What Would You Do? (Carnival $1000 less)

[cjsmith]

There are several reasons I stick with Disney (and I have been on a Carnival cruise): no casino, family entertainment themes, fewer smokers, fewer drunks.

We've actually seen more "drunks" on our Disney cruises than we saw on our Princess cruises. Maybe Carnival is different. On our last Disney cruise there was one completely drunk guy that chased some of the kids and bothered them. I actually stepped in and told him to leave them alone or I would call security. Well, he then threatened me and I had to go get help! The only time we've seen drunk teens was on a Disney cruise as well. After a stop in Cozumel, there were a group of drunk teens that came back on board and the one fellow got so ill at the sailaway. Of course their parents did know as well saw them drinking all together at Carlos and Charlies!

 

[jclark3]

We've actually seen more "drunks" on our Disney cruises than we saw on our Princess cruises. Maybe Carnival is different. On our last Disney cruise there was one completely drunk guy that chased some of the kids and bothered them. I actually stepped in and told him to leave them alone or I would call security. Well, he then threatened me and I had to go get help! The only time we've seen drunk teens was on a Disney cruise as well. After a stop in Cozumel, there were a group of drunk teens that came back on board and the one fellow got so ill at the sailaway. Of course their parents did know as well saw them drinking all together at Carlos and Charlies!

Maybe we've just been fortunate on our two Disney cruises (during spring break), but I definitely noticed more drunks on the Carnival cruise (that had a casino) than I did on Disney. In fact, I just had a business meeting in Biloxi MS and I'd compare the atmosphere there to the Carnival cruise we went on -- smokey and raucus-- not a place I'd take me or my child on vacation.

 

[txtara]

ok...I sailed the Carnival Glory last year with my 3 children.....my thoughts are that Carnival does not cater to the under 18 crowd as does Disney.....the ship was beautiful, the food was always good with tons more choices than Disney, and the service was always great......with that said the shows were horrible and the entertainment was definitely lacking......bingo cost a fortune and was down right boring as compared to Disney(something my kids enjoy).......the clubs closed often and early....it just wasnt one of those weeks we left the ship with a warm, fuzzy feeling.....by the way my then 18 month old had to pay full fare even when sharing with us.....and there was not care for her at all......At this time in our lives Disney is the only cruise for us.....

 

[CPM]

Cheryl, just because someone hasn't been on another cruise line doesn't mean they're not entitled to an opinion about it. Most cruise lines' advertising targets a certain audience. Gambling IS a big part of some cruises, as is a "party" atmosphere. It's not unreasonable to find that unappealing and state that opinion here.

I agree people can have an opinion but some are simply stereotypes and CCL has chnaged a lot over the years. After many CCL cruises I have yet to witness this fall down drunk thing people *hear* about. As far as the casinos they are easily avoidable. I don't gamble, maybe throw a few coins in a slot machine. People say the cabins are smaller, they aren't. Same size if not larger if you ave an oceanview.
$1,000. is a lot of $$ for some people and maybe CCL or another CL would be the better choice for someone if they need to save that money. So when you throw hear say out there it isn't really helping them make the choice.
I really think the kids clubs are the only disadvantage to other CL's overall. Disney can't be beat there, but my children have been satsfied with CCL's and they are getting better and better at it. I'm anxious to see how the newest ship's kids club will be this summer.
I'm not saying either CL is the end all. Soometimes I wish I could combine lines like DCL & CCL for the perfect cruise!!!
BTW< Txtara, how much were the Bingo cards on the Glory? I paid $35.00 a card on the Wonder & I thought I only paid $25.00 a card on CCL.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

Hey txtara, we're neighbors!

Also, you just answered most of my questions as DH, 10 year-old DD and I will be sailing on Carnival Glory during spring break. We booked Carnival because it was 2000.00 (yes folks, 2000.00) than what DCL was going to be for that week. (We normally book a year or more in advance while still on-board, but didn't know which week spring break would be for 2006.) Anyway, I'm sure we'll have a good time. However, DH and I are both Disneynuts, and DD is starting to go through that phase 'I'm too old for the characters.' After reading what you said about the Glory, it almost reaffirms to me that we'll continue to sail DCL more often than other cruises.

