Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival, What Should I Know

[zerooveride]

Well I am thinking about booking my first RCI cruise. In the past I have sailed Carnival exclusively and was wonder what to expect and what are the differences between RCI and Carnival. Any info would be great.

[Cruising89143]

Which ship are you considering? That can make some difference.

[cruise365 24/7]

Well I am thinking about booking my first RCI cruise. In the past I have sailed Carnival exclusively and was wonder what to expect and what are the differences between RCI and Carnival. Any info would be great.

 

 

I've been on Carnival 4 times and RCL twice. Just got back from the Carnival Freedom yesterday and also did the RCL Liberty of the seas back in May. All I can say that this was probably our last Carnival cruise. This past cruise was nothing compared to the RCL Liberty of the Seas.

[party-of-5-ny]

Hopefully you won't see people dining in their bathrobes, like I saw on Carnival.

[cruise365 24/7]

Hopefully you won't see people dining in their bathrobes, like I saw on Carnival.

 

Haha, I saw that too. Or how about cut off jean shorts and tank tops with their flabby arms showing. I almost couldnt eat that night.

[zerooveride]

I am looking at the March 19st 9 day cruise on Explorer of the Seas out of NYC.

 

As for the bathrobes, the only time I have ever see bathrobes in the MDR was at breakfast. And I have seen Carnival turn away people in the MDR who were not up to dress code. So that has never been an issue for me.

[party-of-5-ny]

Haha, I saw that too. Or how about cut off jean shorts and tank tops with their flabby arms showing. I almost couldnt eat that night.

It's refreshing to see that someone actually agree's with a comment like that. Many people on these boards will defend anything that anyone does on a cruise, because "they're on vacation, and whatever makes them happy, is what they should do..." whatever... Whatever happened to good old self-respect and decency?? Last I knew, bathrobes are for covering up after a bath, shower, swim, hottub, NOT for dining amongst the public!!!

Thanks for the comment, and by the way, I almost couldn't eat that night either! ;)

[zerooveride]

part-of-5 I do see your last Carnival cruise was on the Sensation. They are the shorter cruises and it is a different kind of cruise. I just sailed on the Pride which was AMAZING.

 

But anyways, back to topic. Looking for some things to expect.

[kooljamming]

Haha' date=' I saw that too. Or how about cut off jean shorts and tank tops with their [b']flabby arms showing[/b]. I almost couldnt eat that night.

 

Haha, in order words FAT. Noone like that would never be on RCCL, could it:rolleyes:

 

OP- sailed RCCL 6x, Carnival 2x

RCCL ships are absolutely stunning with more physical activities.

[jdmaillet]

I've done Disney (Magic & Wonder), RCI Navigator of the Seas and the Carnival Pride (this last March to Mexico). I really didn't want to do Carnival. Disney is a sort of upscale experience, at least I thought it was. NOS was a really beautiful ship. I chose Carnival because we wanted to do a cruise on the cheap out of the west coast and it was about half the price of the Mariner. I went with the thought that I was going to have to lower my expectations. And, I was pleasantly surprised. Many people love the Pride and I thought the ship was just OK in comparison to the NOS and Disney Magic. The service however was on par as was the food. While I missed the promenade, I really enjoyed the high tea. My kids really enjoyed that their interior cabin was a lot bigger (Pride) than their one the NOS. My husband thought the food was about the same. The experience is more the same than different. I'm not one to care about someone's flab on their arms or who is wearing what (although I'd agree the bathrobe thing is a bit much) so that kind of thing doesn't enter into my decision making. We didn't do any of the shows on Carnival. Our next cruise is on the Liberty of the Seas. I think I prefer RCI just because I love the big-ness and new-ness feel of their ships but I would certainly do Carnival again if the price and circumstances were right....

 

Jenn

[kooljamming]

It's refreshing to see that someone actually agree's with a comment like that. Many people on these boards will defend anything that anyone does on a cruise' date=' because "they're on vacation, and whatever makes them happy, is what they should do..." whatever... Whatever happened to good old self-respect and decency?? Last I knew, bathrobes are for covering up after a bath, shower, swim, hottub, NOT for dining amongst the public!!! [/color']

 

Thanks for the comment, and by the way, I almost couldn't eat that night either! ;)

 

 

How do you cover flabby arms?

