Well, we tried RCI and decided we are sticking with Carnival!

[ohitssunshine]

Just got back from a quick 3 day cruise aboard the Monarch of the Seas.

 

Now, I know, we picked the oldest ship and the shortest itinerary to do a comparison. But in all fairness, the ships we have been on with Carnival are pretty comparable to this one and the itineraries we have done are also comparable.

 

So apples to apples, Carnival has my vote.

 

Room service menu alone...Carnival has many more options. Although I know they are not hot dinners or anything, I think there is a better selection. One thing I did like was the raspberry cheesecake on RCI. But the first night, it was great. Raspberries on the plate with a nice fruit drizzle on the plate. The second night, same drizzle, no actual berries. The third night, no drizzle and no berries. :rolleyes:

 

Ability to carry wine aboard, obviously Carnival.

 

Hospitality...Carnival for sure. As far as all crew members I came in contact with, I think Carnival's team is much better. Always happy and friendly and helping to keep vacation mode going. (Our room steward on RCI was fantastic, otherwise everyone else was eh.)

 

Half Moon Cay vs CocoCay...Carnival again. HMC is much nicer than CocoCay. I like the natural areas better, and the sand is nicer and the layout as well.

 

Beach Towels...my goodness! We were given worn out towels, with rips and holes. And we had to pick them up and drop them off. Definitely not the nice quality like Carnival, and not easily accessible by being left in your room.

 

Continental Breakfast...Carnival. We could not even get breakfast delivered on debarkation day with RCI. Also Carnival has more options for this as well.

 

Embarkation...Carnival. Almost was not able to board the ship because I did not bring a marriage certificate to show my last name change. Don't get this because in order to get my license I had to show the certificate. Duh. But my bad...apparently it was somewhere in tiny print that I did not see. However, the people manning the desk in charge of my issue (and about 25 others who also did not bring it) were the least friendly people I have met. Now I know, crappy situation. But there was no sense of woohoo you're on vacation at all in the terminal. Lots of stern people.

 

Daily programs...Carnival again. There were maybe 3 comedy shows during our whole trip, but one I did not even realize...I never saw it in the Compass. The last night there was one show and not until 11:30 at night. I love being able to watch a couple comedy shows, and even the 3 or 4 in a row on Carnival.

 

Productions...I never saw the RCI one. We went to something we thought was a show, and it was the Captain meet and greet.

 

Dining...I do love seeing the waiters dancing and singing and RCI did not have that in the diningroom (at least on our night)

 

Dining menu....I think they are about the same. But we usually only eat in the diningroom for elegant night and that's it.

 

Rooms...Carnivals are bigger and I knew that going in. But even the little things. You do not get any small toiletries on RCI. Not that I count on them, but most times, I forgot something that is in that bowl and I am relieved it was there! In the showers, they only had shampoo, where I think Carnival has at least shampoo and body wash if not conditioner too. (I bring my own so just an observation)

 

 

I think that might be all for now. I do think RCI had a great atmosphere around the pool area the entire time, where for some reason every Carnival cruise I have taken the pool is shut down half the time.

 

I know I am not the first or last person to make any comparison between the 2, but I thought I would share my thoughts!

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Just got back from a quick 3 day cruise aboard the Monarch of the Seas.

 

Now, I know, we picked the oldest ship and the shortest itinerary to do a comparison. But in all fairness, the ships we have been on with Carnival are pretty comparable to this one and the itineraries we have done are also comparable.

 

So apples to apples, Carnival has my vote.

 

Room service menu alone...Carnival has many more options. Although I know they are not hot dinners or anything, I think there is a better selection. One thing I did like was the raspberry cheesecake on RCI. But the first night, it was great. Raspberries on the plate with a nice fruit drizzle on the plate. The second night, same drizzle, no actual berries. The third night, no drizzle and no berries. :rolleyes:

 

Ability to carry wine aboard, obviously Carnival.

 

Hospitality...Carnival for sure. As far as all crew members I came in contact with, I think Carnival's team is much better. Always happy and friendly and helping to keep vacation mode going. (Our room steward on RCI was fantastic, otherwise everyone else was eh.)

