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Carnival Virgin here...
I've cruised before (Royal and Norwegian) but never on Carnival.
My parents got us and our kids (11 and 10) a cruise next year for President's Week on the Carnival Pride out of Baltimore...
Any intel? Tips? Rants? Raves?
TIA
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Posted 7/17/18 9:34 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
NYCGirl80
I love my kiddies!
Member since 5/11 10413 total posts
Name:
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Re: Carnival Virgin here...
We've cruised all 3. I don't know that there are any real tangible differences between the 3 that I can give you tips on. I would say it's the youngest crowd of the 3 and not the highest level of service, but you will still definitely have a great time!
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| Posted 7/17/18 1:33 PM |
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nycgirl
Angels!
Member since 3/09 7721 total posts
Name:
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Re: Carnival Virgin here...
I liked Carnival. Was my first cruise and I did more after that. I think all cruises are pretty much the same. Carnival had a great comedy line up and I remember its specialty extra $$$ restaurant was really phenomenal (best cruise meal I’ve ever had). The entertainment was great and I thought the service was great too. Best service I had was Norwegian and Carnival (and Norwegian I had stayed at a higher “level”). The rooms were very big compared to other cruises.
Enjoy!
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| Posted 7/17/18 5:49 PM |
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HomeIsWithU
Baby #2 on the way!
Member since 9/07 7816 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: Carnival Virgin here...
I've cruised Carnival, Princess, and RC multiple times. It's been years since I cruised Carnival, so I don't know if it's changed since I last tried them, but I will say the last time (maybe 10 years ago) I swore would be the very last on Carnival. The crowd was too young, the service was "eh" and overall we just weren't impressed. My favorite was RC. My parents won't cruise Carnival anymore either for the same reasons.
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| Posted 7/18/18 8:59 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Carnival Virgin here...
We actually had a Carnival cruise booked to Bermuda next month on their newest ship (Horizon). When I booked, it hadn't even sailed yet. Then I started reading about it, and the more I didn't like what I saw. Mostly adult travelers without children. Not a lot of family entertainment options. The evening shows were not for kids, etc. Huge lines for food, service lacking, etc. So, I ate my deposit, and was refunded the rest of my fare. It wasn't even a cheap cruise either...$3k for a 4 day cruise. Free is free though, so if you aren't paying for it, it's all good, and I'm sure you will have a great time!
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| Posted 7/18/18 10:34 AM |
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twizzlers
LIF Adolescent
Member since 11/14 874 total posts
Name:
x
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Carnival Virgin here...
Not a fan of Carnival.
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| Posted 7/18/18 11:00 AM |
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Dani922
Here's to new beginnings
Member since 10/07 7260 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: Carnival Virgin here...
My 10th Carnival cruise is next month. We're big fans. The kids love the kids club & activities. I find there is always plenty to do for all of us. Never have been bored. Service is always excellent. I'm not a big foodie & eat pretty basic, but I can say we always find something to eat.
I have nothing to compare to as I've only sailed Carnival- just a "dont fix what ain't broken" thing for us.
If you have any questions I'm happy to answer!
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| Posted 7/19/18 8:15 PM |
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Dani922
Here's to new beginnings
Member since 10/07 7260 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Re: Carnival Virgin here...
Posted by BargainMama
We actually had a Carnival cruise booked to Bermuda next month on their newest ship (Horizon). When I booked, it hadn't even sailed yet. Then I started reading about it, and the more I didn't like what I saw. Mostly adult travelers without children. Not a lot of family entertainment options. The evening shows were not for kids, etc. Huge lines for food, service lacking, etc. So, I ate my deposit, and was refunded the rest of my fare. It wasn't even a cheap cruise either...$3k for a 4 day cruise. Free is free though, so if you aren't paying for it, it's all good, and I'm sure you will have a great time!
I will say the shorter cruises under 5 days to tend to attract more younger adults & bachelor/bachelorette parties so that could definitely be a factor with a lot of the current NY sailings. Bermuda attracts more adults too since Carnival doesn't do as many as other lines. NY does tend to be $$. 8/9 times I've flown to FL or NOLA & even with airfare it was cheaper than just leaving from NY.
That said, I was on the Vista- the sister ship- in March. The lines were some of the best I've seen & it was a jam packed spring break cruise. I've always seen mostly families on Carnival & never a shortage of kids. Horizon & Vista actually do have a lot of activities for kids. I didnt bring my kids on that trip but we had my boyfriend's nephew in our party & the kid was always running around to something. The late evening shows aren't for kids, but there are family friendly comedy shows & some family friendly theatre shows. I'll be on the Horizon for an 8 day with my kids next year from FL.
Just sharing my experience since I've sailed Carnival extensively & wouldnt want anyone to immediately write it off or worry it wont be enjoyable, but of couse we all have different tastes. I'm sure the OP will have a great time!
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| Posted 7/19/18 8:31 PM |
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JandJ1224
Member since 6/06 5911 total posts
Name:
Jannette
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Re: Carnival Virgin here...
We have sailed most cruise lines. Our preference is Royal as we like the newer ships but a trip on Carnival was one of my husbands favorites as they had tons of sports and my husband went from playing one thing to the next. I'm sure there will be plenty of kids and a great kids club.
Have a great time! A free cruise sounds awesome!
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| Posted 7/20/18 9:45 AM |
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Re: Carnival Virgin here...
Posted by JandJ1224
We have sailed most cruise lines. Our preference is Royal as we like the newer ships but a trip on Carnival was one of my husbands favorites as they had tons of sports and my husband went from playing one thing to the next. I'm sure there will be plenty of kids and a great kids club.
Have a great time! A free cruise sounds awesome!
That's great to hear bc my boyfriend can't sit still, lol.
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| Posted 7/20/18 11:27 AM |
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TwinDani
We are complete <3
Member since 3/11 1750 total posts
Name:
Danielle
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Carnival Virgin here...
I sailed on the Carnival Pride almost 3 years ago and loved it. The kids had a blast in the splash area and the slides. The kids club was a lot of fun for them they didn't want to leave. There were great shows and there is the Dr. Suess themed breakfast and other events throughout the cruise.
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| Posted 7/20/18 12:49 PM |
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LI2VA
Love my life!!
Member since 11/05 3125 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Carnival Virgin here...
I did Carnival once... Once! It wasn't for me or my party that went but I'm sure you will have a nice time regardless. It's still a vacation!
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| Posted 7/20/18 3:36 PM |
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TyReseGreen
Lil Prince is here
Member since 8/11 6338 total posts
Name:
Theresa
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Re: Carnival Virgin here...
We’ve been sailing on Carnival for the past 2 years and absolutely love it. Haven’t sailed on Pride but Glory twice and Magic. We are sailing on Breeze in May 2019. Plenty of activities for the kids(sign them up for the camp).
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| Posted 7/22/18 1:15 AM |
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Sharon
So Big... So Fast!
Member since 5/05 2959 total posts
Name:
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Re: Carnival Virgin here...
Sailed the Pride 3 years ago and booked it again for Spring Break 2019. The Pride is great! Lots of families, kid activities. Service was top notch. Food basic, but tasty. My kids loved the Hasbro games, kids club - pretty much everything (they were 9 at the time). I read that the ships is showing some wear and tear, but it is going into Drydock the first two weeks of February, so you'll be on the first sailing after the enhancements. Enjoy!
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| Posted 9/5/18 6:45 PM |
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