I am sad to see that someone has no problem making that comment. People's weight and dress in America cause you to loose your appitite, you must be very thin.

I would rather be in a bathroom than have some sheer fabric showing things better stay hidden....but terry cloth like denim is only a fabric...me thinks

What happened to kind words.....went out the window with self respect and decency or just one's appetite.

[Aquahound]

Well I am thinking about booking my first RCI cruise. In the past I have sailed Carnival exclusively and was wonder what to expect and what are the differences between RCI and Carnival. Any info would be great.

 

Ok, so you may or may not see flabby arms (actually, yes, you will);)

 

I'll try to answer your question. I have not cruised Carnival, but have been on board almost all of their ships. So, I will just comment on the ships, themselves.

 

I think you will be very pleased with Explorer. The Royal Promenade is an amazing site when you first see it. Also, the 3 story dining room, the Solarium, Studio B (ice rink), Viking Crown Lounge, etc.

 

Explorer has a much more open feeling than Carnival ships. The rooms are brighter, ceilings seem higher, and public spaces are more open. It just feels more roomy.

[Cruising89143]

I am looking at the March 19st 9 day cruise on Explorer of the Seas out of NYC.

 

As for the bathrobes, the only time I have ever see bathrobes in the MDR was at breakfast. And I have seen Carnival turn away people in the MDR who were not up to dress code. So that has never been an issue for me.

 

The biggest difference that you will find are the ship themselves. I cruised a total of 16 times with Carnival on every class ship through the Conquest class and they do not even come close to RCI's Voyager or Freedom class. I also found that RCI does a better job at maintaining their fleet and overall cleanliness. Also like the crew better. Again those are the areas that I saw the difference.

 

Areas such as food and entertainment are very subjective as we all have different likes and dislikes. To me cruise food is nothing more than banquet style food unless you're dining at one of the specialty dining venues and I will even throw Holland America in that equation. Food has been good on Carnival and RCI but not outstanding. I have never gone hungry on a cruise. The ice show is something not to miss. I also like that RCI has the adults only Solarium that is very nice.

 

Depending on cabin choice, RCI may be a little smaller but not by much. They have a good layout.

 

The best advice that I can give is to try it for yourself and see what you think. :)

[CanuckMO4]

Well I am thinking about booking my first RCI cruise. In the past I have sailed Carnival exclusively and was wonder what to expect and what are the differences between RCI and Carnival. Any info would be great.

Carnival in my opinion is like K Mart Cruising.Yes people show up in bathrobes,Jeans at dinner time ,And say things like ME THINKS,RCCL is a step above,the rooms are a little smaller but work well.The service is good the food is good and the entertainment is better in my opinion.Carnival ship remind me of the old cheesy Vegas hotels.Cruising Carnival can be an ok holiday if you have nothing else to compare it too,but once you start to explore other cruise line you will see just what you have been missing.Pick a cruise go out there and have a great time.

[kooljamming]

Carnival in my opinion is like K Mart Cruising.Yes people show up in bathrobes,Jeans at dinner time ,And say things like ME THINKS,RCCL is a step above,the rooms are a little smaller but work well.The service is good the food is good and the entertainment is better in my opinion.Carnival ship remind me of the old cheesy Vegas hotels.Cruising Carnival can be an ok holiday if you have nothing else to compare it too,but once you start to explore other cruise line you will see just what you have been missing.Pick a cruise go out there and have a great time.

 

LOL;)

Me thinks that's funny : 6X RCCL, 2x Carnival, Princess 2X

Sandals, Beaches, Couples

What the OP will miss from trying Princess are good food, comfortable beds, on going activities and fun vibe (Sapphire Princess 2/09, Golden Princess 8/09)

Couples - complete other vacation experience....me thinks!

[Kurbanfan]

Haha, I saw that too. Or how about cut off jean shorts and tank tops with their flabby arms showing. I almost couldnt eat that night.

 

How old are you:confused: You know on my recent Mariner cruise in August there were many people wearing shorts in the main dining room........I was actually surprised because I thought shorts were not allowed:rolleyes:

 

OP the only difference is the ships......like others said entertainment and food is subjective.........as far as passengers.........same as Carnival no different whatsoever.........oh and I did enjoy RCCL's bigger balconies......

