There is a part of me that will miss the over the top interiors of Joe Farcus that Carnival has become famous for. It's the end of an era so to speak, and perhaps it's time? Although some of the Carnival designs were/are downright tacky and made you think ????, they were unique to Carnival (and now Costa) and sort of put Carnival on the map. All cruise lines have their gimmicks ... some cruise lines have ice skating rinks, others have ice bars, and Carnival always had the crazy interiors. Don't fret too badly though, if you really miss those crazy interiors, Mr. Farcus is still the lead designer for sister company Costa Cruises.

So what do you think of CARNIVAL BREEZE? A step in the right direction or will you miss the crazy Farcus interiors?

Ernie

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Blush Dining Room

Sapphire Dining Room

Breeze Atrium

Ovation Main Showlounge

Cloud 9 Spa

Liquid Nightclub

Lido Marketplace

Piano Bar 88

I think Carnival has finally moved on to something more sophisticated as they realize that even the "bottom feeders" in the words of Bob Dickinson, have grown up.

Perhaps an analogy would be to see how even McDonalds and Burger King stores have classed up their looks, gotten away from the kiddy prime colors and made the dining rooms much more sophisticated-looking.

Rich

[ 08-18-2011: Message edited by: Linerrich ]

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Originally posted by Linerrich:
Very nice--many areas remind me of Celebrity's SOLSTICE-Class ships, especially the dining rooms.

I think Carnival has finally moved on to something more sophisticated as they realize that even the "bottom feeders" in the words of Bob Dickinson, have grown up.

Perhaps an analogy would be to see how even McDonalds and Burger King stores have classed up their looks, gotten away from the kiddy prime colors and made the dining rooms much more sophisticated-looking.

Rich

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I suppose Rich, but in general it seems Carnival is more "bottom feeder" than ever. The "didja ever" campaign and the new menus featuring "homestyle" selections like hamburgers, mac & cheese, fried chicken, and meatloaf as dinner entrees in the main dining room seem more down-market than ever. I guess I will find out for myself come November when I sail on Carnival after a long absence.

I do wonder though if the more classy surroundings will change any passenger behaviors. Often times I find people adapt to their surroundings with modified behavior. Put someone in Walmart and they will act a certain way, then transplant the same person to Saks 5th Avenue and the behavior is completely different (usually better). Carnival seems to be the market leader in poorly behaved passengers, so perhaps the more refined decor will help change that?

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Originally posted by Atlcruiser:
Some areas still look Carnival like to me but it's an improvement over the Carnival of old. I just hate the design of this ship. I want to see what Carnival comes up with for their next generation of cruise ships.

Their new menus have been dumbed down. Meatloaf, Fried Chicken and Mac/Cheese. While I know that they kept some of the old things on the menu, this tells me where Carnvial is going in the market and it's not good.

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I'm with you Gordon. Regardless of the decor it doesn't change the fact that the Destiny/Conquest/Splendor/Dream Class are poorly designed ships. Although I said I would never step foot on one of these ships again after a horrible cruise on CONQUEST, I might give BREEZE a shot if the price is right and during the off season.

BREEZE is supposed to be the last of this design (thank god!!) so hopefully something new is on the horizon. We do have a sneak peak with BREEZE in regards to the decor, and how the new management of Carnival envisions the line in the future.

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Originally posted by eroller:

I'm with you Gordon. Regardless of the decor it doesn't change the fact that the Destiny/Conquest/Splendor/Dream Class are poorly designed ships. Although I said I would never step foot on one of these ships again after a horrible cruise on CONQUEST, I might give BREEZE a shot if the price is right and during the off season.

BREEZE is supposed to be the last of this design (thank god!!) so hopefully something new is on the horizon. We do have a sneak peak with BREEZE in regards to the decor, and how the new management of Carnival envisions the line in the future.

Ernie

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Originally posted by Atlcruiser:

Two things keep us from going back to Carnival at the moment. First we have reached a point where we enjoy booking suites when we cruise. Carnival has the worst suites out of any line with absolutely no suite perks. Second, they are far behind the other cruise lines on their past guest program. I know that Carnival has always felt that they really don't need a past guest program but I disagree. We left six years ago and haven't been back. Too many better options out there to try.

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For me the main thing that has kept me away from Carnival are the passengers. I know that comes across like I'm a total snob but it's the truth. I've had some pretty bad experiences with really poor passenger behavior and it's all been on Carnival. On my CARNIVAL CONQUEST cruise there was even an alleged rape of an underage girl that delayed disembarkation for hours. Frankly this came as no surprise given the general mix of passengers on that cruise. Carnival has very visible security and there are everywhere. I guess this is necessary but it's not really what I want to see on my vacation. NCL and Royal Caribbean are mass-market lines too, but the passengers just seem to be better behaved and not so trashy, and security is not so in your face. I know it's a stereotype when people say Carnival is the "Walmart of the seas" but I think there is some truth to it.

