“It was like parents night out, so we could all relax and let our hair down” – the reviews are in for Carnival’s adults-only cruises

Cruise Passenger readers always have plenty to say about what’s going on in Australian cruise, and in the broader cruise community. In Your Say, Cruise Passenger looks at the issues our readers are writing to us about on our blogs, posts and newsletters. 

This week, for Cruise Passenger’s weekly dose of what cruisers have been saying, we’ve turned away from our own readers to talk about something that hasn’t happened in Australia yet. In America, Carnival has just launched its first-ever adults-only cruises, a notable move from a cruise line known for its family-friendly offerings.

While these cruises were just part of a trial program after two ships had dry-docks cancelled, after some positive feedback, Carnival has hinted that they will continue into the future.

Adults-only cruises has long been an option that Aussies have called for. For an example, on a recent Carnival sailing out of Sydney, about one in three people onboard were children. An adults-only experience on a Carnival ship is definitely an extremely distinct experience.

Now, after the first cruises have sailed, the reviews are in. John Heald, Carnival’s brand ambassador asked cruisers who were onboard to share what they thought. Here’s what cruise passengers have been saying.

William O’Donnell said: “Believe me I love kids, 14 grands and two great, however these were probably the most relaxing cruises of all the 25 I’ve taken with Carnival. Please continue to host these.”

Michelle Jennison said: “was on the last week of September Conquest SEA cruise. It was wonderful not having children running amuck. The crew all seemed happier than normal (which is saying something because they are always happy!). 

“I will absolutely do another adults-only cruise! I loved how empty the ship felt because everyone was in the casino. Ha!”

Vicky Lee said: “I did two and absolutely loved them! I am not opposed to kids as I have taken my 3-year-old granddaughter on a cruise. But it was so nice not having to worry about kids running around screaming. Not having 3:00 in the morning tweens running the hallways! Honestly I would love to see a 30 and over Cruise.”

Robyn Melissa said she enjoyed trying some experiences she’d never tried on a cruise before.

“I loved the elevated dining room. That was my favourite part. I used the pools much more than usual. I went down the slide for the first time ever.”

Chris Mulford said: “We were on a SEA/ACES cruise and we absolutely loved it. Everyone seemed stress free. No moms having to worry about keeping up with their children. No dads stressed over the task of having their head in a swivel. There were always room in the pools and the hot tubs were not crowded with teens. If it was up to us, we would go on adult only cruises all the time.”

Taara Sinclair said: “Absolutely loved my SEA cruises. The atmosphere was more mature, minimal lines and congestion. The food was incredible, the service was excellent. The fun squad was more fun if that’s possible. The casino was a blast and the other cruisers were great.

“It was like parents night out without kids so we could all relax and let our hair down. Last thing…I was able to enjoy the hot tub on the lido and the pool. I watched a movie in the hot tub for the first time! It was definitely an elevated experience.”

Nanette Greenup Forman said: “We loved our ACES cruise. I went down a pool slide for the first time ever. The food at dinner was exceptional. Finding a chair to relax in inside or out was never a problem.

“We only had one port day because of the hurricane but the days at sea were filled with fun.”

Sarah Schroder said she was thrilled with the experience.

“I loved my SEA cruise in September on the Carnival Conquest.

“I absolutely love being able to get in the pools in the hot tubs without any kids splashing around and being loud and obnoxious.”

Elsewhere, cruisers took both sides on Carnival’s strict new drinks package rules, that state you have to wait 10-minutes between drinks.

Kyrstal Lindquist said: “When people stop falling over board or getting too drunk and blaming it on the drink package, maybe they will stop changing it. 10 minutes is still appropriate.”

Brian Stanger said: “It is literally ridiculous to have to wait 10 minutes between non-alcoholic drinks! I get the 10 minutes on alcohol, but not non-alcohol. That’s just dumb.”

Cruisers had plenty to say on another drinks package issue as well, the issue of everyone in a cabin needing to purchase a separate package.

Lillian Pritchard said: “I dont drink alcohol but my husband does but not 15 drinks a day. I can’t see why the drinks packages, alcohol or soft drinks, can’t be assigned to the room instead of each person.”

John Mac said: “Just buy your drinks separately, it’s cheaper unless you intend to have 10 or more drinks per day. If they allow one person only to buy the package some people will cheat.”

Please keep those comments coming!

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