We have only sailed on Carnival and love it! We also have had Chris Williams aka "The Flying Scotsman" as cruise director. He is an amazing person and we attended a show where he sang opera and was phenomenal! We also love Jonathan Williams aka "Cookie" for his personality and energy. Love your videos.
Guys, I used to be a travel agent & I did not recommend Carnival either. Here’s the thing, as TAs we know a lot of stuff that the public does not. Since cruise ships fall under foreign flags, there is a lot of crimes from staff to passengers. We knew this so how could we possibly recommend them?
Thank you so much for all the wonderful videos! Where would we be without Ben's puns, The 2022 Missing Luggage Saga, travels with Stef, David wandering through a Hallmark movie... And so much more! Your talent, good humor, and candor are so appreciated. ❤️😊
Hey, guys! I used to work on one of Carnival's older ships (so targeting a not-so-posh audience, if you will), but in all of my 6 months basically living onboard I never once heard about a fight or anything like that - and trust me, if there is something going on, the crew will find out about it. As for them being understaffed, if I understood correctly, you've only been cruising with them after the pandemic, and sadly, from what I've seen, I have to say that most of the other cruise lines are struggling to get their staff back as well - hopefully it will get better in 2023. The food, in my opinion (again, on Carnival), it's nothing to write home about (you were very on point with what you said about self-service vs main dining rooms), but it's also a bit in line with the price. I think, overall, it's a good line to start with as a cruise beginner, or if you want the more chilled vibe (for ex. formal nights are not so strictly enforced) or maybe you just don't want to splurge that much. Shout out to all their cruise directors and other staff, too, they do really make you feel welcome. Merry Christmas, guys, and to a year filled with lots of wonderful adventures!
I have cruised on carnival since 1997 never had a problem . I love them . When I started crusing with them the food was wonderful now on the last two not so much .
My experience with Carnival is 20 years old. It was mostly great. We noticed couples got sang to when they had an anniversary and my gay bestfriend placed a bet that he would not get the same treatment. Sure enough. When he let it out that him and his husband (not really) were celebrating their anniversary, they got a cake but no singing. Our whole group, about 20, were given the cold shoulder by staff for the rest of the cruise. That was 20 years ago though. Many people (not all) have changed their tune with that sort of treatment.
Merry Christmas! I'm happy that you've taken the time to dispel some of the Carnival Cruise stereotypes. Although, I will say that the the 3-day cruises tend to be a bit more of a party atmosphere, we've never had any real issues with out of control people. And we find that Carnival is very LGBT inclusive. In fact, we got married on the Carnival Imagination! (The ship has been scrapped, but the marriage continues!)
Agreed. The 3/4 day cruises(ie most of the California departing ones) are usually older ships and can be clubby but I've seen a good mix of ages of the shorter routes. They were running a pretty old ship to Alaska in between the weekend trips.
Love you both - and love seeing your home - it's lovely! I love that you often note what it vegetarian on menus - very helpful - but I would really love if you could comment on whether or not there are exercise classes/facilities and how they are - also, if there is a promenade - to get those steps in. . . . You are doing a GREAT job - THANKS!!!
With Carnival, I think the problems seem to occur more on the 3-nighters out of Florida. When they cost $150pp and an alcohol package at $60pdpp, it does attract a certain clientele.
As much as I enjoy other cruise reviews, I always come back to you guys for the most personal insights and fun details. I'm even over gritting my teeth every time Ben says "absolutely." I cruise on average three or four times a year, and my last one was a direct response to one of your videos. Please continue your balanced and very apt critiques.
We cruised on MG in NOV '21 at 60 % capacity. We normally wouldn't go on a ship this large but couldn't wait to be cruising again after the shutdowns. We truly enjoyed MG and like exploring it's many spaces. Not even enough time to try all the restaurants but loved the ones we did try. Hung out quite a bit in the Heroes lounge while my husband watched football and I listened to my audiobook. Met some great folks from all over. Ate mostly food from Lido and it was fine, not outstanding.
Happy Christmas Ben and David!! I’m American born but with Brittish parents so growing up on mince pie and all the sweeties are a fabulous bonus and preferred more by myself than American Chocolates! I hope you both have a great day and a Happy a Safe 2023 my Friends!! I hope maybe one day we will cross paths on a cruise ship!
MSC did lose us as potential customers from your first video. After disembarking from the ICON (with both of you) our family was also going on a MSC cruise, which we declined to take with them. (despite already being in Florida and needing no further travel). This cements the fact, that as far as myself, I will continue to avoid MSC. I would feel very uneasy on a MSC cruise. As to the rest of our Family that did go on that MSC cruise, they were very disappointed. They complained of bad/bland food, and being bored. Ben and David, thanks for your honest content, we look forward to it every Sunday!l. MSC has doubled down on a their own error, and they are likely to lose out on some great customers.
Merry Christmas to all and i just want to say i love your content, I also want to inform you i've been on a msc cruise for my first ever cruise, it was wonderful the entertainment was great, but i understand the food problem the main dining is a little rough on the edges but there were a few surprises so now and then, i was surprised by the crew all the crew members was very friendly. Please go and try msc cruise again you might be surprised.
You are the only Vlog I follow where I click the “Like” button before I watch. You are entertaining and always fair. Thank you for a lovely 2022. Cannot wait for 2023! Happy New Year. 🎉
I have never been on a cruise and am not presently planning on it but I love watching you guys and if I ever do go I will do so with heaps of good advice from you! By the way I love the Keith Haring decor!
Merry Christmas to my two favorite cruisers! 🎄🎁☃️🎅 Happy to hear you had a great time on Carnival, I did a couple of them and loved it! Looking forward to more videos 😘
I loved seeing your adorable house. You did such a great job with Christmas decorations and regular decor. Congrats on the new channel and thank you for sharing your adventures!
