Compare Disney and Carnival cruise to Royal Caribbean Cruise

[firebyrd]

I have taken 2 Disney cruises. One on the Magic and one on the Wonder. We love them so much, but they are a bit pricey for a family of 5. We want to try Royal Caribbean or Carnival because they are cheaper, but don't want to scrimp on fun and luxury. Anyone been on these cruises that can give me a good comparison to help me with my decision on which one to choose? Have 3 girls ages 4, 9, 11. Like family oriented stuff. I have heard the Carnival cruises are more of a party boat and may not be appropriate for children even though they offer kid programs. I am interested in any feedback regarding overall cleanliness of the boat, service, food, activities, ease of getting on and off. Have been to the Bahamas and Eastern Caribbean. Would like to try something different like Western.

 

[jetblue]

Re: Compare Disney and Carnival cruise to Royal Caribbean Cruise

Carnival unfortunately holds a bad stigma to it. People today still mistake it as being a party boat but it is no more of a party boat than any other Royal Caribbean ship. Basically both cruise lines go above and beyond for family cruising. You will get everything you expected on either line, and each line will have their fair share of partiers, but they probably won't bother you as they will stay in their respective corners of the ship. Both ships have excellent kid programs but here are the nitty gritty differences for each cruise line:

Carnival
-Has a twister waterslide on every ship
-24 hour pizza and ice cream
-Camp Carnival kids program

Royal Caribbean
-Rock climbing wall on every ship
-Newest ships have ice skating rinks, boxing rings, an indoor mall promenade spanning 4 decks
-24 hour pizza, finger sandwiches, and pastries on newer ships
-Adventure Ocean kids program

Both cruise lines have dedicated facilities for the kids programs and some ships even have a separate facility for tweens and teens. Finally, in my opinion, the food is better on Carnival and the menus are much more pleasing. Of course that is only my opinion and I'm sure others will disagree.

 

[amylynn24]

Re: Compare Disney and Carnival cruise to Royal Caribbean Cruise

Hi,

I have been on both Royal and Carnival. To be totally honest, I dont really find a huge difference. On Carnival, there is alot of partying, but alot of it is family partying. Food wise, I think Carnival is better. Stateroom wise, I think its a tie. Staff wise, tie. Royal Caribbean does have the rock wall and ice skating rink, but their activities arent as varied as Carnival. Ship decor and overall layout wise, I think it really all depends on what Carnival ship you are looking at.

I think you will be very happy with either one, but Carnival is cheaper.


Hope that helps

 

[mickeyboy7]

Re: Compare Disney and Carnival cruise to Royal Caribbean Cruise

I'm jealous that you got to take 2 Disney cruises...I haven't been able to pull the trigger due to the high, high fees.
But I have been on a few Carnival and Royal Carib trips and I can tell you that I've had a great time on both.
I think that any family can be pleased on either line as long as you choose the newer vessels. Each new ship is packed with all the extras you can think of or possibly need. And if you read their daily activity notes you'll see that there is hardly time to do everything on one trip.

I lean toward Carnival as my favorite when you consider food, entertainment, overall fun and PRICE. They really do give you the best bang for your buck. Give 'em a try. (tu)

 

[firebyrd]

Re: Compare Disney and Carnival cruise to Royal Caribbean Cruise

Hey Mickeyboy,

The only way we were able to go on Disney was booking far in advance and in the off season.We cruised the first time Feb. 1 for 3 days and the second time we went Labor Day weekend/week for 7 days to the Eastern Caribbean. It is totally the bomb!!!!! We are planning another 7 day cruise hopefully in September of 2009. We have to have plenty of time to pay for it. Our children love the cruise more than Disney World. They don't even want to go to Disney World again soon. Hope you will be able to go soon.