I prefer Carnival

[woodman]

I have noticed in the last few days a number of very negative posts regarding cruises on Carnival ships. To a post they are all new posters to C/C.

This I have noticed is generally the case so I pay very little attention to these type of posts.

My wife and I have cruised for a number of years and have enjoyed every Cruise we were on. We have been only been on RCI and Carnival. We are fans of Carnival. I have nothing negative to say about RCI the last ship the Mariner of the Seas is an awesome ship, the service was great and the food very good to fair. The same can be said for all our Carnival cruises. We still prefer the fun ships because they are fun. I am sure there are some people that have had really bad experience on a particular cruise ship. You can't make every one happy. For the most part you have to have a good time you are on a cruise ship and not at work.

[Guest CRUZIN' SUZIN]

I have done NCL and RCCL as well as several Carnival cruises. I travel solo and if I had to book on NCL or RCCL, I would do 1 cruise a year. With Carnival I can do two 7 day cruises and maybe squeeze in a 3-5 day quickie. All for the cost of 1 solo cruise on RCCL and/or NCL. (My 7 night NCL cruise was $1,800 for an inside guaranty.) That is more than my three cruises on carnival.

 

Also, as a solo traveler, Carnival ships are more lively, the passengers more friendly and the activities more inclusive so on a Carnival ship you never feel "alone." I did NCL solo and while I enjoyed it, there were times when I felt "alone" because no one cruises on that particular itinerary (Hawaii) solo with NCL.

 

There are some shortcomings to Carnival (none that come to mind) but, all in all, Carnival is probably more my station in life and I am most comfortable on a Carnival cruiseship than on a land vacation or one of the other cruiselines.

[truecruiser]

You did the Hawaiian Islands? You stink!:p

[Guest CRUZIN' SUZIN]

You did the Hawaiian Islands? You stink!:p

 

Yeah, I did the Norwegian American Pride of America in October 2005. The only reason why I spent so much on the cabin was I wanted to do that itinerary. It was great for seeing the different islands but the average age of the passengers were probably 65+.:eek: I have been to Hawaii a number of times and for many reasons, Hawaii attracts a much older tourist base than other vacation destinations.

 

I had a good time b/c I, like usually, found my on-ship, night owl drinking buddies (two couples) and we had a ball. I am still in contact with them via email. It was a lovely cruise but not one that I feel a need to do twice.

 

On carnival, $1,800 buys me all of my cruises and my tips and my foo-foos for the year.:eek:

[truecruiser]

i've been to hawaii, but never on a cruise. and we actually had a trip scheduled for aug '07 (another land trip, not a cruise), but ended up cancelling and going to see my brother instead. glad i saved the $, b/c i was able to book feb '07 cruise (but not to hawaii, sadly).

[Casino Player]

I have noticed in the last few days a number of very negative posts regarding cruises on Carnival ships. To a post they are all new posters to C/C.

This I have noticed is generally the case so I pay very little attention to these type of posts.

My wife and I have cruised for a number of years and have enjoyed every Cruise we were on. We have been only been on RCI and Carnival. We are fans of Carnival. I have nothing negative to say about RCI the last ship the Mariner of the Seas is an awesome ship, the service was great and the food very good to fair. The same can be said for all our Carnival cruises. We still prefer the fun ships because they are fun. I am sure there are some people that have had really bad experience on a particular cruise ship. You can't make every one happy. For the most part you have to have a good time you are on a cruise ship and not at work.

Howdy Woodman. First, lets take a look at the largest cruise line. It's Carnival Cruise Lines. It got to be the largest because people decided they liked the product that Carnival puts out. More people go on Carnival cruises than any other cruise line.

 

My wife and I have also been on RCCL. They put out an inferior product than Carnival does. The food isn't as good and the service is terrible. There is a worse cruise line than RCCL though.

[FastFreddie]

Like you Woodman, I don't think I had a bad cruise. I like Carnival, and I like Celebrity. They are 2 different atmospheres. Unique in their own way. I prefer the food on Celebrity. I prefer the cigar bar (in particular) on Carnival. Also I think there are more "down to earth" people on Carnival. I like the age range on Carnival as well. Will I ever cruise Celebrity again ... You Betcha! Carnival .. of course. I'd like to try a lot of other lines too like HAL and Princess. It's just time and money ... I'm runnning out of both

 

 

FF

[98Charlie]

A number of negative postings about any cruise line come from people who are

1. First time posters and/or
   
2. Never cruised the line they are posting about (passing along hearsay) and/or
   
3. Have cruised the line one time only (and then under duress)
   
4. Have cruised the line and had a real problem or series of problems that would be a valid reason to not cruise the line again.
   

We have been on 16 cruises on 5 lines in 4 years. Each one was good, some better for one reason or another.

