Review Time
I booked a Carnival cruise on 11/3/25 specifically because of a promotional offer that clearly stated “3x VIFP days will be applied to all guests sailing in the same cabin under the qualifying booking” and that “Rate Code P1P will be automatically applied at checkout.” I even took a screenshot of the offer on my phone because it seemed like a great deal.
Fast-forward to printing my boarding pass, and I realized the 3x VIFP days were never applied to my booking. I contacted Carnival expecting them to correct their own advertised promotion, but instead I was told nothing could be done. No explanation, no effort to honor the offer, nothing.
I booked this cruise because of that promotion, and Carnival didn’t deliver what they advertised. It feels misleading and honestly disrespectful to loyal customers who trust what they see when booking. If Carnival is going to offer promotions, they should honor them—period. This experience has made me seriously reconsider ever booking with Carnival again!!!
I have done many 3 day cruises with different cruise liners and the captain always follows the good weather so passengers can enjoy the sunshine. Last 2 cruises were with Carnival and the captain literally sits out at sea turns off the engines and drifts along with the crap rainy weather BOTH times instead of cruising north or south to get out of it! Never again will i cruise with Carnival!
While the pricing was reasonable, the service lacked organization and failed to stick to their schedules. We attended several shows, most of which didn't start on time, and the disembarkation process was particularly poor. Many passengers missed their flights due to the chaos. It seems the company is more focused on profit than providing a quality experience. Waiting over an hour past the scheduled time to disembark, with a flight leaving in just 2.5 hours, is simply unacceptable. I've seen numerous reviews indicating that this company has a poor reputation among cruise lines, which seems well-deserved. The only reason I rated them 2 stars is that the cost was manageable for our entire group.
As a long-time customer since 1995 with numerous cruises, my recent experience was frustrating. A well-intentioned porter mistakenly placed our bag on the wrong ship, and despite assurances from him that the issue would be resolved, we never received our luggage during our four-day cruise to the Bahamas. This was particularly upsetting for my friend, who was on her first cruise and lacked essential clothing for various themed nights. We attempted to rectify the situation, but no one has been able to assist us directly, and I've only received automated responses. It’s disheartening that no compensation has been offered for the mistakes made, and the lack of communication has been incredibly disappointing.
I have enjoyed multiple cruises with the company and have two more planned. I'm considering additional bookings as well. After reading various one and two-star reviews here, I noticed some seem valid, while many appear to stem from individuals expecting special treatment. These reviewers often shift blame for their misunderstandings onto the cruise line. It's essential to research thoroughly before making any travel decisions. There are numerous bloggers on platforms like YouTube who can provide valuable insights for your cruising inquiries. Always consider travel insurance, return to the ship promptly when in port, and consult independent guides. Dining experiences can take time, so savor the moment. Countless resources are available to help you avoid common mistakes that many first-time cruisers face. Regarding hot tubs, it's best to avoid those that have been used by others, as they can be less than sanitary. The cruise line’s policies address almost every conceivable situation, and while new issues are uncommon, they are incorporated into their guidelines as they arise. I’m frustrated by the prevalence of unjustified negative reviews that dominate this site. My experiences with the company have been exceptional, and they have consistently resolved any legitimate concerns I've encountered.
This was my first time cruising for four days from Sydney to Morton Bay, and I was surprised that they ran out of basic supplies. It's puzzling how this can happen when they know the number of passengers in advance. Some amenities, like the casino, only open after 9 PM, and the staff there seemed uninformed, leaving us to rely on other passengers for information. While the staff were friendly, they should really be knowledgeable about their areas. The food lines were chaotic; we had to specify our dining times, but it seemed irrelevant. On the last day at sea, we couldn't purchase certain items after noon, and we weren't even notified. Honestly, if I were offered a free four-day cruise again, I would decline if it was with this service.
1st time ever cruising 4 days Sydney to morton bay they ran out of supplies of simple things how can you run out when you know exactly how many are coming on board Certain things dont open till after 9pm eg casino and you ask workers in that are they dont know anything found out by a passenger Staff friendly but if you work in a area you should be verse on your area Food lines could be worked on it was mad we had to state times early or late dont know why because it did not seem to matter Then last day at sea Friday could not buy certain items at it stopped at noon why we did not even get told I can say if I got offered a free 4 day cruise again I would pass if it was with carvinal
First and last cruise with Carnival. Absolute shocker starting with there misinformed web site, alcohol must be in your carry on baggage not checked (even if you follow the type and size of beverage rules). The contents will be confiscated and not returned on disembarkation. Waiting almost 2 hours for your meals, not seated at meal time with other members in your party and disorganised chaos at best. Not even worth 1 star, absolutely useless mob of clowns. Never again.
Carnival Radiance:First off, we booked a suite for 5 people through AAA. 11/14-11/17When we walked into the room there was a "king size bed" which was two twin mattresses pushed together. The mattresses were very hard and not comfortable at all. Plus a gap in the middle of the teo mattresses made it hard to sleep. Then there was a sofa and we couldn't understand how it would open into another bed. We had to call guest services which told me the room attendant would fix it when we set sail. That took about 2 hours. The attendant came and the sofa did turn into a bed and was made with blankets,sheets and pillows. But they didn't put the extra bed for my step son. My step son ended up sleeping In his cousins room, which happened to be on the same cruise. But we were charged for the 5 people in our room. The food in the buffet is mediocre. Not much choices and bland for the most part. On the second night we went to the reserved dinner at the sit down restaurant. We ordered food and they brought my father in law the wrong dish. But exchanged it. We all ordered dessert. They brought us our desserts but brought my mom in law ice cream.(which she didn't order) So she asked for the cheesecake which she originally ordered. But the server confronted her like she was a witness in court. The server Showed her the paper with the orders and said "Leoni: ice cream. Here is the evidence "Nobody expects to go a cruise and made to feel like you're lying about a dessert and treated with so much confrontation. That experience ruined our plans for the next evening since it was supposed to be the Night to dress up In formal attire. Very disappointing to say the least. On our way out when we had to disembark, my room key was scanned and I was able to leave. They stopped my mother in law and father in law before they could leave and told her them they needed to go to guest services. We were told it was because of the gratuities. But earlier guest services told me the bill was all clear and we could leave when I called. So there's a lack of communication and it caused undue stress. I did like the Cruise Director who was very upbeat and social and entertaining. But I doubt she would even address our experience to rectify it somehow. Her name is Vanessa. All in all our bill was $390! We didn't get any drink packages or anything special. We did spend $22 at a gift shop and that's all. But $390? Without an explanation of what they're charging us for! This is the biggest scam! They sell you a dream of a perfect cruise, which turned out to be a nightmare! We had tried Royal Caribbean before and only had positive experiences with them. I will never come back to Carnival as it was the worst experience ever!
If I could leave a minus I would, cancelled our cruise and we lost over a grand, because when they transferred from P&O they didn't transfer my payment plan and it lapsed, they sent me an email that went to spam, Lame! Wouldn't want to travel with them anyway judging from their awful reviews.
Claim your business profile now and gain access to all features and respond to customer reviews.
Cruise deals, last minute cruises, cruise vacation packages and international cruise destinations from Carnival Cruise Lines. Book a Carnival Cruise today
promovacances.com
airbusinessclass.com
divetheamericas.com
kaabadealstravel.com
trivago.com
thomascook.com
exceptionalvillas.com
tourradar.com
tuvirotravels.com
panoramatours.com