Are Older Guests Being Left Behind on Carnival Cruises?
I took my first cruise when I was in my 20s, and since then, I’ve set sail with thousands of guests ranging from less than a year old to travelers well into their 90s – all of whom seem to be having a great time.
Carnival Cruise Line, in particular, however, has a reputation as more of a party atmosphere catering to younger guests. But is that reputation deserved, and is the cruise line less suitable for older passengers?
One recent Carnival guest believes the cruise line does not do enough for older travelers and thinks it might even reach the level of discrimination.
They shared their concerns – demands, really – with John Heald, Carnival Cruise Line’s official Brand Ambassador, noting where improvement is needed.
“It is shameful of you. You are wrong. Carnival does discriminate against older people,” the guest claimed. “Those of us 70 plus are pushed away. My husband and me are both 77 this year. On the Carnival ship Mardi Gras there was obvious proof of this.”
The guest goes on to offer specific examples where they believe older cruisers are at a disadvantage onboard the Excel-class ship.
“Is it very loud in most public areas, particularly the main dining hall,” the guest explained. “Stop with the loud music and dancing already. Think of those like us that have hearing aids! Stop being selfish.”
I’ve sailed aboard both Mardi Gras and her sister ship, Carnival Celebration, and yes, it can get a bit loud in some areas of the ship, especially when different activities are underway. I never personally found the volume levels in the Main Dining Room to be troublesome, however, but perhaps it is possible.
Other commenters also point out that most hearing aids have volume controls and if it is too loud, that volume can easily be turned down by the individual.
Carnival Cruise Line does note, however, that the dancing in the restaurant – “Shoooooooooowtime!” – is a popular event that many guests enjoy, and it is not going away.
This guest doesn’t have just one complaint, however. They go on to note that there are, in their opinion, no quiet places onboard.
“NO LIBRARY – How can that be. Older people like to spend their cruises reading in peace and comfort. There is no where for this to happen,” they said.
It is true that Carnival Cruise Line is removing libraries from older ships and the venue is not part of new builds. That said, I’ve always been able to enjoy a good book in my stateroom with all the peace and comfort I would like – including the ability to drop right into a cozy nap!
The adults-only Serenity area, the forward “Secret Garden” promenades on the Spirit-class ships, unused lounges, and other quiet nooks are abundant on all Carnival ships, even without a dedicated library space.
“No mobility scooter parking areas outside the main dining hall,” is the guest’s next concern.
Okay, true, there isn’t any significant “parking area” outside the Main Dining Room on Carnival ships. Guests can always request tables closer to the entrance if they feel uncomfortable maneuvering through the seating areas, however – a request Heald is happy to assist with.
Furthermore, if each ship were to have such a designated scooter parking zone, that would take up valuable public space. And how much space should be available?
If only five mobility scooters can be accommodated, for example, the sixth, seventh, or eighth guest who uses a scooter is sure to be dissatisfied. This simply may not be a practical idea.
Finally, the guest is upset at the music selections onboard.
“No 50’s music. Discrimination again,” they claimed. “You cannot defend the undefendable. Shame on you.”
I do enjoy 50’s music, including Elvis Presley, the Crewcuts, Bill Haley & His Comets, and even Sheb Wooley. The funny thing is – I’ve heard a lot of that music onboard Carnival ships, including the occasional 50’s music trivia contest. So perhaps this upset guest wasn’t attending the right events or listening in the right places.
So, Does Carnival Discriminate Against the Elderly?
Ultimately, Heald responded to the guest, noting the popularity of Carnival Cruise Line and asked for feedback from other guests who might be in the same age bracket.
“I will say that we are proud to have more retired people cruise with us then any other cruise line. I understand that some of the newer ships do not have libraries but I cannot agree that this is discrimination,” he said.
“So older people reading this who do cruise with us, what are your thoughts please? What do you enjoy, what can we do better for you?”
Many guests comment that there are plenty of other cruise lines with different vibes that might be a better fit for what each traveler wants.
Not that they’re agreeing at all that Carnival may be discriminatory, but it just isn’t necessarily the best cruise line for guests interested in a quieter, more sedate experience.
Read Also: Top 12 Best Cruise Lines for Adults
Others note that not all desires can be accommodated, and just because something isn’t how you might like it, that doesn’t make it discrimination.
Ultimately, every traveler wants to have a good time on their cruise vacation, but not every cruise line is right for every traveler. Finding the right one can make a great difference in having a great getaway!