 

Each cruise line has it's own "personality". Certain lines are going to be better for some passengers since the personality matches. (Since we have enjoyed each cruise, maybe we have multiple personalities:D )

 

While we have had things that we would change on most every cruise, we have never encountered anything that would prevent us from cruising the line again.

 

JMHO,

 

Charlie

[Sandi149]

I have only taken one short Carnival cruise and had a great time. We thought the service, food, shows were excellent. We loved it so much that we are booked on an 8 day E. Caribbean cruise in June. I think Carnival puts out a fine product. One day I would also love to try RCCL (especially their Voyager class ships), HAL, Princess and Celebrity. I don't think any of the cruise lines will be 100% perfect. Hey life isn't perfect. I think some people really look to find things wrong. I read these boards and the reviews every day and some of things that people pick on are absolutely ridiculous. Instead of concentrating on the bad, they should concentrate on the good things. I think then these people would have had a much better time. Like Casino Man said, Carnival didn't get to be the largest cruiseline for nothing. Obviously they are doing something right. Also like 98Charlie said, most people who bash Carnival have never even been on it and are only going by what they "heard". I believe nothing of what I hear, and only half of what I see. Before I took my cruise in Oct, I read the reviews, posted on here and asked lots of questions and then I still formed my own opinion. Life is way too short and when I am on vacation I can have a great time wherever I am. As long as I don't have to cook the food, serve it, make the beds, clean or go to work then I am a VERY happy camper. :D

[nannylynn]

I have noticed in the last few days a number of very negative posts regarding cruises on Carnival ships. To a post they are all new posters to C/C.

This I have noticed is generally the case so I pay very little attention to these type of posts.

My wife and I have cruised for a number of years and have enjoyed every Cruise we were on. We have been only been on RCI and Carnival. We are fans of Carnival. I have nothing negative to say about RCI the last ship the Mariner of the Seas is an awesome ship, the service was great and the food very good to fair. The same can be said for all our Carnival cruises. We still prefer the fun ships because they are fun. I am sure there are some people that have had really bad experience on a particular cruise ship. You can't make every one happy. For the most part you have to have a good time you are on a cruise ship and not at work.

I do not agree with you...How old are you. we are 64 and 66. been on over 30 cruises, and find carnival one of the worst..been there done that.

[denb]

When I'm on a Carnival cruise, I prefer Carnival.

When I'm on a Royal Caribbean cruise, I prefer Royal Caribbean.

When I'm on a Celbrity cruise, I prefer Celebrity.

I'm sure if I was on a Princess cruise, I would prefer them.

I'm sure if I was on a NCL cruise, I would prefer them.

etc. etc. etc.

 

Charlie's observations/comments are dead right. The posts that crack me up the most are the ones that rip a cruise line up one side and down the other and have a list of past cruises from only one line, and not the one they ripped. They go on and on about why their cruise line is the best. Now there's some real experience talking.... NOT. I guess some people just need to reassure themselves why they shouldn't 'step outside the box'.

[TakeMeAway1001]

Good post! I have no objection to people posting their opinions at all, however it kind of makes me think when a post contain a ton of negative stuff. I think everyone has a few things that are not what the expected and might not be up to their standards but I do get a chuckle when the whole post is a huge rant from the food to the decor to the softness of the robes.I have always stood by my belief that a cruise is for the most part what you make of it. I honestly could care less about the color or the decor, the fact that a shelf might be broken, my robe isn't a soft as I expected etc.

I make the most of my cruise, the embarkation line might be huge, the room might not be ready when I get there, the pool chairs might be gone when I make it to the pool but I really don't care because I am on vacation. I am not sitting in traffic, dealing with angry patients, my meals are cooked, my bed is made and the scenery can't be beat. I think attitude plays a huge part in how your trip turns out :)

[Sandi149]

Good post! I have no objection to people posting their opinions at all, however it kind of makes me think when a post contain a ton of negative stuff. I think everyone has a few things that are not what the expected and might not be up to their standards but I do get a chuckle when the whole post is a huge rant from the food to the decor to the softness of the robes.I have always stood by my belief that a cruise is for the most part what you make of it. I honestly could care less about the color or the decor, the fact that a shelf might be broken, my robe isn't a soft as I expected etc.

I make the most of my cruise, the embarkation line might be huge, the room might not be ready when I get there, the pool chairs might be gone when I make it to the pool but I really don't care because I am on vacation. I am not sitting in traffic, dealing with angry patients, my meals are cooked, my bed is made and the scenery can't be beat. I think attitude plays a huge part in how your trip turns out :)

You hit the nail right on the head!!! It's all in a person's attitude. Great post. :)

[Sandi149]

I do not agree with you...How old are you. we are 64 and 66. been on over 30 cruises, and find carnival one of the worst..been there done that.

