Cruise Talk: Carnival Inspiration vs. Norwegian Dream

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»	Cruise Talk » Cruise Ships » Carnival Inspiration vs. Norwegian Dream

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Topic: Carnival Inspiration vs. Norwegian Dream

DonW
First Class Passenger
Member # 130

posted 01-09-1999 09:14 PM

Can anyone give us a comparison between these two ships that cruise the Southern Caribbean? We've sailed with RCI and HAL, but neither of these two. How do they stack up?

Posts: 24 | From: Bartlett, IL, USA | Registered: Dec 98

Patrick
First Class Passenger
Member # 364

posted 01-12-1999 02:51 PM

Well, Carnival is not a line which I'd recommend unless you're looking for a cruise in loud, crowded Las Vegas ambiance. Their ships are what you could call a floating party in a comfortable surrounding but don't expect any elegance.
Norwegian Cruise Line is different. They recently upgraded their fleet with some major refurbishments and offer now a real good quality. Ships a spacious and have some elegancy around. The service is fine too.
If you want to choose between those two lines, then take Norwegian Cruise Line.
Besides those two lines I'd recommend Celebrity Cruises which is really the finest of all those Mega lines. They have a good value for money, the best food you can get and very friendly service. The ships really have what you can call an all elegant surrounding.

Posts: 1680 | From: OSC Luxembourg | Registered: Nov 98

DonW
First Class Passenger
Member # 130

posted 01-12-1999 06:40 PM

Patrick - Thanks for the comparison! As you might have guessed, when we were unable to come up with anything for next month on the Sun Vista, we turned our gaze toward the Caribbean! We have the week of 2/7 and the Galaxy was sold out, so we were faced with a choice between Carnival and Norwegian. You've confirmed what I suspected and I think we'll be on the Dream come 7 February!

Posts: 24 | From: Bartlett, IL, USA | Registered: Dec 98

Patrick
First Class Passenger
Member # 364

posted 01-13-1999 01:03 PM

You're very welcome. You made a good choice with the Norwegian Dream. I believe that the Galaxy is sold out because it's a very good ship.
I'm still looking for infos about Sunvista and an American office but did not yet find anything. I'll let you know as soon as I have something - like this you have something for the next time already.

Posts: 1680 | From: OSC Luxembourg | Registered: Nov 98

DonW
First Class Passenger
Member # 130

posted 01-13-1999 03:18 PM

Booked our cruise today! We WILL be on the Dream on 2/7. This makes looking out at the snow here in Chicago a little easier for the next few weeks! And you are right...if we can find some one who can book the Sun Vista, we will be ready for our next cruise! We appreciate your help.

Posts: 24 | From: Bartlett, IL, USA | Registered: Dec 98

helenbart
Just Boarded
Member # 591

posted 01-19-1999 10:19 AM

Don
I'm curious: What discount did you get from the published rates?

Posts: 9 | From: St. Louis, MO, USA | Registered: Dec 98

DonW
First Class Passenger
Member # 130

posted 01-19-1999 04:52 PM

We booked an inside - run of ship - rate of $729. Don't know if we could have done any better than that, but Norwegian had quoted an inside with a guaranteed 2 cat. upgrade (to a "J") @ $879. This was the best rate I found after checking 8 or 9 agencies.

Posts: 24 | From: Bartlett, IL, USA | Registered: Dec 98

MINN4
Just Boarded
Member # 293

posted 01-26-1999 05:14 PM

We traveled on the Inspiration last year and found it to be a wonderful ship - except for the food. The entertainment was very good, the cruise director was the best we've encountered, and the cabin steward was excellent. The food and dining service was terrible. We're 50+, non-drinkers who have traveled multiple cruises with Princess and RCL and would use the Inspiration again except we can't stand the food. The best laid-out ships are the Dawn Princess type and overall Princess is the best we've used. We're going to try Celebrity next year for comparison purposes.

Posts: 3 | From: N/A | Registered: Jan 99

DonW
First Class Passenger
Member # 130

posted 01-26-1999 05:44 PM

Your experience is interesting because I was just reading a post on another BB warning against Princess due to an unruly group on a Christmas cruise! Anyway, we're also 50+ (at least I am - my wife won't even acknowledge AARP exists!) and occasions beer/wine drinkers, but I was a little skeptical about Carnival's Las Vegas reputation. We probably would have enjoyed the Inspiration as well, but finally decided on the Dream for this trip! Thanks for the response!

Posts: 24 | From: Bartlett, IL, USA | Registered: Dec 98

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