Merry Christmas and Safe and Happy New Year🎉. Love mince pies. My family are going on Ovation of The Seas from Sydney to South Pacific 9days in three weeks. It’s our first cruise since covid. So looking forward to it. Congratulations on your new channel, I will certainly subscribe.
Many people thumb their noses at Carnival... But our experience on the Mardi Gras was quite nice... the MDR food has been flat, but Emeril Lagasse has been hired to spiff things up a bit... we've booked the Celebration and we expect to love it as well... we also plan to book the P&O Iona to the Norwegian Fjords. It's the same type of Excel class ship, with a more posh, British execution.. That ship looks lovely as well... Some older Carnival ships are well maintained, some not so much... the Paradise is from 1996, is extremely well maintained, and since we live in Tampa, gives us a taste of the 1990's at a very reasonable price at a 25 minute drive from our house.. Like any cruise line, such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and even Celebrity, you have to do your homework to find out if the ship is well maintained or not.... if not... risk it for a biscuit!
OMG! I don’t care where you sail to/from!! I love all your videos!! You two are so funny and so enjoyable to “be with”!! Thanks for taking us along! Merry Christmas 🎄❤
The thing is regarding Carnival your experience on the few new ships is NOT the Carnival product overall. 90% of Carnival guest won’t be on the flashy new ships at the higher price point. If Carnival wants to change how people view it they need to focus on remodeling and dry docking the old ships from top to bottom. Carnival has a bad reputation through no fault of anyone but themselves. They have a long way to go.
Merry Christmas and I hope you have a wonderful New Year. Jackie. It’s so hard to hear that we have been able to bring a small memory of your mum to you.
I appreciate you bringing me that memory. I lost my mom 7 years ago on New Year’s Eve. The Christmas season is not as joyful as it used to be. A nice memory is welcomed.
I found on the older carnival ships have problems with rude people And new ships I found people more friendly Last September I took my mother on carnival ship and surprise the problems we found and view The ship had two ladies yelling and we thought the cruise line would be in the news I give credit to carnival they stop it but gave us uneven feel about trip We have two more carnival trips booked and hope for the best If the trips turn like last one we move to other cruise lines
Just got off Celebration last week and really did not like it at all. It was my last Carnival cruise for sure. The food was not good, I found the ship very hard to navigate with little information available and heavens don’t bother asking the crew. They cannot tell you anything. The suite perks are pretty much non existent and the suites are tiny. There is really no benefit in spending the extra. You could not swim in the pools, they were freezing. One steam table only in the buffet with seven items, a small salad bar, small dessert area and hot dog station. On a ship with 5200 passengers. And yep lots of drunks. Just does not compare to Royal Caribbean.
Merry Christmas Boys! And Happy New Year to You! Nice to see you 2 enjoying yourselves at home for a change! Hope to see you onboard sometime in the near future! 🌟
Merry Christmas! 2 comments; Your review of the Mardi Gras was 1 of the reasons, I decided on the Mardi Gras in February. Comment #2. you are right. Carnival is very LGBTQ+ friendly. I cruise solo and although I am straight, it seemed like every time I was seated for dinner it was with a same sex couple (both male and female) I had an absolute blast! I was meeting them again for drinks at Alchemy or for dancing at the club. I feel safe at any Carnival ship. Liike I said, I sail solo and I will continue to sail solo. I've not encountered any problems. It's all about the attitude one projects and I believe it's my job and mine alone to make sure I have fun. Mardi Gras here I come!
You will love Celebrity. We did a cruise from Sydney to Hawaii on the Solstice in 2014. Outstanding food, especially the French restaurant on board. Classy atmosphere, great entertainment, classy people who weren’t just on a cruise to get drunk. Compare that with a Christmas cruise we just finished on the Quantum of the Seas. OMG noisy kids and drunk bogans everywhere! 😂
Merry Christmas Ben and David! I'm so happy I've found your channel. I'm from the US - Florida, and I appreciate the different perspectives, and the honesty you guys provide in your videos. I can't wait to meet you on a cruise😊 Wishing you the happiest and healthiest holiday and an amazing New Year!
Thank you for being fair. When I was cruising with kids, many years ago, Carnival or Royal Caribbean were our choices because they had the best kids programs and they were the most affordable. Now that we don't travel with kids we've branched out into other cruise lines like Princess, NCL Celebrity, or Oceania. But I would never pass up a Carnival Cruise. I'm going on the Mardi Gras in January, my first Carnival Cruise in about 7 years. My only caveat with Carnival is it I stay away from the three and four night cruises. Those are the party cruises. And I'm past that at my age.
I had the same problem with travel agents about msc I book the trip and fell in love with msc About carnival I had good and bad times I would not book with travel agents I found the travel agents are going on high commission
Merry belated Christmas to you both!!! My husband and I look forward to your videos....love your honesty about the ships, food, etc!!! Happy 2023 and safe travels 🚢🎄🚢
Merry Christmas! Travel agents don’t get paid from Carnival as quick as as any other cruise line. I think it’s personal in the travel agents part. We’ve been on Carnival several times and we have no complaints.
So thrilled to hear your positive thoughts about Carnival. We like to sail from ports that are driveable for us (much more affordable!). That limits the cruiselines that are accessible to us. It also prevents us from trying the newer, fancier ships that sail from Miami or Port Canaveral. We have been very pleased on our Carnival cruises. We haven't cruised for about 10 years and look forward to our next booked cruise in a month or so.
I’m a U.K. travel agent and am lucky to have been on lots of different ships and often choose Carnival for my own holidays - this year on Mardi Gras and Sunrise so a brand new ship and an older, smaller one and we had an amazing time on both. I was a bit worried Sunrise would be a party cruise as it was only for 4 nights and a great price but my family had the best time and it was a great mix of ages who all wanted to have a fun time. Getting to know your customers is key to recommending the right cruise line and the customers I’ve booked on Carnival have all had a fabulous time 😊
I almost always recommend a Carnival cruise as someone's first cruise. Not only are the prices very reasonable, but we've had some of the best service from the staff and some of the best food as well!
