Thread: good cruises-bad cruises

I've been on Royal carribean's large ships in western carribean which was great for size, compared to smaller ships in previous cruises ten years ago like the Norwegian cruise line, and looking for info on carnival cruise experience or perhaps another cruise line. Anyone with experiences you'd like to share?

That's the great thing about cruising; there's something for everybody! No matter what the lifestyle, the budget, or what you're looking for in a cruise, there's always something out there that will suit you needs.

As I've always said, "What one person loves, another will hate." Everyone is different and what fits one may not fit you.

Some like the new mega-ships, while others like the older smaller ships. Some want the cheapest rate possible, while others want higher quality. Some want an inside cabin, while others only want a suite. Some just go with the flow, while others criticize the smallest flaw. For some, it's the destination, for others it's the journey.

But the most fun part about cruising is trying them all in order to find the one that fits you best.

Pete

I know that we all love to recommend our favorite cruise line. For ecxample we love HAL. But HAL just isn't for everyone.

So your question is a tough one to answer. We have had wonderful cruises on HAL and bad ones. No cruise line is perfect.

First of all welcome to the board!

You asked about Carnival and you will get several opinions. Our only experience wasn't that great. It's the only cruise we have been on where we felt the service and care of the staff was sub par. But the calzones were awesome! Having said that I think that all sailings are different just as all people are different.

Our favorite line is NCL. We've only done one HAL but really like it.

WELCOME to CLF! Thanks for joining!

As much as many of us would love to help with your question, the only way you'll ever really know is to do it for yourself!

On our Carnival cruise as we were departing ... someone said, "Wasn't that the best cruise you've ever taken?"

My reply(with a smile): "It was really something!"

Goes to show .... My DH and I weren't fond of the cruise ... BUT ... this woman and her DH really loved it!

With just the one cruise under my belt, I'm hardly experienced, though I'm a big research guy, and have done a LOT of homework to scout out our cruise (and hopefully soon to be second!).. with all that said, our lone cruise was the Carnival Spirit, and I'd heard enough good AND bad that I went into it with a fairly open mind and guardedly optimistic. Again, with nothing to compare, take anything I say with a grain of salt, but as someone who enjoys being active and trying to have more fun than just relax time, I had a blast. I was pleasantly surprised at every turn, and found all my expectations far exceeded. For what it's worth, I do love to travel and am fairly critical when it's deserving, so I was fully prepared to not be as pleased with our cruise as we were.

Great question and one that people do often ask....

I always say there is good and bad about every cruise line and every ship. People on the same ship, same sailing, may have a totally different experience!

I personally enjoy the bigger ships... I have sailed Carnival, and will continue sailing them as long as the price is right and I want the itinerary... We haven't had a bad Carnival cruise. Our last was the Legend out of Tampa in April 2008... we had a great time... the deli was awesome, and overall the service was GREAT.... our last night was a tad, nope, ALOT disheveled, as our waiter was packing to leave due to a family illness and the assistant had to take his position and her new assistant was not the brightest bulb in the chandelier! But, nonetheless, we had a great cruise!

Royal Caribbean.... good and bad as well... we had fair to poor dining room service our last Royal cruise, but others within our group at a different table...had great service!

Princess... only bad thing that cruise... they don't have anything but iced tea at the buffet to drink for lunch and dinner... lol...service was fabulous!

So.... I suggest if you see an itinerary you like... go for it... everyone is different!

Good luck...

Dolores

I love all my cruises!! We are busy all year so we just chill out and enjoy the relaxation!! Are all cruises great??? Nope, but I don't look for the bad stuff, If I don't like something I move away. Cruising gives me pampering, don't have to do any work, they feed me, I don't have to cook or clean up, they make my bed, and it it wonderful!!