 

Ohhhh look, a 1st time poster. :rolleyes: Just like 98Charlie said.

[nomoreknothead]

I'm a loyal RCCL fan! But that may be only because that's the only line I've cruised on!!! We will be sailing on our first Carnival cruise in about 6 weeks and to tell you the truth ---- I'm so excited!!!! Will I compare the two line sure. Will I find things I prefer, sure. Will I have a horrible time just because of those few things I prefer RCCL, Absolutely Not!!! I'm going to have the time of my life! My goal(dream) is to cruise every line and at least one ship from every class!

 

 

PS: This is only from what I have heard. I think RCCL has a better perk system for return guest! I will find out for sure after I cruise Carnival!

 

 

HAPPY SAILS!!!!!!!

[mregelmommy]

I agree it is all in the attitude but some people do have a bad time and maybe it not something big but tons of little things. After so much you could get fed up. People have every right to post negative things its thier opinion. If it is so bothersome to people to hear negative things why read the post. Not everyone is going to like the same things or enjoy the same experience. If this forum is for only postive comments why is it called cruise CRITIC. And just because someone only has a few posts or even one does not mean anything. I have been reading this forum for a year and only decided to start posting right before we left. I have read plenty of negative things from people ,who have many more posts then I do, that I did not find to be true for me when I went on the cruise. I take everything I read with a grain of salt. This is a public forum that is open for discussion. People have a right to be negative and people have a right to give opinions. No matter how you feel on the subject.

 

 

I forgot to add that I love carnival just finished a cruise with them and plan on returning when we have the money!

[Sandi149]

I agree it is all in the attitude but some people do have a bad time and maybe it not something big but tons of little things. After so much you could get fed up. People have every right to post negative things its thier opinion. If it is so bothersome to people to hear negative things why read the post. Not everyone is going to like the same things or enjoy the same experience. If this forum is for only postive comments why is it called cruise CRITIC. And just because someone only has a few posts or even one does not mean anything. I have been reading this forum for a year and only decided to start posting right before we left. I have read plenty of negative things from people ,who have many more posts then I do, that I did not find to be true for me when I went on the cruise. I take everything I read with a grain of salt. This is a public forum that is open for discussion. People have a right to be negative and people have a right to give opinions. No matter how you feel on the subject.

 

 

I forgot to add that I love carnival just finished a cruise with them and plan on returning when we have the money!

Negative comments and critisism is one thing.....bashing is another. There is a lot of bashing going on.

[Cruising89143]

A number of negative postings about any cruise line come from people who are

1. First time posters and/or
   
2. Never cruised the line they are posting about (passing along hearsay) and/or
   
3. Have cruised the line one time only (and then under duress)
   
4. Have cruised the line and had a real problem or series of problems that would be a valid reason to not cruise the line again.

We have been on 16 cruises on 5 lines in 4 years. Each one was good, some better for one reason or another.

 

Each cruise line has it's own "personality". Certain lines are going to be better for some passengers since the personality matches. (Since we have enjoyed each cruise, maybe we have multiple personalities:D )

 

While we have had things that we would change on most every cruise, we have never encountered anything that would prevent us from cruising the line again.

 

JMHO,

 

Charlie

 

I agree with the above. My first two cruises with Carnival were not that great and had it not been for friends I really would not have enjoyed them but I gave Carnival another try and ended up cruising with them 13 more times after those first three.

 

Carnival is no longer my first line of choice but that's why we have so many choices to pick from. :)

[jbhcw]

We've never taken a cruise that we didn't like:) Carnival keeps calling us back becaue of the price, availibility, different cruise lengths and now that we're platinum, the perks!!! I loved our one HAL cruise and want to do another, even though it's a slightly different product than Carnival. The only cruise line I might not do again is NCL as I didn't really like freestyle dining.

 

A positive attitude it the best thing to take on a cruise, nothing will ever be perfect and if you just chill and go with the flow, things usually turn out okay, and even if things don't turn out okay, it's not always the cruiseline's fault.

 

I've enjoyed CC for many years and have learned a ton of stuff here, and I love it all, the good, bad and the ugly (It's funny sometimes:D )

[crusinpsychRN]

I was "lurking" on the Cunard thread yesterday and did not find one negative post. They were very interesting as well from people all over the world.

 

I've always had the best time on a Carnival ship and the price is unbeatable! (Don't tell them that!):D

[yogimax]

 

 

PS: This is only from what I have heard. I think RCCL has a better perk system for return guest!

 

Yes, this is indeed true. It is one of the major advantages that RCCL has over CCL for returning cruisers.

