My first cruise was on a Carnival ship 17 years ago, so maybe I have a soft spot for Carnival, but even though Carnival advertises itself as the Fun Ships, and naysayers like to call them Party Ships; as an introvert, I still love cruising on Carnival!
I like to call myself a high-functioning introvert, so my experience may not be the same as other introverts. While I can talk to anyone, and often do start conversations with strangers, I definitely get drained by being around people, so I have to find ways while cruising to recharge those batteries. I am not a partier and never have been. I prefer small groups of friends to large parties, so why do I still love Cruising on Carnival?
First of all, I think there is a huge misconception by some as to what a Carnival Cruise is really like, and I have a theory about that. Carnival is one of the few lines that offer cheap, 3-4 day cruises out of Miami and other Florida ports. These are basically Booze Cruises, and more often than not, any story coming out about drunken fights breaking out on a Carnival cruise will come from one of these Booze Cruises. While I have never sailed on Carnival out of a Florida port, from everything I have seen and read, it seems like there is a difference between some of the cruisers sailing out of Florida to those sailing out of Galveston and New Orleans, especially when it comes to the shorter sailings and those during peak season. And of course, this can affect the atmosphere on the ship. Maybe I’m wrong, I hope to one day test out this theory in person, but what I do know is that I have never felt like any of my Carnival Cruises were Party Cruises, but they have all been 5 or 7 day cruises out of Galveston and New Orleans in the off season.
One reason that I really love Carnival is because their entertainment team, especially their Cruise Directors, do such a good job of hyping all the activities and making them fun. You WANT to participate, or at least watch. For example, I love going to the trivia events. Even if I know nothing of the subject and choose not to participate, they are fun to watch. On our recent Norwegian cruise I still enjoyed going to trivia, but there always felt like something was missing. And I really didn’t like their system of earning participation points for prizes. The winner didn’t even get anything but extra points. Carnival gives out their highly coveted Ship on a Stick to those who win a trivia contest. So far I only have one, but I hope to add more to my collection!
Something I really missed on my Norwegian cruise was all the included quick eats that Carnival offers. I really missed going and grabbing a Guy’s Burger or a taco bowl at the Blue Iguana Cantina. I can’t wait until we get to try some of the other quick eat restaurants on their larger ships when we sail on the Jubilee. I find the buffet to be crowded and too complicated. I don’t like having to go around and see what all is available and then try to go from station to station to get what I want, then try to find a place to sit. Cruise buffets give me anxiety. I prefer going through one line to get something quick that I know I will like. I think Carnival’s quick eats are perfect for introverts on the go!
Since I am not a partier, you are not going to find me joining in on any deck parties or contestant shows like Love and Marriage with their huge audience. However, I do enjoy being an observer, and Carnival makes it easy to watch the fun without having to participate. Maybe there is an 80’s deck party on the Lido. I love 80s music and I love to people watch. Carnival ships are designed in such a way that it is easy to find a place on a deck above the Lido to watch without fear of being pulled into the party! They schedule the popular contestant shows in the theater so there is plenty of seating for all who want to watch. And I do love watching them!
And finally, one of my favorite introvert actives on a Carnival Cruise is their Dive in Movies! I really missed these on our Norwegian cruise. It actually spurred me to put out a video on which lines have movies out on their open decks. Carnival shows two, first-run movies each night out on their large, LED screen on the Lido. The Red Frog Rum Bar pops up some popcorn for everyone and lounge chairs are put out on multiple levels so there are plenty of seats for everyone. Usually the earlier movie will be family friendly, with something for the adults later at night. This is such an even that Carnival even changes out the towel station set up during the day for blankets that you can check out to snuggle under as the cool night ocean breeze passes over the ship. I just love watching a movie under the stars while out on the open ocean. It’s such a unique experience. And one definitely designed for introverts! It is one of those experiences that allows you to recharge your social batteries while still being around other people. I find it more relaxing after a long day around other people, than something like listening to a musical group, which is still enjoyable, but less relaxing for me.
You can definitely have fun on a Carnival cruise as an introvert. Don’t let anyone turn you off from cruising on Carnival by their claims that they are party ships designed for frat boys. Make sure to choose a 7 or 8 day cruise to avoid a booze cruise and you should be fine, especially if you are cruising the off season.
What about you? Are you an introvert that still loves a good Fun Ship cruise? Comment Below!
Cruising From The Ozarks 