Carnival's Value

[rookie1920]

I am a first time cruiser going on the legend on 9/30 for a 7 night carribean.

 

I read alot about people having the wrong expectations for carnival when compared to the higher priced cruiselines. I dont get it, when i was looking for the cruise, all the fairs were the same, or almost. I found that carnival, norwegian, royal carribean, etc. were all around the same price.

 

when everyone says you get what you pay for on carnival, how much money are they talking about, because i for one will end up spending quite a bit on EVERYTHING in total for my cruise:

 

$1800 - cruise fair (balcony guarantee for 2 pp)

$500 - excursions

$250 - airfare

 

So i am close to 3k counting the money i will spend on the ship (alchohol, etc).

 

So how much should i expect to pay next time when i want to try a "nicer" line? 4k? 5k? Thats getting ridiculous. For that, you can have the best resort anywhere.

[terrib1964]

OK...granted I have only been on one cruise before (RC), and I'm going on one in a couple weeks with Carnival, so I'm no expert...by ANY means. But, my opinion is that quality is in the eye of the beholder. If you do your research, know what you want, and make an effort to find it...then you will have a good quality vacation.

I agree with you that I have not found a significant difference in price between Carnival and the other major lines.

I think most people understand and expect that Carnival is the "party line", and they plan for that kind of vacation. If they don't know that, and/or plan for it...then that is their own fault for not knowing what they were getting into. Fun is what YOU make it, and if you go with a good attitude, ready for whatever comes your way, don't let the little things get you down, and PLAN to have a great cruise...you will HAVE a great cruise.

 

[huxlemo]

I find Carnival to be the best value. We just got home from the Liberty and we paid just under $1000 for the cruise, $400 for the flights, $90 for pre-cruise hotel, and $200 for onboard stuff. That's cheaper than you would spend on a week long land vacation.

 

I was just looking for our next cruise and Carnival has the best prices.

[Casino Player]

I am a first time cruiser going on the legend on 9/30 for a 7 night carribean.

 

I read alot about people having the wrong expectations for carnival when compared to the higher priced cruiselines. I dont get it, when i was looking for the cruise, all the fairs were the same, or almost. I found that carnival, norwegian, royal carribean, etc. were all around the same price.

 

when everyone says you get what you pay for on carnival, how much money are they talking about, because i for one will end up spending quite a bit on EVERYTHING in total for my cruise:

 

$1800 - cruise fair (balcony guarantee for 2 pp)

$500 - excursions

$250 - airfare

 

So i am close to 3k counting the money i will spend on the ship (alchohol, etc).

 

So how much should i expect to pay next time when i want to try a "nicer" line? 4k? 5k? Thats getting ridiculous. For that, you can have the best resort anywhere.

 

Sir, congrats for choosing Carnival cruise line for this first cruise of yours. My first cruise was on the Carnival Triumph in it's first year of service. First, you should always look for a cruise that leaves near where you live. That way there is no airfare.

 

You will find that a cruise gives excellent value. It is a resort itself. The ship is your mode of transportation, all the food is covered, the entertainment is covered. The only things you will have to pay for out of pocket is: getting to the ship, any alcoholic drinks, soda, bottles of water, tips, casino, any bingo games you play, and of course any shore excursions. Where else will you find a deal like that?

 

By the way, where are you going to and for how long? $500 for shore excurions seems a bit high. You must have many ports of call.

 

This is your vacation sir, enjoy yourself and have fun.

[skittl1321]

First, you should always look for a cruise that leaves near where you live. That way there is no airfare.

 

 

Would you let me know what lines homeport in Iowa?

 

 

To the OP- when I was looking for a cruise I found that Carnival's fare's were much lower than other lines- we were able to get a balcony on carnival for what we would have spent to get an inside on RCCL. Now- if we wanted to the rock climbing wall, ice skating, flowrider etc- than we would have gone with the inside, for the same price. But what we wanted was the great view of the ocean and a ship to take us to Mexico, so Carnival it was.

