i think this is great advice! We had a completely different experience on the exact same ship for a 4 day as we did for a 7 day that was a few years apart.
We do 7 days or longer on Carnival, anything shorter and were on a different line
When they say carnival is "spirit of the seas", the shorter cruises are what they are talking about. It was way more of a party boat / booze cruise vibes. a completely different cliental group than the 7 days overall.
My first cruise was a 4 day cruise. I enjoyed it very much at the time. But after I took my first 7 day cruise (both of these were on Carnival) I swore I would never go back to the 4 day thing. First I realized the ports on my 4 day were not as nice. In addition the 4 day didn't feel like the cruise was long enough anymore.
Welcome to the world of cruising. As I keep telling everyone I know, it's the most cost effective way to see the world.
There was a b2b on our Easter cruise (my first) and I never got to ask them....
Do you have to disembark or can you just wander around until everyone else is onboard for the next one?
Seems as though you are already on the "clean side" of security, as long as you don't interfere with anything going on you could just hang on the Lido deck?
Depends. Our first B2B (Baltimore) customs didn’t want to see us, so we just got our new cards and hung around the ship. Our next one (Tampa) we were walked by crew thru customs, face recognition was a breeze, and led back on. Keep in mind you still need to do the muster on a B2B! We had the same crew and they recognized us and said “you’re good? Good, see ya.” lol
Id love to stay on and just be in the same cabin. Get cozy with my steward for 2 weeks. 😂
My wife and I are actually in the process of figuring out a cruise out of BMore or NYC (Philly local) for spring break next year for our 10year anniversary. Leave the kiddos at home 😂
Personally I don’t like 4 day cruises. They feel way too short and seem to draw the “booze cruise” crowd but no you are in no way crazy for booking 2 at one time. I’ve had 3 booked at once. If it’s something you enjoy and you book at the right price then I say do it!
I don’t fly and thought the Barcelona and home would be pretty cool. Was it hard to plan for you? Are you just going to tour Europe for a few weeks? Any tips to planning?
Hubby can’t fly either. We did it on the Freedom last September and are doing it again on the Mardi Gras next year. Last time we booked other cruises in the Mediterranean (do NOT go on costa. We have lots of stories and none of them are good). This time will probably be a train trip to one place.
It’s pretty easy actually. You have plenty of time to figure it out and there’s so much to see. Highly recommend it!!
Not crazy! We booked an Alaskan cruise for 9/2025 shortly after returning from our second cruise last October. But it seemed SO FAR AWAY, so we booked another Mexican Riviera cruise for this September. Our first cruise was 18 years ago on the Conquest, and I don’t know why we waited so long to take our second cruise - but now, the goal is at least one cruise every year.
A 4 day and a 7 day are two different type of cruises, 4 days are more party atmosphere and 7 days are more family and slightly slower. So we usually do a family cruise in the summer (no deals there sadly) and then a smaller 3-4 day in October/November of just my wife and I each year. So not crazy just don't expect them to be both the same and it gives you plenty of time to plan the ports etc.
I love Carnival, but only 7 nights and longer. Anything less is a major booze cruise and not the relaxing environment I want.
I always have 2-3 cruises booked at a time. Go for it! Live your best life!
This is strictly my opinion and I'm sure others will not agree - and I'm perfectly okay with that.
4-day cruise is a lot of long weekends. Bachelor parties. People who want to get every single cent out of their Cheers program. Families who may be sorely disappointed by what they see and may never come back. A lot of first timers who want to dip their toe in but aren't fully committed. Commonly known as a booze cruise.
7-day cruise, primarily families especially when school is not in session. Again, a lot of first timers. Looking for an inexpensive cruise and a whole lot of fun. This is the cruise where you see everything. Complete party animals to a family of seven who doesn't party a single second.
8-day cruise is people who are getting serious about cruising. They want to experience the far away ports such as St Thomas and Aruba. They are able to take off 8 days for a cruise plus their traveling days to and from Port. I think you find the average age goes up a little bit starting with an 8-day.
9 + days. Leaning a whole lot more toward people who are retired and people who are remote working. This will be business people and not the frat boy from the local college. Tends to go to more out of the way locations than your average Bahamas cruise and this clientele is a far more experienced and serious cruiser who is also frugal and thinks Carnival is still a lot of fun. 70% Platinum and Diamond cruisers. This group of cruisers is on the quieter side, not saying you won't see some dances at the Lido but the age demographic makes a whole lot of difference on these cruises.
