Carnival Cruise lines

[Jeafl]

Entertainment was only the bars and casino? Did they cancel all of the shows on your cruise?

I was wondering the same thing. Last year on the Carnival Freedom they had a different show every night in the main theater. Plus, the comedy club had 2 different shows per night, and every single lounge had a different kind of live music. The piano bar and karaoke bars were packed every night too. We never had trouble finding entertainment at night, or during the day for that matter.

 

[abdmom]

Entertainment was only the bars and casino? Did they cancel all of the shows on your cruise?

Sorry, wasn't counting the nightly shows. Every ship I've been on has those. I like more cerebral or interactive activities and didn't find much to do that interested me on the Glory. I stay away from the bar scene/lounges. I prefer things like Bingo - this ship was the worst I've been on - or game shows or talks.

 

[usd2bmd]

We've been on two Carnival cruises with a third planned and have never seen "frat party" stuff going on. In fact, on this last one, a 7 day out of Tampa, most of the passengers were seniors, I would have liked a little more partying! I think the 3 day ones out of Miami might be a little crazier, but most of the 5-7 day cruises are not. The 5 day cruise we took out of Charleston last year was full of very polite southeners. We like Carnival because it fits our budget and frees up money for excursions, etc. we also like that they allow one bottle of wine per adult and a 12 pack of soda per person to be brought on board. Carnivals slogan is the fun ships, and we go on vacation to have fun!

I agree with this. We have never seen out of control partying on our cruises. It may depend on when you go or how long you are cruising for.

The bad about Carnival and really most cruise lines, except Disney is that they nickel and fine you.

Carnival is apparently one of the worry offenders. They apparently charge for ice cream, sodas (even with dinner), even room service.

They aren't the worst though, I just read about one line (I forget which) that everything, except your room is extra (including food).

There are a few ships that have a "shake shop" that is extra, but ice cream is free all the time. My daughter loved that!

Ice cream and frozen yogurt are free on deck fleet wide.

I have sailed in Carnival and sell it regularly to my family clients, including my rabbi. We've all had wonderful experiences, and have never seen the frat party atmosphere. Carnival has really worked to become a very family friendly cruise line. We live near the Port of Baltimore, and the Carnival Pride is always filled with families.

I am so amused when people look down in Carnival because its the least expensive. Not every can afford Disney. I have friends, a family of six, who want to cruise this summer and need two cabins. Carnival is what they can afford. They are not trashy, low class or the frat party types. Just a family wanting a good vacation without taking out a second mortgage.

I tend to agree with this as well. For my vacation dollar I choose Carnival. It is not a cheap vacation in my opinion, but when we were looking I priced out a Disney cruise at the same time. for the same type of cabin a Disney cruise would have cost my family 2 1/2 times more. I'm sorry but that is not a cost I can justify and I do not think that the service and food would be that much better.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Maybe the shorter Carnival cruises have more partying because it fits within college kids' budgets?

 

[tigercat]

You don't pay for room service. It is up to you if you want to give a $1.00 tip or not.
I don't drink pop so I can't comment on that. We drink the free ice tea and lemonaide or water.
I have enjoyed the ice cream on board and have not paid for it. Not sure where all these these come from about paying for everything.
tigercat