 

Half Moon Cay vs CocoCay...Carnival again. HMC is much nicer than CocoCay. I like the natural areas better, and the sand is nicer and the layout as well.

 

Beach Towels...my goodness! We were given worn out towels, with rips and holes. And we had to pick them up and drop them off. Definitely not the nice quality like Carnival, and not easily accessible by being left in your room.

 

Continental Breakfast...Carnival. We could not even get breakfast delivered on debarkation day with RCI. Also Carnival has more options for this as well.

 

Embarkation...Carnival. Almost was not able to board the ship because I did not bring a marriage certificate to show my last name change. Don't get this because in order to get my license I had to show the certificate. Duh. But my bad...apparently it was somewhere in tiny print that I did not see. However, the people manning the desk in charge of my issue (and about 25 others who also did not bring it) were the least friendly people I have met. Now I know, crappy situation. But there was no sense of woohoo you're on vacation at all in the terminal. Lots of stern people.

 

Daily programs...Carnival again. There were maybe 3 comedy shows during our whole trip, but one I did not even realize...I never saw it in the Compass. The last night there was one show and not until 11:30 at night. I love being able to watch a couple comedy shows, and even the 3 or 4 in a row on Carnival.

 

Productions...I never saw the RCI one. We went to something we thought was a show, and it was the Captain meet and greet.

 

Dining...I do love seeing the waiters dancing and singing and RCI did not have that in the diningroom (at least on our night)

 

Dining menu....I think they are about the same. But we usually only eat in the diningroom for elegant night and that's it.

 

Rooms...Carnivals are bigger and I knew that going in. But even the little things. You do not get any small toiletries on RCI. Not that I count on them, but most times, I forgot something that is in that bowl and I am relieved it was there! In the showers, they only had shampoo, where I think Carnival has at least shampoo and body wash if not conditioner too. (I bring my own so just an observation)

 

 

I think that might be all for now. I do think RCI had a great atmosphere around the pool area the entire time, where for some reason every Carnival cruise I have taken the pool is shut down half the time.

 

I know I am not the first or last person to make any comparison between the 2, but I thought I would share my thoughts!

 

I have to disagree. I certainly don't think you compared apples to apples.

 

The Monarch and the Majesty are the red headed step children of RCI's fleet.

 

Any other ships in RCI's fleet blow anything CCL has out of the water.

 

Bill

 

Bill

[ohitssunshine]

I have to disagree. I certainly don't think you compared apples to apples.

 

The Monarch and the Majesty are the red headed step children of RCI's fleet.

 

Any other ships in RCI's fleet blow anything CCL has out of the water.

 

Bill

 

Bill

 

Well even if you do not think the ships are comparable, most of my observations are not due to cleanliness, maintenance, etc. And I do think the ship was pretty comparable to the Fascination (went pre-dry dock), Sensation, etc.

 

What do you think on my list would be better had I tried a different ship?

[joetop2467]

We'll be able to give you a real comparison in a few weeks. We leave Sunday on navigator of the seas and the following Sunday when we get off we are heading straight to the carnival freedom. Should be a real test. Let you know when we get back.

[QLUVS2CRUZ]

I agree that the ship you went on wasn't the greatest of the RCI fleet, but I also think Carnival wins overall. To me service is about the same, but food, amenities, size of cabin, etc. is better on Carnival. We sailed in a junior suite on RCI and the cabin felt smaller than the oceanview we had on CCL. I don't know actual square footage...could have been how it was laid out. I know there are people out there who think RCI is great, and I'm happy for them...everyone should have their cruise line of choice...one line does not fit all...but for us the little things on Carnival add up to a better experience, not to mention a lower price tag!

 

I wouldn't mind sailing on one of RCI's newer bigger ships, but for now the price is still to high for me to consider it.

[footballbabe3]

I agree about Carnival. We sailed on the Freedom of the Seas first.

Then Carnivals Pride and we loved Carnival. My daughter tried Oasis

of the Seas last week and she will now be sailing Carnival also. Whats with

the charge for room service if it's a little late? Come on RCI thats one

of the fun things about cruising.

[matj2000]

Try the Freedom of the Seas or a real RC ship next time..