I hope you two have had a fabulous Christmas, you both are super lovely and I really enjoy your videos because you two are doing what I’ve always wanted to do but just can’t. Various reasons but lack of funds is a big reason. However watching your videos takes me out of myself for a while and I’m grateful for that. Happy new year and happy cruising. 🎉
I'd love to see you too. Or you two, too. Right at the moment, my cruises are (& will be) in among Australia and New Zealand. Let us know when you're able to come to the antipodes.
Happy Christmas! I honestly think that there are some older/cheaper Carnival ships that leave out of Florida ports that end up being Party ships and cause a lot damage to the brand’s reputation. This has more to do with the passengers than anything else.
Will you guys ever do a paddle boat cruise up the Mississippi? The American Queen is the largest one on it. It would at least be something very unique and should be visually interesting for your viewers.
@@dinnes3375 But is their ship a paddle boat? Going up Old Man River in anything but that is half the experience. You're a star when you're on a huge paddle boat. People will stop along the river's highways and take photos of you passing by. Communities will come out to greet you. It is on my own bucket list and I plan to do it within two years. It would be nice if Ben and David did it before me so I can get pointers from them on how best to enjoy it.
What editing software do you use? Multiple cameras? We’ve Been together over 25 years, which means we must have played in the sandbox together!😅😂 Fuk 44 and 47 sometimes hurts. Lol Anyway, We are 2 Super gays like you😊 from clothing designers to costumes for drag queens like Brooklyn Heights and More to now, well FARMERS! Yep! We bought a flower store and a property with room to grow Flowers and so much more! Blah Blah Blah! So we have lots of videos we’d love to share and would certainly appreciate the help 😍🥰🥰💋💋💋
Happy Sunday and merry Christmas Ben and David. ❄️🎅🏽☃️🦌🎄🎁🤶🏼💕🙌🏼🙏🏼Your tree 🎄 is absolutely breathtaking. I dream of the day to meet you on a cruise and perhaps get a selfie with you guys. Oh yess. Alaska. Celebrity. A new channel? So your cruises on this one and tips and cruise news on the other. Wow. The travel agent said that? Definitely. Carnival ships the past 5-6 years especially the Mardi Gras and Celebration are a total 360 in design. They are trying. And your Carnival review is fair and accurate. I’ve been on Princess, Celebrity, Norwegian, Royal and Carnival to compare. You’re spot on. Thanks so much. Looking forward to your 2023 adventures and once again Merry Christmas to you and your families.
My husband, who grew up in Utah, and myself, who grew up in Canada, both grew up with the sweet mincemeat pies. It's my husband's favorite! You would not believe how hard it is to find mincemeat in stores! If you DO find a quart, it's priced through the roof!!! I now make and preserve (can) my own mincemeat! Another thing that is IMPOSSIBLE to buy is suet!!! How can one make a good steamed pudding without suet???
Thank you for all your wonderful videos this year! Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures in 2023. P.s: I have serious Christmas tree envy now after this video! 🎄
I just came off of a P&O cruise leaving from Brisbane as a 3 night comedy cruise my first cruise since the pandemic.What you heard from people about Carnival is what P&O is like out here in Australia. P&O is considered the budget cruise line out here and is the one with all the fighting and brawling on it and it is because their alcohol packages are way cheaper than Royal , Carnival , Princess or Celebrity out here. I was very disappointed with the pantry on board my P&O ship the Encounter( used to be the Star Princess) as the food was always cold. We had an early disembarkation and decided to go to the Pantry as soon as it opened as all food previously was served cold and thought if we got there as they opened the food will be hot. Nope it was cold again, cold scrambled eggs and bacon , cold toast , lukewarm coffee and tea. The Encounter was probably also the most confusing ship I’ve ever been on as there are a lot of corridors that are dead ends and you have to go down a level to go up a level to reach where you need to go. The main restaurants - there are 3 complimentary on board were fantastic. The food was well presented and tasty and hot. I’ve been on 2 P&O cruise ships now and each one was the total opposite of each other - the first the food was terrible in the main dining room and now this one with the buffet serving cold food. We have decided we aren’t P&O people for cruises leaving Australia . Oh and FYI we had to wear masks on board at all time except for eating / drinking and outside unless in a crowd. Unfortunately Covid has been making a comeback here in Australia again but I don’t think anyone came off the ship with Covid though luckily.
Enjoyed your video. We are on the Carnival Horizon January 7th. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year P.S. We love Carnival...no better cruise directors in the industry.
Just now watching this specifically for the cruise (line) your agent refused to book . . . never heard it before? - until y'all had the most recent experience with MSC, hmm?! As you concede even in your vid re MSC that different cruisers most certainly can have far different experiences & results, but based on your experience with MSC, I'm doubtful you'd recommend MSC to your worst enemy. What I would want to know from you is a) how recently has that agent (or one of their agents affiliated with that agency) traveled on Carnival, and b) assuming there are some relatively current datapoints behind their opinion, what are those datapoints which underlie their counsel regarding Carnival? Carnival has definitely "earned" its reputation for attracting a budget cruiser with a penchant for excessive drinking and excessive reactions to uncomfortable situations (i.e., fights). Perhaps this agency has had far too many agents and clients who've had far subpar experiences with Carnival, consistent with their reputation as the Motel 6 of cruise operators.
Thank you for the invite into your home on Christmas Day . I do have a suggestion for your Alaska adventure . We are doing a cruise July 1-8-2024 to Alaska in support of ALS Canada :) ( Holland America KONINGSDAM ) Merry Christmas from my family to yours from Canada
Carnival has been working hard to create a more "fun" and "family atmosphere rather than their old "frat party" image of drunks and fights. Of course, they've still had some fights on board recently. Several years ago I asked my family if how they felt about trying another cruise line--the response was "OK, as long as it isn't Carnival." Yeah, that's how bad their reputation was. Glad that you had a good experience and that some of their efforts are showing results.
