“Ignore the negative, we all had the best time, my five-year-old was crying when it was time to leave” – Carnival Encounter fans say to ignore bad reviews

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. 

Carnival Encounter is fresh out of a dry dock and many cruisers were keenly waiting to see what the new upgrades were. Some people online were expressing disappointment over the fact that changes were mostly minimal, rather than a big overhaul that many people wanted.

In saying this, there’s a tendency for online discussions around Carnival Australia to lean negatively, despite the fact that in reality, the ships generally prove to be very popular and many Aussies keep sailing again and again. While all cruisers have the right to voice their opinion, some may be turned off the ship from online comments even though the reality onboard can be quite different from what you read.

For this weeks edition of Your Say, in order to strike a balance with the often negative comments, Cruise Passenger has found online comments from cruisers who have been on Carnival Encounter and were keen to share their positive experiences. These comments are taken from the responses to a nervous first-time cruiser who had been reading lots of negative reviews online.

Cruiser Sharon Turner says the online discourse nearly stopped her from booking a cruise, but she’s glad she did in the end.

“I had my very first cruise on carnival encounter in August last year and was in the same position as you. Everything I read on Facebook was making me have second thoughts to the stage where I was actually scared to go knowing that there was no escape once we left but honestly there are too many negative people.

“The cruise was excellent and we had the best time and I honestly couldn’t have found anything to complain about. Just go with a positive attitude and enjoy the experience. You will all have the best time. Enjoy your cruise.!”

Aleesha Brazell shared a similar story: “I have 11 and 7 yr old girls. Went on our first cruise last year. We were all nervous due to reading a lot of negative comments. My girls didn’t want to get off at the end and neither did I. 

“I have 11 and 7 yr old girls. Went on our first cruise last year. We were all nervous due to reading a lot of negative comments. My girls didn’t want to get off at the end and neither did I. 

“My advice, go with no expectations and just sit back relax and enjoy! It’s the first holiday I’ve had where I actually felt relaxed and not exhausted.”

Georgina Banks said: “We went a few months ago with our toddler. BEST time. It’s been one of our favourite family holidays. We couldn’t fault anything. Literally all you do is book and pack – such an easy holiday to organise.

“So many positives – get on board, unpack and stay unpacked and not have to move around, daily room service, all meals cooked and cleaned up for you, so many things to see / do (or just relax and do nothing at all – whatever floats your boat). There’s also kids club on board if you’d like some adult time!

“For what we got / experienced – it was a cheap family holiday. I think people are first to complain rather than compliment.

“Don’t be put off – go in with no expectations and you will be guaranteed to have a brilliant time.”

Gayle McEvoy added: “Ignore the negative comments & go with an open mind. We have been on Encounter many times & love it. We were on in January & going again March & May. We always have an interior cabin. Love this ship and the amazing staff. Relax, get excited and start your countdown.”

Caroline Moss said: “Honestly we were the same when we went on our January cruise. First time cruiser, and wasn’t our choice of holiday……..but we actually loved it!  The food was great and service outstanding.

“The stops were fun with beautiful snorkelling. My kids loved it. We are thinking of our next one!”

Another Facebook user wrote: “Don’t let the bad reviews get to you. Everyone’s experience is different, and some people just like to complain. Trust me, you’ll go, have an amazing time, and before you know it you’ll be hooked and booking your next cruise.”

More and more cruisers urged people not to fall into the negative comments.

“Please stop reading all the negative comments there are way to many people that will complain about anything and everything. If you start off your trip with a negative attitude you will have a negative experience. The encounter is a beautiful ship lovely crew and the food is great . We have cruised on her a few times the longest being from Brisbane to Singapore in Feb this year and had no complaints.”

Gail Pascoe said: “Just go and have a wonderful time, which you will, the ships are great, not always perfect, service good, there are a lot of moaners and groaners on these sites and on ships, my friends and I don’t know what they are on about, i dont have a maid at home to do everything for me, so the ships are great and luxurious, we have been on 12 cruises, can’t wait for the next one.”

Julie MacNab has sailed 10 times across P&O and Carnival.

“Oh my goodness, you will have a ball. I have done 10 cruises on P&O and Carnival and loved every one. You get on board and forget any concerns you have left behind. All entertainment and food is laid on for you. Have fun.”

Robyn Jurges gave a detailed recount of her experience.

“Ignore the negative, people thrive off bad stuff and people hardly ever write about the good things.

“We went last October for my 40th and my girls were/are 5 & 8. We all had the best time, the waterslides, the kids club, they loved going to see the stage shows, the food, the pantry wait staff made animals out of the napkins and they all were so lovely. 

“We made sure we had booked early dinners (5-5:30) in the restaurants (if not we ate in the pantry at that time) and then we were ready for the 7pm show. My 5 yr old was crying when it was time to leave because she loved it so much she didn’t want it to end. We have already booked another one but its not until September next year.”

Please keep those comments coming!

WE VALUE YOUR COMMENTS AND ENJOY READING WHAT YOU HAVE TO SAY ABOUT OUR STORIES. PLEASE KEEP THOSE COMMENTS COMING ON THE STORIES – AND WE’LL PICK OUT THE BEST EACH WEEK FOR THIS NEW COLUMN