Is carnival cruise really as bad as everyone says?

Question

My boyfriend and I (he's 21 and i'm 19) are in the process of planning a cruise. We're looking at Carnival, Princess and NCL. I keep hearing horrible things about Carnival. Is it true, or maybe are they just referring to older ships. Any input would be greattttt =)

Answer 1

I've been on two Carnival cruises.  One ship was built in 2001, and the other was built in 1991.  Yes, the 2001 ship was nicer, but hey, it's ten years newer, too.  I had a great time on both cruises.  Carnival sure knows how to keep you busy and well-fed.

Answer 2

I have always heard that Carnival is like the "Wal-Mart of the Seas" but I just got back from a Carnival cruise and I had a splendid time! BTW I am 26 I think Carnival is geared towards a younger crowd.

Answer 3

Carnival is for younger people (good for you and your b/f) since they're called the Fun Ship.  I've been on it before and had a blast.  You'll find that people will have negative things to say about just every cruise line out there.  Have fun.  Happy cruising.

Answer 4

First of all, Carnival will not let the two of you book, unless you are married.  Their policy is that anyone under 21 has to be accompanied by someone over 25.  I do know that i love Carnival.  I have never had a bad cruise with them.  Honestly, your next choice should be RCCL.  Princess and NCL are both geared toward an older crowd.  They do not offer as much for young people.

Answer 5

The people I know who've been on Carnival cruises have loved them and taken multiple cruises.  They did say not to go if you don't like to party and carouse though because they're party boats.

Answer 6

go on carnival, princess, or royal caribbean. they're great and are really fun. those are my top three picks. except, dont go on a brand new ship but dont go on a very old ship either. go on a ship that has been sailing for atleast a year but one that has atleast 12 decks.

Answer 7

I recently have gone on one and have a few tips if you decide to go on a carnival cruise.

They are fun but make sure that the waters are not choppy because trust me EVERYBODY can get seasick in a certain amount of time.

Also try to find out if there are many people because if there are a lot then you will not get a chance to do anything.

Lastly book early because they quickly become sold out

Answer 8

It will still be lots and lots of fun.

Answer 9

no Carnival is great, however you will have to wait to find out until you are 21 or marred whichever comes first. If you are under 21 they will not let you one with out a guardian 25 years old.

Answer 10

Personally i don't like carnival and would not recommend it to anyone. When I went i was in my mid 20's and it was my first cruise. when I'm on vacation i like to stay busy and have fun. The carnival cruise I went on was extremely boring, with little to no activities, the ones they did have they charged for. There just wasn't much to do on the ship. Also the ship was dated, room nearly falling apart, complaints ignored or took long to get resolved. The food was horrible, we ate in the dining room for nearly every meal because the buffet was horrible, always cold and old with little variety. There wasn't a good mixture of people on the ship, nightclub dead nearly every night. After this cruise I was very unimpressed and disappointed and did not want to cruise ever again. Luckily I let my friends talk me into going on a royal caribbean cruise because it was the total opposite experience. I absolutely loved it. The rooms were nice, staff friendly, food in the buffet as well as dining hall very good with lots of variety. Also they have so many free activities, there was never the opportunity to be bored. And there was always a party going on, we would party until 4-5 in the morning. I loved it so much I'm already planning my next RCCL cruise, and I refuse to cruise carnival again.

Answer 11

it really depends on what you want from a cruise ..people your age will be right at home on one of Carnivals Fun Ships..NCL is a little more stuffy.. go see a travel agent in your area and they can help you find a cruise that fits your needs..and, or a ship that has what you want.

Answer 12

I went on a carnival cruise last Nov. I Had great time, the boat was clean, staff was great and food was great. Have a good time whoever you choose