[H82seaUgo]

you missed the greatest thing about rccl. their newer ships.

 

anything smaller/older is a waste of an rccl cruise.

[Swampbabe]

I agree that the ship you went on wasn't the greatest of the RCI fleet, but I also think Carnival wins overall. To me service is about the same, but food, amenities, size of cabin, etc. is better on Carnival. We sailed in a junior suite on RCI and the cabin felt smaller than the oceanview we had on CCL. I don't know actual square footage...could have been how it was laid out. I know there are people out there who think RCI is great, and I'm happy for them...everyone should have their cruise line of choice...one line does not fit all...but for us the little things on Carnival add up to a better experience, not to mention a lower price tag!

 

I wouldn't mind sailing on one of RCI's newer bigger ships, but for now the price is still to high for me to consider it.

 

I've been in an OV on both the Sensation and the Imagination and a JS on the Enchantment of the Seas. No way an OV on Carnival is bigger. The other things are a matter of personal taste and the crew of a particular sailing.

[QLUVS2CRUZ]

I've been in an OV on both the Sensation and the Imagination and a JS on the Enchantment of the Seas. No way an OV on Carnival is bigger. The other things are a matter of personal taste and the crew of a particular sailing.

 

Like I said...it FELT smaller...and I wasn't comparing actual square footage. It sure was a lot more expensive for the junior suite.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Our ONLY sailing on Royal Caribbean was on the Sovereign of the Seas. Having been on dozens of Fantasy class ships prior to this, that is what I was attempting to compare to. You can tell, by our signature, that the Sovereign did not make a big impression on us (as it's our only Royal sailing)!

 

Granted, we absolutely knew that it was not a fair comparison - and freely admit that I do desire to try their newer ships, with all the bells and whistles!

 

After that short venture away from Carnival, we hoped onboard Celebrity Century a few months later and REALLY enjoyed that cruise - and have been back to Celebrity a few times since then. Their SMOKE FREE casinos are a breath of fresh air! Recently we have also enjoyed a few NCL sailings (PARTICULARLY the Epic)!

 

So - the point of my post is don't head back to Carnival and lose your desire to try other lines based on the Monarch! There ARE other options out there which deliver a better experience (on some levels) than Carnival. I would say that each line has it's strengths and weaknesses. We have yet to find a PERFECT line (as it does not exist)!

 

Tom

[gooselover]

We, too, have done both. See my signature. I do prefer Carnival over our experience with RCL due to the fact that we just felt their room, food, service and PRICE were better. Yes, Liberty of the Seas had much more amenities than our cruises on Glory and Conquest and we thoroughly enjoyed those extra amenities.

 

It doesn't mean that we won't sail RCL again, but for the price and everything else, I do believe Carnival wins hands down.

 

Now, our next cruise we will try something totally different! An 11 day Southern Carribean cruise on the Norwegian Sun!

[cynt]

OP thanks for the review and the comparison. I'm headed back to Carnival this summer. I'm itching to do a comparison of the Liberty OTS and the Triumph. Pretty close apple to apples.

 

I prefer RCCL. I know it has a lot to do w/ my 1st cruise being on the Voyager OTS. But I love the Royal Promenade. My favoite people watching spot!

[funfamilyof6]

Just got back from a quick 3 day cruise aboard the Monarch of the Seas.

 

Now, I know, we picked the oldest ship and the shortest itinerary to do a comparison. But in all fairness, the ships we have been on with Carnival are pretty comparable to this one and the itineraries we have done are also comparable.

 

So apples to apples, Carnival has my vote.

 

Room service menu alone...Carnival has many more options. Although I know they are not hot dinners or anything, I think there is a better selection. One thing I did like was the raspberry cheesecake on RCI. But the first night, it was great. Raspberries on the plate with a nice fruit drizzle on the plate. The second night, same drizzle, no actual berries. The third night, no drizzle and no berries. :rolleyes:

 

Ability to carry wine aboard, obviously Carnival.

 

Hospitality...Carnival for sure. As far as all crew members I came in contact with, I think Carnival's team is much better. Always happy and friendly and helping to keep vacation mode going. (Our room steward on RCI was fantastic, otherwise everyone else was eh.)

