Sailing Carnival (crying on the inside)

[rufio]

My parents' 30th anniversary was this past September and for their anniversary they asked that we all go on a cruise together (parents, my husband and me, and my brother). DH and I have only cruised Disney in the past, but we knew that was not an option for the whole family because of the price. We'd hoped we'd at least get to sail Royal Caribbean! Alas, we leave on the Carnival Magic on February 25th. I literally have no idea what we're going to do on this ship for a week. On Disney we went to broadway-style shows, saw movies in the theater, etc. It seems like all there is on Carnival is gambling, comedy shows, and the hairy chest contest. Any advice?

 

[21stamps]

I have never been on Carnival, but if I didn't already have 2 cruises this year I would have booked the Vista in a heartbeat! I've looked at it extensively..and read a million positive reviews.
I'm going on NCL for the first time this June..I had a few similar concerns as you (more like "will my kid enjoy this?") but I'm not very excited about our trip.

I don't think you will have a horrible experience, or even a bad one. You'll still have shows, etc. Admittedly I don't know anything at all about, or have ever looked at the Carnival Magic. Check out the features and amenities on the website. Join a trip club on Facebook and Cruise critic! I'm sure there's plenty to enjoy!

 

[rob0519]

I'm sorry to say this, but Carnival is indeed the budget party line it's portrayed to be. Like any vacation it will have it's good points and bad points. There are nightly movies on deck on the big screen. The lines to get into the comedy club start forming an hour before showtime and the late show is definitely adults only. Yes, there is a casino, which brings with the all the smoke of a land based casino. There is no sefl serve soda fountain, so if you have the soft drink package, you or your children will have to hope to get a bartender's attention to get a drink.

Concentrate on spending time with the family. If you don't want to see the hairy legs contest find something else to do. Our first cruise was on the Wonder and quite frankly, we got spoiled. Our next was on the NCL Escape. I felt the same way about that ship as you do about the Carnival Magic. Once on board though, I actually had a good time. It wasn't Disney, but it was time away from the office and time with the family. Relax and have a good a time as possible.

 

[rufio]

I'm sorry to say this, but Carnival is indeed the budget party line it's portrayed to be. Like any vacation it will have it's good points and bad points. There are nightly movies on deck on the big screen. The lines to get into the comedy club start forming an hour before showtime and the late show is definitely adults only. Yes, there is a casino, which brings with the all the smoke of a land based casino. There is no sefl serve soda fountain, so if you have the soft drink package, you or your children will have to hope to get a bartender's attention to get a drink.

Concentrate on spending time with the family. If you don't want to see the hairy legs contest find something else to do. Our first cruise was on the Wonder and quite frankly, we got spoiled. Our next was on the NCL Escape. I felt the same way about that ship as you do about the Carnival Magic. Once on board though, I actually had a good time. It wasn't Disney, but it was time away from the office and time with the family. Relax and have a good a time as possible.

I just found out about the soda and smoking in the casino last night and I am just shocked. I can't believe that they don't include soda in the price! And WHAT YEAR IS IT with the smoking indoors?? We aren't gambling people in the first place, but I'd thought we might end up in the casino at least once with a week on board. Unfortunately, my husband's dad died of lung cancer so our chances of going to the casino are now zero. I have no interest in comedy shows, especially if I'm expected to wait an hour in line to get in... I'm trying so hard not to be pessimistic but I have definitely been spoiled by Disney. :/

 

[21stamps]

I just found out about the soda and smoking in the casino last night and I am just shocked. I can't believe that they don't include soda in the price! And WHAT YEAR IS IT with the smoking indoors?? We aren't gambling people in the first place, but I'd thought we might end up in the casino at least once with a week on board. Unfortunately, my husband's dad died of lung cancer so our chances of going to the casino are now zero. I have no interest in comedy shows, especially if I'm expected to wait an hour in line to get in... I'm trying so hard not to be pessimistic but I have definitely been spoiled by Disney. :/

I don't know of any cruise lines that include soda, besides DCL. DCL charges you for it too though, just rolled in their price.

I say this all of the time- if you go into something looking for the negatives then you will find them. You're going on a cruise, don't compare, don't neg yourself out before you leave, just have fun being on vacation with your loved ones. That's all that matters.

