Princess VS Carnival ???

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dokken

Guest
I just got back from my 4th Carnival cruise and was wondering how Princess Compairs to Carnival. Although we had a really good time, and the ship was very nice, some of the other passengers were somewhat questionable. I like to have fun too but I don't parade around in the promenade boulevard wearing just a wet swim suit and no shirt during formal night. Or gangs of teens looking like thugs from a rap video. Maybe it was just that particular cruise but I was a little disenchanted. Princess seems a little classier and I was hoping someone can compare the two for me...
 
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DJA

Guest
On Princess, there will be a bit less of what you've described, but the difference will be marginal if you are cruising when the kids are out of school -- that's really what you need to avoid...
 
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juvsu

Guest
We have done three cruises with Carnival and enjoyed every minute. Having said that we noticed some of what you are talking about. Mostly rude adults complaining needlessly. So, last April we tried Princess. Now, we had no choice as to the time we cruised because my DH works for a school district. We are limited to the infamous spring break. We found another way to avoid the crush of so many people without manners. We did a 10 day. The passengers were not what I would call old, Contrary to some peoples opinions. But they were very experienced cruisers. We made more friends and exchanged emails and addresses than all of our other cruises put together. Good Luck.
 
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240BWH

Guest
My wife and I have done two cruises, one on the Sky Princess (Princess) and one of the Vision of the Seas (RCI). I did the Song of America(RCI) prior to meeting her. All three experience were great, no issues with the other passengers or ship. I have heard from other people that Carnival tens to be a younger group of travelers, so are not suspired at your findings.
 
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Lady Jag

Guest
I see you've been on older Carnival & RCI ships. I think you'd appreciate Princess' quieter, more intimate-feeling atmosphere. Princess isn't perfect, but they do some things really well.

Just be prepared for a totally different buffet set-up and try not to compare it to Carnival's, which I think is one of the best in the industry. DO expect a really well-done inside muster, great dining room food & service with no Red, White & Blue team games or nightly announcements in the dining room.

We had a very nice time on our 8 night Carnival cruise, but like you, we did see a lot of people walking around with a beer bottle in their hand, with no shoes on and dripping wet from the pool.
Give Princess a try during the school year and let us know what you think! :)
 
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Cruise cutie

Guest
:wave I cannot make any info on Carnival, as I have never sailed on them.. I do agree with the other poster.. a 10 day cruise is much calmer, less kids, and if it's in January, or February it's a TON quieter as folks .. the most kids on any Princess sailing I have had in February is THIRTY SEVEN kids total..=shrug..

not sure if we just got lucky, or it's the numbers game.. and the kids ON the ship were polite,kind, and really seemed to appreciate they were lucky to cruise!! and not a single brat shoving, pushing, and on elevators like a ride at a circus!!..

BUT the info on 10 day cruises or more is as a rule....

1. the passengers..who have kids, and have to pay for hotels etc ..and really have less money to pay the airfare ,and freight for kids for 10 day cruises..they have to get them out of school, and the schools frown on kids being out that much now..so they do tend to 7 dayers..

2. as the other poster stated, more experiences cruise folk..and they tend to book Back to Backs, or stay pre-and post cruise to extend vacations.and we have never had a bad Princess cruise!!..:)...Good luck..Happy research...:)..Joanne
 
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cruisebuddy

Guest
What you have described is merely one of the reasons why we do not sail Carnival. We are branching out from our usual brands to sail Princess this fall. I work with someone who has only sailed Princess and he has never been disappointed, and certainly has never experienced the "element" that you have described. Unless you like the decor of the CCL ships. From what I have seen in reviews and pics of CCL ships, they tend to be VERY colorful, bordering on gaudy, where Princess has more of a refined look. I think if you choose Princess, NCL, or Celebrity, you'll be happier.
 
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JoAnne / Tim

Guest
We have never sailed Princess, but are on Emerald Princess in November. While we do prefer Carnival over RCCL we do travel when the kids are in school. Last year we sailed Carnival Liberty to Panama Canal and on he last night the CD advised us that 500 kids were on board. We never saw them nor heard them. I believe that it is when you travel. We are looking forward to Princess as we have read so many positives.. We'll let you know

JoAnne
 
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Einstein

Guest
A VERY difficult task as its sorta like trying to compare a Ford to GN product IMO. That being said I do agree that Princess will be a little bit quieter and perhaps a touch MORE refined as compared to Carnival.

Another BIG difference we find is with the pool areas. Princess has fresh water pools and they IMO are superior in layour to the Carnival pool areas.

Hope U enjoy your cruise and lets us know what differences U found either good or bad. :thumb

.
 
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serene56

Guest
I am a carnival Junkie-- sailed my 10th cruise on Carnival but discovered Pricess last year-
It was above and beyond my expectations... (isnt that what the cruiselines want to do?)

But to be fair with what the OP is describing-- was it not too long ago there was a "Brownie incident" ona Princess ship?

so yes, it will depend on the passengers and the time you sail to what kind of experince you get.
 
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Bobbie

Guest
Yes, point taken. As I said, Princess is not perfect. :lol On the whole, they have a good product especially if you can cruise during the school year and avoid those nasty school break periods! =eek
 
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