NCL Couple considering a Carnival cruise

[chill6x6]

7 hours ago, cruiseDH22 said:

Wifey and I have done 4 or 5 NCL cruises.  We are interested in a Carnival Cruise to Bahamas or Caribbean out of NY later this year.

 

What will we expect, not having experienced Carnival before.  What will we miss, and what can we expect in general?

 

I will probably post this on the Carnival forum as well, but looking for some expert insight and thought I will start here.

 

(Once you NCL you never consider anything else?)

You'll probably like it! I started out at Carnival....Not a while lot of difference. In some ways you'll like it better and in others you'll probably like the NCL way.

 

I say go for it and experience new things! 

[icft]

We've done forty two Carnival cruises and in January took our first NCL cruise. We are early in the process of basically switching to NCL as our primary cruise line.

 

Chances are you will have a great time on your Carnival cruise. Compared with the one NCL cruise we have taken on the Breakaway you will probably find food to be worse on Carnival and comedy to be far, far better on Carnival. Another big difference is that NCL seems to have lots of entertainment options that are in dinky little rooms, thus the need to book before the cruise. On Carnival we can Feel Free and decide on the spur of the moment what we want to do rather than need a social secretary to keep up with our schedule and hurry us along to our next appointment. But outside of comedy the entertainment is better on NCL, if you can get in.

 

On Carnival you will generally have two comedians the first half of a 7 day cruise and a different two comedians the second half. One of the things they have started doing is having the two comedians do back-to-back shows in the main auditorium near the end of that pair's time on the ship. So you have a long adult comedy show in a huge auditorium that can fit all who want to come. Carnival really does have great comedy between the individual comedian shows each day in the Punchliner club and the two big shows.

 

The main reason we are moving on from Carnival is that it has never recovered from covid. Food quality (quality of the ingredients) is very low. And a biggie for us is that just after covid Carnival made a big pitch to be the cheapest and has attracted some unsavory clientele who, even after their covid cash is gone, still pop up more often than we are comfortable with. Combine that with Carnival not enforcing its rules against antisocial behavior and we feel less safe than we like on Carnival.

[omahabob]

5 hours ago, UKstages said:

how does carnival do comedy?

 

You get a drink, take a seat on a balcony or upper deck, and watch the other Carnival passengers below. Hilarious.

 

We decided to go non-NCL next year, but I'd never go Carnival. My drunken party days are over. We're going on Celebrity.

[luv2kroooz]

You'll have a great time. We used to exclusively sail Carnival back in the day, then switched to NCL, but have now switched back to Carnival. We prefer longer itineraries on their newer ships If you are sailing out of NYC on the new Venezia, that ship is one of the most beautiful I have seen. It was designed for Costa originally. Also, if you are sailing out of NYC to the Caribbean, you'll be on a longer sailing which typically attracts a passenger base that is different from a 3 day cruise from Miami - less partying, less families.

 

Don't believe comments from confused members that don't sail Carnival about "partying hard" and being "drunk all day". I.mean there will definitely be opportunities for that as on any cruise line, but you can enjoy a classical trio, Latin band, movies up on deck, comedy shows, etc. something for everyone. Enjoy your cruise.

Edited March 22 by luv2kroooz

[Travelling2Some]

10 hours ago, Oakman58 said:

 

Sorry, double post.

Edited March 22 by Travelling2Some

[Travelling2Some]

10 hours ago, Oakman58 said:

 Also Carnival not only still does towel animals, at some point during a 7 day cruise those towel animals will take over one of the pools for a few hours in the morning.  Carnival is fun.

 

 

You know, when I walked by this in the early morning I wasn't sure if this was some new kind of fancy chair hogging or somebody had a lot of time on their hands.  Did not know it was a Carnival thing.

[floridafish]

What you don't get in specialty dining options they make up for with a Hairy Chest Competition on the Lido deck.

I happen to think their MDR food is a bit above NCL's in quality. 

The buffet on Carnival has gone way down hill. 

 

[graphicguy]

OP...only one way to find out is to try Carnival.  Who knows?  You may love it.

 

I've sailed a few Carnival Cruises.  The deal has to be right, and I have to be "in the mood" for a Carnival cruise.  Lots of similarities among Carnival, Royal and NCL.  

 

Carnival's a different "vibe".  Their reputation as the "party-hearty" cruise is well deserved.  If that's your thing, you'll feel at home.

 

Their Alchemy Bar is fun (if you can find a seat).