 

[rob0519]

I just found out about the soda and smoking in the casino last night and I am just shocked. I can't believe that they don't include soda in the price! And WHAT YEAR IS IT with the smoking indoors?? We aren't gambling people in the first place, but I'd thought we might end up in the casino at least once with a week on board. Unfortunately, my husband's dad died of lung cancer so our chances of going to the casino are now zero. I have no interest in comedy shows, especially if I'm expected to wait an hour in line to get in... I'm trying so hard not to be pessimistic but I have definitely been spoiled by Disney. :/

The best thing you can do for yourself, as someone else stated, is not try to compare the two cruise lines. We loved DCL, but for us the prices, which were much higher than most cruise lines, continued to go up and up and up. Carnival cruises are significantly less expensive than DCL, so it is unreasonable and unfair to compare the two. Think of it as you owning a luxury car and then on vacation you wind up renting a middle of the road compact car. Both get you from A to B just not in the comfort you're used to or desire.

Most, if not all, cruise lines, except Disney have casinos. DCL may not charge for soft drinks, but that cost is buried in each fare.
Look into some excursions, schedule some time in the spa and hopefully you'll have a relaxing cruise. It would be interesting if you came back and posted a review of the cruise here. Try to stay positive.

 

[Laketravis]

I did a 7-day cruise on Carnival Magic a couple of summers ago (2015). I was very apprehensive on what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised at the quality (and quantity) of food/beverage and activities. One of our shore days was cancelled because of high winds that prevented us from docking, so that provided a three day stretch "at sea" and a growing case of cabin fever until we got to the next port. I know I would have enjoyed it much more if not for that long stretch of nothing, even with the many additional activities they planned for everyone. I don't gamble either and stayed away from the casino. I did not do the unlimited alcoholic drink or soft drink program and ended up spending less on those then what either would have cost. Maybe if you look at it as inexpensive transportation/lodging/food to some pretty cool destinations you'll be fine

 

[CJR]

My experience with Carnival was pretty good and that was on one of their older ships with fewer activities and pools. I mean, it's not a prison camp, but a vacation. It's a fun, high spirited atmosphere designed to encourage people to have a great time.

Disney's better, but that doesn't make Carnival bad IMO. It's kind of like staying at the Best Western near Disney Springs instead of one of the deluxe hotels. Sure the deluxe hotels are better, but they also cost a lot more and you can still have a great experience at both places if you keep your mind open.

Have fun and enjoy yourself. It'll be a great vacation!

 

[rufio]

The best thing you can do for yourself, as someone else stated, is not try to compare the two cruise lines. We loved DCL, but for us the prices, which were much higher than most cruise lines, continued to go up and up and up. Carnival cruises are significantly less expensive than DCL, so it is unreasonable and unfair to compare the two. Think of it as you owning a luxury car and then on vacation you wind up renting a middle of the road compact car. Both get you from A to B just not in the comfort you're used to or desire.

Most, if not all, cruise lines, except Disney have casinos. DCL may not charge for soft drinks, but that cost is buried in each fare.
Look into some excursions, schedule some time in the spa and hopefully you'll have a relaxing cruise. It would be interesting if you came back and posted a review of the cruise here. Try to stay positive.

Thanks for your reply! To be honest, a lot of my pessimism stems from being incredibly stressed out because we come home from the cruise four days before we're set to close on our new home. The stars aligned just right so that we'd have all of this going on at once! We also had to cancel a Disney cruise for the summer in order to make this one happen for my parents' anniversary. I do still think we'll have fun as long as we can stop worrying long enough to enjoy it!

I did a 7-day cruise on Carnival Magic a couple of summers ago (2015). I was very apprehensive on what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised at the quality (and quantity) of food/beverage and activities. One of our shore days was cancelled because of high winds that prevented us from docking, so that provided a three day stretch "at sea" and a growing case of cabin fever until we got to the next port. I know I would have enjoyed it much more if not for that long stretch of nothing, even with the many additional activities they planned for everyone. I don't gamble either and stayed away from the casino. I did not do the unlimited alcoholic drink or soft drink program and ended up spending less on those then what either would have cost. Maybe if you look at it as inexpensive transportation/lodging/food to some pretty cool destinations you'll be fine

This is good to hear! I think my husband and I will actually be skipping one port, so we'll essentially have an extra day at sea. I am a little wary of the limited on board activities though since we aren't gamblers or big drinkers. I'm sure we'll still have a good time though!

My experience with Carnival was pretty good and that was on one of their older ships with fewer activities and pools. I mean, it's not a prison camp, but a vacation. It's a fun, high spirited atmosphere designed to encourage people to have a great time.

