We chose the dark side - Carnival VS Disney

[daisyx3]

I officially joined you on the dark side! I canceled my 4 night Dream in a 5A room in March and for the same price, booked a 7 night Eastern Caribbean in a spa balcony cabin on the Carnival Magic. Without kids, it seems a lot easier to try something new--and ports I've never been to. If people hadn't been complaining about prices so much when the new itineraries came out I don't know if I ever would have checked other places out! To think I originally had a 7 night Fantasy that week for $4500 (it's now $5500 with SWDAS).
Still not sure if I want to cancel my 5 night double dip, but may do that as well.
I know it won't be the same as the DCL cruises...but I can stand to change something in my life up a little, why not my vacations?

 

[mevelandry]

I officially joined you on the dark side! I canceled my 4 night Dream in a 5A room in March and for the same price, booked a 7 night Eastern Caribbean in a spa balcony cabin on the Carnival Magic. Without kids, it seems a lot easier to try something new--and ports I've never been to. If people hadn't been complaining about prices so much when the new itineraries came out I don't know if I ever would have checked other places out! To think I originally had a 7 night Fantasy that week for $4500 (it's now $5500 with SWDAS).
Still not sure if I want to cancel my 5 night double dip, but may do that as well.
I know it won't be the same as the DCL cruises...but I can stand to change something in my life up a little, why not my vacations?

Wow, that cruiseship looks nice! Love the rooms!

So the Magic will be in March... When is the double dip?

 

[daisyx3]

The double dip is in July 2017. But I may just rent a house at a lake up in Michigan; that way I can have my grandson (who will be here this August) with me. His parents (and I) have no interest on cruising with him until he's old enough for a kids' club!

 

[kaseyC]

The double dip is in July 2017. But I may just rent a house at a lake up in Michigan; that way I can have my grandson (who will be here this August) with me. His parents (and I) have no interest on cruising with him until he's old enough for a kids' club!

I know this is off topic but where do you usually rent a lake house in Michigan. I'm thinking about doing that later on in the summer but I'm not familiar with lake communities in Michigan. I would love something that is good for a family with teens.

 

[daisyx3]

There are a gazillion lakes in Michigan, it seems. Last year we rented in the Irish Hills over Labor Day weekend; that is a good spot. This year we found a house on VRBO closer to Brighton, but I don't know what would be left at this point. I was looking in January because we wanted one where we could take the dog and they are hard to find.

 

[Our 2 Princesses]

I officially joined you on the dark side! I canceled my 4 night Dream in a 5A room in March and for the same price, booked a 7 night Eastern Caribbean in a spa balcony cabin on the Carnival Magic. Without kids, it seems a lot easier to try something new--and ports I've never been to. If people hadn't been complaining about prices so much when the new itineraries came out I don't know if I ever would have checked other places out! To think I originally had a 7 night Fantasy that week for $4500 (it's now $5500 with SWDAS).
Still not sure if I want to cancel my 5 night double dip, but may do that as well.
I know it won't be the same as the DCL cruises...but I can stand to change something in my life up a little, why not my vacations?

Can't wait to hear how you enjoyed the Magic. We are on it next year.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Sunset in Italy from the Havana Cabana pool on the new Carnival Vista

 

[Love2Cruz]

The Vista is going on her Maiden Voyage this weekend from Trieste, Italy I believe on a 12 night voyage around the Mediterranean.....Can't wait to start seeing all the pics and reports.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

The Vista is going on her Maiden Voyage this weekend from Trieste, Italy I believe on a 12 night voyage around the Mediterranean.....Can't wait to start seeing all the pics and reports.

I can hardly wait to start reading stuff about that ship from actual passengers, I've really enjoyed he stuff coming from John Heald and Matt the Cruise Director the last few weeks.

 

[mevelandry]

I couldn't resist... DH and I were supposed to stay in a Ocean View cabin on the Victory... but I had a little extra money to spend this week and... What a coincidence... It was the exact amount I needed to upgrade to a balcony cabin!

DH doesn't know. I will TRY to keep it a surprise until the cruise (FYI He always finds out)...

We've had verandahs on our two first Disney cruises (Navigator's, then the gigantic 5E verandah)... This one will be a bit bigger than the navigator's we had on our first cruise which is perfect for the two of us.

Also, we're going from Deck 2 to Deck 6 which makes me a bit more comfortable to be honest.

I can't wait!!!

 

[mevelandry]

A little con of cruising with Carnival Victory...

No fridge in the room.

EDIT: I cancelled the beer and sodas I had bought for the room and bought cruise cash bar instead...

 

[LeslieG]

A little con of cruising Carnival...

No fridge in the room.

I guess We'll have to fill our bucket of ice (can we borrow buckets of ice from them?) a lot and many times a day... Had I known, I would have chosen cruise cash bar instead of ordering beer and pop for the room.

The Vista has refrigerators.

 

[mevelandry]

The Vista has refrigerators.

I edited my message. I'm not cruising on the Vista. But good for them.

At least I could fix my order (cancelled Beer and Pop and bought a 50$ Cruise Cash Bar instead).

 

[Love2Cruz]

I'm sure you'll enjoy your upgrade!....FYI...the newer ships Dream class and up have frig's..

 

[mevelandry]

Good news!!!

I've been reading reports about letters announcing "beautification" of the Victory. I heard rumors of old tv's being replaced by flat screens and carpeting replaced in some rooms.

I can't wait for reports!

 

[mevelandry]

One more pro on cruising with Carnival:

The Fun Shops have more to offer than the DCL Gifts! WAYYYY more choices and their gifts are more affordable (they have very interesting and affordable Games/beach packages with Beach Balls, paddle ball game, playing cards, etc.)!

Same goes for the decorations, more affordable than DCL...

 

[RedSox68]

One more pro on cruising with Carnival:

The Fun Shops have more to offer than the DCL Gifts! WAYYYY more choices and their gifts are more affordable (they have very interesting and affordable Games/beach packages with Beach Balls, paddle ball game, playing cards, etc.)!

Same goes for the decorations, more affordable than DCL...

Oh, I totally forgot about their shops -- so much more fun than DCL -- and more of them! They even had one just with candy -- all types and from local to imported. I brought home Avengers bubble gum cards for my daughter from that trip on Carnival Glory.

 

[kaseyC]

I just have to say I'm absolutely loving John Heald's live segments from the Vista inaugural cruise. Very cool ship. Looking forward to our Med cruise on her in about 40 days.

 

[mevelandry]

I just have to say I'm absolutely loving John Heald's live segments from the Vista inaugural cruise. Very cool ship. Looking forward to our Med cruise on her in about 40 days.

I heard nothing but good things about the Vista. I can't wait to see the reviews.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

I heard nothing but good things about the Vista. I can't wait to see the reviews.

I love how they created outdoor seating at most of the restaurants

and the Serenity adult pool area looks amazing! I'll be boarding in 31 days, woo Hoo.