 

That said, the only Carnival cruise that vaguely interests me is the Venezia, which is a refurbished Costa ship (I think, not sure).  Pics make it look nice and totally different from Carnival's other ships.

[NYcruzzer]

Did you post this topic on the Carnival Board ? I bet you'll get more insight from recent cruisers there..

[TeresaJ]

We cruise both lines and feel they are more similar than different.  As long as you don't go on an old, small ship, you will be just fine! Happy cruising!

[MoCruiseFan]

On 3/21/2024 at 1:42 PM, cruiseDH22 said:

Wifey and I have done 4 or 5 NCL cruises.  We are interested in a Carnival Cruise to Bahamas or Caribbean out of NY later this year.

 

What will we expect, not having experienced Carnival before.  What will we miss, and what can we expect in general?

 

I will probably post this on the Carnival forum as well, but looking for some expert insight and thought I will start here.

 

(Once you NCL you never consider anything else?)

We sailed CCL one time and we will NEVER even consider it again.  Dirty rusty nasty ship.  Food VERY sub par.  No late night food other than half raw pizza that was so greasy that the grease poured off of it as you picked it up.  Crew only moderately friendly.  Not a very good casino if that is an area of interest for you.  Entertainemnt was fair at best.  Other than all that it was OK

[Tiffstar]

Comedy is about the only thing, next to price, that Carnival has going for them. Check out my post about my last experience on Carnival. And I do mean my last. I tried to give them another shot but it didn't work out. I will stick with NCL and Disney Cruise Line. My vacations are too important to me than to risk it on a Carnival Cruise. Beware!

[Tiffstar]

FYI - My Review of Carnival Legend:

I gave Carnival Cruise Line another try but they failed me again. Dirty windows with brown streaks of dirt. Overcrowded tender boats. Cold bbq chicken served at their private island lunch. Poor entertainment and not enough to do. No turndown service, even in suites.

 

And worst of all - mechanical failure, engine trouble left us motionless for hours. Due to the engine failure our cruise returned a day later, cost me and others money from loss of pay from our jobs to fees and charges for travel back home a day later.

 

You would think Carnival would offer some compensation of loss pay but they didn’t. They didn’t even offer a future cruise credit or discount. Carnival was unapologetic. Never again will I cruise Carnival - even if the cruise was FREE. Cruisers beware! You get what you pay for. Spend a little more and have a vacation that’s amazing on a cruise line that values its guests.

[cruiseDH22]

3 hours ago, NYcruzzer said:

Did you post this topic on the Carnival Board ? I bet you'll get more insight from recent cruisers there..

Yes I will do that

[amygutman]

On 3/21/2024 at 1:42 PM, cruiseDH22 said:

Wifey and I have done 4 or 5 NCL cruises.  We are interested in a Carnival Cruise to Bahamas or Caribbean out of NY later this year.

 

What will we expect, not having experienced Carnival before.  What will we miss, and what can we expect in general?

 

I will probably post this on the Carnival forum as well, but looking for some expert insight and thought I will start here.

 

(Once you NCL you never consider anything else?)

@cruiseDH22

We did it! We went from "never cruising in anything but a suite" to an old Carnival ship, the Liberty, for a last-minute cheapo long weekend cruise in an aft balcony. Did we love it? YES!!!!!!

We were honestly so surprised - none of the amenities we were used to, and still, we ate well, were incredibly entertained, had a hideously decorated but incredibly clean and comfy circa-1980's pink and orange room, and some of the nicest crew you have ever met. 

Carnival's tributes to our military and first responders and fund-raising for St Jude's were added benefits. 

We loved it so much we've booked 2 more Carnival cruises. It's a different experience than we have been used to, and if we had such a good time on such a small, older ship, than I cannot wait to experience some of the newer models. Different strokes for different folks though - each cruise and each cruiser are really different so try something new...you may love it!

Here's a link to my review:

Warmest Amy

 

[sailingships]

On 3/21/2024 at 1:42 PM, cruiseDH22 said:

Wifey and I have done 4 or 5 NCL cruises.  We are interested in a Carnival Cruise to Bahamas or Caribbean out of NY later this year.

 

What will we expect, not having experienced Carnival before.  What will we miss, and what can we expect in general?

 

I will probably post this on the Carnival forum as well, but looking for some expert insight and thought I will start here.

 

(Once you NCL you never consider anything else?)