 

Half Moon Cay vs CocoCay...Carnival again. HMC is much nicer than CocoCay. I like the natural areas better, and the sand is nicer and the layout as well.

 

Beach Towels...my goodness! We were given worn out towels, with rips and holes. And we had to pick them up and drop them off. Definitely not the nice quality like Carnival, and not easily accessible by being left in your room.

 

Continental Breakfast...Carnival. We could not even get breakfast delivered on debarkation day with RCI. Also Carnival has more options for this as well.

 

Embarkation...Carnival. Almost was not able to board the ship because I did not bring a marriage certificate to show my last name change. Don't get this because in order to get my license I had to show the certificate. Duh. But my bad...apparently it was somewhere in tiny print that I did not see. However, the people manning the desk in charge of my issue (and about 25 others who also did not bring it) were the least friendly people I have met. Now I know, crappy situation. But there was no sense of woohoo you're on vacation at all in the terminal. Lots of stern people.

 

Daily programs...Carnival again. There were maybe 3 comedy shows during our whole trip, but one I did not even realize...I never saw it in the Compass. The last night there was one show and not until 11:30 at night. I love being able to watch a couple comedy shows, and even the 3 or 4 in a row on Carnival.

 

Productions...I never saw the RCI one. We went to something we thought was a show, and it was the Captain meet and greet.

 

Dining...I do love seeing the waiters dancing and singing and RCI did not have that in the diningroom (at least on our night)

 

Dining menu....I think they are about the same. But we usually only eat in the diningroom for elegant night and that's it.

 

Rooms...Carnivals are bigger and I knew that going in. But even the little things. You do not get any small toiletries on RCI. Not that I count on them, but most times, I forgot something that is in that bowl and I am relieved it was there! In the showers, they only had shampoo, where I think Carnival has at least shampoo and body wash if not conditioner too. (I bring my own so just an observation)

 

 

I think that might be all for now. I do think RCI had a great atmosphere around the pool area the entire time, where for some reason every Carnival cruise I have taken the pool is shut down half the time.

 

I know I am not the first or last person to make any comparison between the 2, but I thought I would share my thoughts!

 

One thing I hate about Cruise Critic is when you attempt to post your opinion, people try to change your mind or give you reasons for your opinion. Everybody is entitled their opinion. :confused:

 

Ohitssunshine take it from someone who has cruised a newer RCCL ship, I didn't see anything in your post that I could argue with. ;)

 

Honestly, the reason why we have cruised RCCL so much , was for our older kids. On our last cruise (after doing 2 FOS cruises and an Explorer cruise) we all came to the agreement that although the flowrider and ice skating rink are great to have we really didn't use them much. Once you have done it the novelty wears off.

 

What we like about cruising is the feel of being on an ocean and seeing different ports and shows, so to us, we no longer see the thrill of Freedom of the Seas or the Explorer (the kids also did not like all of the sea days on the Explorer). We could do the Allure or Oasis, but the prices are outrageous. Comparing Oasis or Allure to a Carnival ship you can get 2 cruises on Carnival for the price of 1 on the Oasis or Allure. Also, if you choose the Allure or Oasis you still get the same ports you have done already on the Freedom. The biggest negative is Falmouth, IMO, a fake port. The chioce of activities in Ocho Rios was much better and I don't plan to sit on a bus for over an hour each way to do an excursion. My 4 kids would kill me! :eek:

 

So all of these realizations bring us to trying Carnival for the first time. I was shocked to see the price differences. We would have liked to try the Legend first, but there are not any connecting rooms that could accommodate our family of 6. I hope Ohitssunshine that we love Carnival as much as you do because then we will be able to do more cruises.:) :D

[jonbgd]

So - the point of my post is don't head back to Carnival and lose your desire to try other lines based on the Monarch! There ARE other options out there which deliver a better experience (on some levels) than Carnival. I would say that each line has it's strengths and weaknesses. We have yet to find a PERFECT line (as it does not exist)!

 

Tom

I do agree with you as try other lines I think to many are loyal to one.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

... I would say that each line has it's strengths and weaknesses. ...

