“We went in fresh, and open minded, but Carnival Adventure surprised us, and we enjoyed it immensely”

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. 

However, the real conversation seems to continue to lie in the disagreements between Aussies in their assessments of the newly converted P&O ships. Following a harsh review of Carnival Adventure from Britsh Cruiser Bloggers Ben and David, Aussies tussled over their opinions on Adventure

Many feel that the complaints are exaggerated and the ship is totally fine, whereas others feel the review was totally justified and the ships aren’t up to an acceptable quality.

Peter Jamieson said: “On the ship now. It is fine. Have been on the Luminosa and Encounter and all have their good and bad features.

“Let face it, Australia will never get new cruise ships so accept it and enjoy your cruise.”

Paul Buhagiar added to the same sentiment: “We were on the same cruise (we’re fans of Ben and David, and hoped to meet them), we had zero issues. To put it into context, we hadn’t previously sailed with P&O or Carnival, so had nothing to compare it to.

“We went in fresh, and open minded (and a bit apprehensive), but Adventure surprised us, and we enjoyed it immensely.”

Leonie Marks also noted a recent good experience on Adventure: “Just been on a 5 day on Adventure. Could not fault the food or the service. Food was great. Ample choices and the staff were excellent.”

Kate Smith agrees: “I loved my 9 days on Adventure. We had an aft facing suite. Yes you have a higher guest to space ratio but Adventure is a lovely ship.”

Others agreed with Ben and David’s assessment of the ship.

“Common knowledge that the Carnival experience in Australia is second class compared to Carnival in the USA. The yanks wouldn’t put up with it.

“Glad to see that they are removing one of their ships from Australia. Hopefully a gap in the Market for RC, MSC, Princess.”

Stephen Tode said: “Fully agree. The ship is tired, the usual Carnival extras were not there (soft serve, free pizza, larger choice of food outlets), and generally not as much fun, overworked crew. Needs to be either scrapped or given an extreme makeover.”

Natalie Harmse said: “I don’t need to watch it to know whatever they’ve said is probably right.

“If I was in the US getting on Adventure, I’d feel ripped off and I would be pissed.

You don’t get the same free food options, you don’t get the same food quality, it’s still P&O poop wrapped in Carnival and that’s the truth.”

Tracy Burnett added: “Its not a harsh review. It’s an honest and truthful review. I’ve been on this ship quite a few times. And every time I fill out my post cruise survey with all the issues that ship has.

“It needs a major renovation if its going to continue which I’m sure will happen as its going back to the US in 2028.”

What do you think? Are the Carnival Adventure complaints justified, or is it a great holiday for the price?

There has also been plenty of discussion following the news that Carnival Adventure will no longer be a year-round fixture in Australia and will rather sail half the year in the USA, cruisers have had plenty to say.

Many Aussies were upset, not necessarily by the exit of the ship itself, but by watching the Australian cruise industry continue to struggle, while it thrives elsewhere.

All sorts of theories were posited by Cruise Passenger readers.

Cruiser Peter Jamieson said: “I bet they will get free icecream, burgers and pizza when sailing out of the USA”, referring to the fact that Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter don’t receive full perks when sailing here in Australia.

Phillip McNeill-Young is unable to understand why there are so few, and now even fewer, options for winter cruising in Australia.

“Can’t understand cruise lines. If there were more options in Australian winter there would be more passengers going to tropical islands. I wouldn’t think of going to the tropical islands in summer as it is cyclone season.”

Others have started putting their faith in Royal Caribbean to bring year-round cruising to Australia and fill the gap. Shirlene Keen said: “Hoping Royal Caribbean will bring out a ship that will stay all year round” and Kirsty Jevons added, “Not all is lost. There’s talks of royal doing year round ships in the future.”

Other cruisers, like Aaron Jarvis, are fearful of price increases after the change.

“So less cruises and more demand means prices are going to go up . Well played Carnival. I think my cruising days are nearly over.”

Is Carnival Adventure a big loss for Australia? What ships would you like to see sail here instead?

Please keep those comments coming!

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