tony

You are on all the boards and so i am asking for you're opinion as a man. My wife want to take a cruise on a carnival ship but some of the stiff i have read make me leary. There seems to be a problem with cleaning th ship, (VOMIT IN THE HALL???) and is there food fair, good, or great??. I also do not like to dress up all the time so how many dinners do you need to wear a suit and tie/ tux for on a 5 night cruise? I know i will probably get loads of threads on this but you DO seem to know whta you are talking about and would like some honest advice please. thanks

common

Tony,<BR><BR>While I am not Paul I can tell you this much. If what you are saying is true, then how could Carnival remain in business?? <BR><BR>Perhaps one time someone saw puck in a hallway. Hey, there are kids on board and people do get sick. More likely than not, that poster happened upon something that the cleaning staff just hadn't had the time yet to get too. Meaning that it probably just happened.<BR><BR>As for the food. Well if you and your wife are gourmet chef's you might notice the quality of the food. But average everyday people love the food.<BR><BR>As for dressing up for dinner. Suits and ties not required for a lot of meals. Think that is mainly up to you.<BR><BR>Please learn the power of common sense reasoning. It will cause you less stress with these decisions.

Patrick

Tony,<BR><BR>I'm not Paul either, but here's my two cents. Like a lot of things (and as any good lawyer would tell you), it depends. My wife and I enjoy Princess a lot, my in-laws swear by Carnival. They are in their early 60s, so it's not just a party animal kind of thing. Their style is a little more casual than ours. No, that's not quite right. More like we enjoy the occassional opportunity to dress up, etc. <BR><BR>From what I've seen, I think kids may be the real driver. When we cruise, it's still to get AWAY from our 3 little angels. Being around lots of other people's cherubs doesn't enhance our experience, if you know what I mean. Since Princess isn't really oriented to lots of small kids that works for us, and Carnival wouldn't.<BR><BR>In terms of dress, I'd say that anymore you can dress however you are most comfortable on all the mass market lines.<BR>

elaine

I am not Paul, but do sell cruises.<BR>Carnival gets a 90% or higher rating consistantly when being inspected.<BR>Often the get 100S%. All of these Negative Posts are Bull.

joyce

This link might help, it is Sanitation Ratings on the Ships.<BR>http://www2.cdc.gov/nceh/vsp/vspmain.asp

xman

Same way McDonalds does. Sheer numbers and good marketing/advertising.

cruiser

Paul must be on a cruise.

xxx

You mean he actually goes on a ship? Really? You'd never know with a much as he trolls these boards. When does he ever find the time to actually check out these ships.<BR>

Paul Therault

No, I was in Las Vagas inspecting hotels (tough job but someone has to do it).<BR><BR>What you read from other posters here is correct Tony and thanks for the kind words.<BR><BR>I may add, if you are allergic to children do not sail Carnival in the Caribbean in the summer. Remember it is a value, family cruise line. You will also find many polyester, K-Mart passengers. Many years ago I wouldn't have cruised Carnival even if they paid me. I sailed my first about 12 years ago and then had to convince my wife to try it. It was tough but she finally agreed and now our entire family cruises Carnival (other lines also in equal amounts). The food is rated above average (not just my opinion), the service average, the entertainment is exciting and the entertainers are professionals (the best). We do not judge people by what they wear. Cruise a French line and the dress of the day is bathrobes.<BR><BR>Formal nights are dressy unless you eat at the buffet. Tux or dark suit is not necessary but you should wear a dark sport jacket and tie. Most all women wear cocktail dresses and gowns. Other than the one formal night (five night cruise) you can just wear shirt and slacks. Women always look good. Business attire on casual nights, just fine.<BR><BR>One tidbit ..... when Carnival states they are the "fun" ships they are so correct. It is not laid back and most do not go to bed at 10PM. You can walk down the promenade and find passengers laughing, singing, dancing and generally having a great time. It may be loud at times but that is the "fun" ship experience.<BR><BR>If you want some quiet you can visit the library, the pool in the rear of the ship, the sides of the ship and the piano bar at night. Also the lounges that do not have entertainment. Plenty of choices for all ages and lifestyles. Dinner time is also great fun and you will get great prime rib and lobster. <BR><BR>And no, I do not get paid by Carnival for saying all this. Please note the negatives before you all jump on me.<BR><BR>Enjoy your cruise Tony.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR><BR><BR>

xxxx

How do they get those big ships into Las Vegas Paul? Hahahaaha

Paul Therault

They only go as far as Hoover Dam. Then take a Venetian gondola to the hotel. Part of the ship's transfer program.<BR><BR>Paul