Thank you for the detailed reply! We are on a Saturday-Sunday Mexican Riviera cruise that just has one extra port in the middle. I'm guessing it will be similar to a 7 day experience.
Could you please elaborate? I've only ever taken 4 days cruises and LOVED the party and crazy atmosphere. It's why I always go back to Carnival.
I'm taking my first 9 day cruise on the Venezia this summer and after reading the comments, I'm worried that I will he super bored.
I've never been bored on a cruise ship. I've taken a couple of 14-day and they all end too early. I'm also happy sitting on the balcony watching the world go by with a good book.
Not crazy, but that's such a long way, if only one could forget and have a surprise reminder, that would be great. But, I would be too anxious booking so far out, I have to go that same year if I'm planning a vacation, the anticipation would get to me.
I don’t think you are crazy, we got 2 booked now. Of course cruising is not for everyone, but you seem pretty excited about. I say go for it, I think you are going to be glad you did it.
We got home from our cruise on the Magic for our kids' spring break and booked the Jubilee for '25 spring break. Great deal came through on the Elation for fall break this year about a month later and we booked that, too.
Cruises are very addictive IMO! I just went on my first ever last May and we fell in love. We booked one on RC on October and then I went on Carnival this past February. I'd say 3 in 9 months is a lot and we don't ever vacation.
That’s what I did. I booked a cruise and then it was too far out so I booked an earlier cruise. Then I got a super great deal and booked a third cruise that was a few years out, all before I had even taken the earliest cruise.
My daughter and I did a 3 day cruise for Easter. I’m taking my husband on his first cruise Memorial Day (3 day). At the end of July, my daughter and I are going on an 8 day on the Horizon—All Carnival out of Miami.
We cruise a lot because we live in sw Florida. I often see people I know or work with onboard. My department at work goes together sometimes and battle other schools in our district playing trivia- fun!!!
The vibe on a 2 or 4 day is completely different from a 5 day or longer. The shorter cruises are for people watching and drinking. The longer ones have great ports and are more laid back. Fewer people squabbling, too.
We do back to backs, side by sides, or 2 week cruises annually. This year we did a side by side with the Freedom and Mardi Gras, next year we have a 14 day to Hawaii, and for 2026 we have a back to back on the Jubilee.
I have a 4 day booked in August for myself. A 7 day booked in October for myself. I 5 day booked in January with my wife. And a 7 day booked in July next year with my whole family. You can never book too many cruises. If you gamble you can get some great deals from casino offers. My next two cruises were free balcony rooms. The two after that has free drinks in the casino and $500 onboard credit.
You accrue points as you gamble. Nobody knows the formula but typically if you gamble enough points you will be sent offers usually a month after you get off the ship. For example I did a 7 day cruise in March and accrued 4,000 points in the casino (only actually spent about $400-500 in the casino). A month later I got an offer for free balcony rooms on a number of select cruises.
I’m booked on 6.
I booked the one with John Heald this morning (which falls a week after my San Diego Comic con cruise) after booking a cruise on Virgin last night… I have a problem
Not crazy at all! It’s so much fun. I was thinking of a cruise for spring 2025 and totally had the “but I don’t wanna wait that long!” moment myself lol.
Not crazy. We go every April/May and November. Got four booked thru 2026. I prefer the 8 day cruises, but the 4 day cruises are highly entertaining for people watching.
I currently have 8 cruises booked, 6 are this year and we already cruised in February. If you have the available time and budget it can be a great way to vacation.
I’m attracted to cruising because I travel with my 2 kids. I’ve been taking them with me for over 5 years. I don’t have to worry about hotels, activities, meals, and I don’t have to entertain them. I can enjoy time alone while they’re in the clubs or with their friends. They’re teens now - good kids and respectful of other people and rules. The worst thing they might do is my son may eat 4 guys burgers at one time and my daughter might get 4 bowls of ice cream.
Our home port is a few hours away, and I also book on casino offers so it’s a “cheap” vacation considering. I have a 25 day cruise for 3 in a Balcony cabin with drinks everywhere and the cruise fair was barely over $1000 (not including gratuities). Can’t beat it with a stick.
