Alison

My boyfriend and I are thinking about going on a Carnival Cruise. I keep hearing mixed thoughts about this Cruise line. Is it really that bad? We're both in our mid twenties. We don't really need "upscale", but is it unsanitary like I've heard? Please advise!

snorkelman

fodors is really the only website that seems to have people posting such things about carnival. i am 29 and believe that Carnival cruises offers the best for the money, especially for the younger crowd. if you are over 50, maybe less action is better, and thus, lines like Holland America, Princess and Celebrity are better for the older crowd.

Alison

Thanks for the response, Snorkelman!<BR>I have heard that Carnival is geared towards a younger crowd. That's definitely something we want. Older people are great too, but if I'm going be on a boat for a week I would like to be with people more my age. Thanks again.

Ted

Alison: I've cruised many times on many lines and you'll enjoy your first cruise with Carnival. They do a great job for the money.<BR>So that you know the correct "lingo" make sure you refer to it as a ship, not a boat. The crew will tell you the boats are those little things hanging off the sides that only get used if the "ship" sinks.<BR>Take care and have fun!

Jenna

Alison,<BR><BR>I cruised Carnival on the Fantasy last June and am going again this July. I really enjoyed my trip. True, it is not elegant, but I didn't need elegant, I just wanted to have fun and meet fun people. If neon lights and a general "casino" like decor is not your thing, I'd reconsider Carnival. The decor didn't bother me, as I'm not into decorating, I just wanted a memorable trip, and I got it.<BR><BR>Let me know if you have any questions,<BR><BR>Jenna

snorkelman

FYI - the Fantasy is 11 years old, and is not surprising that it sports some neon. Do not think that all Carnival ships resemble a carnival/fair atmosphere. For example, the new carnival ship, the Pride is very different from the aging Fantasy. The Fantasy is 3 and 4 day cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas, and is pretty much just a fun "cheap" cruise for us floridians for a fun weekend, or a decent short cruise for a first timer. After 13 cruises, I have seen the best and the worst. I cruised on the Fantasy in December, and, although in good condition for its age, I am looking forward to the 7 day cruise on the Pride in June.

Joyce

Carnival is Absolutely NOT Unsanitary.<BR>Their ships typically get a 90 or Above Rating when Inspected. I have sailed on Carnival about 6 or 7 times and have enjoyed it each and every time.<BR>The Fantasy was just Refurbished Last Year.

xman

If you consider puke in the hallways along with the smell of urine in the stairwells sanitary, so be it.

Paul Therault

<BR>This thread was going along fine until x-man came out of his closet with his derogatory remarks.<BR><BR>You better give up x-man, you are outnumbered.<BR><BR>Paul

Todd

What a moronic comment xman! How old are you 12? I've sailed on Carnival at least a dozen times and never experienced what you mentioned. Enjoy your crise Alison and pay no attention to posters like xman.

Alison

You guys are great. Thanks for the great feedback and the information. You've been all really helpful. After all, I'm young still, I don't need anything so upscale. I think Carnival it is! Thanks, guys. I feel good about going!<BR>Take care,<BR>Alison

Paul Therault

<BR>Hi Allison,<BR><BR>You do have something to look forward to. As far as ages you will find an even mix. Since it is a value cruiseline you will find many children on the standard eastern/western Caribbean cruises. this is a thorn for some passengers since some parents can not control or supervise their children. It is a learning experience since as time goes by and you have your own, you will know exactly how it is going to be.<BR><BR>Have a wonderful time.<BR><BR>Paul

Tina

Paul in your always infinite wisdom, how does xmans experiences have to do with being out numbered. Talk about a moronic response. I find it highly unlikely that someone would lie about this kind of scenario.<BR><BR>Plus Alison beware of Paul's comments on Carnival. This man seems to have some kind of strange alliance with Carnival. in his eyes they never seem to do anything wrong. Thousands of other posters have disagreed with him.<BR><BR>If you are younger Carnival will more than likely suit your needs, but more than several people have posted comments similiar to xman's.

xman

Hi: My name is xman. When I get cornered I lie and call myself Tina!

xoxo

Paul is just stating what millions have experienced with Carnival.<BR>Xman probably traveled with them 2 decades ago. The Product has improved immensley since then and is now better than RCCL.

thinker

I would never believe<BR>anything I read on<BR>this Board.<BR>It is a bunch of infantile<BR>people, voicing moronic <BR>complaints or people working<BR>for the hotels and cruislines<BR>hawking their wares.

Tina

Hi my name IS Tina, and not xman. You have obvioulsy never been on one of these ships during spring break season. I unfortunately was. That was my mistake.

Paul Therault

<BR>This thread is a hoot. I join in for comic relief.<BR><BR>This is a Carnival thread and that is why I am defending Carnival (along with many others).<BR><BR>Tina should not sail on any mass-market ships in the Caribbean. They are all value-priced family cruises. God forbid if you hate children.<BR><BR>FYI, there is no "spring-break" times of year. No one is allowed to sail in a cabin unless one is over 25 and the others must be over 21 therefore no spring-breakers.<BR><BR>Now at least now we know that Tina is not x-man.<BR><BR>Paul<BR><BR>

Tina

Paul I guess the KIDS I talked to that told me they were from WVU on springbreak must have been on the seven year plan at college. Or maybe they were just a family of really young drunken immature parents. Oh well. I guess there is no arguing with some people. Particularly you. And yes I do like cruises, but I guess Celebrity is more my style.

elaine

Paul is right Carnival does not allow anyone under 21 unless there is someone 25 or older in the cabin.