Are the Carnvival Cruise ships really 'party ships' more than the other cruise lines?
We are trying to decide which cruise line to take on our Mexican Cruise and this will be my first cruise. We are in our 30s and want to surrounded by a mix in ages- not just partiers!

Thanks!

I can only speak for our experience on the Carnival Paradise, which has, unfortunately, gone out of business.
It was a non-smoking ship, which may (but not necessarily)have attracted a more subdued crowd. In any case, our ship was a mix of seniors, families, and mature singles. It was NOT full of drunks or frat-type guys. The food and entertainment was very good. My son and I had a great time!

You'll have a good mix of ages on Carnival. Their food is great!! We did the Celebrtion out of Galveston to Cozumel. It's an "older" ship, but we had a good time.

I think Carnival has that reputation as a drunken party ship. I think the reality is different. Our Carnival Carib. cruise last yr. went fine. As for the age mix I noticed a wide variety of age groups and the food was terrific. I htink Carnival will be fine. Bon voyage.

We went to the Carnival Sensation out of Tampa. My wife and I are both in our late 30's and the cruise was excellent. Carnival is for everyone who like to have fun no matter what age. Can't wait to go again!

Have done several Carnival cruises, one Royal and one Norwegian....There's always a mix of people. Carnival is more laid back, but have even been at Spring Break and it was fine. Have a great time!

I have traveled many times on Carnival and frankly have encountered party ship sailings. Off season, less likely and more likely on shorter cruises. There are mixes on all cruises but Carnival can have the youngest average in the Caribbean.

We just got back from our first cruise, on the Carnival Celebration,5 night cruise sailing from Galveston, and had a great time. There was a good mix of all ages. I would definitely go again! Great crew.

I would definitely stay clear of the 3 night cruises on Carnival. Stick with a 7 nighter and you should be happy with a good mix of people and ages. I think the entertainment and casinos on Carnival ships are excellent. The food is good, but not gourmet.

My only complaint about Carnival (and othe large ships) would be that there are a LOT of passengers so often there are lines to wait in and sometimes it's tough to get chaise lounges by the pool.

I think it's a good cruiseline for your first cruise to find out if cruising is for you. I've had good times on all ships.

I found Carnival to be a great mix of all ages & activity preferences. We loved our cruise on the Destiny so much that we just booked Alaska on the Spirit this July.

I remember my first cruise on Carnival and all the same concerns that I too had heard about it being the "party" cruise line.
I'd agree with what most have already said and, have now sailed Carnival more times than I can count.
With Carnival, and many other lines, the key is the time of the year and length of the cruise. These two factors determine the make up of the crowd. The shorter the cruise (like 3 day) and the closer to spring break, the more likely you'll see a larger crowd of young people wanting to party.
Even then, the lines do a good job of controlling them and the ships are so large you don't have to be around them (unless you want to be).
As people in your 30's I doubt you'll have any problem with the mix of passengers. And again, this would apply to almost all the lines that are in the same price range. Just go and have fun on you first cruise...and enjoy!