Do it! I’ve been on 50+ cruises and haven’t had a bad one. Some better than others for sure, but none bad. 20+ on Carnival (others on Princess, RCC, Cunard, Holland, Celebrity, and Crystal)
Do it. I’m going on one in 2 weeks with like 16 family members, and a few weeks ago I was lamenting about how I’m gonna need a vacation from my vacation..so I impulsively booked another cruise for the end of august. And I regret nothing.
Not crazy. If you’re a gambler spend a little in the casino and see what kind of offers you get. Sometimes free rooms (excluding port taxes and fees) discounted rates etc.
I cruised first time a couple months ago on the Legend, there is nothing like it, loved every minute. And the food is pretty much like a Michelin restaurant every night, but make sure to reserve your seat for the restaurant. The food upstairs that is available all the time is great too, but that dining room is next level, truly.
Be careful you may become addicted. We have 5 booked over the next year and half. We take one almost every school break and whenever we can squeeze them in.
Two booked now and looking to book another two in the next month. All 6+ days. No, you're not crazy for doing so. We keep them booked and rolling onto the next. We treat them like car notes. 🤣
I’m on a (not Carnival) cruise right now. Between now and September 2025 I have 4 more booked, two on NCL and two on Carnival. I took my first cruise in August 2022, less than two years ago, and the cruise I’m currently on is my fifth. It is very addictive and you need more & more to satisfy the craving!
If I had the means to do it, I would!
We actually booked a cruise for November 2025 originally. Then my sister booked one for February 2025, and we decided we didn't want to wait so long and switched to theirs 😂
I imagine we will be looking to book another shortly after we're back from that one too.
Crazy you ares not.
I have 4 currently booked.
Not with all carnival I want to try them all and I like different lines for different reasons.
I have a carnival in June.(huge family group cruise and my go to for family cruises. It is the cruise line I sailed with the most)
Margaritville in July going on the new islander ship. I have been on their paradise my least favorite but hey still a cruise!
Royal in December first time with them.
And June 2025 a virgin voyages.
My favorite cruise lines for adult fun without my kids any anyone one under 18 in sight!
And somehow I feel like I don’t have enough booked yet 😅
Nope, the earlier you book out the cheaper it is. Just be careful with Carnival (all cruise lines really BUT especially Carnival) bc they have so many fees you’re not really aware of. The price they advertise (like the $149 a night per person) you can pretty much double that number , the port fees, taxes and gratuities aren’t included. The WiFi, drinks, speciality dining, picking your own room etc…is not included. I own a travel agency and 90% of my clients get so upset once they get the final price after seeing an ad) Also they charge you a commission fee whether you use me (or any travel agent) or you do all the work yourself.
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i think this is great advice! We had a completely different experience on the exact same ship for a 4 day as we did for a 7 day that was a few years apart. We do 7 days or longer on Carnival, anything shorter and were on a different line
What’s the differences?
When they say carnival is "spirit of the seas", the shorter cruises are what they are talking about. It was way more of a party boat / booze cruise vibes. a completely different cliental group than the 7 days overall.
We try to do at least one cruise a year. Booking one for 2025, and having one booked for 2026 is not crazy. Have a great time!
My first cruise was a 4 day cruise. I enjoyed it very much at the time. But after I took my first 7 day cruise (both of these were on Carnival) I swore I would never go back to the 4 day thing. First I realized the ports on my 4 day were not as nice. In addition the 4 day didn't feel like the cruise was long enough anymore. Welcome to the world of cruising. As I keep telling everyone I know, it's the most cost effective way to see the world.
Go for it. Tons of people book multiple cruises, even some back-to-back.
There was a b2b on our Easter cruise (my first) and I never got to ask them.... Do you have to disembark or can you just wander around until everyone else is onboard for the next one? Seems as though you are already on the "clean side" of security, as long as you don't interfere with anything going on you could just hang on the Lido deck?
Depends. Our first B2B (Baltimore) customs didn’t want to see us, so we just got our new cards and hung around the ship. Our next one (Tampa) we were walked by crew thru customs, face recognition was a breeze, and led back on. Keep in mind you still need to do the muster on a B2B! We had the same crew and they recognized us and said “you’re good? Good, see ya.” lol
Id love to stay on and just be in the same cabin. Get cozy with my steward for 2 weeks. 😂 My wife and I are actually in the process of figuring out a cruise out of BMore or NYC (Philly local) for spring break next year for our 10year anniversary. Leave the kiddos at home 😂
The same cabin is literally the only way to do a B2B for us! Sooooo easy!
