We chose the dark side - Carnival VS Disney

[cmph]

I know a couple people, (1 with kids and the other without), that have done the 3-4 day on the small ships and said they were "fine." For the 7 day cruises on the Miracle, it sounds like those tend to get better reviews and most "Carnies," (my own word for CCL loyalists), LOVE the Spirit class ships. I read the other day that the Miracle is being replaced by the Splendor in the next year or so, which has a retractable roof pool, so I would look into a winter cruise on her if possible. That's about all I know on this subject.

Hmmm. "Fine" is possibly not the best review, LOL! I'll check out the Splendor though. thx!

My inlaws have done the 7 day they and loved it. I know several people that do the 4 days at least once a year. The people I know that do it like it as a cheap relaxing getaway. I'm pretty sure your not going to find the entertainment options like on DCL, but if you just want to eat, sleep and relax it's fine. What information are you looking for? Maybe I can find out.

I've been on the 7 day, but it's been about 20 years, and none of the 3 or 4 days. The short ones all still seem to have the party reputation. I would want to avoid that sort of atmosphere with my kids. Is there truth to that rep, still? Logistically, those are the only cruises we'd be able to do off-season for a mini-vacation. Re: the 7 nights - we don't need a show nightly, and I know they aren't all going to be appropriate, so I am prepared for that. But is there enough to do in the evening, otherwise, for families? DH doesn't think the Mexican ports sound all that interesting and would rather stick to the Caribbean, but I remember liking all of them pre-marriage/kids. LA is so much closer to us than Florida, so we wouldn't "lose" as much by trying it out and going "meh", but I also don't want to completely waste our money on a trip on an older ship without much for families plus ports that no one (other than me) is all that excited to see.

 

[Love2Cruz]

Another difference I can tell you about Carnival and DCL is that the cruise directors on Carnival are very visible and like to "pump up the crowd" so to speak with different events they have throughout the cruise. They are usually very outgoing and accessible. If you happen to sail with Matt Mitchum, you will surely remember your cruise as he is ALL over the ship getting people involved..and they are all also very humorous.
I think the best basic advice I can give to anyone wanting to try Carnival is to realize they are NOT Disney and do things very differently. They do inject a lot of "fun" into their cruises imo. Their service is great, their food is delicious and the ambiance is very outgoing. If you can go with an open mind and be open to a different type cruise I think you'll enjoy it. That's not to say you can't find a quiet spot to read a book and unwind, as you will find that too.

As I stated before, I'm all about variety, I like what each cruise line has to offer...right now my favorites are DCL, CCL and MSC....I'll venture out to other cruiselines eventually.

 

[Dug720]

I have never had an issue seeing the CD around on DCL. They have always been very accessible - and appropriate to the situation. Not all need "pumping up".

 

[Love2Cruz]

I have never had an issue seeing the CD around on DCL. They have always been very accessible - and appropriate to the situation. Not all need "pumping up".

I never said anyone "needed" it....I was pointing out the different in my experience with both lines. I thought this thread was about trying other lines...if you don't want to, then I couldn't care less.

 

[Dug720]

I never said anyone "needed" it....I was pointing out the different in my experience with both lines. I thought this thread was about trying other lines...if you don't want to, then I couldn't care less.

I was more referring to the accessibility - it seemed from your post that they are hiding somewhere. I have never experienced that. And I am not out and about all that much - so it's not like they have a ton of time for me to see them. I'' sorry if they have hidden from you.

I have tried other lines - and in my experience Disney's CDs are always accessible. The "pumping up" I have seen on other lines comes off as cheerleader-fake.

 

[Ofinn]

Hmmm. "Fine" is possibly not the best review, LOL! I'll check out the Splendor though. thx!


I've been on the 7 day, but it's been about 20 years, and none of the 3 or 4 days. The short ones all still seem to have the party reputation. I would want to avoid that sort of atmosphere with my kids. Is there truth to that rep, still? Logistically, those are the only cruises we'd be able to do off-season for a mini-vacation. Re: the 7 nights - we don't need a show nightly, and I know they aren't all going to be appropriate, so I am prepared for that. But is there enough to do in the evening, otherwise, for families? DH doesn't think the Mexican ports sound all that interesting and would rather stick to the Caribbean, but I remember liking all of them pre-marriage/kids. LA is so much closer to us than Florida, so we wouldn't "lose" as much by trying it out and going "meh", but I also don't want to completely waste our money on a trip on an older ship without much for families plus ports that no one (other than me) is all that excited to see.