Happy New Year, guys! We're just back from Sky Princess, and I have to say I was disappointed in people bare-chested in the buffet, no shoes on either. Kids running, playing chase through the buffet while people were eating their evening meal. People with children wearing nappies in the pool. The cuise director and entertainment staff were amazing. Food was OK, the service in the mdr left a lot to be desired. I also found that people were quite sharp with one another. Heard allegations that one passenger had tried to push another off the ship! Don't know how true that is, but Broward Police boarded when we docked in Fort Lauderdale. We had a great time but I didn't think Princess lived up to their reputation. Enjoy hou trip!!
Hi your video just came up as a suggestion on you tube. And I had a thought why people may not book. I am not trying to defend them. But I think maybe their company had a fallout w/Carnovial our maybe the commission could had been smaller. Or maybe they didn't have good time, or weren't invited to a Carnival industry event. WHO KNOWS - but what I do know is I think you did the right thing to book it anyway!! . I love your BLUNT-ness and honesty. Keep up the good work. Happy New Year
I have to laugh at your "Not Wholly True" line -- it's like that CNN reporter describing a Minnesota riot as a "Mostly Peaceful Protests". Carnival Cruises, like Southwest airlines, have a really bad image problems probably because of the 'Waffle House' cruise fights on TH-cam. I have to agree with the Travel Agent's view that he wouldn't even book his family on them based purely on Carnival's bad publicity. Part of cruising is the mystique of its image that connotes quality. With the reputation of fights and drunken rowdiness, even though they may be far and few between, those occasions dirty the image in many potential customers' minds. It's amazing how a 6 person fight out on TH-cam can counter hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of advertising.
Ben and David I have two cruises booked beginning of this year, Jan 29 on RCL The Wonder and Feb 26 On The MSC Mergelivia The latter was $300 for a four day trip to the Bahamas. No expectations of anything.on the MSC. As for the food who cares find something you like. As for the service try living in Florida during the season and you will never complain again. I go with an open mind and if I don't like the entree politely leave and find another venue. A quick note of embarrassment, the last cruise was on the Mardi Gras btw great cruise At any rate the food that eve was not good. I just left after moving food around on the plate and went to the buffet. To my embarrassment my waiter was there ! He said "my you are hungry tonight or didn't you like the food?" I said no I didn't like it. He felt really bad I should have said I was very hungry. Lesson learned These people work hard ,really hard for not a lot of pay..Happy Holidays.
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to the both of you. Please, please, please, if you go to Alaska next year, please stop in Victoria bc Canada. Either starting or ending your trip. My sister and I will do our best to welcome you from the breakwater. You will love Victoria. Some people say it reminds them of a little London. I love watching every trip you do, especially your first trip to Canada this year. All the best in 2023 ❤️ P.S. I'm doing a five day Alaska sampler in May of next year, but it doesn't stop at a glacier which is a must to see. I've done three before 😁
I’ve tried Carnival several times, but with my husband and me being older (69 & 62) it’s just not for us. We love RCCL Oasis class ships. In a couple of years, thinking of switching to Celebrity
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We have only sailed on Carnival and love it! We also have had Chris Williams aka "The Flying Scotsman" as cruise director. He is an amazing person and we attended a show where he sang opera and was phenomenal! We also love Jonathan Williams aka "Cookie" for his personality and energy. Love your videos.
while on the mardi gras cruise i noticed you had a small box fan, was wondering where you got it from? thanks
Love how you have decorated your home Ben and David, very cosy, very Christmassey. Merry Christmas Ben and David
Thanks Matthew! Hope you had a lovely Christmas and a happy New Year
Merry Christmas, gents! Really love your home!
Guys, I used to be a travel agent & I did not recommend Carnival either. Here’s the thing, as TAs we know a lot of stuff that the public does not. Since cruise ships fall under foreign flags, there is a lot of crimes from staff to passengers. We knew this so how could we possibly recommend them?
Thank you so much for all the wonderful videos! Where would we be without Ben's puns, The 2022 Missing Luggage Saga, travels with Stef, David wandering through a Hallmark movie... And so much more! Your talent, good humor, and candor are so appreciated. ❤️😊
Yup. All the reasons you mentioned are why I watch these guys (I'm not into cruising)
I love Carnival, they were about 1/4 of all my cruises. The crews, as I have found on all my 24 cruises, were FANTASTIC!
Hey, guys! I used to work on one of Carnival's older ships (so targeting a not-so-posh audience, if you will), but in all of my 6 months basically living onboard I never once heard about a fight or anything like that - and trust me, if there is something going on, the crew will find out about it. As for them being understaffed, if I understood correctly, you've only been cruising with them after the pandemic, and sadly, from what I've seen, I have to say that most of the other cruise lines are struggling to get their staff back as well - hopefully it will get better in 2023. The food, in my opinion (again, on Carnival), it's nothing to write home about (you were very on point with what you said about self-service vs main dining rooms), but it's also a bit in line with the price. I think, overall, it's a good line to start with as a cruise beginner, or if you want the more chilled vibe (for ex. formal nights are not so strictly enforced) or maybe you just don't want to splurge that much. Shout out to all their cruise directors and other staff, too, they do really make you feel welcome. Merry Christmas, guys, and to a year filled with lots of wonderful adventures!
Don't tell Google that... just type "Fight on Carnival Cruise Ship"
I have cruised on carnival since 1997 never had a problem . I love them . When I started crusing with them the food was wonderful now on the last two not so much .