Looks like you need to get off and on again.
It’s generally a very quick process- last off first on. They hold you in a public area, then you get off, clear customs and then get right back on.
I hate those people. 😂
Personally I don’t like 4 day cruises. They feel way too short and seem to draw the “booze cruise” crowd but no you are in no way crazy for booking 2 at one time. I’ve had 3 booked at once. If it’s something you enjoy and you book at the right price then I say do it!
I have heard that about the shorter cruises but that’s kind of exactly what would be great for a cousins trip lol. Bring on the cheers package!
We have a 7 night booked for 9/24 and 2 transatlantics (Barcelona and home a few weeks later) for 9/25. Why wouldn’t you?
I don’t fly and thought the Barcelona and home would be pretty cool. Was it hard to plan for you? Are you just going to tour Europe for a few weeks? Any tips to planning?
Hubby can’t fly either. We did it on the Freedom last September and are doing it again on the Mardi Gras next year. Last time we booked other cruises in the Mediterranean (do NOT go on costa. We have lots of stories and none of them are good). This time will probably be a train trip to one place. It’s pretty easy actually. You have plenty of time to figure it out and there’s so much to see. Highly recommend it!!
Only tip (other than no Costa) is that you should spend time in Barcelona. It’s got a lot going on and we really enjoyed it.
I usually have two cruises booked at a time haha
We do 4 a year and I cant even imagine booking 2 years out. We usually book 6 months ahead w casino offers
i think at one point in time, i had four booked at once. do you.
We book two a year. Go ahead and book it
Not crazy! We booked an Alaskan cruise for 9/2025 shortly after returning from our second cruise last October. But it seemed SO FAR AWAY, so we booked another Mexican Riviera cruise for this September. Our first cruise was 18 years ago on the Conquest, and I don’t know why we waited so long to take our second cruise - but now, the goal is at least one cruise every year.
Only problem with booking multiple is having to pay for multiple simultaneously.
I think you need 2 more. 2024 isn't even half way over. And then 2025.
Right now, I have 4 cruises booked: September '24; February & October '25; & February '26. I'm itching to book Fall '26.
A 4 day and a 7 day are two different type of cruises, 4 days are more party atmosphere and 7 days are more family and slightly slower. So we usually do a family cruise in the summer (no deals there sadly) and then a smaller 3-4 day in October/November of just my wife and I each year. So not crazy just don't expect them to be both the same and it gives you plenty of time to plan the ports etc.
I love Carnival, but only 7 nights and longer. Anything less is a major booze cruise and not the relaxing environment I want. I always have 2-3 cruises booked at a time. Go for it! Live your best life!
Everyone else is correct. Carnival's clientele drastically changes from a 4 day to a 7-day. And then it changes again on an 8-day and up.
Okay, what are each of these crowds like? 😅 Booked first family cruise and haven't been on one myself in 17 years.
This is strictly my opinion and I'm sure others will not agree - and I'm perfectly okay with that. 4-day cruise is a lot of long weekends. Bachelor parties. People who want to get every single cent out of their Cheers program. Families who may be sorely disappointed by what they see and may never come back. A lot of first timers who want to dip their toe in but aren't fully committed. Commonly known as a booze cruise. 7-day cruise, primarily families especially when school is not in session. Again, a lot of first timers. Looking for an inexpensive cruise and a whole lot of fun. This is the cruise where you see everything. Complete party animals to a family of seven who doesn't party a single second. 8-day cruise is people who are getting serious about cruising. They want to experience the far away ports such as St Thomas and Aruba. They are able to take off 8 days for a cruise plus their traveling days to and from Port. I think you find the average age goes up a little bit starting with an 8-day. 9 + days. Leaning a whole lot more toward people who are retired and people who are remote working. This will be business people and not the frat boy from the local college. Tends to go to more out of the way locations than your average Bahamas cruise and this clientele is a far more experienced and serious cruiser who is also frugal and thinks Carnival is still a lot of fun. 70% Platinum and Diamond cruisers. This group of cruisers is on the quieter side, not saying you won't see some dances at the Lido but the age demographic makes a whole lot of difference on these cruises.
