Anyone ever taken a Carnival Cruise?

Question

My husband and I are looking into going on a cruise sometime next year. I have friends who have sailed with Carnival before and they highly recommend it. I have looked the website over and I was wondering if anyone on here had been on one of the cruises? If so what do the activites on ship cost. like using the spa and salon. I know that the food is inclusive, but what do you have to pay for after you are on the ship?

Answer 1

if you want to avoid lots and lots of children dont going during christmans and thanksgiving.  we did christmas last year and the place was crawling with children  still had fun though.  also it is ore expensice to do during those particular holidays.  try january or december.  

also go to this websire www.cruisecritic.com  it contains some valuable information.

Answer 2

My husband and I went on a Carnival cruise for our honeymoon. I have been on 7 different cruise lines and this one was more of a party cruise line. There were lines for everything and kids running around everywhere. We just went on a Disney Cruise (now with kids) and surprisingly they had more quiet serene pool areas then when we went on Carnival. But maybe Carnival has changed that.

Activities on any cruise line seem to cost a bit. You pay for shore excursions, alcohol, gambling of course. I think you may pay for soft drinks too.

Answer 3

soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, etc....

all the things in the salon cost, many of the classes such as pilates and yoga cost.

gambling/bingo/lottery costs.

no need for cash, you get a sail and sign card.  its just like a credit card.

Answer 4

I too highly recommend Carnival, because they're the most fun.  I like Norwegian too because you don't have a set dress code for dinners, but it is nice on the nights everyone is dressed for formal nights too.  Your choice on that one.  The extras would be the photos they take of you and drinks or the spa / salon.  Most of the entertainment is free, including the pool games that are fun to watch when the ship is on a "at sea" day, then there's all the stuff to do at night.  They'll keep you busy.  Carnival has things happening all the time.

To save some money though, bring your own snorkel gear so you won't have to rent it.  We always brought our own and hoped in a taxi and asked the driver to bring us to the best beach for snorkeling...sometimes we were the only people on the beach and it was wonderful.  Just tell him when to come back, and he'll be there. Give him a few extra bucks when he drops you off...he'll be back for more.  If you go to St. John...ask for Westley, he's the best.

I usually find a good deal on iBtraveling.com because you can compare prices there.  Two weeks before you set sail call Carnival and ask for a free upgrade.  Get the cheapest cabin with a window you can, and by the time it's almost ready to leave, you'll be bumped up to one of the top floors with a window.  Get a cabin in the middle of the ship, where it's less likely to rock...like putting a pencil in between two fingers and rocking it back and forth, although ships now a days are so huge, they don't rock.  The only other cabin I'd recommend IF you have lots of days at sea would be one with a cabin...ask for that one two weeks before you set sail too and it might cost you another hundred or so.

You'll have fun and it'll be money well spent, that's for sure.

Answer 5

I went on a Carnival cruise in February and used the services of the spa and salon .   It wasn't cheap but I sure didn't regret spending the money .

       I got a haircut , shave , facial and massage .  My wife got a manicure , facial and massage .

I would not hesitate doing the same thing on our next cruise .

             The food was outstanding included steak , lobster , shrimp , fine desserts and unique foods from

Italy , France and India .

      The drinks were about the same price as a Fridays' or Chili's restaurant .

Answer 6

Definetly Go!!! My family and I just got back on Sat.. I suggest trying the Carnival Holiday it ports out of Mobile Al. It is the oldest and smallest ship in their fleet but it is a great first time cruise. The staff is more than helpful, everyone was great. The only things you pay for are spa & salon, drinks, pictures and excurtions. They do not except cash on board. They take pictures everyday, (Very Good Pictures).  But eveything else is included. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

I have heard little good about Carnival except from those who want to party.  Complaints include mediocre food, long lines and lousy service.  I recommend Royal Caribbean.

Answer 8

I've been on 4 Carnival cruises.  The salon and spa are a little pricey (around 4 or 5 star hotel prices).  But all the other activities are free (except for the gambling activities like bingo or in the casino).  There's tons of on board games and competitions, as well as shows and the dance clubs.  I try to participate in almost everything.  I've actually won a few prizes.  The crews are REALLY friendly.  If you make friends with the right crew members you might even get some drinks free (I made friends with a barteneder once).  There are also several lounges on each ship.  Of course you have to pay if book tours and/or excursions for when you are off the ship, but depending on the island and the tours offered, sometimes I was better off just taking a taxi downtown or to the beach (like in Grand Cayman and Freeport I did that).

Answer 9

honeybee is right, also  I would suggest a 7 days cruise, much better and you get to go to several different ports.I have been out of Galveston to Jamaica, Grand caymans and Cozumel , and it was GREAT!!