I guess it would depend on what you mean by party atmosphere. Im sure there's a lot of people drinking and having a good time. I would do a search on cruise critic to see what kind of entertainment there is. If your going during a school break Im sure there will be lots of kids onboard

 

[Ofinn]

I never said anyone "needed" it....I was pointing out the different in my experience with both lines. I thought this thread was about trying other lines...if you don't want to, then I couldn't care less.

I dont think Matt will be on our cruise. I read he wont be back until Oct 21. The only cruise director Ive noticed on dcl is Clayton. I thought he was ok. I couldnt name one other CD on dcl. I was looking forward to seeing the infamous Matt Ive read so much about. Every review I read seems to mention how great he is. Oh well maybe next time.

 

[kaseyC]

Another difference I can tell you about Carnival and DCL is that the cruise directors on Carnival are very visible and like to "pump up the crowd" so to speak with different events they have throughout the cruise. They are usually very outgoing and accessible. If you happen to sail with Matt Mitchum, you will surely remember your cruise as he is ALL over the ship getting people involved..and they are all also very humorous.
I think the best basic advice I can give to anyone wanting to try Carnival is to realize they are NOT Disney and do things very differently. They do inject a lot of "fun" into their cruises imo. Their service is great, their food is delicious and the ambiance is very outgoing. If you can go with an open mind and be open to a different type cruise I think you'll enjoy it. That's not to say you can't find a quiet spot to read a book and unwind, as you will find that too.

As I stated before, I'm all about variety, I like what each cruise line has to offer...right now my favorites are DCL, CCL and MSC....I'll venture out to other cruiselines eventually.

We sailed with Matt Mitchum this summer on Eastern Med cruise on the Vista, he was fantastic. He was everywhere, accessible and so engaging. In my experience he wasn't fake at all. my 3 teens who usually roll their eyes at the antics of the CDs, absolutely loved him. Out of over 25 cruises (10 of those DCL), he was one of the best CDs I've had the pleasure to experience, IMO.

 

[Love2Cruz]

I dont think Matt will be on our cruise. I read he wont be back until Oct 21. The only cruise director Ive noticed on dcl is Clayton. I thought he was ok. I couldnt name one other CD on dcl. I was looking forward to seeing the infamous Matt Ive read so much about. Every review I read seems to mention how great he is. Oh well maybe next time.

I only saw the DCL CD on TV. There are a few good CD's on Carnival but their jobs are different than most CD's on other lines. They are about getting the guests involved and someone else does the entertainment scheduling and staffing etc. It used to be one job, but now they have one that does the behind the scenes stuff and one that is out and about interacting with guests. I was on the Breeze with Matt and he was great, and also easy on the eyes....
He will be back on Vista for our December sailing so I was happy about that. Here's Matt with my DD.

 

[Love2Cruz]

Matt & Liz...he is incredible. Most CD's on Carnival are good and very funny Brits..but this guy was just amazing..the fact that he's gorgeous may also have something to do with it.

Pumping up the crowd....no, certainly not fake...the crowd was having a blast...these are the crowds he attracted everywhere....the ones on the pool deck were also huge...people were really enjoying themselves...

 

[Love2Cruz]

BTW....I highly recommend the Carnival Breeze...we had such an amazing time on her.

 

[Ofinn]

Ah your daughters a cutey so is the CD. Maybe will see him next time around.

 

[Ofinn]

We sailed with Matt Mitchum this summer on Eastern Med cruise on the Vista, he was fantastic. He was everywhere, accessible and so engaging. In my experience he wasn't fake at all. my 3 teens who usually roll their eyes at the antics of the CDs, absolutely loved him. Out of over 25 cruises (10 of those DCL), he was one of the best CDs I've had the pleasure to experience, IMO.

You've cruised on NCL right? What are your thoughts? We were going to sail on the Getaway in the Baltic next year, but were doing a land trip to Hong Kong instead. Ive got one reasonably priced cruise booked on the Vista next Spring. Im looking for another reasonably priced cruise next Fall that goes to Belize and Honduras. The NCL Escape caught my eye. The have a new private island in Belize. Any thoughts? Im not going to lie I like the free drink packages they are offering.