Agree, they use to have the best desserts, now 👎👎
@@kazzuo32Ditto
My experience with Carnival is 20 years old. It was mostly great. We noticed couples got sang to when they had an anniversary and my gay bestfriend placed a bet that he would not get the same treatment. Sure enough. When he let it out that him and his husband (not really) were celebrating their anniversary, they got a cake but no singing. Our whole group, about 20, were given the cold shoulder by staff for the rest of the cruise. That was 20 years ago though. Many people (not all) have changed their tune with that sort of treatment.
Merry Christmas! I'm happy that you've taken the time to dispel some of the Carnival Cruise stereotypes. Although, I will say that the the 3-day cruises tend to be a bit more of a party atmosphere, we've never had any real issues with out of control people. And we find that Carnival is very LGBT inclusive. In fact, we got married on the Carnival Imagination! (The ship has been scrapped, but the marriage continues!)
😊 and congrats 👍
Agreed. The 3/4 day cruises(ie most of the California departing ones) are usually older ships and can be clubby but I've seen a good mix of ages of the shorter routes. They were running a pretty old ship to Alaska in between the weekend trips.
Love you both - and love seeing your home - it's lovely! I love that you often note what it vegetarian on menus - very helpful - but I would really love if you could comment on whether or not there are exercise classes/facilities and how they are - also, if there is a promenade - to get those steps in. . . . You are doing a GREAT job - THANKS!!!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! Celebrity Solstice to Alaska September 1, 2023 out of Seattle!! We will be on it. Would love to meet you! 😍
With Carnival, I think the problems seem to occur more on the 3-nighters out of Florida. When they cost $150pp and an alcohol package at $60pdpp, it does attract a certain clientele.
Best of Christmas cheer to you both and we look forward to more of your wonderful vlogs in 2023.
With Carnival the longer cruise's are okay, it's the short ones you gotta watch out for!
Superb!! Thank you for being real.
You make me smile and I thank you...
...smiles
Thank you both for inviting us into your home. ❤Merry Christmas 🤶🏾 🎅🏻
As much as I enjoy other cruise reviews, I always come back to you guys for the most personal insights and fun details. I'm even over gritting my teeth every time Ben says "absolutely." I cruise on average three or four times a year, and my last one was a direct response to one of your videos. Please continue your balanced and very apt critiques.
I just regard "absolutely" as 1 of Ben's catch phrases (of which he has many). All part of the fun 🤭😁
We cruised on MG in NOV '21 at 60 % capacity. We normally wouldn't go on a ship this large but couldn't wait to be cruising again after the shutdowns. We truly enjoyed MG and like exploring it's many spaces. Not even enough time to try all the restaurants but loved the ones we did try. Hung out quite a bit in the Heroes lounge while my husband watched football and I listened to my audiobook. Met some great folks from all over. Ate mostly food from Lido and it was fine, not outstanding.
Thanks for all that you do! Happy Holidays!
Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 ❤
Happy Christmas Ben and David!! I’m American born but with Brittish parents so growing up on mince pie and all the sweeties are a fabulous bonus and preferred more by myself than American Chocolates! I hope you both have a great day and a Happy a Safe 2023 my Friends!! I hope maybe one day we will cross paths on a cruise ship!
Happy New Year to you too, Margaret.
Merry Christmas!!!
MSC did lose us as potential customers from your first video. After disembarking from the ICON (with both of you) our family was also going on a MSC cruise, which we declined to take with them. (despite already being in Florida and needing no further travel). This cements the fact, that as far as myself, I will continue to avoid MSC. I would feel very uneasy on a MSC cruise. As to the rest of our Family that did go on that MSC cruise, they were very disappointed. They complained of bad/bland food, and being bored. Ben and David, thanks for your honest content, we look forward to it every Sunday!l. MSC has doubled down on a their own error, and they are likely to lose out on some great customers.
Merry Christmas. You're amazing. I can't wait to see what you have for us in 2023. Very true. The newer Carnival ships are much better. 💖
Love your home. Time for a lifestyle publication.
Looking forward to your new adventures in 2023!
Merry Christmas to all and i just want to say i love your content, I also want to inform you i've been on a msc cruise for my first ever cruise, it was wonderful the entertainment was great, but i understand the food problem the main dining is a little rough on the edges but there were a few surprises so now and then, i was surprised by the crew all the crew members was very friendly. Please go and try msc cruise again you might be surprised.
You are the only Vlog I follow where I click the “Like” button before I watch. You are entertaining and always fair.
Thank you for a lovely 2022. Cannot wait for 2023!
Happy New Year. 🎉
Happy holidays
Merry Christmas! I love your house it’s decorated so beautifully! Have a blessed new year! Thank you for your wealth of information!😊
Merry Christmas. 🎄 And very best wishes for a wonderful New Year.
Hi Guys. Merry Christmas. It's already Boxing day here in Australia. 🎅🎄🇦🇺🇬🇧🤓
Merry Christmas to both of you
Merry Christmas to you too Julie
Please do some Celebrity Cruises with a review of The Retreat.
Your home is gorgeous. Its stylish but so very cosy looking. Really enjoying your channel❤
I have never been on a cruise and am not presently planning on it but I love watching you guys and if I ever do go I will do so with heaps of good advice from you! By the way I love the Keith Haring decor!
Good spot with the Keith Haring decor! ☺️
Happy Holidays-Love your vlogs
Happy holidays Lesley
Merry Christmas to my two favorite cruisers! 🎄🎁☃️🎅
Happy to hear you had a great time on Carnival, I did a couple of them and loved it! Looking forward to more videos 😘
I loved seeing your adorable house. You did such a great job with Christmas decorations and regular decor. Congrats on the new channel and thank you for sharing your adventures!
Merry Christmas and Safe and Happy New Year🎉. Love mince pies. My family are going on Ovation of The Seas from Sydney to South Pacific 9days in three weeks. It’s our first cruise since covid. So looking forward to it. Congratulations on your new channel, I will certainly subscribe.
