disorganization. 

 

 All That said this was definitely our least favorite ship/cruise on Carnival.  As a matter of fact we had another cruise on Venezia booked for this January. Final payment due 2 days after returning home. We decided to cancel that cruise (Casino Rate) and took the $100.00 PP hit . Also prefer the smaller ships. I'm ok with driving to Baltimore to make that happen.

 

 

[VentureMan_2000]

On 10/30/2023 at 4:39 PM, Rahi said:

The casino area to walk through -I felt sick, smoke, stale smoke, and what smelled like urine. Avoid this ship!! 

 

Hard to leave your slot machine when you are on a hot streak...  Urine leak is a likely consequence...  😂 

Edited November 1, 2023 by VentureMan_2000

[cmichael1221]

I was on Venezia last week and noticed nothing the OP mentioned, aside from some passengers who didn't know how to say please or thank you to anyone...  The main dining rooms are some of the nicest on any Carnival ship!

[TravelBluebird]

12 hours ago, IntrepidFromDC said:

On 10/30/2023 at 9:11 PM, BlerkOne said:

Sounds like the live trip report people are very discerning. I know I enjoyed my 2 weeks+ on Venezia and didn't experience anything like the OP did.

 

I also enjoyed Venezia on the initial TA sailing.

 

Well that makes 3 of us!  Really enjoyed it!

[fair-winds39]

15 hours ago, NYcruzzer said:

We were on same cruise as @fair-winds39.. This was a Premier cruise and the Casino was extremely crowded. Of all my cruises this was definitely the smokiest. Didn't stop us from playing. Utilized the non-smoking Casino when we needed a break from the smoke. Of course our favorite machines were in the main smoking casino.

 

Since we are Platinum check-in was a breeze with no signs of disorganization. 

 

 All That said this was definitely our least favorite ship/cruise on Carnival.  As a matter of fact we had another cruise on Venezia booked for this January. Final payment due 2 days after returning home. We decided to cancel that cruise (Casino Rate) and took the $100.00 PP hit . Also prefer the smaller ships. I'm ok with driving to Baltimore to make that happen.

 

 

We’re platinum too.  We used a limo service to get to port and when the car dropped 6 of us off in drop off area, port personnel were scrambling around. There were maybe 3 porters visibly loading luggage on their luggage trolleys haphazardly. It was crazy. We arrived around 10:30. Maybe a later arrival time would have been better. A drive to Baltimore works very well for us as well.

[NYcruzzer]

6 minutes ago, fair-winds39 said:

We’re platinum too.  We used a limo service to get to port and when the car dropped 6 of us off in drop off area, port personnel were scrambling around. There were maybe 3 porters visibly loading luggage on their luggage trolleys haphazardly. It was crazy. We arrived around 10:30. Maybe a later arrival time would have been better. A drive to Baltimore works very well for us as well.

We arrived around same time as you. We parked at the pier @ $45.00 a day woof. We walked up to a porter who was standing next to a trolley and handed him our luggage. Tipped him and went inside. Check-in at that time wasn't very busy. The waiting room for Platinum and Diamonds was standing room only !! Didn't want to sit in "Gen Pop" because we wanted to board early with Platinum and Diamonds..We sailed on "sister ship" Horizon. This ship seamed way more crowded.. For comedy, main shows, and Family Feud doors in main showroom opened 9:00 for a 9:30 show. Lines formed outside showroom at around 8:45.  If you first strolled in at 9:15 pickens were lean. The Theater did seem smaller then on other Carnival ships.. 

[cruizinisthebest]

My sister sailed the Venezia. And while she said it was a different experience than most of her cruises with Carnival, she enjoyed her vacation and said she would sail Venezia again. This time armed with the benefit of experience. 

 

And she wasn't in a comped room either. There isn't a ship in the fleet, any fleet, that hasn't been trashed. Usually with few details. Just headliners to get people to look (like me). And always, my advice and what I would tell anyone is to book the ship and trip you want and to go experience it for yourself. Don't let other people's opinions determine where you spend YOUR MONEY. 

[jsglow]

17 hours ago, NYcruzzer said:

We were on same cruise as @fair-winds39..

 

 All That said this was definitely our least favorite ship/cruise on Carnival.  As a matter of fact we had another cruise on Venezia booked for this January. Final payment due 2 days after returning home. We decided to cancel that cruise (Casino Rate) and took the $100.00 PP hit . Also prefer the smaller ships. I'm ok with driving to Baltimore to make that happen.

 

 

Interesting. Was this your first time on a Vista Class ship? (in Carnival world historically: Vista, Horizon, Panorama.) I know there are some differences but they are largely the same platform.

[NYcruzzer]

52 minutes ago, jsglow said:

Interesting. Was this your first time on a Vista Class ship? (in Carnival world historically: Vista, Horizon, Panorama.) I know there are some differences but they are largely the same platform.

Sailed on the Horizon Summer of 2018 out of NYC.. 

[jsglow]

4 minutes ago, NYcruzzer said:

Sailed on the Horizon Summer of 2018 out of NYC.. 

Did you like that ship better for some reason?

[NYcruzzer]

1 hour ago, jsglow said:

Did you like that ship better for some reason?

I did. The Horizon main pool area is much nicer than the Venezia.  It's unfair to compare a ship sailing pre-covid to now.  I still enjoy the Carnival Product. Just didn't really love my sailing on Venezia as much as all the others. 