NCL V Carnival The buffet is about the same as NCL. Buffet area is open all night for coffee and pizza. There's laundry rooms on every other deck for about $3 per wash and $3 for about 20 minutes drying time. Plus an iron and ironing board. Upper-level Lats called VIFP cruisers get free unlimited laundry. Theres a steak house for about $45 and the newer ships have a Teppanyaki and maybe an Italian restaurant but no Le Bistro nor Moderno.  The MDRs have set times with the same table usually 6pm and 8.15PM and an eat any time but you have to stay in whatever category you choose the whole cruise, unless you ask nicely. For TAs the early time is usually 5.30pm Theres usually 2 'Elegant nights where they frown on caps and shorts. The first night is lobster the 2nd usually Prime Rib. Gold (25 days) on up get a free drink. Theres usually a free party for the upper-levels but thats been scaled back to very little. When you first embark you can take a .75 ML bottle of wine onboard with no charge.  There is a way to take more than one but thats classified. For TAs and foreign countries you can bring back stronger stuff from the ports onto the ship no charge. but not in the Caribbean etc. Most of the ships have a big screen on the deck for movies etc Big games like the Super Bowl are shown there also. 

 

Edited March 23 by sailingships

[MoCruiseFan]

Well they are called the Walmart of the seas for a reason  Among them, same price structure and sane class of people.  Have fun LOL. 

[sailingships]

On 3/22/2024 at 9:45 AM, graphicguy said:

That said, the only Carnival cruise that vaguely interests me is the Venezia, which is a refurbished Costa ship (I think, not sure).  Pics make it look nice and totally different from Carnival's other ships.

For those who were on the Gem TA in December that was the Venezia that berthed next to us on the Monday we were in NYC

[KKB]

On 3/21/2024 at 12:42 PM, cruiseDH22 said:

Wifey and I have done 4 or 5 NCL cruises.  We are interested in a Carnival Cruise to Bahamas or Caribbean out of NY later this year.

 

What will we expect, not having experienced Carnival before.  What will we miss, and what can we expect in general?

 

I will probably post this on the Carnival forum as well, but looking for some expert insight and thought I will start here.

 

(Once you NCL you never consider anything else?)

Goodness NO!

MY POV.

We have sailed 40+ cruises over 20 years on most mainstream lines.

We sailed Carnival for 1st time in January & all we heard was how much we would hate it after sailing Celebrity, Princess, RCCL, etc.

We LOVED it!

Now, crew said the key to Carnival is longer cruises--7 days or less, particularly in Caribbean or MX Riv are booze cruises.

 

NOW--I had Venezia booked out of NYC in May...then I started to see a pattern of complaints for those cruises (I ignore complaints in reviews until I see patterns). LOTS of complaints of lots of poorly behaved unattended children. Decided that was NOT one I was willing to check out for myself!

 

[graphicguy]

15 minutes ago, KKB said:

Goodness NO!

MY POV.

We have sailed 40+ cruises over 20 years on most mainstream lines.

We sailed Carnival for 1st time in January & all we heard was how much we would hate it after sailing Celebrity, Princess, RCCL, etc.

We LOVED it!

Now, crew said the key to Carnival is longer cruises--7 days or less, particularly in Caribbean or MX Riv are booze cruises.

 

NOW--I had Venezia booked out of NYC in May...then I started to see a pattern of complaints for those cruises (I ignore complaints in reviews until I see patterns). LOTS of complaints of lots of poorly behaved unattended children. Decided that was NOT one I was willing to check out for myself!

 

I think ALL cruises are highly dependent on time of year….Spring Break, Christmas, Thanksgiving, July 4th, etc really draws out the kiddos.  The issue, some feel their job as parents is suspended once they board.

 

And, some adults suspend all sense of adulthood once they board, too.

 

I have no proof, but just noticed this seems more prevalent on Carnival, but you’ll find it on all lines.

[KKB]

5 minutes ago, graphicguy said:

I think ALL cruises are highly dependent on time of year….Spring Break, Christmas, Thanksgiving, July 4th, etc really draws out the kiddos.  The issue, some feel their job as parents is suspended once they board.

 

And, some adults suspend all sense of adulthood once they board, too.

 

I have no proof, but just noticed this seems more prevalent on Carnival, but you’ll find it on all lines.

NO doubt.

Celebrity 5 day spring break cruise w/ 75% FSU students--TOTALLY different vibe than usual Celebrity cruises!

Carnival--1st was 14 days so very few kiddos.

Last month 8 day New Caldonia on Carnival Splendor--this is like the Caribbean for Australia. FULL of young adults & kids. 12 day NZ cruise right after, totally different vibe.

