Want to hear from Carnival-philes

cherole · November 18, 2006

Hi all,

My only cruise experience thus far has been on Celebrity, which I thought was outstanding, and will be doing again this Jan. 07.

Meanwhile, I have a friend who is planning a birthday cruise to Caribbean in Jan. 08, on Carnival. I'm trying to decide if I'll book a cabin.

I have to admit that I am a little concerned about Carnival, i.e. the service, ambience and so forth. Is it good or bad in general? The ship is the Victory, I think. I'm afraid that it will turn me off to cruising if it's too cheesy or cheap. I do hope that I'm not insulting anyone, just inquiring!

Thanks for any input, would love to hear from y'all.

JohnG · November 18, 2006

Carnival has a bad rap that comes from 10 years ago when it really was more of a frat boy, party hearty cruise line. Things have changed and Carnival, IMO, hasn't done enough to refresh their image. The newer, larger ships are elaborate with many facilities, supper clubs, and more. The newest class, the Conquest, Liberty, Freedom, Glory and Valor are more subdued than the earlier decor. I personally enjoy the waterslides!

The Victory entered service in 2000. I did a ship inspection of the ship this past summer, as this is the ship that sails from Norfolk several times a year. It is in excellent condition, including the new Carnival bedding.

I have had some of my best meals at sea aboard Carnival, and some of the very best broadway-style shows. 9 of my 29 cruises have been aboard Carnival, but I've sailed RCCL, NCL, Princess, Celebrity, HAL and others. If it is any indication, our next cruise is aboard Carnival Destiny.

Suzila · November 18, 2006

I have to agree with John. I cruised Carnival years ago and didn't like it. Said I'd never cruise with them again, then I won a Carnival cruise. Who's going to turn that down?

So, we gave it another try, and loved it. We've since cruised with them another 4 times, by choice. The food is very good, the service, as well.

I haven't been on Celebrity, but we've been on Princess, NCL, and Royal Caribbean. While I've enjoyed all the cruises, and all the different lines, I think I'd have to say that Carnival is the most fun to be on. They also seem to have more activities, better entertainment.

Gregswife · November 18, 2006

All of my cruises have been on Carnival. John is right - since they introduced their new line of Destiny class ships and larger, the decor is much more elegant and subdued. I love Carnival so have never felt any reason to try another line. The food is always good, the atmosphere is wonderful and I am treated like royalty. I have sailed on the Victory, and she is a beautiful ship. I know many people who have sailed with the line and none of them have experienced anything that would turn them off to cruising, nor have I experienced anything cheesy or cheap about the line.

Mebert · November 18, 2006

I don't have much to compare Carnival to. However, I find the service, food and entertainment on board good to excellent. The passengers are usually very orderly with few exceptions and there are formal nights and casual nights for dinner.

Although this is very subjective, I have never been on a Carnival cruise that I did not enjoy thoroughly.

Lisa63 · November 18, 2006

Cheryl, I agree with all of the above. We were on Carnival Victory this past summer and had a wonderful time. And, as you are going with a group of friends, I am certain you will enjoy, as well.

I wrote a review of the trip, which is available here: http://www.cruisecrazies.com/reviews/carni...ry/review=2.php

We were on a different itinerary, though, so some of this will not pertain to your cruise.

Let us know what you decide. And, I'm happy to answer any questions.

GottaCruz · November 18, 2006

We 've been on over 26 cruises, every single one with Carnival, except 1 on RC. We absolutely love Carnival and never saw a reason to switch. Our next cruise will definitely be Carnival again. We love the food , entertainment, everything. Good luck whatever you decide.

cherole · November 19, 2006

Thanks, everyone! I feel relieved and happy to have such glowing reviews for Carnival. I think I'll join my friend's birthday party!

Gregswife · November 19, 2006

Cheryl, I am sure you will have a wonderful time. Carnival does tend to have the same games going on every ship, such as the Not So Newly, Newlywed Game, and The Hairy Chest contest, so we usually skip those, but as you have never been on Carnival, these will all be new to you, so be sure to check them out. The evening shows are always great, and there is ALWAYS something going on. Let us know when you make up your mind for sure!!!

Shari2 · November 20, 2006

Glad to hear all the great reviews on Carnival. I haven't been on Carnival since 1987, and we are going to give them another try. We are sailing on the "Liberty" next September.