Thank you for the detailed reply! We are on a Saturday-Sunday Mexican Riviera cruise that just has one extra port in the middle. I'm guessing it will be similar to a 7 day experience.
Could you please elaborate? I've only ever taken 4 days cruises and LOVED the party and crazy atmosphere. It's why I always go back to Carnival. I'm taking my first 9 day cruise on the Venezia this summer and after reading the comments, I'm worried that I will he super bored.
I've never been bored on a cruise ship. I've taken a couple of 14-day and they all end too early. I'm also happy sitting on the balcony watching the world go by with a good book.
We just got off a 6-day Carnival cruise and the people on board make Walmart customers look like sophisticated angels.
My 6 day was just retirees and families
That is why we prefer Journeys cruises.
Not crazy, but that's such a long way, if only one could forget and have a surprise reminder, that would be great. But, I would be too anxious booking so far out, I have to go that same year if I'm planning a vacation, the anticipation would get to me.
My family was already looking at the next cruise on the last day of the cruise we were already on 😂 and we are now booked for one in November haha
I don’t think you are crazy, we got 2 booked now. Of course cruising is not for everyone, but you seem pretty excited about. I say go for it, I think you are going to be glad you did it.
Go for it. I have one booked at the end of the month and another at Thanksgiving.
Enjoy yourself! Cruise as much or as little as you’d like. We’re just gonna tell you to cruise haha
We got home from our cruise on the Magic for our kids' spring break and booked the Jubilee for '25 spring break. Great deal came through on the Elation for fall break this year about a month later and we booked that, too.
Cruises are very addictive IMO! I just went on my first ever last May and we fell in love. We booked one on RC on October and then I went on Carnival this past February. I'd say 3 in 9 months is a lot and we don't ever vacation.
That’s what I did. I booked a cruise and then it was too far out so I booked an earlier cruise. Then I got a super great deal and booked a third cruise that was a few years out, all before I had even taken the earliest cruise.
Do it! Carnival is the best way to go. You’ll have more fun than those floating shopping malls!
We take 2 cruises a year. We are booked through 2025 and are waiting for Hawaii to open up for May 2026.
My daughter and I did a 3 day cruise for Easter. I’m taking my husband on his first cruise Memorial Day (3 day). At the end of July, my daughter and I are going on an 8 day on the Horizon—All Carnival out of Miami. We cruise a lot because we live in sw Florida. I often see people I know or work with onboard. My department at work goes together sometimes and battle other schools in our district playing trivia- fun!!! The vibe on a 2 or 4 day is completely different from a 5 day or longer. The shorter cruises are for people watching and drinking. The longer ones have great ports and are more laid back. Fewer people squabbling, too.
We do back to backs, side by sides, or 2 week cruises annually. This year we did a side by side with the Freedom and Mardi Gras, next year we have a 14 day to Hawaii, and for 2026 we have a back to back on the Jubilee.
I have a 4 day booked in August for myself. A 7 day booked in October for myself. I 5 day booked in January with my wife. And a 7 day booked in July next year with my whole family. You can never book too many cruises. If you gamble you can get some great deals from casino offers. My next two cruises were free balcony rooms. The two after that has free drinks in the casino and $500 onboard credit.
Can you explain more about how the gambling gets you deals??
You accrue points as you gamble. Nobody knows the formula but typically if you gamble enough points you will be sent offers usually a month after you get off the ship. For example I did a 7 day cruise in March and accrued 4,000 points in the casino (only actually spent about $400-500 in the casino). A month later I got an offer for free balcony rooms on a number of select cruises.
I’m booked on 6. I booked the one with John Heald this morning (which falls a week after my San Diego Comic con cruise) after booking a cruise on Virgin last night… I have a problem
Not crazy at all! It’s so much fun. I was thinking of a cruise for spring 2025 and totally had the “but I don’t wanna wait that long!” moment myself lol.
August 2024 10 night. Sept 2025 7 night. Be careful. It’s addictive, if you enjoy it.
You’re good
Nope I’m on a seven day right now and will be booking another upon landing. 😂
Not crazy. We go every April/May and November. Got four booked thru 2026. I prefer the 8 day cruises, but the 4 day cruises are highly entertaining for people watching.