[living at the beach]

After two disappointing NCL cruises this year- the first on the Viva from San Juan in January and the second on the Breakaway in March from New Orleans, I have booked my first Carnival cruise since 2015. I am Sapphire on  Norwegian and a solo cruiser so my Carnival interior cabin will actually cost more than my solo balcony on the Breakaway. So why? Well mostly because NCL doesn’t have the great entertainment that it used to have. Also I found too many of the food choices in both the MDR and specialty restaurants were way too salty. And after choosing NCL exclusively for the past seven years since my guy refused to travel on planes and go on cruise’s anymore NCL is so good for solos. About the entertainment. On the Viva we were supposed to have Beetlejuice but it was canceled and now is removed from future cruises. On the Breakaway all they had in the main theater was five dollars Burn the Floor and 2 okay comedians. The other venues for entertainment- Syd Normans and Headliners are so very small that you have to wait out in the hallway for at least 30 minutes to get a seat. Traveling solo and not into the casino entertainment is more important to me than to others. So I’m giving Carnival a try. According to recent CLL reviews their entertainment is better than it used to be and food is relative . I remember enjoying  the Blue Iguana and Guys Burgers and the Sea Day Brunch. By the way, I am 77 years old so wild partying is not my scene. But bigger pools and the Serenity lounge sound good. I’ll report back when I have come back from my cruise

 

[Travelling2Some]

35 minutes ago, living at the beach said:

On the Viva we were supposed to have Beetlejuice but it was canceled and now is removed from future cruises.

 

Wow, I know NCL seems determined to get rid of their Broadway style shows but this is the first time I have ever seen mention of Beetlejuice being removed from the Viva.  Are you sure?

 

Entertainment is very important to us too and NCL is becoming disappointing in that area.  We, too, have tried a couple of other lines recently because of this and also because of the frequent itinerary disruptions.  Royal seems headed in the right direction, making a serious effort to bring back their quality entertainment.  We recently tried the Carnival Mardi Gras.  Had a good time and were not sorry at all but not really a good fit for us. (Too much tech and hard to schedule things in advance.)

 

Agree with the rest of your post.  Like you, we choose a cruise for itinerary and entertainment.  Food and service have always been fine on any line (have not tried MSC).  We don't care about the age or size of the ship, and we don't have any use for racetracks, casinos, butlers, spas or even pools.  We just want to see the destinations and come back to a relaxing dinner, a decent quality show and wake up in the ports as advertised (barring weather or true emergencies, as we are reasonable people.)  

[omahabob]

On 3/22/2024 at 4:53 AM, luv2kroooz said:

You'll have a great time. We used to exclusively sail Carnival back in the day, then switched to NCL, but have now switched back to Carnival. We prefer longer itineraries on their newer ships If you are sailing out of NYC on the new Venezia, that ship is one of the most beautiful I have seen. It was designed for Costa originally. Also, if you are sailing out of NYC to the Caribbean, you'll be on a longer sailing which typically attracts a passenger base that is different from a 3 day cruise from Miami - less partying, less families.

 

Don't believe comments from confused members that don't sail Carnival about "partying hard" and being "drunk all day". I.mean there will definitely be opportunities for that as on any cruise line, but you can enjoy a classical trio, Latin band, movies up on deck, comedy shows, etc. something for everyone. Enjoy your cruise.

 

10 days on Beyond out of Ft. Lauderdale.

 

My comment about Carnival was somewhat tongue in cheek. The atmosphere can change quite a bit from ship to ship on the same cruise line, or even from cruise to cruise, so there are no absolutes. But you'd have to be fairly blind and deaf to not know Carnival very much has that reputation, and there must be at least some measure of truth to it. There are no guarantees, bu the smart person plays the odds.

[luv2kroooz]

1 minute ago, omahabob said:

 

10 days on Beyond out of Ft. Lauderdale.

 

My comment about Carnival was somewhat tongue in cheek. The atmosphere can change quite a bit from ship to ship on the same cruise line, or even from cruise to cruise, so there are no absolutes. But you'd have to be fairly blind and deaf to not know Carnival very much has that reputation, and there must be at least some measure of truth to it. There are no guarantees, bu the smart person plays the odds.

There is a lot of truth to it. Just go on a three four or five days cruise and you'll see it.

 

However, the question asked involves longer sailings from NYC. An informed cruiser picks their itineraries carefully to match the experience they desire.