Many people thumb their noses at Carnival... But our experience on the Mardi Gras was quite nice... the MDR food has been flat, but Emeril Lagasse has been hired to spiff things up a bit... we've booked the Celebration and we expect to love it as well... we also plan to book the P&O Iona to the Norwegian Fjords. It's the same type of Excel class ship, with a more posh, British execution.. That ship looks lovely as well... Some older Carnival ships are well maintained, some not so much... the Paradise is from 1996, is extremely well maintained, and since we live in Tampa, gives us a taste of the 1990's at a very reasonable price at a 25 minute drive from our house.. Like any cruise line, such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and even Celebrity, you have to do your homework to find out if the ship is well maintained or not.... if not... risk it for a biscuit!
bloody hell amazon delivery on a xmas day thats amazing
Thanks so much for your commitment to the channel!! You do such a great job! We love it! Merry Christmas!
OMG! I don’t care where you sail to/from!! I love all your videos!! You two are so funny and so enjoyable to “be with”!! Thanks for taking us along! Merry Christmas 🎄❤
The thing is regarding Carnival your experience on the few new ships is NOT the Carnival product overall. 90% of Carnival guest won’t be on the flashy new ships at the higher price point. If Carnival wants to change how people view it they need to focus on remodeling and dry docking the old ships from top to bottom. Carnival has a bad reputation through no fault of anyone but themselves. They have a long way to go.
Happy Holidays to you guys! Love your videos, you guys are my favorites. My next Cruise is in 8 days back on Anthem my favorite can't wait! 😍😍😍😍😍😍
I will be on that cruise as well!
Merry Christmas Guys!!!! Love your content and love when you feature Steph 😆 too many blessings in the new year and can’t wait for the new channel 🎉
Ahhh guys! Thnak you so much for the kind shoutout :-) great to see you both and your video is so cozy warm and homely
Merry Christmas. I love your channel. You guys are such fun. My mom’s favorite pie was mincemeat. Thank you for the memory. I miss her so much.
Merry Christmas and I hope you have a wonderful New Year. Jackie. It’s so hard to hear that we have been able to bring a small memory of your mum to you.
I appreciate you bringing me that memory. I lost my mom 7 years ago on New Year’s Eve. The Christmas season is not as joyful as it used to be. A nice memory is welcomed.
Happy Christmas to you!
Merry Christmas from the other side of the pond!
Thank you Michael. Hope you have a great Christmas
Merry Christmas!
I just recently went to first carnival cruise (Madi grass). too crowded but I had great time. not like what people said about carnival.
I'm an agent and MSC is a cruise line I tell my clients I'm hesitant to book for them. Happy holidays and enjoy you immensely
I found on the older carnival ships have problems with rude people
And new ships I found people more friendly
Last September I took my mother on carnival ship and surprise the problems we found and view
The ship had two ladies yelling and we thought the cruise line would be in the news I give credit to carnival they stop it but gave us uneven feel about trip
We have two more carnival trips booked and hope for the best
If the trips turn like last one we move to other cruise lines
Merry Christmas Ben and David! No matter which ship you go on a cruise is what you make it...
Carnival, i wouldnt let my enemies go on that line. I dont know if you guys were drunk when you did it? Horrible line
Just got off Celebration last week and really did not like it at all. It was my last Carnival cruise for sure. The food was not good, I found the ship very hard to navigate with little information available and heavens don’t bother asking the crew. They cannot tell you anything. The suite perks are pretty much non existent and the suites are tiny. There is really no benefit in spending the extra. You could not swim in the pools, they were freezing. One steam table only in the buffet with seven items, a small salad bar, small dessert area and hot dog station. On a ship with 5200 passengers. And yep lots of drunks. Just does not compare to Royal Caribbean.
Merry Christmas Boys! And Happy New Year to You! Nice to see you 2 enjoying yourselves at home for a change! Hope to see you onboard sometime in the near future! 🌟
A nice change😀 to see both of you at home on land. Your home is definitely a reflection of your personalities.
Merry Christmas! 2 comments; Your review of the Mardi Gras was 1 of the reasons, I decided on the Mardi Gras in February. Comment #2. you are right. Carnival is very LGBTQ+ friendly. I cruise solo and although I am straight, it seemed like every time I was seated for dinner it was with a same sex couple (both male and female) I had an absolute blast! I was meeting them again for drinks at Alchemy or for dancing at the club. I feel safe at any Carnival ship. Liike I said, I sail solo and I will continue to sail solo. I've not encountered any problems. It's all about the attitude one projects and I believe it's my job and mine alone to make sure I have fun. Mardi Gras here I come!
You will love Celebrity. We did a cruise from Sydney to Hawaii on the Solstice in 2014. Outstanding food, especially the French restaurant on board. Classy atmosphere, great entertainment, classy people who weren’t just on a cruise to get drunk. Compare that with a Christmas cruise we just finished on the Quantum of the Seas. OMG noisy kids and drunk bogans everywhere! 😂
Merry Christmas Ben and David! I'm so happy I've found your channel. I'm from the US - Florida, and I appreciate the different perspectives, and the honesty you guys provide in your videos. I can't wait to meet you on a cruise😊 Wishing you the happiest and healthiest holiday and an amazing New Year!
Merry Christmas to you too crystal. Hope you have a lovely New Year.
Thank you for being fair. When I was cruising with kids, many years ago, Carnival or Royal Caribbean were our choices because they had the best kids programs and they were the most affordable. Now that we don't travel with kids we've branched out into other cruise lines like Princess, NCL Celebrity, or Oceania. But I would never pass up a Carnival Cruise. I'm going on the Mardi Gras in January, my first Carnival Cruise in about 7 years. My only caveat with Carnival is it I stay away from the three and four night cruises. Those are the party cruises. And I'm past that at my age.
