First time on Carnival, will be our second cruise ever

[MrsPhim]

Well, my family and I are going on the Carnival Elation in the fall later this year, we're so excited! This will be our second cruise, our first cruise was 4 years ago with Holland America (both cruises were departing out of San Diego) and I think the experience between the two is going to be very different. For one thing, when we went on Holland America, it was a special musical cruise (they had celebrity bands and musicians, comedians, etc. performing, the headliner was Michael McDonald). We actually didn't go for the music at all, but went because we got it at a fabulous price from a travel agent on Ebay ($900 including all taxes, fees and gratuity total for 3 people on a 7-day cruise). But because it was a special cruise, the performances in the theater were of course different, and so we missed out on things like talent shows, staff talent night, broadway-type performances etc which is what they normally had.

Also, the biggest thing is that there were absolutely no kids on board, and barely even people our own age (late 20s). Mostly everyone was older, 40s, 50s, and up. It was fine for us but probably not as fun for our son. We did feel a little self-conscious having a kid with us when no one else did...so after the first night, we never went back to eat in the dining room but instead went to the Lido deck-type buffet or else got room service. I know we missed out a lot but our son had also caught a cold since it was January, he was sneezing and we felt that it was a bother to our tablemates. One thing I have learned is make sure you bring a supply of basic medicine (cold/allergy pills, cough medicine, cough drops, childrens tylenol, etc) just in case because it costs $10-12 bucks in the ships pharmacy for like a couple days supply of pills, though they had complimentary aspirin and seasickness tablets. Still we had a fairly good time on the cruise and finally now are able to go again.

We have 2 kids now and I hope they will enjoy it a great deal, I know mom and dad will!

 

[Deborah]

We're taking our first cruise on Carnival too. Last fall we took Princess, but we didn't bring our teen along. This second cruise is more for her and her girlfriend whom we're inviting. I don't know from personal experience, but from everything that I've heard and read Carnival is one of the better ships for teens and younger children. I am hoping they are right!! How old are your children and where are you sailing to? We're sailing on the Carnival Elation on May 24 out of San Diego to Catalina Island and Ensenada. If you want to keep in touch, I'd be happy to let you know about our cruise when we return.

 

[bingoboy]

We'll be taking our 4th cruise in July. Three of them have been on Carnival. We started with Royal Caribbean, but since our second cruise (on Carnival) we've been hooked! We are most fascinated by the attention to detail in the decor and layout of each ship. Carnival Spirit (Alaska) was classy. Ecstasy had been completely refurbished: flat screen TVs, new carpet & bedding in all rooms, beautiful Camp Carnival...we'll be on Conquest next.

One thing you will notice on Carnival ships is that there are limited views of the ocean in interior public areas. You won't mind, though, if you have a balcony room. I'm not saying there aren't places to enjoy outdoor scenery, but Carnival really puts its efforts into providing interior eye candy everywhere you turn!

Another thing you will notice is that the company really invests in entertainment and activities for the whole family. Our son loved everything from scavenger hunts to trivia contests. We met so many friendly people. There will be NO shortage of kids on Carnival. Your picture will be taken many times - often with fun characters.

You'll have many TV channel choices with national network TV beamed in from Denver's affiliates. Expect the usual pitches for Bingo and art auctions and shopping talks. I wish there were more shopping options aboard, but the two or three shops are busy and fun for browsing. The staff members on our ships always worked very hard and remained friendly - always giving our 11-year-old son lessons in towel folding, etc. They always took the time to make Zach feel special. The food is like everything else: a lot of variety, with many, many choices...which means you'll find you love some of it, and some of it is just "OK". Our dining room experiences have always been excellent. Our servers were professional as well as entertaining.

I think Carnival gets bad press in the reviews. Some like to consider it the "bargain basement" of the cruising industry. We can't compare it to Celebrity, Princess, or NCL, but our experiences have led us to believe that its customers only benefit from Carnival being the leading (and biggest) cruise line of them all.

Cruising is the best way to vacation, no matter which line you voyage with. Have fun making memories with your family!