As far as the food, service, entertainment, and accommodations I think Carnival is very good. I really don't have any issues with the software.

The other thing that keeps me away is that I don't like the design of the Fantasy or Destiny/Conquest/Splendor/Dream Class ships. That only leaves the Spirit Class which is only four ships. Once you start having that many restrictions it's probably time to cruise on more suitable lines which I have. Bottom line is that with age, I suppose I have just outgrown Carnival.

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Originally posted by eroller:

For me the main thing that has kept me away from Carnival are the passengers. I know that comes across like I'm a total snob but it's the truth. I've had some pretty bad experiences with really poor passenger behavior and it's all been on Carnival. On my CARNIVAL CONQUEST cruise there was even an alleged rape of an underage girl that delayed disembarkation for hours. Frankly this came as no surprise given the general mix of passengers on that cruise. Carnival has very visible security and there are everywhere. I guess this is necessary but it's not really what I want to see on my vacation. NCL and Royal Caribbean are mass-market lines too, but the passengers just seem to be better behaved and not so trashy, and security is not so in your face. I know it's a stereotype when people say Carnival is the "Walmart of the seas" but I think there is some truth to it.

As far as the food, service, entertainment, and accommodations I think Carnival is very good. I really don't have any issues with the software.

The other thing that keeps me away is that I don't like the design of the Fantasy or Destiny/Conquest/Splendor/Dream Class ships. That only leaves the Spirit Class which is only four ships. Once you start having that many restrictions it's probably time to cruise on more suitable lines which I have. Bottom line is that with age, I suppose I have just outgrown Carnival.

Ernie

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Originally posted by nycruiser:
Looking good! I was getting tired of Farcus' decor. With all due respect to him and his art, I believe it was getting a bit much. I went on the Dream a not too long ago and I found everything to be dark and confining. While I know the Breeze will still have the Destiny/Dream layout I am glad to see the changes.

What still sets Carnival apart are their rates and their standard cabin sizes (not suites). I look forwarded to sailing Carnival in the future!

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Originally posted by eroller:

For me the main thing that has kept me away from Carnival are the passengers. I know that comes across like I'm a total snob but it's the truth. I've had some pretty bad experiences with really poor passenger behavior and it's all been on Carnival. On my CARNIVAL CONQUEST cruise there was even an alleged rape of an underage girl that delayed disembarkation for hours. Frankly this came as no surprise given the general mix of passengers on that cruise. Carnival has very visible security and there are everywhere. I guess this is necessary but it's not really what I want to see on my vacation. NCL and Royal Caribbean are mass-market lines too, but the passengers just seem to be better behaved and not so trashy, and security is not so in your face. I know it's a stereotype when people say Carnival is the "Walmart of the seas" but I think there is some truth to it.

As far as the food, service, entertainment, and accommodations I think Carnival is very good. I really don't have any issues with the software.

The other thing that keeps me away is that I don't like the design of the Fantasy or Destiny/Conquest/Splendor/Dream Class ships. That only leaves the Spirit Class which is only four ships. Once you start having that many restrictions it's probably time to cruise on more suitable lines which I have. Bottom line is that with age, I suppose I have just outgrown Carnival.

Ernie

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In regards to behavior I too have seen some unsavory things on Carnival ships including a youngish couple engaging is some personal "things" up by the funnel on the Carnival Legend some years ago in addition to a "brawl" by the pool on the Destiny. There possibly may be a relation between low fares and behavior. However I must say unruly behavior, I believe, can be found on many other cruises. I have sailed on Celebrity and witnessed two females (40ish) pull each other's hair one night up by the Mast Bar on the Zenith while officers tried to diffuse the situation.

Infact, a month ago I was on the Sea Princess and was called fat by another passenger. I am a big guy and so is my partner. One day we get into an elevator that was crowded and we were both hesitant to get on but we did and of course what do you think happens? The damn overload button goes off….talk about being mortified. So I joked and said I ate too much some people laughed and my partner and I got off the elevator. As the doors were shutting a guy in the elevator yells out why don’t you “two fattys” go on Jenny Craig. I couldn’t believe it so I pressed the elevator button in the elevator foyer again and the doors open and I politely told the older gentleman what I tell my 3rd grade class about respecting others and keeping comments to themselves. All the while the elevator door keeps closing on me and I am trying to keep it open with my arms and feet! The elevator fell silent and his wife or lady friend said to him you have a big mouth! Haha! I guess he was in the doghouse that night. I was so embarrassed and my feelings were hurt but I guess there is a 1st time for everything! Thankfully this happened the 2nd to last night and I only saw the man once more walking around the ship. I don’t like being confrontational with people!