Merry Christmas to you guys. Thanks so much for the advice about cruising. Love your sense of humor.😆
I had the same problem with travel agents about msc
I book the trip and fell in love with msc
About carnival I had good and bad times
I would not book with travel agents
I found the travel agents are going on high commission
Merry belated Christmas to you both!!! My husband and I look forward to your videos....love your honesty about the ships, food, etc!!! Happy 2023 and safe travels 🚢🎄🚢
Merry Christmas! Travel agents don’t get paid from Carnival as quick as as any other cruise line. I think it’s personal in the travel agents part. We’ve been on Carnival several times and we have no complaints.
Some TAs work for large companies that decide which cruise lines they can sell and which they cannot.
So thrilled to hear your positive thoughts about Carnival. We like to sail from ports that are driveable for us (much more affordable!). That limits the cruiselines that are accessible to us. It also prevents us from trying the newer, fancier ships that sail from Miami or Port Canaveral. We have been very pleased on our Carnival cruises. We haven't cruised for about 10 years and look forward to our next booked cruise in a month or so.
I too, have a travel agent that refuses to book a Carnival cruise line. She will do any cruise line but Carnival. Thanks, for all the videos!
I would love to see Ben's Mum on another cruise. Maybe you could bring her down to the colonies here in Australia 😂🍻🇦🇺
Love your videos! Makes me feel like I am on the cruise with you! Merry Christmas!!🎄
I’m a U.K. travel agent and am lucky to have been on lots of different ships and often choose Carnival for my own holidays - this year on Mardi Gras and Sunrise so a brand new ship and an older, smaller one and we had an amazing time on both. I was a bit worried Sunrise would be a party cruise as it was only for 4 nights and a great price but my family had the best time and it was a great mix of ages who all wanted to have a fun time. Getting to know your customers is key to recommending the right cruise line and the customers I’ve booked on Carnival have all had a fabulous time 😊
I believe the Sunrise was the infamous Poop Cruise ship lol. They renamed it from Triumph after they overhauled it.
I almost always recommend a Carnival cruise as someone's first cruise. Not only are the prices very reasonable, but we've had some of the best service from the staff and some of the best food as well!
I hope you two have had a fabulous Christmas, you both are super lovely and I really enjoy your videos because you two are doing what I’ve always wanted to do but just can’t. Various reasons but lack of funds is a big reason. However watching your videos takes me out of myself for a while and I’m grateful for that.
Happy new year and happy cruising. 🎉
The flying Scottsman is one of the best cruise directors ever! Got to agree with that..
I'd love to see you too. Or you two, too.
Right at the moment, my cruises are (& will be) in among Australia and New Zealand. Let us know when you're able to come to the antipodes.
Happy Christmas!
I honestly think that there are some older/cheaper Carnival ships that leave out of Florida ports that end up being Party ships and cause a lot damage to the brand’s reputation. This has more to do with the passengers than anything else.
Will you guys ever do a paddle boat cruise up the Mississippi? The American Queen is the largest one on it. It would at least be something very unique and should be visually interesting for your viewers.
And the American queen comes to my town too
Jack Decker. You may know this but Viking River Cruises now does the Mississippi and I hear it is move active.
Merry Christmas to you! I love your channel!!
We actually planned to go on that before Covid, but it got cancelled
@@dinnes3375 But is their ship a paddle boat? Going up Old Man River in anything but that is half the experience. You're a star when you're on a huge paddle boat. People will stop along the river's highways and take photos of you passing by. Communities will come out to greet you. It is on my own bucket list and I plan to do it within two years. It would be nice if Ben and David did it before me so I can get pointers from them on how best to enjoy it.
nicce upload, mate.😊
What editing software do you use? Multiple cameras? We’ve Been together over 25 years, which means we must have played in the sandbox together!😅😂 Fuk 44 and 47 sometimes hurts. Lol Anyway, We are 2 Super gays like you😊 from clothing designers to costumes for drag queens like Brooklyn Heights and More to now, well FARMERS! Yep! We bought a flower store and a property with room to grow Flowers and so much more! Blah Blah Blah! So we have lots of videos we’d love to share and would certainly appreciate the help 😍🥰🥰💋💋💋
I love Carnival. Love Pride and Legend. Never had a bad experience on Carnival. I felt Mardi Gras was way to big
Happy Sunday and merry Christmas Ben and David. ❄️🎅🏽☃️🦌🎄🎁🤶🏼💕🙌🏼🙏🏼Your tree 🎄 is absolutely breathtaking. I dream of the day to meet you on a cruise and perhaps get a selfie with you guys. Oh yess. Alaska. Celebrity. A new channel? So your cruises on this one and tips and cruise news on the other. Wow. The travel agent said that? Definitely. Carnival ships the past 5-6 years especially the Mardi Gras and Celebration are a total 360 in design. They are trying. And your Carnival review is fair and accurate. I’ve been on Princess, Celebrity, Norwegian, Royal and Carnival to compare. You’re spot on. Thanks so much. Looking forward to your 2023 adventures and once again Merry Christmas to you and your families.
You Should Try the one of the new Carnival fun Italian Style Ships
My husband, who grew up in Utah, and myself, who grew up in Canada, both grew up with the sweet mincemeat pies. It's my husband's favorite!
You would not believe how hard it is to find mincemeat in stores! If you DO find a quart, it's priced through the roof!!!
I now make and preserve (can) my own mincemeat!
Another thing that is IMPOSSIBLE to buy is suet!!! How can one make a good steamed pudding without suet???
Thank you for all your wonderful videos this year! Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures in 2023. P.s: I have serious Christmas tree envy now after this video! 🎄
Haha thank you! Merry Christmas!