 

[BABYJOSIE98]

It was nice,but did not compare to my Disney cruises. I did not take my DD this time and I was glad I did not... There were maybe 20 kids on the whole ship and she would not have been happy to go to the club if there was no one to play with. I walked into the play areas and it was very small,but had more windows and brighter than DCL.

That is the one thing I don't like about he DCL clubs for kids. They are so dark all the time. Night time does not matter too me,but I don't put my DD in too much during the day unless I am going to the SPA or something.

I guess I am spoiled by DCL. No one announced us when we got on board and I totally missed getting ice cream anytime we wanted.
I also liked eating breakfast in the morning outside the restaurant on Deck9 and on Enchantment everything was enclosed.
Another thing I missed was the Split bathrooms and the porthole rooms are much larger on DCL.
So anyway I am glad to be sailing DCL again in October.

I know we will sail them again in 2006 with our friends from Florida. Fall prices are not that bad and I can book early. I was checking into the Carnival Conquest out of New Orleans and the prices were not that much cheaper than DCL..Except of course Holidays and Summer...DCL really sticks it to people at those times.
I think that ship looks awesome and would like to try it someday.

So I really don't know what to tell you except if you can afford DCL with no problem then go for it!! If that $1000 will hurt then go Carnival. Try it! You can alway book DCL again later.

Good luck!

 

[allears]

I didn't have time to read this whole thread yet and have to run to a meeting, I actually should be working. It is true that DCL can be more expensive than some other lines, and along with the intangibles, which are many there are some real differences that boost Disney's price.

When comparing, make sure you are comparing with or without ground transportation and baggage handling. Some areas I know that might account for the increase in Disney are, the kids programs are included all day. Some lines have programing up to say 7 pm and after that you have to pay to have your kids in them. Of course Disney has no casino and I would bet the alcohol sails are less on the Disney ships. Another thing we've noticed is where the Disney Magic docks when it's in port. In Key West they dock right there at the Hilton reosrt, an easy walk to everything. The Carnival Glory docks what looks a few feet away, but it's at the old Navy Yard and requires a tram to get into the heart of town. At least this is the case when the two ships are in Key West together. In Cozumel, the Magic docks at the new port right in the center of town. Two other ships will dock there as well, but this last time, there was one Carnival ship tied up next to us, two at the old dock a few miles from town and one in the harbor tendering people in. When we were in St Thomas, the Magic docked right in the middle of the dock at the shopping are. I know sometimes they also have tender from that port, but the prices may reflect that.

These prime locations have to cost more money, which the line would pass on to the passengers. However, it's something we might not think about while on the cruise.

 

[zalansky]

In regards to the comment about people having not been on another line and commenting about it, I hope it wasn't directed towards me. I've been on Carnival 3 times in my younger years, and DCL twice now. (as well as several others including RCCL Mariner of the Seas)
Again it is personal preference and mine is towards DCL.

 

[CPM]

In regards to the comment about people having not been on another line and commenting about it, I hope it wasn't directed towards me. I've been on Carnival 3 times in my younger years, and DCL twice now. (as well as several others including RCCL Mariner of the Seas)
Again it is personal preference and mine is towards DCL.

Wasn't directed at any particular person.

 

[hilltopfamily]

As my signature indicates, we've been on both DCL & CCL. Have completely and utterly enjoyed every single one of our cruises! Each ship and experience was different, but I would sail any one of them again in a heart beat. No "rowdy, drunk" individuals on our 2 Carnival cruises---both were family-friendly and our 3 kids had great times. Carnival has many, many positives going for it. But no, if you want the Disney characters, Mickey waffles and ice cream bars, pin trading, etc., then you need to get on the Magic or the Wonder, and know that you will pay a bit more for it. This is neither good, nor bad (we enjoyed all these things on the Magic), just a few of the differences in the 2 cruiselines. Next up for me, yet another cruiseline---RCI. Hey----Life is short, & I want my experiences to be many.

 

[TumFamily]

My hubby and I just cruised with Carnival in November.

I hardly saw any children. Maybe, I wasnt looking but it did seem more geared to adults. I found it to be a refreshing vacation for my husband and I. Drinking, dancing, comedy clubs... but not for the kids. The food was very good also.

But, with my family -- Id go with the Disney!!