 

[Love2Cruz]

Ofinn, and all others open to other cruise lines.....another affordable cruise line out there is MSC...it's an italian company....the itineraries are very varied. The cruise ships themselves are gorgeous and the deals are unbeatable....There were so many bad reviews before I sailed that I was worried...but I LOVED it! This is the MSC Orchestra in Venice.....the cruise line goes all over the world and have exotic itineraries, but they also do Caribbean and are expanding their US market....HIghly recommend. Their website sucks though...
I have a review on CC under the MSC board if anyone is interested...my sn there is Love2Cruz2015

 

[Love2Cruz]

Here is the link: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2365320

The first few pages are about our land portion of the trip in Lisbon and Venice so you can skip through that to get the ship reviews and ports...It was an Eastern Med cruise.

 

[kaseyC]

You've cruised on NCL right? What are your thoughts? We were going to sail on the Getaway in the Baltic next year, but were doing a land trip to Hong Kong instead. Ive got one reasonably priced cruise booked on the Vista next Spring. Im looking for another reasonably priced cruise next Fall that goes to Belize and Honduras. The NCL Escape caught my eye. The have a new private island in Belize. Any thoughts? Im not going to lie I like the free drink packages they are offering.

Yes, we are Platinum on NCL too. We have had fantastic cruises on NCL. We have been sailing them since 2000 just like DCL. We have sailed the Sky, Jewel, Epicx3, Star, Getaway, Breakaway, Escape and Jade. I've only sailed NCL in Suites/Haven so our experience may be different than those sailing in non concierge cabins. I love the whole freestyle concept and the Haven experience is phenomenal.

I haven't been thrilled with the recent changes on NCL so for the first time in years I don't have an NCL cruise booked. Our next cruise is Spring Break on the Harmony of the Seas. I'm still considering a transatlantic on NCL for fall of 2017 but I just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

 

[mevelandry]

The "pumping up" I have seen on other lines comes off as cheerleader-fake.

Everybody is different, some people LOVE it and only swear by their cruise directors.I've never notice DCl cruise directors... I don't know What it feels like to have the chearleader type. Who knows, we might like it.

 

[Ofinn]

Yes, we are Platinum on NCL too. We have had fantastic cruises on NCL. We have been sailing them since 2000 just like DCL. We have sailed the Sky, Jewel, Epicx3, Star, Getaway, Breakaway, Escape and Jade. I've only sailed NCL in Suites/Haven so our experience may be different than those sailing in non concierge cabins. I love the whole freestyle concept and the Haven experience is phenomenal.

I haven't been thrilled with the recent changes on NCL so for the first time in years I don't have an NCL cruise booked. Our next cruise is Spring Break on the Harmony of the Seas. I'm still considering a transatlantic on NCL for fall of 2017 but I just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

They are offering some really great deals on the Haven right now with the 3rd and 4th passenger free. Less than inside room on a DCL ship. It's tempting...really tempting, but I'm trying to keep my cruise cost minimal since we have some non cruise things we'd like to do next year. I thinks it's been five years since we took a vacation that didn't include a cruise. I guess since I've never been on NCL I won't know any different. Just like people that haven't cruised DCL before won't notice the cutbacks.

 

[Ofinn]

Everybody is different, some people LOVE it and only swear by their cruise directors.I've never notice DCl cruise directors... I don't know What it feels like to have the chearleader type. Who knows, we might like it.

I'm looking forward to a little more energy and fun on a cruise. I'm not the party cruise type, nor am I the G- rated Disney type. I fall somewhere inbetween.

 

[Dug720]

Yes, we are Platinum on NCL too. We have had fantastic cruises on NCL. We have been sailing them since 2000 just like DCL. We have sailed the Sky, Jewel, Epicx3, Star, Getaway, Breakaway, Escape and Jade. I've only sailed NCL in Suites/Haven so our experience may be different than those sailing in non concierge cabins. I love the whole freestyle concept and the Haven experience is phenomenal.

I haven't been thrilled with the recent changes on NCL so for the first time in years I don't have an NCL cruise booked. Our next cruise is Spring Break on the Harmony of the Seas. I'm still considering a transatlantic on NCL for fall of 2017 but I just haven't pulled the trigger yet.

Even though the idea of one of those coffin-looking studios creeps me out, I've pondered doing an NCL cruise over Spring Break as there is literally no travel cost for me to get to the port in NYC (I have an unlimited subway card through work deductions, hence the no cost) and trying one.

BUT then I explore the NCL website and I cannot for the life of me figure out their dining system. How does it work if you're not paying extra for food??