I just came off of a P&O cruise leaving from Brisbane as a 3 night comedy cruise my first cruise since the pandemic.What you heard from people about Carnival is what P&O is like out here in Australia. P&O is considered the budget cruise line out here and is the one with all the fighting and brawling on it and it is because their alcohol packages are way cheaper than Royal , Carnival , Princess or Celebrity out here. I was very disappointed with the pantry on board my P&O ship the Encounter( used to be the Star Princess) as the food was always cold. We had an early disembarkation and decided to go to the Pantry as soon as it opened as all food previously was served cold and thought if we got there as they opened the food will be hot. Nope it was cold again, cold scrambled eggs and bacon , cold toast , lukewarm coffee and tea. The Encounter was probably also the most confusing ship I’ve ever been on as there are a lot of corridors that are dead ends and you have to go down a level to go up a level to reach where you need to go. The main restaurants - there are 3 complimentary on board were fantastic. The food was well presented and tasty and hot. I’ve been on 2 P&O cruise ships now and each one was the total opposite of each other - the first the food was terrible in the main dining room and now this one with the buffet serving cold food. We have decided we aren’t P&O people for cruises leaving Australia . Oh and FYI we had to wear masks on board at all time except for eating / drinking and outside unless in a crowd. Unfortunately Covid has been making a comeback here in Australia again but I don’t think anyone came off the ship with Covid though luckily.
Enjoyed your video. We are on the Carnival Horizon January 7th. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year P.S. We love Carnival...no better cruise directors in the industry.
Just now watching this specifically for the cruise (line) your agent refused to book . . . never heard it before? - until y'all had the most recent experience with MSC, hmm?!
As you concede even in your vid re MSC that different cruisers most certainly can have far different experiences & results, but based on your experience with MSC, I'm doubtful you'd recommend MSC to your worst enemy.
What I would want to know from you is
a) how recently has that agent (or one of their agents affiliated with that agency) traveled on Carnival, and
b) assuming there are some relatively current datapoints behind their opinion, what are those datapoints which underlie their counsel regarding Carnival?
Carnival has definitely "earned" its reputation for attracting a budget cruiser with a penchant for excessive drinking and excessive reactions to uncomfortable situations (i.e., fights). Perhaps this agency has had far too many agents and clients who've had far subpar experiences with Carnival, consistent with their reputation as the Motel 6 of cruise operators.
Thank you for the invite into your home on Christmas Day .
I do have a suggestion for your Alaska adventure . We are doing a cruise July 1-8-2024 to Alaska in support of ALS Canada :)
( Holland America KONINGSDAM )
Merry Christmas from my family to yours from Canada
Carnival has been working hard to create a more "fun" and "family atmosphere rather than their old "frat party" image of drunks and fights. Of course, they've still had some fights on board recently. Several years ago I asked my family if how they felt about trying another cruise line--the response was "OK, as long as it isn't Carnival." Yeah, that's how bad their reputation was. Glad that you had a good experience and that some of their efforts are showing results.
Happy New Year, guys! We're just back from Sky Princess, and I have to say I was disappointed in people bare-chested in the buffet, no shoes on either. Kids running, playing chase through the buffet while people were eating their evening meal. People with children wearing nappies in the pool. The cuise director and entertainment staff were amazing. Food was OK, the service in the mdr left a lot to be desired. I also found that people were quite sharp with one another. Heard allegations that one passenger had tried to push another off the ship! Don't know how true that is, but Broward Police boarded when we docked in Fort Lauderdale. We had a great time but I didn't think Princess lived up to their reputation. Enjoy hou trip!!
Hi your video just came up as a suggestion on you tube. And I had a thought why people may not book. I am not trying to defend them. But I think maybe their company had a fallout w/Carnovial our maybe the commission could had been smaller. Or maybe they didn't have good time, or weren't invited to a Carnival industry event. WHO KNOWS - but what I do know is I think you did the right thing to book it anyway!! . I love your BLUNT-ness and honesty. Keep up the good work. Happy New Year
I have to laugh at your "Not Wholly True" line -- it's like that CNN reporter describing a Minnesota riot as a "Mostly Peaceful Protests". Carnival Cruises, like Southwest airlines, have a really bad image problems probably because of the 'Waffle House' cruise fights on TH-cam. I have to agree with the Travel Agent's view that he wouldn't even book his family on them based purely on Carnival's bad publicity. Part of cruising is the mystique of its image that connotes quality. With the reputation of fights and drunken rowdiness, even though they may be far and few between, those occasions dirty the image in many potential customers' minds. It's amazing how a 6 person fight out on TH-cam can counter hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of advertising.
Ben and David I have two cruises booked beginning of this year, Jan 29 on RCL The Wonder and Feb 26 On The MSC Mergelivia The latter was $300 for a four day trip to the Bahamas. No expectations of anything.on the MSC. As for the food who cares find something you like. As for the service try living in Florida during the season and you will never complain again. I go with an open mind and if I don't like the entree politely leave and find another venue. A quick note of embarrassment, the last cruise was on the Mardi Gras btw great cruise At any rate the food that eve was not good. I just left after moving food around on the plate and went to the buffet. To my embarrassment my waiter was there ! He said "my you are hungry tonight or didn't you like the food?" I said no I didn't like it. He felt really bad I should have said I was very hungry. Lesson learned These people work hard ,really hard for not a lot of pay..Happy Holidays.
Merry Christmas and a happy new year to the both of you. Please, please, please, if you go to Alaska next year, please stop in Victoria bc Canada. Either starting or ending your trip. My sister and I will do our best to welcome you from the breakwater. You will love Victoria. Some people say it reminds them of a little London. I love watching every trip you do, especially your first trip to Canada this year. All the best in 2023 ❤️ P.S. I'm doing a five day Alaska sampler in May of next year, but it doesn't stop at a glacier which is a must to see. I've done three before 😁
A VERY Happy Christmas to you both, too. Sending good feelings of happiness & joy from the Colorado Rockies!!! 🎄🏔
I’ve tried Carnival several times, but with my husband and me being older (69 & 62) it’s just not for us. We love RCCL Oasis class ships. In a couple of years, thinking of switching to Celebrity