 

Tom

 

I do agree with you as try other lines I think to many are loyal to one.

 

YIKES.. reading your post caused me to read mine again (that you quoted).

 

So... make that: ITS and not IT'S !! :o

 

Tom

[H82seaUgo]

YIKES.. reading your post caused me to read mine again (that you quoted).

 

So... make that: ITS and not IT'S !! :o

 

Tom

 

even the brand ambassador typed "it's" incorrectly on his facebook page just now, so "your" safe.

[cdamion]

I agree and disagree.

 

Here are my votes (RCI Monarch/Majesty vs. Carnival) based on Carnival weekender cruise 2 years ago vs. Sovereign class twice this past summer.

 

Rooms: Carnival period. Sovereign class ships have the smallest rooms at sea.

 

Hospitality: Carnival. RCI is good, Carnival goes the extra mile and is friendlier.

 

MDR Food: I haven't been on Carnival for 2 years, but based on before: Carnival (no lobster on RCI formal night on the 3-day).

 

Room Service (menu): RCI - very small menu, but they offer more than just sandwiches. However, I don't like their fee after hours.

 

Buffet: Tie (but I liked the space better on RCI)

 

MDR singing: They do sing one or two nights, but not to the fun level Carnival does. Carnival's wait staff has fun with it. RCI's looks like they don't enjoy it - at all.

 

Beach towels: I did not experience worn out beach towels with holes on them, but I did not like having to get them and return them on the pool deck.

 

Lido deck: RCI - better layout in my opinion.

 

Entertainment: Carnival - There was a lot of comedy on my 2 sailings this summer. Monarch's schedule is a bit weird because of the midnight sailaway from Nassau. Was the late night show the "Quest"? That is always late on the last night because of the adult nature.

 

Production shows: Carnival.

 

Crowds: RCI - sovereign class never felt over-crowded like I have felt on Carnival. Also, the crowds were much more behaved than Carnival. Not nearly as many sloppy drunks that are on Carnival. Not sure why this is.

 

Ship design: Not a Farcus fan, so RCI wins hands down. Also, I feel the Sovereign class gives you more ocean views in venues than Fantasy class ships.

 

I definitely prefer RCI over Carnival for the short cruises, but I would rather be on either line than sitting here at work.

[nikimouse]

well its a fair comparason of a bahamas cruise. so anyone decideing between rci or carnival for a 3 nighter might find it useful.

[live.love.cruise]

My first RCI cruise was on the Monarch and I don't think she's a good representation of the line. It was my least favorite cruise and I almost said never again to RCI......until we sailed on the Radiance of the Seas which was my best cruise thus far. I love Carnival but I love Royal too.

 

OP, thanks for the review and comparison.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

even the brand ambassador typed "it's" incorrectly on his facebook page just now, so "your" safe.

 

WHEW! (said as he wipes sweat from brow!) :D

 

Tom

[jonbgd]

WHEW! (said as he wipes sweat from brow!) :D

 

Tom

Your OK I went back and looked at my post and I used the wrong 'to' it should have been 'too'

BTW when I started reading your post its and Its I thought you were talking about my favorite ice cream sandwich from SF an ITS-IT:D

[jaded99]

Thanks for taking the time to post your opinion. I appreciate reading reviews from people cruise different lines - we've considered trying another line, but then the fiancé always says "If it ain't broke don't fix it" lol

[cdamion]

My first RCI cruise was on the Monarch and I don't think she's a good representation of the line. It was my least favorite cruise and I almost said never again to RCI......until we sailed on the Radiance of the Seas which was my best cruise thus far. I love Carnival but I love Royal too.

 

OP, thanks for the review and comparison.

 

My personal opinion is that the Radiance class are the best ships at sea. Not too big, not too small, nice views, etc.

[littlesteelo]

Monarch has the smallest cabins in the the fleet, plus is the oldest ship. I suspect RCI will be selling her in the near future. She most definitely does not represent well what Royal Caribbean offers. Sail on a Voyager or Freedom class ship and you will be impressed. If you want to compare apples to apples, compare the Voyager class to the Dream class. Both are around 130,000 GT.