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Post by dillydally on Mar 2, 2018 0:43:40 GMT
College age DD and her boyfriend of 3 years broke up last month so her friends invited her to go on a mom/daughter cruise - which means I got invited on spring break.  There were some logistics issues and the original cruise the girls were looking at (Royal Caribbean 5 day cruise) wouldn't work, but they found another one. I haven't been on a cruise in years and figure I am pretty much just along for the ride and to hang out with dd, so I said whatever they wanted was fine and booked me and dd (Carnival 7 day cruise). Later that evening, dd says that one of the girls is not going because her mom absolutely REFUSES to go on a Carnival cruise because they are "the WORST cruise line". Since then, I have talked to 2 people who got food poisoning (on a Carnival cruise), 1 person who got norovirus (Carnival cruise) and then I heard about the recent brawl (on a Carnival cruise). I have a fairly strong immune system and stomach, so I am assuming I will be just fine, but some reassurance from people who have been on a Carnival cruise and survived would be very welcome! (I'm not really too worried about it - I get to hang out with DD, visit some Caribbean islands and if anything goes crazy, dd and I have a good story to tell. UPDATE - we had a really wonderful time! The food was delicious, the service was great, the comedians were hysterical, the "dive-in" movies were fun, the coffee was really good, no one got sick and no brawls broke out! And it was just really nice to hang out with dd and her friends and just relax. I would do it again in a heartbeat. |
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Post by dewryce on Mar 2, 2018 0:48:32 GMT
Haven't been on a cruise, but I like your attitude! I think it'll be a great time and memory for you both. And how wonderful to have such supportive girlfriends.
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amom23
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,331 
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Post by amom23 on Mar 2, 2018 0:50:52 GMT
I've been on a 7 day Carnival cruise. There was zero food poisoning and was far from a "party" ship. Like any vacation.......you'll have fun if you want to have fun!
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Post by jumperhop on Mar 2, 2018 0:53:27 GMT
You have a few options
Not go because something bad might happen.
Worry till it makes you ill and go on the trip and be so afraid it takes all the fun out of it.
Or go have the time of your life with your DD.
I always give the advice that you shouldn't worry about the “what if’s”.
Don’t worry about things that haven’t happened yet. Carnival Cruise line is fine.
Have fun
Jen
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Post by ToniW on Mar 2, 2018 0:58:34 GMT
I've been on a few Carnival cruises with no problems with food or fighting, but it's been about 10 years. It was definitely great for things to do on sea days and such, as it was a "party" ship when we went. Things may have changed since then.
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Post by dillydally on Mar 2, 2018 1:02:01 GMT
Haven't been on a cruise, but I like your attitude! I think it'll be a great time and memory for you both. And how wonderful to have such supportive girlfriends. Thanks! The whole point of the vacation is that I get to spend time with dd. I think the other mom is missing a great opportunity. And yes, I am glad she has her friends - her boyfriend broke up with her so this has been super hard for her, and they have rallied around to support her. Makes a mom's heart feel good.  |
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Post by mom on Mar 2, 2018 1:02:10 GMT
I’ve never gone on a carnival cruise but here’s my 2 cents anyway.
1. You’re going during spring break. With college kids. So yes, it’s probably going to have a party atmosphere. But I’m sure there will be things for you that don’t involve guzzling beer.
2, you’re worried about illness/food poisoning: do what you should be doing anyway and wash your hands constantly . While hand washing won’t help for poisoning, it’ll go a long way to prevent illness. Pack some stomach medicene for the off chance food doesn’t agree with you.
Go and enjoy this trip with your daughter! It’ll be as fun as you make it, so go and expect to have a great time!
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Post by catmom on Mar 2, 2018 1:08:47 GMT
I've been on a Carnival cruise and it was around spring break. It had a lively atmosphere for sure but nothing crazy. I found the rooms were bigger than average (vs the other big cruise lines) and the food was at least on par. Entertainment was a lot of fun. I prefer them to Norwegian. My main issue was that the ship was so full the public areas were very crowded and we couldn't find an available lounger on sea days. And I will say the plastic trays and glasses in the buffet reminded me of a school cafeteria which wasn't awesome.
It sounds to me that with your attitude you will have an amazing time and make wonderful memories.
It would be worth your while to get a balcony room if that's an option for you, that way you can get away from the crowds if you want.
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IAmUnoriginal
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,894
Jun 25, 2014 23:27:45 GMT
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Post by IAmUnoriginal on Mar 2, 2018 1:23:58 GMT
It’s been a while, but I won a 7 day cruise on Carnival. There were no issues with food or fights. I was pregnant, so no drinking. The boat felt like a resort on water. There were lively areas and quieter areas. I loved it. We had a good time. I’d pack some pepto and Imodium in your bags, just in case. All cruise lines have had norovirus outbreaks. Like schools, a ship is a group of people forced to be in close contact. Norovirus loves that.
