I am traveling alone on the Carnival Triumph leaving 9/8. I've heard conflicting reports about Carnival and more specifically, about the Triumph. Is this a good singles cruise? My cabin is Cat. 11, are these good sized? Any other info is appreciated. <BR>EM

<BR>Hi EM, <BR> <BR>The only reason you hear so many conflicting reports is because it is the most popular cruise line in the world. This fact is more than likely due to the fact that Carnival is sailing the most ships. <BR> <BR>Some people that reply negatively did not like the cruise experience. Some have never cruised Carnival and just listen to what others say. <BR> <BR>Since you are already booked and leaving Saturday it is too late to change your mind now. Please let us know about your vacation when you return. <BR> <BR>The Category 11 mini-suite has plenty of room to invite all your new friends. It is 220 square feet and has a 30 sq. ft. balcony. <BR> <BR>Measure it out in your living room. <BR> <BR>Have fun. <BR> <BR>Paul <BR>

It is not the only reason you hear so many conflicting reports. <BR> <BR>Many people are lead to believe that Carnival can offer more than it actually delivers. The person later finds out that the expectations that were presented by CCL's misleading advertising were too high. <BR>Many, many, many people have posted contrary comments to Paul who for some reason worships CCL (and quite a lot have good reason). Take whatever Paul says with a grain of salt as the saying goes. I hope you have a lovely trip, and not the experience a lot of us have had.

Go to Cruisemates.com. Lots of reviews there both good and bad. Enjoy your trip!

mizebaby: We sailed on the Carnival Victory this past weekend out of New York in a category 8 cabin and had a great time. <BR> <BR>In comparison to past cruises, we thought the food had been substantially upgraded, I had broiled lobster one night, and rack of lamb another. The entertainment is top notch and can't be beat on any other line. <BR> <BR>Bathrobes and bathroom amenities were provided in our cabin and we thought the cabin design allowed for plenty of storage, we actually were able to store our suitcases in the closets. <BR> <BR>The large casino, the variety of entertainment in the bars and lounges, the 24 hour pizzeria, the deli and chinese restaurant, the 4 separate dining room seatings, the high tech security systems, etc. made for a great high energy cruise experience. <BR> <BR>The best comparison is, if you enjoy staying at large chain hotels like Westin or Marriott, than you will enjoy Carnival. If you prefer the more sedate feel of a luxury hotel like the Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton, then you may be disappointed. <BR> <BR>Keep in mind, Carnival came from nowhere 30 years ago and now owns Cunard, Holland-America, Costa and others. They must be satisfying someone. <BR> <BR>Go on your cruise with the idea that you are going to enjoy it, because there is a lot to enjoy. <BR> <BR>Don't forget to report back when you return.

Paul explain to me how Anne in the post "Carnival, Looking to upgrade" who was specific in her dislikes is wrong about Carnival?

I have sailed on Carnival and Celebrity. Three times on Carnival and two times on Celebrity. The had the most fun on Carnival and I thought the quality of the food was the same on both lines. Being single I think you will have the most fun on Carnival.

I think it depends on your age. If you are under thirty, go Carnival by all means.

I don't think age has anything to do with it. I just turned 40 (and I cringe when I say that -- I can't possibly be this old!), we have two sons, ages 17 and 9, and my parents are in their 80's. We have cruised on three other cruiselines and all of us truly enjoy Carnival.

The bashers can talk all they want. My question to them is, is Wal-mart a more successful company than Neiman Marcus? Which has more customers and generates more revenue annually?

Age has nothing to do with it whatsoever. I will soon be 55 and I have always enjoyed the Carnival cruise experience. I am single and I always cruise solo. I notice there are cruisers of all ages on Carnival, including a great many who are in their 70s and 80s. I will always cruise Carnival.

