Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean

[knb0504]

I have cruised with Royal Caribbean 3 times now and I LOVE them but when I cruise this year I was thinking of using Carnival. Can anyone tell me the pro's vs. the con's of making this move? Have any of you cruised with both before? Thanks so much!!

 

[Babushka]

I have cruised both Royal Caribbean and Carnival and have had a great time on both lines.

Depending on the ship you're thinking of, Royal Caribbean might have a little more to do. We've been on RCCL's Voyager of the Seas and there was sooo much to do on that ship. We just couldn't fit it all in in a week's time! But our cruise this year on Carnival's Valor was our favorite cruise so far and there isn't nearly as much to do as on the VOS.

I feel that the food, service and entertainment is pretty equal. However, the VOS had some of the worst service we've ever had and the Valor had the best. There are always pros and cons with any ship you go on. Just go in with the intention of having a great time and you will. I always say that it's better to be on any vacation relaxing than being at home working, cooking and cleaning!

Also, Carnival is a little better priced than RCCL so you if you choose Carnival you may have a little more spending money than on RCCL. I also prefer the newer ships. I have to say that I've been on some of Carnival's older ships and just didn't care for them very much, but that didn't stop us from still having a great time. Good luck deciding!

 

[knb0504]

Thanks so much! I'm glad to know there aren't any major differences. I've sailed on Monarach of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas with RCCL. Grandeur was a little older and there were some differences but I've had a great time on all 3 cruises and you're right, your attitude is the main part of the trip!! I've been looking over prices and that has been what was making me look at Carnival because they do seem to be cheaper. Thanks so much!

 

[SandyBeach]

We traveled on Carnival and after a few decided to try RCI..we had just the opposite situation happen. We've always had things to do on Carnival - if we so choose. So the RCI cruise had five days at sea (after Hawaii) and we'd heard the cruise lines were similar so figured we'd have plenty to do. Not so! We searched and searched for things to do on the RCI cruise...and when we did find something it was so jam packed (from everyone else who was bored) that there was barely standing room - if that. We went back to Carnival. This isn't to say we won't try RCI again...just that for now Carnival is the right choice.

Our RCI experience was back in 2001 so it's a possibility that things have changed by now. What we noticed was that the food was not always as good - especially the soup. We didn't think RCI had the selection of music/lounges to go to each evening that Carnival has.
And overall...we didn't feel like we had the choice of whether we wanted to stay busy or not. (We aren't pool people so that wasn't an option...but on that particular cruise two of those sea days were too cold to be out by the pool anyway - and it didn't have a cover.)

The service was about the same. We liked having our photo taken with the Captain on the RCI cruise. RCI had great chocolate covered strawberries. We did feel like we were always at a sales event...on RCI. The shops may be better on RCI...although I didn't think the "sales" items were as good.

Really, I don't think you'll have a horrible time unless you look for trouble...and afterwards you will know for yourself whether you prefer one over the other.

 

[knb0504]

Thanks! I'm glad to know that you enjoy Carnival so much. That is awful about RCI though! We've never had a situation like that at all!! I've been very pleased with them all 3 times I've gone. Hopefully you'll be able to have a better experience in the future.

 

[LHP]

I think you will find in today's cruise market, you literally have to select the "ship" and not just the cruise line. Since you have been a variety of size ships with RCCL, you know what I mean. The same applies to Carnival. An experience on the Holiday (smaller and no atrium) will be different than on the Liberty. Both are fine ships, but size does matter to some folks.

We look forward to experiencing all the cruise lines before we permanently retire and I am sure we will have a great time whomever we are on.

 

[Peddler]

I've been on RCCL Rhapsody twice and Carnival Ecstacy once with a second coming up on 4/30...They are both good. I, being 61 years old, lean toward RCCL although both are fun. A cruise is what "YOU" make of it. Go in with a sour attitude and you'll have a SOUR CRUISE.

 

[nimbex]

I agree that it depends upon the ship and your budget. We've sailed both with the kids, only CCL alone.

Spring break, the kids had the choice of the Glory (carnival) or the Mariner (RCI) leaving same port. Daughter wanted nassau for purse shopping initially. They chose the mariner because of the rock climbing wall, ice rink, putt-putt, in-line skating, johnny rockets and kids club, with the teen deck area.

Now mind you, these two kids have happily sailed CCL two times before. We paid $235 more per person... to give them their choice, no nassau shopping..

BUT this is what appeals to the kids! Rob and I see NO difference in adult amenities to justify the added cost and we sail CCL to save $$ and sail twice a year.

Food and service varries with each ship, RCCL is decorated more subdued and classy, but we have more nightlife fun on Carnival... not raunchy college partying... just a cold drink, music, dancing and chatting with others till the wee hours.

So I think the LINE is irrelevant... choose a ship that meets your personality... read plenty of reviews and then decide. Both lines are great IMHO

Carol

 

[JessicaE]

i have cruised with both and it has only made me more loyal to carnival. carnival seemed to have a lot more to do. they also had food available at all hours and i though the entertainment was better. royal caribbean had limited food access which made the lines and the crowds much worse. i will give royal caribbean a higher rating on their service, but i've never had a problem with carnival's service. carnival has a much more fun atmosphere, but if you want some peace and quite i would suggest royal caribbean.