Thread: Carnival bashing

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 tend to agree that Carnival gets a bad rep - most of it is talking about Drunks, Rude Behavior...which is common on Carnival's 3/4 nighters, but then people think that it is on all of Carnival's cruises.

The passengers on Carnival are just like any other...and their behaviors shouldn't change someones mind about the cruise line, as it isn't the line's fault.

We have been cruising for a long time now. During that time all cruise lines that we have sailed on have changed. The cruise experience on any given cruise line varies with their different ships. Most of the infomation posted is from a limited experience that someone may have had on a particular ship. Since most people do not cruise very often it is significant to them but it is a limited experience.

Our first two cruises with Carnival were great. Our 3rd one, not so much. It kept us away from them for a number of years but we are going to try them again.

We've always had a great time on all the Carnival cruises we've taken, so I'm fan of their product and wouldn't hesitate to cruise with Carnival again. I keep wishing they would schedule a 10 night (or longer) Southern Caribbean from Baltimore (hint, hint Carnival! )

Hi Carnival Coporation (as we all know is a big international comapnay) with many different cruise lines in it's stable all of whiich offer a different cruise experience. This ranges from the "cheap and cheerful" (Carnival) to indulgent luxury (Seabourn), each one is aimed at a specific market and lovers of one may not like the cruise ambience on another. I probably would not enjoy a "fun party" cruise has I wish to relax on holiday in a fairly refined manner, but that's just my expectations. It's not right or wrong, just different, I don't expect others to agree with my views and each should find a cruise line with the ambience which suits their lifestyle best.

I have sailed Carnival and NCL and see no difference in the passengers. Perhaps it's because I do the activities I enjoy and others like me enjoy and find the same type on both(Trivia contests, sing alongs, shows, sporting competitions, casino). If there are wild groups we obviously hang out in different areas because I never see them.

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.

Oh, Jen .... Sorry that happened ... but it's not the way the majority of CLF members feel.

Yes, Carnival does get its share of bashing, but so does HAL which is often called a "floating nursing home". Very often, these comments come from folks who have never cruised on the line they are bashing.

While Carnival isn't our favorite cruise line, we've enjoyed the Carnival cruises we've taken and don't feel like a 2nd Class cruiser when we do. In fact, we've been on two in the past year -- Fantasy (Thanksgiving 2010) and Fascination (May 2011).

I can't tell you how many times a new client will call us to discuss a cruise and the first thing out of their mouth is 'anything but Carnival'. When I ask them why, the comment is always the same, 'well, my friend says.....' And my response is always the same, there's your problem - you listen to your friend!

In all fairness, Carnival has earned their reputation because that is the way they portrayed it. Their tag line use to be 'The Fun Ships'. Now it's 'All for fun and fun for all'. What one person considers fun, another will consider a nuisance. The second part of the equation is that they have tried to keep their prices low in an attempt to attract the working class and the young folks. They have succeeded in accomplishing this, so the majority of their crowd are the blue-collar type who work hard and play hard. They've earned and they deserve it.

Personally, I like Carnival. Each of our cruises have been very nice and we've had no complaints. But if it's just the two of us and we're going to really enjoy a cruise, we much prefer Celebrity - they meet our lifestyle - more laid back and much better food. But that's us - we're 61 and what works best for us doesn't necessarily work for others.

But I agree that just because a person doesn't particularly like a specific cruise line or ship, they shouldn't 'bash' all of it. If Carnival doesn't work for them, that's fine - find something that does work. Doesn't mean others won't really love Carnival. I have long-time clients who will only sail on Carnival and although they've tried other cruise lines, they can't imagine having as much fun on any other cruise line.

The good thing about cruising is that there is something out there for everyone and what one person loves, another will hate. The fun part is trying them all to find the one that best suits your needs, your lifestyle, and your budget.

Just remember that opinions are like bellybuttons, everyone has one! Doesn't mean their opinion is right, just means they have an opinion. And sometimes they love to be loud about it!

Besides, as my dad always said, "If you don't know what you're talking about, at least be loud about it!"

In other words, if you're going to show your ignorance on an issue, at least let everyone know about it. And those who bash one cruise ship or cruise line over another is doing just that.

Pete

Thanks everyone for your comments. Reading the "Carnival passengers are trashy" post just really hit a nerve last night! I'm really looking forward to our 4th cruise on Carnival this December... We're totally hooked (like I mentioned above, this is the 4th one we've booked since Feb.'09!). I enjoy the "fun ship" atmosphere and would probably be bored on some of the other cruise lines (LuLu, never heard the "floating nursing home" reference but it made me laugh). I love that everyone shares their opinions on here, it's what this board is here for and helps many decide which line might fit their needs best. But there is a tactful way to go about it without trashing a particular line or more importantly its passengers.

Originally Posted by jen90

Thanks everyone for your comments. Reading the "Carnival passengers are trashy" post just really hit a nerve last night! I'm really looking forward to our 4th cruise on Carnival this December... We're totally hooked (like I mentioned above, this is the 4th one we've booked since Feb.'09!). I enjoy the "fun ship" atmosphere and would probably be bored on some of the other cruise lines (LuLu, never heard the "floating nursing home" reference but it made me laugh). I love that everyone shares their opinions on here, it's what this board is here for and helps many decide which line might fit their needs best. But there is a tactful way to go about it without trashing a particular line or more importantly its passengers.

Totally agree, Jen! It's unfortunate that comment was made in the "What made you dicide to give Carnival a try" question.