Disney's better, but that doesn't make Carnival bad IMO. It's kind of like staying at the Best Western near Disney Springs instead of one of the deluxe hotels. Sure the deluxe hotels are better, but they also cost a lot more and you can still have a great experience at both places if you keep your mind open.

Have fun and enjoy yourself. It'll be a great vacation!

Thank you! The Disney resort comparison is a good one!

 

[belledream]

Lol! Your thread title made me laugh. I can definitely feel your pain, as we went on a family cruise on Carnival after going on the beautiful Disney Dream. I definitely felt devoid of that passion I felt for DCL, it's theming, and amenities, but as you already know, it's the family time that will be the best part about this trip. Just relax, enjoy being somewhere other than home and work, and make memories with the fam.

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

We sell Carnival... I can say this, they are trying to improve. I suggest that you check out the ship/sailing reviews on Cruise Critic.

Pam

 

[pilka214]

Their gameshows tend to be a lot of fun, their events can be very enjoyable. In my experience there shows are lackluster.. but you an drink a lot, gamble a little and enjoy the people and places your going. Carnival is still a lot of fun.

 

[tmitch]

We just came back from our first Carnival cruise, after only sailing dcl for our first 4 cruises. I was apprehensive about it, because you only seem to hear the negatives. I can without a doubt say my fears were unfounded. We sailed the pride, with a verandah room. The room cleaning was as good as Disney, the sq footage seemed the same. As far as characters, my 4 yr old son seemed happy with all the Dr Seuss characters he met. I found the food to be very good, with the guys burger joint being amazing and the blue iguana burrito bar not far behind. The smoking does suck, but we just avoided the casino. The soda situation is a downer, no doubt. It dcl is the only line I know of that offers unlimited free soda situations. The embarkation/debarkation situations were fine. On sea days, we were happy shopping, walking around outside the ship, playing mini golf, ping pong, basketball, lounging, or watching movies under the stars. I will also note that the soda fee didn't bother me as dcl would have cost me 4500.00 and Carnival cost me 1900.00. I went in thinking that I'll make the best of it, and I didn't even need to. Hope this helps

 

[BigRedDad]

I have friends and family that have cruised Carnival many times. If you compare it to Disney, you are going to be disappointed. If you compare it to $5,000 vs $2,000, you are going to love it a lot more. These are cruise ships whose sole purpose is to have fun. Just let loose and enjoy the trip.

 

[TDogg76]

My parents' 30th anniversary was this past September and for their anniversary they asked that we all go on a cruise together (parents, my husband and me, and my brother). DH and I have only cruised Disney in the past, but we knew that was not an option for the whole family because of the price. We'd hoped we'd at least get to sail Royal Caribbean! Alas, we leave on the Carnival Magic on February 25th. I literally have no idea what we're going to do on this ship for a week. On Disney we went to broadway-style shows, saw movies in the theater, etc. It seems like all there is on Carnival is gambling, comedy shows, and the hairy chest contest. Any advice?

Just came back from my first, and last, Disney Cruise! Unless you have kids you are better going on Carnival! If you don't have kids that is where your money goes on Disney! Not an adult cruise!!!!

 

[EOD K9]

Just came back from my first, and last, Disney Cruise! Unless you have kids you are better going on Carnival! If you don't have kids that is where your money goes on Disney! Not an adult cruise!!!!

I beg to differ. The cost was fairly high, but my first two cruises with the wife were without children and we really enjoyed ourselves. It was wonderful to have great service, good food, a wonderful crew etc. If people don't like being at a table with others, that's unfortunate. It didn't bother the wife and I. We've been on three cruises with our children since then and we have two more coming up. There is plenty for an adult without kids to do.
Carnival gets a nasty reputation for being a party line. My wife and I didn't want that and we went with DCL. You're entitled to your opinion. Everyone will have their different thoughts about the line though.

 

[rufio]

Just came back from my first, and last, Disney Cruise! Unless you have kids you are better going on Carnival! If you don't have kids that is where your money goes on Disney! Not an adult cruise!!!!

I totally disagree. The Carnival cruise ended up being awful! My husband and I are 29 and 31, don't have children, and we've loved every Disney cruise we've been on. It's SO much nicer, cleaner, the service is incredible, the food is better, and the people are much less rowdy and drunk.

 

[ScoutN]

I see someone is spamming various threads.

 

[TDogg76]

I see someone is spamming various threads.

Not at all! Just my opinion! There are great elements of a Disney Cruise! But I don't think it's for everyone! I'm a DVC owner and a season pass holder! I'm not some random customer. Was just expecting a bit more from the cruise is all.