Michael
Summerland Key,#2Consumer Comment
Wed, March 12, 2008
I am an avid cruiser, so I'd like to voice a couple of things. First of all, Carnival absolutely does offer non smoking rooms. In fact, they are going to a fleet wide policy of not smoking in rooms all together. Carnival Paradise even went as far one time to be completely smoke free. The problem is Carnival themselves. They have long been known as the party boats. They are building nicer ships now, but they still can't shake their own bad reputation. And it will remain that way as long as they are the cheapest mainstream line out there. Sure, I've seen riff raff on all cruise lines. But Carnival seems to be the most consistent.
Sickened
Port Alberni,#3Consumer Suggestion
Wed, February 13, 2008
If you don't like fat people, you may be better off to lock yourself in the house and forego your next cruise all together. They are everywhere. If you don't like that suggestion, book a small, luxury cruise where there, at the very least, will be less fat people. If you want first class service and amenities, you have to be willing to pay first class prices. There are a few ultra luxurious, very small cruise lines that operate in Europe. And you're right, the rif raf won't be able to afford it, unless you run into someone like Paris Hilton! I had no idea that Carnival didn't offer smoke free rooms. That astounds me. And to think my personal vacation planner booked us in an aft exended balcony because those are the most sought after balconies on the ship. I'm glad I read this report, just for that information!
Chuck
McKinney,#4Consumer Suggestion
Fri, June 08, 2007
Hello I see negative comments about Carnival on this site and I frankly do not understand. I just finished my second Carnival Cruise with my wife and son and we had a wonderful time. Our first was out of Galveston on the Ecstacy cruising the western Carribean. Our second was out of Orlando on the Sensation cruising the Bahamas. In both cases we paid for the balcony rooms on the Veranda deck. Let me break down my experience: Service: Very good. EVERY single Cruise employee we interacted with was very pleasant and helpful. Now some have poor english which can impact the conversation if it is a complext subject, but all worked hard to help make our time terrifice. Also if you book the balcony suites you get VIP boarding which is VERY fast and well worth the money. Food: I live in the Dallas area and have eaten at Trulucks, Chamberlains Fish Market, Ruth Chris Steak House, and other high end resteraunts. The evening formal dinner rivals those for services and is just a notch below on food quality. The 24 hour a day buffet is more on par with a red lobster or some similar chain resteraunt. Entertainment: There was more to do than we could get to. Golf clinics, spa, casino, shows, comedians, dancing, art auctions, bingo, shore excursions. Cost: Yes people drinks are expensive...just like they are in any bar or resteraunt in town. Yes things like spa's and casino's cost money. To be blunt if you can only barely afford the ships ticket you will probably have a bad time. I loved the Carnival cruise, will do it again. In fact I moved over to the sea miles credit card just so I could earn a free cruise! And no I am NOT an employee or ex employee nor in any way associated with this or any other cruise line. Just a guy whose family enjoyes these cruises very much!
Michele
Acworth,#5Consumer Comment
Sat, April 21, 2007
I am sorry you had such an unpleasant experience on this ship. I don't know what week you went, but I guess every smoker out there went with you. My family and I just recently got back from a cruise on this same ship and did not experience this problem at all. Neither my husband nor I smoke and can't stand to be around it. The band wasn't the best in the world, but you have to remember, it's a band on a cruise ship. I didn't see anything wrong with the dining room either. Each ship has a different theme. The weather wasn't the best on our trip either, so we had to cancel a couple of excursions and book another one instead, but you have to make the best of it. And as far as complaining about fat people everywhere, maybe you need to go to a health resort or something. People eat on a cruise ship. That's what they do. Different stokes for different folks. We had a great time on this ship. In fact it was mine and my husband's second time on the Miracle. Maybe the "Fun Ships" just aren't for you.
Shawangunk
Middletown,#6Consumer Comment
Sat, April 21, 2007
Your first clue to the smoking situation should have been that Carnival does not offer any non-smoking staterooms. Surely if cigarette smoking bothers you so, you would have inquired at the time of booking about obtaining a non-smoking room, and would have been denied. This right here should have been reason enough to not go ahead with the booking. Anyway, what are the key money-making opportunities for any cruiseline? Gambling and alcohol. What do drinkers and gamblers also do? Smoke. That's the reality of it. Since you obviously have a great distaste for cigarette smoke, may I suggest that - 1- You avoid venues where gambling and drinking are the main attractions. 2- You avoid lodging situations in which it is impossible to book a non-smoking room. 3- You consider healthier alternative vacations that are more suitable for your lifestyle so you will not have to deal with the "heffers" and "rif raf" that Carnival cruises cater to.
Chris
Vancouver,#7Consumer Suggestion
Fri, April 20, 2007
The BEST place to go for recommendations and consideration before booking a cruise is your local cruise travel experts. If you want to gamble and book it yourself to save some money remember that when you gamble you occasionally lose. At the end of the day, when it comes to cruising, you get what you pay for. Period! Here is a good test; Calculate the total cost of your cruise. Divide it by the number of days that you will be on the Cruise Ship. That is your perdium (daily monies allocated to you living on the Ship). Then REALISTICALLY take a look at what you would get for the equivalent on land. A bed, three meals, staff to assist you 24 hours a day, entertainment and transportation (let's not even get into the exotic ports of call.) You can have: The Hilton + Mr. Chow's + Private Assistant + Celine Dion + a Town Car. Or Motel Six + Cracker Barrel + 411 Operator + Local Improv Troupe + Smartcar. There are cruise lines out there that cater to every style of cruising.
Nicole
Sitka,#8Consumer Comment
Sun, December 31, 2006
You are correct. All that seems to happen on cruise ships is eat, eat, eat, drink, drink, eat, drink, drink, drink eat, sleep. Next day: same. It is rather disgusting. You would think Carnival would be more careful after the demise of the Princess ship due to a smoker. Let me tell you, on my ship, ANYONE caught flicking ashes, cigs, or anything on or off the ship is immediatly (at the current or next port of call) kicked off the ship. I have seen it happen many times? Why? Because that cig could catch the entire ship on fire. Don't buy it? Do a search for Princess Lines ship fire. You'll get it. I'm sorry you did not enjoy yourself. You might prefer a smaller ship next time. More and more there are 80-100 passenger cruise ships that cater to a healthier clientele popping up all around the country. Look into it! I hope you enjoy your New Year P.S. And people wonder why this country has a weight problem!?