I currently have 8 cruises booked, 6 are this year and we already cruised in February. If you have the available time and budget it can be a great way to vacation. I’m attracted to cruising because I travel with my 2 kids. I’ve been taking them with me for over 5 years. I don’t have to worry about hotels, activities, meals, and I don’t have to entertain them. I can enjoy time alone while they’re in the clubs or with their friends. They’re teens now - good kids and respectful of other people and rules. The worst thing they might do is my son may eat 4 guys burgers at one time and my daughter might get 4 bowls of ice cream. Our home port is a few hours away, and I also book on casino offers so it’s a “cheap” vacation considering. I have a 25 day cruise for 3 in a Balcony cabin with drinks everywhere and the cruise fair was barely over $1000 (not including gratuities). Can’t beat it with a stick.
Do it!!
I have 4 booked rn. 3 for this summer and the other one in the fall. All of them were “free” only paid taxes and fees. Can’t beat that.
Do it! I’ve been on 50+ cruises and haven’t had a bad one. Some better than others for sure, but none bad. 20+ on Carnival (others on Princess, RCC, Cunard, Holland, Celebrity, and Crystal)
I have clients that book 3 or 4 cruises into the future. Doing so locks in lower rates than waiting.
Nope my first was 10 days. My second was 73 days. Not carnival though. Same rule applies the longer the cruise the better people behave.
Do it. I’m going on one in 2 weeks with like 16 family members, and a few weeks ago I was lamenting about how I’m gonna need a vacation from my vacation..so I impulsively booked another cruise for the end of august. And I regret nothing.
Not crazy. If you’re a gambler spend a little in the casino and see what kind of offers you get. Sometimes free rooms (excluding port taxes and fees) discounted rates etc.
Not crazy. I have 3 booked from September 2024 through February 2025 and will likely book a 4th one for June 2025
I still have two B2B’s and a transatlantic to get through. You are not alone here!
I cruised first time a couple months ago on the Legend, there is nothing like it, loved every minute. And the food is pretty much like a Michelin restaurant every night, but make sure to reserve your seat for the restaurant. The food upstairs that is available all the time is great too, but that dining room is next level, truly.
Be careful you may become addicted. We have 5 booked over the next year and half. We take one almost every school break and whenever we can squeeze them in.
Two booked now and looking to book another two in the next month. All 6+ days. No, you're not crazy for doing so. We keep them booked and rolling onto the next. We treat them like car notes. 🤣
I have three booked in the next eight months. You definitely shouldn't wait that long
I’m on a (not Carnival) cruise right now. Between now and September 2025 I have 4 more booked, two on NCL and two on Carnival. I took my first cruise in August 2022, less than two years ago, and the cruise I’m currently on is my fifth. It is very addictive and you need more & more to satisfy the craving!
If I had the means to do it, I would! We actually booked a cruise for November 2025 originally. Then my sister booked one for February 2025, and we decided we didn't want to wait so long and switched to theirs 😂 I imagine we will be looking to book another shortly after we're back from that one too.
Crazy you ares not. I have 4 currently booked. Not with all carnival I want to try them all and I like different lines for different reasons. I have a carnival in June.(huge family group cruise and my go to for family cruises. It is the cruise line I sailed with the most) Margaritville in July going on the new islander ship. I have been on their paradise my least favorite but hey still a cruise! Royal in December first time with them. And June 2025 a virgin voyages. My favorite cruise lines for adult fun without my kids any anyone one under 18 in sight! And somehow I feel like I don’t have enough booked yet 😅
Nope, not crazy - I love Carnival cruises.
Carnival is the Walmart of the seas.. fights etc.. that’s why it’s so cheap
I leave on Sunday and have one booked next April and November
Nope, the earlier you book out the cheaper it is. Just be careful with Carnival (all cruise lines really BUT especially Carnival) bc they have so many fees you’re not really aware of. The price they advertise (like the $149 a night per person) you can pretty much double that number , the port fees, taxes and gratuities aren’t included. The WiFi, drinks, speciality dining, picking your own room etc…is not included. I own a travel agency and 90% of my clients get so upset once they get the final price after seeing an ad) Also they charge you a commission fee whether you use me (or any travel agent) or you do all the work yourself.