I am getting ready to book a solo cruise on Carnival. I have never been on Carnival. Are they nice ships?

Question

I have a travel agent and the cruise I am interested in is an 8 day cruise to the Eastern Caribbean (Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay, Bahamas, & Nassau Bahamas). I will be going in June 2009 as a 40th birthday present to myself. I have never been to Grand Turk. Is it nice?

Answer 1

I've sailed NCL, RCI, CCL, HAL, and Princess (10 cruises).  For me it's more about the particular ship than line, with my favorites being Princess and RCI Voyager class.  CCL offers a good value, although not as ornate or elegant an atmosphere as a ship like the Grand Princess, Caribbean Princess, Mariner of the Seas, or her sister ships.  Yes, our 2 CCL cruises felt more budget compared to some other ships we've sailed, but we still really enjoyed them, and they were a good value for the money.  Our friends who sailed with us on the Mariner last Oct. just got off the Glory, and their take on it was that they won't be running back to CCL because it certainly felt budget after an RCI Voyager class ship, but that it was a good value.  With the single supplement you have to pay, I'd go for CCL.  The ships aren't elegant, but they are attractive and appealing.  It's like hotels.  You get more perks when you pay more, but do you really care about all those extras?  Do they add much to your stay?  CCL is no Motel 6 at sea.  It's also not the Westin or Hyatt but squarely in the middle, offering a good product for the money.        

Grand Turk is a good port for scuba/snorkel.  

I like to go to cruisecritic and cruiseclues for research.  Also you can probably find some 360 tours of the ship you're considering.

Answer 2

I been to truk bay, it was great for snorkeling

Answer 3

Have been on two Carnival Cruises and loved them both.  The Grand Turks and Caicos are impossibly gogeous.  However, bear in mind that there are no rates for singles - in other words, if you want a cabin for yourself, you will have to pay for a second person, whether you've got one with you or not.  Be sure to get at least an outside cabin with window.  Hey, free room service, maid service - you're waited on hand and foot - have a blast.

Answer 4

That is a question you should be asking your travel agent.  Yes that is a very nice cruise itinerary.  Carnival cruise lines has some very nice ships and the prices are great.

We are also travel agents and will be glad to answer any questions you have and we also do not charge a booking fee.

www.myvacationcenter.com

Answer 5

From where I work Carnival ships are not that bad, but I work on the barges that fuel the ships.  I get to see all the behind the scenes of the whole operation.

Answer 6

I love Carnival. I have sailed on them twice and I am about to go again in January.  I really love the bigger ships.  The cabins onboard boast the Carnival Comfort Beds which are absolutely heavenly with fine linens, a duvet, and a selection of pillows.  This is the best sleep away from home and I think even better. The staterooms are spacious and decorated in soothing colors.  The ships are wonderful and offer alot of different activities for you to do both onboard and ashore.  They do not call themselves the "Fun Ships" for nothing!  I have been to the Bahamas and they are beautiful.  I have heard amazing things about the Turks and Caicos Islands and I feel that you will love them.  This is also a cruise that I want to take.  I feel that you can never go wrong taking a Carnival Cruise!  FYI:  There are Single Supplement Rates but they are not many rooms that this applies to.  If you are planning on getting a 1A category (check online or the brochure to see category 1A single rooms) then you need to book soon because these are limited.  Or you can always get any room and pay the double fare (you do not pay the taxes  double though).  It is great that you are looking into this early.  Booking early will get you the best fare.  Ask your agent about the Carnival One Day Sales and the Wednesday Sales offered every week.  You may be able to get some onboard credit complimentary if a promotion is going on.  There is usually a 12 Days of Christmas sale also.  You can get great offers then as well.  I'm sure you will have a wonderful time.  If you need anymore information or advice please feel free to visit my site or contact me through email or phone.  P.s.  Since this is a gift to yourself have you thought about going with a group?  If you book a group of just 8 cabins then you can sail for free!  This is a wonderful way to travel and maybe save some money to enjoy the spa onboard your ship.

Answer 7

they are nice ships. Working with a travel agent who is knowledgible is a good idea.  they can give you more insite as to whether this cruise is for you.

cruisecritic.com

have a wonderful birthday and a great cruise.

Answer 8

I've been on Carnival twice!! And I am going on back to back cruises in May 2009 for my honeymoon. Carnival is a blast. It's like a city on the sea. There is so much to do, you will have a blast! I've never been to Grand Turk or Half moon cay. I heard they are nice, but can be very crowded if more than one ship is docked.