I'm sure part of it has to do with all the Casino offers. I was told around 60% of the Pax (including us)  on our sailing were on a Casino offer. Made the casino way too crowded/smoky. I understand Carnivals strategy. Offer discounted/"free" cabins along with OBC and DOU and fill the ship. Also a packed casino will increase revenue that sailing.

[BlerkOne]

7 hours ago, NYcruzzer said:

I did. The Horizon main pool area is much nicer than the Venezia.  

But Venezia does offer a retractable roof over one pool allowing it to be enjoyed in all weather.

[havanadaydreaming]

Met a dude at sailaway who let us know the roof never retracts on the venezia.  He is on 2nd leg of B2B. 

 

Roof retracted first port day in st thomas.  

 

 

[MsTabbyKats]

The initial reviews of this ship were pretty bad.  I was considering to cancel, based a couple of things specific to us (slippery floors and crowded buffet)...but people on the ship reported back, and we decided to keep the reservation.  After that....reviews were quite favorable and I was happy that I didn't cancel.

 

I don't like a crowded casino...I generally do my thing there while DH is still sleeping (ok...probably the entire ship is still sleeping)....so I think I'll be ok...as long as I don't inhale.

 

But, stained chairs and soiled rugs....oh my, how will I last the week????(lol)

[abbeydoo]

I too am currently on the ship and have a different perspective to the OP. BUT, but, but, but.....I probably have a lower bar of just needing cleanliness, no work, sunny weather, cocktails on tap and on this trip, a good travel companion. 

 

What I really like - decor; although it is a lot more plush than other carnival ships and unless cleaning, and I mean thorough cleaning is a regular occurrence, I can imagine the ship will look grubby in a couple of years. There is so much material. Love main dining room decor too. Crew - all the crew I've interacted with have been super polite and helpful. I could never have a job where I need to remember the names of thousands of people and their preferred drink (or could be the fact I'm at the bar a lot). Fellow cruisers - although carnival has no control over this, other cruisers on this trip are great. There was an argument on lido one afternoon, security came but the guys shook hands and went about their business in under 5 mins. Bars - so many cool new drinks. Spicy mango Bellini anyone?? Terrazza area - loving my cabana. Have fallen out of the hammock twice. Wish there was a pool and not just hot tubs. 

 

What I don't like so much - lido buffet - I find the layout rubbish. Was on the celebration earlier this year and thought buffet layout was far more sensible. Food in general - it's not awful by any means and wholly subjective but I'm yet to have food served piping hot and I'm finding the MDR menus so so. Terrazza area - needs a gate between the general area and cabanas. Not enjoying the randoms walking past shouting 'oooh what's this, private rooms', I don't want to fall out the hammock in front of them and I don't want to hear loud voices. 

 

What I really don't like - Manhattan cruise terminal. Could've just been this cruise but in comparison to other terminals I've departed from, I found this terminal chaotic. Hoping debark is not the same. Casino - I'm both a smoker and degenerate gambler. You can find the casino by using your nose, the smoke small travels and lingers. I have been in ship casinos with much better filtration. It is also very hard to find a machine let alone one you want to play on at peak times. I also remain baffled why a non smoker sits next to me when I am smoking and produces theatrics when there is a non smoking section (not perfect but at least will not have a smoker next to you) and a whole non smoking casino annexe. Breakfast omelette - no jalapenos! This is obviously what has broken my whole cruise. 

 

And whilst I have not gone myself, queues for comedy shows are always really long. I also periodically smell weed. Doesn't bother me, I'm just jealous. 

 

All in all, I'm loving the ship.

[Stick93]

This ship cannot be worse than Sunrise which was in NY a few years ago. I wont go on Carnival in the summer from NY anymore -  the riff raff on the ship is too much. My last cruise we had people sitting outside their rooms in lawn chairs and smoking the goods stuff everywhere. It does happen on all the ships but less than Carnival.  Carnival is leaving again next December and then no ship in NY which is not so bad because the other options out of NY are better than the ships they have been sending up here. 

[havanadaydreaming]

Strongly agree about the lines for comedy consistently reaching the casino. 

 

Maybe its special to this voyage but much busier casino (like, always) and comedy show. Also trivia contests. 

 

I havent had any issues with buffet. It does get noticeably longer lines when one side shuts down at a prearranged time.  Buyer beware.  

 

Wife had first occurence of dude cutting in front of her in buffet line yesterday. Then having his girl get in front of him too. Verrrrrrrrrry disappointed i missed out on addressing the after dark tank top wearing beefcake. It got the folks behind her in a tizzy too. 

 

It does seem that multiple ice machines are inoperable in buffet.  Unsubstantiated rumor coffee shop icemaker down also.  

 

Im still having fun (and youre Still the One......)

[Destiny0315]

2 hours ago, havanadaydreaming said:

Wife had first occurence of dude cutting in front of her in buffet line yesterday. Then having his girl get in front of him too. Verrrrrrrrrry disappointed i missed out on addressing the after dark tank top wearing beefcake. It got the folks behind her in a tizzy too. 

Yup sounds like the classic Chat and Cut...

 

[IntrepidFromDC]

On 10/31/2023 at 11:15 PM, cmichael1221 said:

I was on Venezia last week and noticed nothing the OP mentioned, aside from some passengers who didn't know how to say please or thank you to anyone...  The main dining rooms are some of the nicest on any Carnival ship!

And yet someone else didn't like the dining rooms.  Personally I loved the dining room with the authentic, full-scale gondola.  Nothing else on the ship struck me with "Italy wanderlust" like seeing that gondola up close.