<BR>Just got off the Destiny today and the ship was ultra-clean. No soiled carpets and general maintenance was on-going. <BR> <BR>My waiter and busboy were competent and jovial and the food was very good. The buffet was not as creative as the Victory, Spirit and Triumph but was adequate and varied. <BR> <BR>The purser's desk and casino employees were efficient. <BR> <BR>The entertainment was great (as usual). The big band and combos were the best at sea. <BR> <BR>The passengers were noisy and jovial and true to form had all kinds and types. Typical for a value fun ship cruise. <BR> <BR>My stewardess was not at all efficient but the carpet was vacuumed and the bathroom was clean. <BR> <BR>Since I did talk to as many passengers as time would allow there was quite a bit of the run-of-the-mill complaints. One guy counted all the tiny lightbulbs that were not lit and he was drafting a complaint letter to Carnival. One lady did not like her dining room since it "rocked" more than the other. The Maitre'd did nothing for her. One said the bread came too late and most times the soup came before her fruit-cup (special order). <BR> <BR>The room service food was adequate and tasty but not varied. It was delivered within 10 minutes. <BR> <BR>The Southern Caribbean itinerary was the greatest especially Aruba which had fireworks for us at 11 PM. They had erected on the pier a 3 story 12 foot wide tube of colored lights with a lit "welcome" sign on the top. Their new tourist area was beautiful. <BR> <BR>Any questions, just post. <BR> <BR>Paul <BR> <BR>

Mizebaby, <BR> <BR>First of all I would reconsider my trip with Carnival. The service is probably the worst in the industry. This is not, as Paul states in his posts, because they are the most traveled cruise line in the world. It is because they don't care about their service. They are a price driven cruise line. Therefore you get what you pay for.....poor service. <BR> <BR>Secondly, I would listen to Paul. He trawls this web site encouraging people to go on Carnival. He claims to be a travel agent with extensive cruise experience. He is constantly defending Carnival. Makes you wonder why? <BR> <BR>I would look over this website and look at some publications that rate the Cruise lines. You will get a better perspective that way. <BR> <BR>Good luck.

Anti-Paul: I am curious about something. In your post you did not give specifics. Have you sailed on Carnival? If so, which ships and when? That information would be helpful. Thanks.

Per your 9-3-post,you were going on the Triumph and had conflicting thoughts re/Carnival.Was just wondering,as this is 10-29,did you go and how was it? <BR>Thanks,

My question was obviously directed to mizebaby--a slip-up on my part.

<BR>I thought I gave a very good report of my last cruise on Carnival. Some negative and some positive which is par for any mass-market cruise line. <BR> <BR>I presumed the thread had ended. <BR> <BR>Now some wize-a brings it back. <BR> <BR>So lets hear from Mr. Anti-Paul as one previous poster stated. Lets hear about your specifics? Since you are the know-it-all, prove that you have cruised Carnival. How many times did you have lobster, how many times prime rib? How many dancers, how many musicians? How many pools? What time does the casino close? What time does the disco close? What food does the 24 hour pizza restaurant serve? What food does the Grill serve? What is the room service menu? How late can you purchase wine by the bottle? Are the liquor drinks strong or weak? Did your ship have soda and snack vending machines? Did it have ice-cube makers? How much closet space did you have in your stateroom? What was the size of your stateroom? Where are the complimentary ice cream machines located? What are the names of the dances and songs that are performed by the waiters? ..... C'mon lets hear it! <BR> <BR>I'll bet we do not hear from you. <BR> <BR>Paul

There are those that are suited for Wal mart and those that are not, Queen Noor. If I have a problem with Neiman it is taken care of immediately. No questions no hassles. Can the same be said for Carnival and Wal-Mart? <BR>

WooHoo! You go Paul!! The anti-Paul did not disappoint me. I knew he/she would not respond to my queries. I seriously doubt he/she has been on any cruise at all! I have been on Carnival, NCL, RCCL, Princess, Disney, and now this is going back some but even Dolphin and Regency Cruise Lines! There have been good cruises and bad cruises. At this point in time I shop the best deals. Whoever has the best price is where I will be, sipping my strawberry margarita, staring at the deep blue sea and already planning my next cruise!

Well, I see Paul is up to his usual antics. I don't know about you Paul, but as a vacation traveler, I could care less about what kind of pizza they have or what is the latest I can order a bottle of wine (unless I was on board with you). My main concern would be the level of service provided. That does not mean that a casino open all night means better service. Service means "attitude". Is the staff happy to help you. To you wait forever to get room service. Are they glad you are on their ship. <BR> <BR>My experience with the Ecstacy and Celebration was that ships were average but the "we've got your money and now we don't care" attitude was abundant. <BR> <BR>Paul, go back to the rock craweled out from under you bitter little boy. <BR> <BR>Buuuh bye!