Thread: Carnival bashing

Originally Posted by jen90

I've been a member here for about 3 years. I don't post a ton, just every so often when I feel like I may have something to contribute. This board was my saving grace when planning our first cruise and I appreciate the people here who share their experiences. I've recommended this board several times to cruise newbies.

With that said, sometimes I think Carnival gets a bad rap on this board. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but please be tactful when you post them. Remember that everyone has their likes and dislikes... We are all different in ages, gender, personalities, etc., and what some love, others will hate. But that is no reason to make someone feel inferior or "low class" because they enjoy something you do not.

I just read a post from someone last month calling Carnival passengers "trashy", among other things, which is what prompted my post. I love Carnival, and am getting ready to take my 4th cruise with them in less than 3 years. I am not trashy... Far from it I might add. But that post was possibly the last straw for me on this board. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about all of the cruise lines, but refuse to feel like a second class citizen here.

PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL. Thanks for letting me vent.

I wanted to thank you for your thoughtful comments about Carnival and the usefulness of CruiseLineFans when planning a cruise.

I think we can all agree that the comment in question was ot in good taste and sort of "trashy" in and of itself - for lack of a better word. Folks are always welcome to express their opinion here and while the comment doesn't violate any terms of service - it's by no means ideal.

I'm so glad you posted, vented your feelings and inspired this excellent conversation about Carnival Cruise Lines. I think Carnival offers great value, convenient ports, amazing destinations and some great cuisine (IMHO). I lunched aboard the Glory earlier this year and am still dreaming of the dishes placed in front of me. Yum!

I'm considering a Carnival cruise later this November - I'll let you know if I'm able to get the time away from kids & work and how the cruise goes.

Have you written a Carnival cruise review yet?

It's great to hear that there are professionals out there fighting the undeserved reputation Carnival has. I think that is what it will take to make a real change. I have seen, "trashy behavior" from guests. Nothing Carnival can do about that, and it can't be limited to Carnival. I guess that is what makes me so mad when I hear people bash Carnival, especially people who have never sailed on a Carnival ship. I have seen people avoid Carnival who economically should be on a Carnival cruise. They limit their ability to cruise based on a myth. In the end all I can think about is the lovely crew members who did so much to make us feel welcomed and special, and some big mouth is putting them down. Six cruises and we have never had a bad experience from any Carnival employee or Representative.

I have a senior couple who have been clients of ours for more than 7 years. When she first called me, she was one of the ones who first statement was, "Anything but Carnival!". As always, I asked the question, "Why not?" and of course she gave the usual answer, "Because my friend said....."

Fast forward a few years, until the Winter of 2009/2010. We normally don't get alot of snow in the Washington, DC area, but that year we got two HUGE snowfalls; one was 25" and the other was 29". Totally, we measured 82" of snow on our deck during that Winter!

After the second big snowstorm, she calls me up on a Thursday and says, "Get me the hell out of here! I don't care where it's going, but get me on a cruise this weekend and I don't want to fly."

Well, it just so happened that the Carnival Pride was leaving out of Baltimore on Sunday and there was one cabin available - just happened to be an oceanview. She said she would take it. I reminded her about her statement that she never wanted to go on Carnival. She said she didn't care, she just needed to get away from all this snow.

When she came back, I called to see how the cruise went and her comment was, "I don't know why I ever told you I never wanted to go on Carnival; the cruise was great and we had a wonderful time." Needless to say, we both had a good laugh at her expense.

The next year, she called me up and booked the exact same cabin and this time took along another couple with them. She is now a Carnival convert.

But it just goes to show that people are always brainwashed to believe something is good or bad depending on how others perceive it and not based on their own experiences.

One thing I always tell people is that if you're talking to a travel agent (other than me) and they start recommending things, run the other way! We're different people and what I like you may not like, and vice versa. My job is not to recommend - my job is to provide as much information as you can handle so you can make an informed decision based on what's right for you and your family, your budget, your lifestyle, and your requirements. The same holds true for other people; everyone has an opinion, but people should not allow those opinions to persuade them one way or another; they may miss out on something truly wonderful.

So don't listen to those who bash any cruise line. And while they may not have enjoyed it, there are many many others who love it.

Pete

Seriously - I love this thread. Great input from all involved.

Pete, at first before we booked our Carnival cruise, my grandmother also said a "But my friend said..." statement. She decided to try it after all and enjoyed it.

I agree with the OP, Carnival does get bashed, as does Costa & MSC, lord, do those latter two get bashed, phew, but they like all cruise lines do have their niche, people who will not sail on any other line but Carnival. I have cruised with Carnival 5 times and loved all those cruises. I also love trying other lines which I have done and like the variety each one presents.