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Post by papersilly on Mar 2, 2018 1:29:30 GMT
We've been on three Carnival cruises and all have been great. No fights, poisoning, or anything bad. The service was great throughout the trips. We would cruise them again.
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Post by crazyquiltlady on Mar 2, 2018 1:31:32 GMT
I have been on 18 cruises, 10 on carnival. I have never gotten sick, nor has there ever been an all over ship illness while i have been onboard.
I have been on Several during spring break because we go when our kids are off school and can go with us. Yes, they are very busy, yes there are some partiers, but it was not all party all the time. There are structured activities every day. We have had loads of fun on them. We take our kids on all our cruises with us. We have a blast. You can be as involved as you want, or find the library or sun deck and do your own thing.
We have been on carnival, Royal, Norwegian, and Holland. The food is basically the same on all of them. Better food in the dining room than the buffet but that’s just our preference.
The cruise is what you make it regardless of which line you go with. It can be as fun as you want it to be or as horrible as you decide to make it.
We never book excursions on the ship because they are very expensive. We go online and book according to what port we will be in.
We love cruising. Have a great time.
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AmandaA
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,502
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Post by AmandaA on Mar 2, 2018 1:31:46 GMT
Not sure if it has changed (this was probably 8-ish years ago) but the worst thing for me about the Carnival we did was the smoking on the ship. Our town went smoke free in public places long before it was the norm, so we found it especially gross. But we survived and we had fun (we were traveling with a group as well). We ended up with an interior cabin (which I hated) but there was literally a support "pole" of some sort in our cabin that was right in the middle of the room. Having that story to tell alone made it a worthwhile vacation... and I am sure that pole would have some stories too if it could talk 😂
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PrettyInPeank
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,691
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Post by PrettyInPeank on Mar 2, 2018 1:35:27 GMT
I've been on one. It's not like that. Man, people can be such snobs. That all said, there is a slightly nicer feel to Royal Caribbean. Kind of like Target and Walmart. They sell 95% of the same stuff, just one feels a little better.
We're not comparing a thrift store with Saks here.
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Post by walkerdill on Mar 2, 2018 1:38:19 GMT
I have been on 2 Carnival Cruises in the last 6 months. Both for 7 nights. Guess what? I loved it! We are going on a Norwegian cruise in November.
I will say the food on the Lido deck was nasty. But burgers at Guys burgers, pizza & sandwiches at the sandwich shop were good. I also quite enjoyed the Dr. Seuss breakfast. Dinner in the sit down restraunt was quite nice. I preferred that over the Lido buffet every night. Room service is ehh for breakfast...it's pretty much a continental breakfast & nothing hot.
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Post by shannoots on Mar 2, 2018 1:44:25 GMT
I've been on 10 cruises, 8 on Carnival. We prefer Carnival and think they have the friendliest staff. We cruise with 15 people each time and knock on wood, nobody has been sick. Wash your hands, use sanitizer (it's all over the ship), etc....
We have been on a few spring break cruises and I think the atmosphere really depends on the itinerary. We went on one that went to Key West, Jamaica, and somewhere else. It was full of college students and a party atmosphere in the late afternoon/evening when they all woke up. Lol. Not a huge party atmosphere on other spring break cruises.
Go and have a blast!
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Post by Spongemom Scrappants on Mar 2, 2018 1:47:34 GMT
I just got back a few weeks ago from a Royal Caribbean cruise and I was NOT impressed. It was my first time on that cruise line and I will not do another with them. On the other hand, the Carnival cruise I took two years ago was great - as were my previous experiences on Carnival. I have been on two other lines as well. I would definitely do a Carnival cruise again.
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Mar 2, 2018 2:18:49 GMT
Well, I got norovirus just by living my regular life, so I say go on the cruise.
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pancakes
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,993
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Post by pancakes on Mar 2, 2018 2:22:41 GMT
I have been on at least 5 different cruise lines, although Carnival was my least favorite, I had a good time and I did not get sick. The food just won’t be as fancy, and the crowd is what you might expect with a less expensive cruise, but you will still have a great time.
Norwegian is my favorite bang for buck line, and Royal Caribbean is the only one I’ve been on multiple times. Princess is definitely an older, more low key crowd compared to Carnival.
You will have a good time. Dont worry.
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Post by hop2 on Mar 2, 2018 2:40:47 GMT
You’ll have fun
Jst be aware that if a staff person ‘offers’ you something it’s not necessarily free or included. They can be slightly tricky sometimes with the ‘may I offer you a welcome aboard blah blah blah’ and suddenly you’ve bought something before you realize - might not be a big deal to you but some of the girls might not expect a $20 this or a $50 that
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Post by Darcy Collins on Mar 2, 2018 2:52:57 GMT
I've never been on a Carnival cruise - but wouldn't hesitate to go on one and spend 7 days with my (hypothetical) college age daughter. Go have fun, I'm guessing the fuddy duddy will regret her decision in a few years, if not sooner.