 

The cruise vacation is much more affordable for us than a land vacation that would require airfare. But I agree it is expensive. We could easily do a cheaper vacation if we didn't fly- but when figuring out if we were going to spend 8 days in San Diego (the port we are leaving from) we would spend much more, even at a low priced hotel, then we will spend on the cruise.

[yst347]

I read alot about people having the wrong expectations for carnival when compared to the higher priced cruiselines. I dont get it, when i was looking for the cruise, all the fairs were the same, or almost. I found that carnival, norwegian, royal carribean, etc. were all around the same price.

 

 

Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean all compete for the same customer base. These are the three largest competing mass market lines.

 

The next step up would be Princess, Celebrity and Holland America

 

At the top are Crystal, Cunard, Radisson and Seaborne.

 

Fleet wide Royal Caribbean is probably a bit more expensive than Carnival or NCL but different itineraries will vary. The prices you see are close because you are comparing similar products.

[rsinj]

We've cruised with Disney, Royal Caribbean and just last week with Carnival. By far, Carnival was the best value. For the similar cabin, the service, and the entire cruise, there was no comparison from a money/value perspective.

 

Enjoy.

 

Howard

[SandyW]

I wish I understood what the definition of a "party ship" really was. My husband and I don't drink, we don't do much around the pool, we do go to the different show, lounges, games, and we have an excellent time. Unless these so called "wild parties" are taking place by the pools - before or after the mid-night bistro - we aren't even sure they exist. We've seen maybe 6 or so in a group who've had way too much to drink and are loud. Or perhaps the fact that people on Carnival stay up past 10 pm makes it a party ship....I don't know. We've been on 13 cruises leaving from California, Florida and New Orleans and I still haven't figured it out yet!

 

Ok...let me take Celebrity as an example...you can pay for a cabin on Celebrity where you have a person at your personal beck and call from morning until night. Other cruiselines have different educational classes as well as ballroom dance classes you can attend. I understand the decor on these cruiselines is more sophisticated. (I have to admit Carnival has a unique and fun way of decorating their ships...enjoyable to some...while others think it's over the top.) Plus, IMHO, those cruiselines are catering to the older adult and probably prefer fewer kids onboard.

[Wennfred]

I read alot about people having the wrong expectations for carnival when compared to the higher priced cruiselines. I dont get it.

 

Theres alot of people out there in this world that thinks paying more money for something is better, thats not the case as I read in Consumer Reports all the time.

 

I really don't care what cruiseline Im on as long as Im on vacation, its not about the money, I stay with Carnival because I like their food, service and routine but mainly the passengers are more down to earth and lively on Carnival.

 

 

Fred

[kellywhitehills]

I thought we got a great deal on our Carnival Alaskan Cruise. We had a huge corner aft cabin with a HUGE balcony that would have cost us at least 800-1000 bucks more per person on the other cruise lines..Times that by 2 ..HUGE savings..

[cruisecruisecruise1234567]

I am a first time cruiser going on the legend on 9/30 for a 7 night carribean.

 

I read alot about people having the wrong expectations for carnival when compared to the higher priced cruiselines. I dont get it, when i was looking for the cruise, all the fairs were the same, or almost. I found that carnival, norwegian, royal carribean, etc. were all around the same price.

 

when everyone says you get what you pay for on carnival, how much money are they talking about, because i for one will end up spending quite a bit on EVERYTHING in total for my cruise:

 

$1800 - cruise fair (balcony guarantee for 2 pp)

$500 - excursions

$250 - airfare

 

So i am close to 3k counting the money i will spend on the ship (alchohol, etc).

 

So how much should i expect to pay next time when i want to try a "nicer" line? 4k? 5k? Thats getting ridiculous. For that, you can have the best resort anywhere.

 

Welcome to Walmart.:D

 

Where can you get the best resort for $4000? Including airfare and excursions?