Go ahead at book them.......variety is the spice of life......

Good luck!

[akupupule]

I'll ditto what Cruisingator said. You will really like the space of the Voyager class ships, the entertainment and dining options. Don't miss the Viking Crown lounge area on deck 14. And Walk up to the helipad area on the foredeck. Also don't miss the ice show, or the Dancing in the Street party. Food in the MDR is decent, depending on the night...food in Windjammer buffet very average. Food and service in the specialty restaurants very good. After my last cruise on the Carnival Liberty, I don't think you will see me on a CCL cruise unless it is free, b/c aweful food and poor service. Bal Cabins I like the sliding doors on RCI better than traditional swinging doors on CCL. Nightlife maybe slightly better on typical CCL cruise, depending on length. Try RCL, I think you will like it.

[jdmaillet]

I couldn't really put my finger on why I wasn't so crazy about the Pride (ship itself) until I was reading Aquahound's post on RCI being more open and brighter etc. That is right on. The Pride (while a nice enough ship) was so dark and the pictures I've seen of some of the other Carnival ships seems very dark and ornate as well. And, RCI did seem so much open and airy which made for just a great ship experience.

 

And, I don't usually get into these spatty posts but I've got to say the comments about not being able to eat because someone had flabby arms and then talk about self-respect? While I agreed with everything Kooljamming said, I was also thinking, what about respect for others, whether it's wearing a bathrobe into the dining room or making snide remarks about someone's appearance. It's all apples and apples.

 

Also, as a sidenote, if flabby arms makes you lose your appetite, then stay off the Pride. That ship is full of naked men and woman with all kinds of rolls and dimples. You may starve to death as you won't eat for a week!

[Juli]

I have cruised 9 times on Carnival and 9 times on RC....

 

My next cruise will be on the cruise line where "THE PRICE IS RIGHT"

 

I love them both!

[DaCruiserFromtheATX]

Wow flabby arms, eating in bathrobes, like shopping at k-mart. Watch it some people may think only snobs cruise RCCL. Robes are worn on the lido buffett by the pools maybe to cover up the flabby arms as u put it. But in the dinning room u won't find that on any carnival ship so bring that nose down and shop every once in a while at k-mart. Sometimes they have great deals. Besides not all little towns have a neiman marcus or a macy's. I am sure u are an adult let's act like one before I have to put baby in a corner in a time out. 8-) peace!

[7thheavengtr]

Royal Caribbean's Pros (voyager, freedom and oasis class)

• Better ships

•*Fresh water pools and hot tubs 24 hours

• Royal Promenade

•*WAY more food options and variety (some with extra fees)

• bigger ships = more things to do

• friendlier staff

•*better embark + disembark

•*company cares about guests more than carnival

•*izopods - less vibration on ship and less rocky

 

Carnival's Pros

•*price (on some sailings)

 

Equal

•*Food - agree, not the best food, not the worst, however on RC you have way more options to eat some quality food

•*Entertainment - subjective - the ones on the ship are lame, the ones flown on are usually pretty good...

[GatorGambit]

I agree with the posters that say Carnival ships feel a bit cramped and dark in the common areas. Carnival ships definitely have more of a feeling of "boat" and less of a feeling of "hotel on the open ocean."

[Willbcruisin]

Just try it and like it;)

 

We have sailed both and LOVE both. We have had excellent vacations onboard both lines.

 

Excellent service and wonderful food.

 

Love the waterslide on CCL, Love the Promenade on RCL larger class ships. Love the balcony size on RCL, Love the cabin size on CCL. We have only sailed CCL Liberty and it was one of our best sailings and the ship was gorgeous! We'll be back onboard in April....after our upcoming RCL cruise.

 

Guess we have been lucky! Princess Ruby was our only not so good cruise. That was just our experience so far.

 

I think the length of the sailing makes a difference in the "party" atmosphere. Shorter sailing seem to be more "party mode". I feel this is true for most lines.

 

Everyone enjoys different things while onboard. I say book it and try it.

 

OH...we love the robes on both lines also:p

 

Enjoy!

[printingchick]

As a former Carnival, now Royal Caribbean cruiser, I've answered this question before. Forgive the cut and paste here, but I hope this information is helpful.

