Has anyone out there had a bad experience with carnival cruise line?

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Noble Angel

Carnival is what we use for our family cruise and it is wonderful, they have a lot for everyone, the service is awesome, they do all they can to spoil you. The food especially in the dinning room is 5 star, and they go out of their way to cater to all you want, including cappuccino every meal.
the only thing that was annoying was the weather, as it rained on us, and we booked during hurricane season ans Dean and Felix hit before we left so the ports where changed but NO cruise line can control that. I say that as it is always a chance you have but not a problem, just part of life, we still had a wonderful time, and have book another cruise with Carnival

Well, Carnival is best for night-life and a generally fun social atmosphere. They also have an excellent kids' program.

However, the night-life can be too rowdy for some people (especially older folks), and Carnival is more focused on fun than a "refined" experience. So for example the ship decor is very glitzy and exciting, but not exactly museum-quality artwork.

More generally, I guess there are a few bad things that **could** happen on a cruise. Some stuff to be aware of:

1) If you are sharing a table with another couple, and you don't like them, on the first night go to the Maitre d' and ask to switch.

2) Use lots of sunblock. Soooo many first time cruisers end up with painful sunburn. It hurts.

3) Stay hydrated. Especially if you're drinking alcohol it gets really easy to get dehydrated

4) You might feel motion-sick. Most people don't, but some do. If you're prone to motion sickness, get dramamine from the front desk; take it BEFORE you feel sick. (If you're concerned about seasickness, read this: http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/introduction_to_cruises/cruise_faq/will_i_get_seasick )

5) You might not like some of the food. Tell your waiter what you like and ask what he recommends; he'll know what's good. And if you're fussy like me, avoid the steak and lobster except in the specialty steakhouse. (But I do this on all cruise lines, not just Carnival.) Personally, I think the Angus Beef Burgers and the chocolate souffle in the dining room are awesome, and you can have them every night if you want.

6) Don't miss the ship. If they say everyone needs to be back onboard by 6pm, you MUST be back by then. They won't wait for you.

7) You might get drunk and make a fool of yourself at karaoke. I can't really help you with that one. But trust me, it's not fatal. =)

And if you have some other problem (misplaced your key card, blocked toilet, etc.), go to the front desk and let them know as soon as possible. They're professionals and will do what they can to help.

For more "know before you go", including a packing checklist and tips on how to stay healthy during your vacation, check out...
http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/know_before_you_go

Have a great trip!

darkwarriorxii

We've only had one bad experience with Carnival. We were on the bottom deck next to a sewage line. Our friends were on the other side of the line. Well, something happened and there was a backup. Our bathroom (and eventually our stateroom) started to really smell. At one point, I think our toilet was disabled.

We complained to the purser's desk and the problem was fixed by the next day. In addition, Carnival gave us and our friends 10% off our next cruise. We did not expect to get anything; we just wanted the problem fixed. So it was great that Carnival went above and beyond to apologize for the inconvenience.

I must say, don't take this as a chance to go on a Carnival cruise and complain expecting to get something great in return. I've read of people going through much worse and not getting anything! So if something happens on your Carnival cruise, don't "expect" to get something. If you do get something, that's great, but don't expect any more than a solution to the problem.

TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

Rarely do really bad things happen on a cruise. There may be annoying things and even some that are unpleasant and some of those may even be caused by other passengers being annoying with their loud ways and noise. There are lots of people who love Carnival cruises and then some who don't like them because of various things. But its usually mostly a matter of personal preference or an expectation that is not met, rather than something really bad happening, like getting beat up.

andrewj_j

I took a Carnival Cruise in June 2007, It was my first time on a cruise, I had a Great Time. I did not see any bad things
on that cruise. They are very Safety Oriented. The crew will go out of there way to help you have a great time. If there is a problem, just ask and they will help you out as much as possible.
I am taking another Carnival Cruise in March 2008.

Dusie

I've been on 3. Inspiration, Imagination and Valor. We had the best time on all three. No problems at all. What are you specifically worried about?

MCLS

NO I HAVE NEVER HAD A BAD EXPERIENCE. JUST SOME TIPS IF YOU NEVE BEEN ON A CRUISE THEN BOOK A CABIN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SHIP . ALOS DON'T BOOK SO HIGH UP IN THE SHIP BECAUSE YOU WILL FEEL THE WIND MORE. HAVE FUN

fashionbabee

i've found that its a little run down and it's just not my style. carnival is more of a party cruise. if you want a good cruise go on royal carribean it is great. they have a mall and a spa and a gym and an iceskating rink. go on navigator of the seas

Dance2DaTrance

Been on many
and only 1 was Carnival
it was the Sensation
it was the oldest thing
i've ever seen!
I booked it becuase it looked
very nice!!!
when I got there I saw it
in astonishment.
It was old!
and my mom did not have
such a good time,
she was barfing up a storm

Rottenmutts

Carnival is the bottom of the cruise industry's barrel. The older the ship the worse it is. I know they are a tiny bit cheaper but you can find more fun for you buck and a lot better food on Princess or Norwegian's new ships. You don't sound old, so I would avoid Holland America and Celebrity.

ctelly22

I cruised carnival once and it was horrible. The ship was very old. The air conditioning in our room wasn't working and it took numerous calls and 4 days before anyone would even look at it. The food especially in the buffet was cold and looked like leftovers. There was no variety, nearly the same thing everyday, and did not taste good at all. There were no activities besides port shopping classes and overpriced bingo. I actually slept during the days at seas because I was so bored. As for carnival being the party ship, the party must have skipped the ship I was on because it was virtually nonexistent. The nightclub stayed empty during the whole cruise. There were more people at karaoke then at the nightclub. The only thing I enjoyed about my carnival cruise were the ports. I would never again cruise or recommend carnival. Since that cruise I have cruised Royal Caribbean and the difference between the two is huge. Royal Caribbean is a lot better and worth the money.

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