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Originally posted by Atlcruiser:
Laughing my butt off over this comment on the Carnival board of CC. I have never seen that t-shirt before.

Is this supposed to be a Carnival ship? But everyone looks so, well, elegant. Where's the old guy in shorts and black socks wearing the T shirt with the squirrel on it saying "I'm So Old I Can't Find My Nuts"? Where's the large, loud group of family reunioners with matching purple shirts trailing bingo cards?

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Originally posted by nycruiser:

Honestly some people didn't attend the class on manners and respect while growing up!

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I agree bad behavior can occur anywhere and on any cruise line, and can cross any social and economic group, but Carnival just seems to be in a league of their own based on my personal experience. On other lines I have experienced general rudeness such as cutting in line, people walking into elevators before letting occupants exit, etc. On Carnival I have experienced more disturbing behavior that frankly made me uncomfortable, like fights by the pool, kids that look like gang members, sex in jacuzzis, comedians telling offensive anti-gay jokes and the pax eating it up, and of course the alleged rape. I just haven't experienced the level of bad behavior on other lines like I have on Carnival. Could it be the "trailer park trash syndrome"? ;-)

On the other hand I've had a few Carnival cruises (all on Spirit Class ships) that were truly excellent, with no offensive or bad behavior and with fellow passengers that were a delight. I'm hoping this will be the case when I sail on MIRACLE in November.

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Originally posted by eroller:

I agree bad behavior can occur anywhere and on any cruise line, and can cross any social and economic group, but Carnival just seems to be in a league of their own based on my personal experience. On other lines I have experienced general rudeness such as cutting in line, people walking into elevators before letting occupants exit, etc. On Carnival I have experienced more disturbing behavior that frankly made me uncomfortable, like fights by the pool, kids that look like gang members, sex in jacuzzis, comedians telling offensive anti-gay jokes and the pax eating it up, and of course the alleged rape. I just haven't experienced the level of bad behavior on other lines like I have on Carnival. Could it be the "trailer park trash syndrome"? ;-)

On the other hand I've had a few Carnival cruises (all on Spirit Class ships) that were truly excellent, with no offensive or bad behavior and with fellow passengers that were a delight. I'm hoping this will be the case when I sail on MIRACLE in November.

Ernie

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Originally posted by H.M.S.Bonaventure:

This fall will be the first time for Carnival for me. I am on the Carnival Valor in Sept and then Carnival Freedom in December. I am interested in seeing how different it will be from NCL, RCI or CEL.

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I hope you enjoy the experience. Sounds like you are cruising during the off season, and this helps a great deal on any mass-market line but especially Carnival. The capacity won't be at 120% with kids going crazy and parents that don't care. The staff also gets to take a breather and I find the service better and more friendly/attentive.

I think Carnival has a good product. I don't care much for either ship you are sailing on, but you might feel differently. It's not the decor, just the layout. Pools are small, lido is small, and overall I just find this class of ship feels crowded. Perhaps that won't be the case on your cruises.

Anyway, I hope you report back after each cruise and let us know your thoughts. It will also be interesting to see how the two cruises compare, since you are sailing on them so close together.

It certainly looks far more clean than the Farcus trash. The lido reminds me of a self service you find in every European department store these days. It looks like the "market concept" they have with Aida.

My only Carnival cruise was way back in 1991 on the Jubilee to the Mexican Riviera. Having worked at Princess I was happy to see young people for a change. However there were many very trashy people on board, one girl got assualted on the first night out after the singles party. I was amazed how rough and unsofisticated the guys treated the girls. Not a single girl where I am from would have put up with that boorish behaviour. Handling cutlery in the dining room was an issue for a lot of people.

Carnival occasionally comes up on my radar screen but when it comes down to making a reservation and coughing up the deposit it just doesn't happen. I looked quite hard at the Carnival Pride out of Baltimore for this December because it's closest and wouldn't involve getting on an airplane, but the anticipated demographics kept me from seriously considering it. I also looked at a few Carnival options out of Florida but most were actually more expensive per diem than what I eventually booked on Celebrity. 

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Originally posted by linerguy:
Just stepped off the Elation yesterday morning; once I regain my sanity and let my blood pressure level off, I'll write a few comments and post a few photos....

-Russ

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Can't wait to hear all about it Russ!

Sounds exciting! ;-)

4 & 5 day cruises out of Mobile, AL during the peak of the Summer season right? This should be good!

In advance, I will say you are a VERY brave man.

Ernie

[ 08-19-2011: Message edited by: eroller ]

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Originally posted by linerguy:
Just stepped off the Elation yesterday morning; once I regain my sanity and let my blood pressure level off, I'll write a few comments and post a few photos....

-Russ

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"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me!" LOL