 

We have sailed both lines, enjoy both immensely. If I had to choose, I'd give RCCL a slight advantage, due to their loyalty program and Voyager Class ships

[Guest CRUZIN' SUZIN]

Good post! I have no objection to people posting their opinions at all, however it kind of makes me think when a post contain a ton of negative stuff. I think everyone has a few things that are not what the expected and might not be up to their standards but I do get a chuckle when the whole post is a huge rant from the food to the decor to the softness of the robes.I have always stood by my belief that a cruise is for the most part what you make of it. I honestly could care less about the color or the decor, the fact that a shelf might be broken, my robe isn't a soft as I expected etc.

I make the most of my cruise, the embarkation line might be huge, the room might not be ready when I get there, the pool chairs might be gone when I make it to the pool but I really don't care because I am on vacation. I am not sitting in traffic, dealing with angry patients, my meals are cooked, my bed is made and the scenery can't be beat. I think attitude plays a huge part in how your trip turns out :)

 

I think that there are times when things do not meet a person's expectation and it colors the entire cruise/vacation for them. I don't know if I think it has to do with a good or bad attitude. People go on vacation for many reasons - if something happens that hinders that -- well then you know what the post will harp on. If something is very important to you (like a formal dining experience or prompt room service, for example) then "a cruise is what you make it" does not apply. Everyone can not roll with the punches and make lemonade with lemons. I don't know how many people go on vacation with a bad attitude about the vacation looking for something to ruin it (there are a few that do). I think little things just build up until the entire vacation/adventure is painted an unpleasant tint and what would normally not be an issue is now just another example of the horribleness of the cruise, cruiseline, cruise industry or what have you.

 

When I read a negative review (I have done a few myself), I can only hope that over time, like myself, the poster can start to remember the good of the vacation and forget the negative. Someone compared it to the pain of labor. I, for one, panned the Destiny when I came back in October. However, I am actually contemplating doing that ship again because I enjoyed those islands so very much.

 

The question for me is . . . was the good gooder than the bad was badder?:p I am on the fence with my situation.

[firefly333]

I preferred a lot of things on Carnival. When I said I liked those sleep comfort beds on Carnival better than the harder beds on Princess some got defensive saying they liked firm beds. lol

 

Guess we will have to make this our own little secret that some things on Carnvial are great too. I liked their pizza best too. shhhhhh.

 

One thing I noticed in my Carnival cabin that Im not sure who else had (maybe your cruise experts can tell me), the top two drawers in the desk were tied into the safe so when you locked the safe those drawers were locked. I locked up my laptop in the drawers.

 

Took care of the problem of that little safe nicely. Not sure if this was just lucky or it's common that the drawer in the desk lock with the safe.

 

I also enjoyed the shows more on Carnival. Princess had too many commedians and magicians and one night the hyponotists. I prefer singing and dancing.

[waterbound]

I have to say that we prefer Carnival also.. We went on RCCL last year and while it wasnt a bad time, it just wasnt as great of a time that we have had in past on Carnival.. We decided when we went on our cruise this past year that we would give RCCL another chance to see how we like it.. well..... We still prefer Carnival.. again we didnt have a bad time, but there just wasnt anything that was that great.. it was just ok.. I think Im done with RCCL and will try others instead.. We are cruising next month again and decided this time to try Princess since Grand is still going out of Galveston and I thought I heard a rumor that it might not be too much longer so we thought while we have the chance we want to cruise on her.. so we'll see how it goes..

 

I dont know how to explain the difference but its just the atmosphere I guess that is different for us.. We are taking my parents on a cruise in May this next year and I already know it will be Carnival, most likely Conquest since my dad doesnt want to fly but I think we will have a great time as we have had in the past..

[Sharkin97]

We took our first cruise earlier this month, on the Pride. It was absolutely fantastic, and we will be going again as soon as possible. We really enjoyed ourselves. Maybe the next cruise will be on Spirit...as she docks a short 5 dollar cab-ride from the residence. If not Spirit, then Pride.

 

Maybe some folks have expectations that are way too high. I thought the service was excellent...everywhere...and outstanding in instances. If you are looking for 1-on-1 service, dont travel with 2400 people... plain and simple. Place yourself in the context that you are one of 2400 guests, and the quality of service improves greatly. I was always called by name (from memory) after the initial introduction. I certainly can't remember 2400 names, and replace that list of names every week. Our room stewardess had 35 rooms to attend to at least twice per day..... and she ALWAYS had a smile on her face and a warm greeting....treating us almost like family.... except better!

 

It's ok to be CRITICAL. Its NOT okay to be critical and subjective. Some folks make it seem like Carnival was out to ruin their vacation...and in those instances where things actually happen(such as a hurricane where ports of call get cancelled etc) they make it seem like they were the only passengers who it happened to.... " we didnt go to the ports we paid for"...but somehow EVERYONE else on the ship did.....

 

Maybe these are the same folks who would refuse winning a gozillion dollars because they would "have to pay taxes on it".