 

You will notice looking at my signature and note that I have actually done more cruises with Carnival than with Royal Caribbean. I read somewhere that people tend to stick with whatever cruise line they start out with. We fall in love with the cruise experience and that admiration extends to the cruise line.

 

While I would not hesitate to cruise on Carnival again for the right price and itinerary, I would consider myself a "Loyal Royal" now.

 

The two cruise lines are similar in that they both market to a younger, more casual passenger. They mirror many popular activities such as the hairy chest/sexy legs contest, ice carving demo, belly-flop contest and Bingo. There are also some significant differences.

 

Carnival's decor tends to be much more LOUD and Vegas-style. While I've visited Vegas twice and enjoy chrome and neon as much as the next person, I find I tend to prefer the more toned down decor on Royal Caribbean. While I may appreciate the night club and/or casino being decorated in a more flamboyant fashion, I like the public areas to feel more relaxing. Part of my vacation is spent in party mode, but part is spent in relaxation mode. I prefer to avoid the burnt orange theme in my cabin!!

 

I believe Royal markets to a more active passenger. While I prefer Carnival's symbol - the big red fin - to Royal Caribbean's symbol - the rock climbing wall - the wall is a statement about the type of cruiser RCL is targeting. On various ships in the fleet, RCL has the FlowRider surfing pool, in-line skating park, ice skating rink, boxing ring, golf simulator and full sized basketball court. On my first cruise on RCL, I was introduced (only as a spectator) to the crew versus passenger dodge ball game. Even the ship's captain participated. On FOS this year, they also had a crew versus passenger water volleyball game.

 

Even though I wouldn't consider myself a particularly sporty person, I find myself enjoying more activities on RCL's sea days. I often found myself bored during sea days on Carnival. I think CCL tends to count on their party atmosphere providing the good times. I love frozen tropical cocktails, but I can't just sit in the sun and drink all day. I like to DO STUFF!

 

Other specifics:

• FOOD: It has been a few years since I sailed with Carnival, so my information may be out-of-date, but I believe the MDR food was a little better on Carnival than on Royal. Royal Caribbean does a better job organizing the buffet area to avoid lines. I also like that waitstaff is available in the buffet area to help you find a table or get your drinks for you. However, on most RCL ships, there is no outdoor dining at the buffet. I like taking my breakfast outside. If you like to eat breakfast in the main dining room, Carnival varies its menu from day to day. In my experience, Royal does not.
  
• MAINTENANCE: Royal Caribbean does a really EXCELLENT job maintaining its fleet. That's something most people probably don't notice, but if you've sailed on the older, smaller Carnival ships, you will. You won't find torn up carpet on the mini-golf greens on a Royal Caribbean ship. The entire fleet could pass for brand new.
  
• COMFORT: The hallways are wider on similarly sized RCL versus CCL ships. Look at the ships in port. Notice how really WIDE RCL ships tend to be. Cabins are generally a little larger on Carnival vessels. Carnival provides robes in all cabins for use by their guests. Royal Caribbean provides this amenity for suite guests only.
  
• STAFF: I find the RCL staff more outgoing and friendly. On six Carnival cruises, I've NEVER had a captian I could remotely imagine participating in a dodge ball game. The captain usually only spoke at public events or over the intercom. I've found the cruise directors on Carnival, while entertaining, are often not that interested in getting to know the passengers. My cruise directors on RCL have seemed to really care about being available to just shoot the breeze with the passengers. I like that.
  
• PLUS COST OPTIONS: Royal Caribbean offers more "pay extra" options on board than I remember on Carnival. In addition to the specialty restaurants, some of RCL's fleet offers a Johnny Rockets retro burger restaurant ($4.95 cover charge for whatever you want to eat) and Ben & Jerry's ice cream (they also still have free soft-serve by the pool, but they offer gourmet ice cream as a pay-extra option). Some folks feel too nickel-and-dimed by these options. We just avoid the extras!
  

Come back and let us know what you think. Would love to hear YOUR comparisons!!

[mrintegra]

I have sailed on both lines and there are advantages and disadvantages. I enjoy both but RCCL is the one I lean on.

 

I would first look at your destination and see what ships are sailing there from both lines, and find the best fit

 

Then look at pricing and find the best bang for the buck.