Carnival Cruise Lines Western Caribbean out of Galveston.. is it worth $1,000?

Question

My husband and I have never been on a cruise, and are planning to go on one with friends this fall. Any praises or complaints about Carnival?? Is the food good? Do you have to eat at certain times, or is there a place where you can eat anytime you want?

Answer 1

Haven't done that particular cruise, but know people who have and they liked it - but they're "hooked" on cruising.  $1000 is a good price for two, but be aware that there are other costs:  tips [$10/day/person], drinks [soda/alcohol/wine], spa treatments, bingo, casino, excursions.

You can get excellent info on any aspect of cruising at CruiseCritic.com.  Click on "Boards", then go to your area of interest.  I'd suggest:  "Carnival Cruise Lines", "First Time Cruisers", "Money-Saving Tips".  You might also want to check "Reviews", especially the "Member Reviews" for the Conquest.

The food is pretty good for being served en masse.  There's a wide variety and it's available 24/7 - you will not go hungry on a cruise unless you are an extraordinarily picky eater.  The pizza is great.  There will be four dinner seatings, ranging from about 5:45 to 8:30 and you will be seated at the size of table you request when you book, if possible.  They try to seat people according to age, etc; we've always had wonderful dinner mates.  Or you can eat in the specialty restaurant [extra charge but well worth it] or in the little "bistro" in the Lido, or the Lido itself.  The Lido is available at almost any time and does not have a dress code.

Carnival's decor is very over-the-top glitzy - "Vegas at sea", and there is a lot of activity all day.  However, you can find quiet spots to relax and people-watch, if you want.

Your library probably has a book about cruising, and certainly your bookstore does - even a "Dummies" book, if that's your style.  Research is part of the fun!

The only problem is - once you cruise, you, too, may be "hooked"!

Answer 2

$1000 for two for a week, taxes and surcharges included, yes.

There is a set time for dinner in the dining room but the so-called Lido deck has food almost anytime. There is also 24-hour room service included in the price but some of the offerings aren't that great and the folks that deliver it will expect a buck or two tip.

Breakfast and lunch in the dining room are "open seating" meaning that they are open for a specified period, you can come anytime, and you'll be seated with others that show up at that same time.

All the food is good. IMO, dining room food is a lot better than the stuff on Lido which is, in turn, better than the stuff by the pool. We rarely do room service.

Try them all. I bet you'll come back heavier than when you left...