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pilcas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,919
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Post by pilcas on Mar 2, 2018 12:19:33 GMT
I’m sure you will have a good time. How awesome to spend some fun time with your daughter. She is lucky to have such good friends.
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blue tulip
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by blue tulip on Mar 2, 2018 12:39:21 GMT
we've only been on 1 cruise, but it was a 7 day one with carnival and it was nice. everything was clean, the food was good. granted I didn't have anything to compare it with, but I had no complaints about the line or service.
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peabay
Prolific Pea
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Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Mar 2, 2018 12:52:49 GMT
I've been on one Carnival cruise and I didn't love it BUT I would go again in a heartbeat if my college age daughter asked me to. How many chances like that do you get? I wouldn't hesitate.
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,709
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Mar 2, 2018 13:37:38 GMT
I've been on I think 4 or 5 cruises on Carnival. I never got sick on a single one.
There are different classes of ships which I think makes a big difference.
My 16yo son and I did a 7 day Carribbean last August on one of the dream class ships and we had a blast. It's as "party" or as quiet as you want it to be. There are plenty of places to have peace and quiet if that's your thing. I don't like to hear loud music by the pool, so I stayed at the pool at the rear of the ship where it was super quiet. I avoided the buffet for the most part and ate in the dining room. The Guy Fieri burger place was really good and they also had a really good sushi place that was great as well (extra price).
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Post by birdy on Mar 2, 2018 14:10:38 GMT
We went on our first ever cruise last summer, on a Carnival ship. No issues whatsoever. It was a great time. That is awesome that you and your DD will have some special time together!! Enjoy!
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Loydene
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,639
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Post by Loydene on Mar 2, 2018 14:18:04 GMT
Take alcohol based wipes or spray -- when you FIRST enter your cabin, spray/wipe everything down - let it air dry. THEN wash your hands EVERYTIME you enter your room. Spray and wipe room as you thing about it. We do that for ALL cruise lines -- the room might be cleaned, but usually isn't sanitized!
We've never gotten sick (knock wood).
I don't care for Carnival -- but there is usually something going on that they call "entertainment" -- and there is always the deck, a chair, a book, the sun and all that wonderful water!
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Post by summer on Mar 2, 2018 15:21:41 GMT
I've cruised with Carnival a few times. The most recent, last year. All were wonderful vacations. I never got sick. Never felt like it was an out of control party atmosphere. They had plenty to do onboard, I had great service. Their crew is extremely hard working. I had exceptional shore excursions that created wonderful memories! I had the best snorkeling experience ever in Turks and Caicos. I think the excursions booked through them are totally worth it, you don't have that much time on the islands and I'd rather do a perfectly planned outing rather than winging it on my own. I would cruise again with Carnival in a heartbeat.
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scrapaddie
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,090
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Post by scrapaddie on Mar 2, 2018 15:40:55 GMT
I have been on at least 5 different cruise lines, although Carnival was my least favorite, I had a good time and I did not get sick. The food just won’t be as fancy, and the crowd is what you might expect with a less expensive cruise, but you will still have a great time. Norwegian is my favorite bang for buck line, and Royal Caribbean is the only one I’ve been on multiple times. Princess is definitely an older, more low key crowd compared to Carnival. You will have a good time. Dont worry. Celebrity is even older!! But very nice. Princess is pretty you g during spring break |
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StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,665
Location: Ohio
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Post by StephDRebel on Mar 2, 2018 15:59:54 GMT
You'll be fine and you'll have a great time.
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Post by sawwhet on Mar 2, 2018 17:57:13 GMT
I've only been on one Carnival cruise and the ship was new at the time. We had a fantastic time!! Not one glitch, crazy drunk or illness. Everything was fantastic, weather included.
Go have an excellent time with you daughter.
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There were some logistics issues and the original cruise the girls were looking at (Royal Caribbean 5 day cruise) wouldn't work, but they found another one. I haven't been on a cruise in years and figure I am pretty much just along for the ride and to hang out with dd, so I said whatever they wanted was fine and booked me and dd (Carnival 7 day cruise). Later that evening, dd says that one of the girls is not going because her mom absolutely REFUSES to go on a Carnival cruise because they are "the WORST cruise line". Since then, I have talked to 2 people who got food poisoning (on a Carnival cruise), 1 person who got norovirus (Carnival cruise) and then I heard about the recent brawl (on a Carnival cruise). I have a fairly strong immune system and stomach, so I am assuming I will be just fine, but some reassurance from people who have been on a Carnival cruise and survived would be very welcome! (I'm not really too worried about it - I get to hang out with DD, visit some Caribbean islands and if anything goes crazy, dd and I have a good story to tell. 