[BlueJacketsFan1]

They are pretty much with a few hundred dollars of each other. On our first cruise the different between RCCL and Carnival. We were able to get a balcony on Carnival for a little less money than we could a windon on RCCL. I sure things change from time to time and season to season. It never hurts to check around with other cruise lines for prices when booking.

[MarylandLady]

I wish I understood what the definition of a "party ship" really was. My husband and I don't drink, we don't do much around the pool, we do go to the different show, lounges, games, and we have an excellent time. Unless these so called "wild parties" are taking place by the pools - before or after the mid-night bistro - we aren't even sure they exist. We've seen maybe 6 or so in a group who've had way too much to drink and are loud. Or perhaps the fact that people on Carnival stay up past 10 pm makes it a party ship....I don't know. We've been on 13 cruises leaving from California, Florida and New Orleans and I still haven't figured it out yet!

 

When you find out that definition -- please pass it along. I'm going on my 12th Carnival cruise at the end of this month and, I, too, would like to know what a "party ship" is. My hubby and I usually have one drink a day before dinner, plus a bottle or two of wine during the week at dinner, and we don't do the pool (I'm much too fair!) The closest I have come to a Carnival "Party Ship" would be those that I was on back in the 80's!

[Dihead]

Carnival is exceptional value for us.

We booked the triumph in january - cruise (inside cabin), airfare and prenight hotel for approximately $850 pp (now we just have to budget for taxi, drinks, tips etc..)

I looked at other lines and no other could come near that price.

[SunnyinMA]

Welcome to Walmart.:D

 

Where can you get the best resort for $4000? Including airfare and excursions?

 

Cancun, MX and it included all drinks (alcoholic and non) and tips :)

[2Ports]

A lot of folks say that CCL, RCI, and NCL are all priced about the same on similar itineraries - not so if you compare the cabin sizes. To get an accurate comparison, you need to find a cabin class with the same approximate square footage. CCL insides and OV's are 98 percent (or so) 185 square feet. NCL and RCI don't offer many, if any, inside cabins this size, and the OV's close to this size are way more than on CCL. I've sailed in 145sf cabins, up to 192sf. Believe me, size matters. :p

 

And that's all without comparing food quality & choices (13 onboard resaraunts!! [except you have to pay extra for all but 4]) and service.

[mattmdv]

We were on the Legend this past May, and had a WONDERFUL TIME!!! We had a balcony (Our first, but NOT our last). We drove down, from Ohio, and flew back, did Swim with the StingRays, bought stuff to bring back home, bought a SodaCard, had, usually, at least 2 DOD's, and probably spend around $2100.00. Mostly, I think, it depends on you on how much you spend. It's our vacation, enjoy!!

Here's a link to some pictures from the Legend:

http://travel.webshots.com/album/559145634ftuDff

 

Matt

[cruisecruisecruise1234567]

Cancun, MX and it included all drinks (alcoholic and non) and tips :)

 

Can you be more specific?What place is it?Is it well liquor?

I live in FL which is closer than MA and the cheapest flights I can find are $500+ each.

Did that price include excursions? Diving,sailing,jet ski's,ect? Food all you can eat,including prime rib and Lobster?

 

I would love to find a land vacation which is a better deal than cruising.

[Luv2Pahty]

We just got back from our first Carnival cruise on Valor. IMHO, Carnival is a better VALUE than RCCL. Valor was $1200 cheaper that RCCL Freedom for the same week/itinerary(Eastern...St Thomas, St. Martin, Nassau) for 4 people(1 inside, 1 Balcony)

 

In a nutshell we found the food to be better on Carnival while the ship layout and decor is better on RCCL. Service was good on both. We would not hesitate to go with Carnival again, but may choose RCCL if the price was equal.

[firefly333]

If you booked a year in advance for that date, I saw prices around $719 for a balcony, so either you booked closer in after prices had gone up and/or including gratuities in the price you paid. For a September date you could have gotten it cheaper or transferred to a TA who would discount.

