Thinking of trying Carnival for the first time...

[dig21]

We have sailed with Princess 5 times and RCCL once. I found RCCL & PCL to be pretty similar overall and enjoy them both but I am now thinking it might be nice to try something new. I am considering either the Conquest out of Galveston or the Splendor of Los Angeles next spring. My DH really likes Princess and is a little hesitant about trying Carnival. We are pretty social but not really big partiers and we will have 2 teenagers with us. I'm just wondering if Carnival will be right for us and which ship (we have been to all the ports of call) Galveston and Los Angeles just happen to be the two most convenient ports for us.

[manmtnmike]

We have sailed with Princess 5 times and RCCL once. I found RCCL & PCL to be pretty similar overall and enjoy them both but I am now thinking it might be nice to try something new. I am considering either the Conquest out of Galveston or the Splendor of Los Angeles next spring. My DH really likes Princess and is a little hesitant about trying Carnival. We are pretty social but not really big partiers and we will have 2 teenagers with us. I'm just wondering if Carnival will be right for us and which ship (we have been to all the ports of call) Galveston and Los Angeles just happen to be the two most convenient ports for us.

 

I can only speak to Princess and Carnival...You'll absolutely love the larger cabin space on Carnival. The Deli and Pizza-24 hrs is great for kids.

I think you'll have a great time with Carnival.

[jleq]

I found RCCL & PCL to be pretty similar overall

Carnival is similar to both Princess/RCI. The color schemes are a litle more bright/pastel on CCL than the other two. Activities pretty much the same...as is service and pax on the ship. I've sailed multiple times on all three. Many enjoy the Carnival food. Carnival has an excellent "teen program" [called Club O2] for the kids.

[firefly333]

Since, you live in Calif, I would think that would be more convenient. The Splendor will be wonderfull, Id book it and save on the airfare. Nothing against the Conquest, but I live in Texas, so its a 5 hour drive for me.

 

I vote for the Splendor!!! lol. You will love it. The OVs are 220 s.f. , nice and big.

[Socref124]

the Conquest out of Galveston or the Splendor of Los Angeles next spring.

 

Since the Splendor is Carnivals newest ship, I would try her out of LA. You will have a great time and the two teenagers will have a blast. Whichever you choose, have a great time.

[cuyahoga11]

I am way way past the party days but Carnival gives me all I need on a cruise. Go and have a great time.

[flowerchild]

If you felt that Princess and RCCL had similar products, I'm sure you will enjoy Carnival... I've been on RCCL, NCL and Carnival and have noticed many more similarities than differences. Carnival does have the bigger staterooms and I;ve always enjoyed the casual ambiance.

[pamrose228]

Carnival great for teenagers, I have one. It is a louder, more boisterous cruise than RCI or Princess. At lot more casual and partylike atmosphere.

You'll love it!

[Payd]

We have sailed with Princess 5 times and RCCL once. I found RCCL & PCL to be pretty similar overall and enjoy them both but I am now thinking it might be nice to try something new. I am considering either the Conquest out of Galveston or the Splendor of Los Angeles next spring. My DH really likes Princess and is a little hesitant about trying Carnival. We are pretty social but not really big partiers and we will have 2 teenagers with us. I'm just wondering if Carnival will be right for us and which ship (we have been to all the ports of call) Galveston and Los Angeles just happen to be the two most convenient ports for us.

 

I notice you mention that you aren't big partiers. I wonder if the hype of years past about Carnival being the "fun, party till you drop" cruise line is making you think twice.

 

While I can't compare to Princess or RCCL, I can tell you our experience has been that people on Carnival have fun, but not in your face partying.

 

We are planning on taking our two teens on a cruise next March, I'm sure they'll love it.

[dig21]

Thanks for the great advice. While I do prefer the Caribbean over the Mexican Riviera, we are leaning towards the Splendor. It looks like a beautiful ship and it would be nice & easy to go out of Los Angeles since we live so close.

[swscruiser]

Hi,

We done all of the major lines except NCL, and agree that there are more similarities than differences. We got hooked on cruising with Carnival, 20 years ago. After 2 Carnival cruises we thought we had outgrown Carnival so we tried the other lines. All of them have been very good, However, we have returned to Carnival for our last 2 cruises. If you are going to relax and have fun you can not beat Carnival. We are now early Fifties with no children. We leave Next Saturday on the Glory.

 

Keith

[Captain'sgirl]

We have cruised 30+ times on a number of lines, and just returned from a cruise on the Miracle, first time on Carnival. Had always been leery of the Carnival because it had a reputation of being a rowdy "fun ship" line. To our delight it has turned into a wonderful family type cruise line, with a wide range of ages from young families, singles and seniors. Something for all. We traveled with daughter, son-in-law and grandson, and everyone had a great time.

[bluefintuna]

22 here on RCL, Princess, NCL and Carnival. We love Carnival's energy and do not see that passengers are rowdy. (Maybe because late at night we are either in the casino or in our cabin.) Two of our grandaughters loved Liberty; they had dinner with us and then off to Camp Carnival and all their new found friends. That was their first cruise and we loved seeing it thru their experiences.

[Muumuu]

A cruise is what you make of it. Do as much or as little as you want. I have enjoyed it with my family including grandsons and other times with my adult daughter for just a relaxation cruise.

I have only cruised on Carnival as it meets my needs and I have no complaints.