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Originally posted by geno-r:
Yes!!! I know the towels is not such a big deal....my POINT was that when some of the little things are missing, it all adds up in the end.

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Originally posted by thesoccersix:
Perhaps if I had cruised Carnival I could understand the excitment. Those who have cruised aboard Carnival, have you found the cruise nice> How about the ambiance? I have always been afraid to cruise thier line because of the old "fun ship" marketing campaign. I thought the campaign made the cruise line look tacky. Ever since I have avoided Carnival. Any opinion?

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I'll be honest, most of the people that like to knock Carnival have never tried it. Granted, many of the Carnival stereotypes have been well earned over the years, but Carnival has really improved itself especially over the last 4-5 years. New ships that are more spacious, decor that while still "original" has been toned down a bit, better food, more variety, improved service, and more options. Carnival continues to keep the trademarks that made it #1 to begin with.... large cabins, informal atmosphere, great entertainment, activities for all ages.

While many of the so-called "premium" lines have been taking a dive as of late (Princess, Celebrity, HAL), Carnival has slowly and quietly improved it's product.

I'll never say Carnival is for everyone, it's not. But I will say the food, service, entertainment, and even the ship on my last CARNIVAL PRIDE cruise were all excellent. When I say excellent, all the points I mentioned were on par or better then Princess, NCL, RCI, HAL, Cunard, and even Celebrity. My previous experience on Carnival prior to the PRIDE was on INSPIRATION several years earlier, and it was dismal. What a huge difference I saw between the two cruises. Of course CARNIVAL PRIDE is part of the Spirit Class of ships which I think are superbly designed and more suited to an upscale experience.

My recommendation if you are thinking about Carnival... stick with the newer ships, especially the Spirit Class. I think you might be surprised.

I'm sailing on the new CARNIVAL CONQUEST in July. She is the largest and newest of the Carnival fleet. She is not part of the Spirit Class of ships, so I hope I still like her. I'll be sure to report back.

Best,
Ernie

ps - while towel animals can be a fun surprise when you return to your cabin, they don't make or break a trip for me. Many cruise lines now have towel animals, although it's hit or miss (almost as if the cabin steward worked on Carnival in the past). I've seen them on RCI, Princess, NCL, and even Celebrity.

[ 05-15-2003: Message edited by: eroller ]

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Jeffrossatsea said:
i had a tour aboard the "norwegain sky" yesterday

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Originally posted by eroller:
I'll be honest, most of the people that like to knock Carnival have never tried it. Granted, many of the Carnival stereotypes have been well earned over the years, but Carnival has really improved itself especially over the last 4-5 years. New ships that are more spacious, decor that while still "original" has been toned down a bit, better food, more variety, improved service, and more options. Carnival continues to keep the trademarks that made it #1 to begin with.... large cabins, informal atmosphere, great entertainment, activities for all ages.

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We sailed the Celebrity Zenith the year before and it was a little larger. Ship looked new compared to the Majesty even though they are the same age. Celebrity was just a little too stuffy for us. Celebrity seems to attract mostly retirees at least from Tampa. No shorts in dining room for breakfast or lunch was a turnoff. I like the variety of ages on NCL. It may just be short verses longer cruises sway the demographics.

Can't compare to Carnival as I never consider them. I am not willing to try them either as the interior shots on the web are just too intense to put it nicely. Really get turned off by travel agents that try to sway me towards them all the time. AAA is the worst. They act like NCL doesn't exist.

Hopefully NCL will come to Tampa someday when the newbuilds and rebuilt ships are finished. They have ignored this port for too long! We need something to replace the short cruises the Regal Empress offered also. Carnival is the only one that offers them and the 4 nighter just makes one stop in Cozumel! Very unimaginative itinerary.

[ 05-18-2003: Message edited by: coaster ]

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Originally posted by Keitaro:
Maybe Cruiseny have something to add?

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originally posted by tlmlb:
I wrote a review and submitted but it did not post right away - is there a lag between submission and posting in the reader's review area?

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