 

Excursions cost the same no matter which cruiseline you are on as does airfare. Sounds like you got a good deal on airfare, I paid about $300.

[rookie1920]

yes, i did book fairly close to the sailing date because it was last minute thing. So next time, i expect it to be cheaper since i will plan it out farther in advance.

 

I also didnt use a TA. Do they really get better deals? What TA did you use, and how did you chose them? Were they an online type or a real face to face meeting type?

[SunnyinMA]

Can you be more specific?What place is it?Is it well liquor?

I live in FL which is closer than MA and the cheapest flights I can find are $500+ each.

Did that price include excursions? Diving,sailing,jet ski's,ect? Food all you can eat,including prime rib and Lobster?

 

I would love to find a land vacation which is a better deal than cruising.

 

UGH - I spent about 20 minutes typing a reply and the board ate it :( Long story short - there is a travel agency here in MA that does week long charters to Cancun. They charter a plane that goes down and comes back every sat. You can pick any hotel you want and they give you a package price. We stayed at the The Golden Parnassus Resort & Spa Cancun (http://cancun-hotels.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g150807-d184989-Reviews-Golden_Parnassus_Resort_Spa-Cancun_Yucatan_Peninsula.html). If you want more info send me your email and I will retype all I lost...or here are pics: http://travel.webshots.com/album/393089061BQpiRe http://travel.webshots.com/album/393100782fBwRgy

 

I also think they time of year you go makes a difference in the price...same as cruising.

[mom23guys]

I think a lot has to do with the time of year you sail and the discounts available. We're sailing at Easter. The Valor, Millenieun(Celeb), and Westerdam (HA) are all the same price actually I think celebrity is a few hundred cheaper.. We can get the military discount on Carnival so that makes it cheaper. PCCL is about the same price as Carnival and Norwegan is a little cheaper. Maybe there's a greater difference in off season. These rates we're all for balcony cabis.

[cruisecruisecruise1234567]

UGH - I spent about 20 minutes typing a reply and the board ate it :( Long story short - there is a travel agency here in MA that does week long charters to Cancun. They charter a plane that goes down and comes back every sat. You can pick any hotel you want and they give you a package price. We stayed at the The Golden Parnassus Resort & Spa Cancun (http://cancun-hotels.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g150807-d184989-Reviews-Golden_Parnassus_Resort_Spa-Cancun_Yucatan_Peninsula.html). If you want more info send me your email and I will retype all I lost...or here are pics: http://travel.webshots.com/album/393089061BQpiRe http://travel.webshots.com/album/393100782fBwRgy

 

I also think they time of year you go makes a difference in the price...same as cruising.

 

 

Are you talking about the Liberty......company?

I took one of those out of BDL/Hartford airport and stayed at the Cancun palace.After I added it all up it was more than the cruise.The biggest difference was the food and entertainment. All those free shows on the ship cost allot when you are paying for them elsewhere never mind ths taxi fares.

I also can drive to any of 5 ports in 3 hours so airfare is not a factor either.

[firefly333]

UGH - I spent about 20 minutes typing a reply and the board ate it :( Long story short - there is a travel agency here in MA that does week long charters to Cancun. They charter a plane that goes down and comes back every sat. You can pick any hotel you want and they give you a package price. We stayed at the The Golden Parnassus Resort & Spa Cancun (http://cancun-hotels.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g150807-d184989-Reviews-Golden_Parnassus_Resort_Spa-Cancun_Yucatan_Peninsula.html). If you want more info send me your email and I will retype all I lost...or here are pics: http://travel.webshots.com/album/393089061BQpiRe http://travel.webshots.com/album/393100782fBwRgy

 

I also think they time of year you go makes a difference in the price...same as cruising.

 

I saw some super cheap Cancun deals in August last year too, its so hot that time of year I guess its not the time of year folks want to go to Cancum, some real bargains if you dont mind the heat.