RCCL vs Carnival?

[Meanee]

Hello everyone.

 

I've been on 2 cruises so far total, one on Oasis of the Seas, another on Allure of the Seas. Loved both.

 

This year, I am looking at Carnival Dream, sailing in June 22nd. So, how does it compare to RCCL? I only heard (so please do not shoot the messenger) that Carnival is not a great cruiseline, mostly due to lower prices, and they tend to cut back on things.

 

So, how much different is Carnival? Also, on Dream, is lower deck a problem? We are trying not to spend a lot of money on cruise itself.

 

Anyone sailed on Oasis class can tell me how Dream would be different?

 

I also noticed the FTTF program. What if we simply want to walk off the ship and carry bags with us? Do they allow it if we do not participate in FTTF? On Royal Caribbean we could just walk off, no questions asked.

[cjknox]

Hello everyone.

 

I've been on 2 cruises so far total, one on Oasis of the Seas, another on Allure of the Seas. Loved both.

 

This year, I am looking at Carnival Dream, sailing in June 22nd. So, how does it compare to RCCL? I only heard (so please do not shoot the messenger) that Carnival is not a great cruiseline, mostly due to lower prices, and they tend to cut back on things.

 

So, how much different is Carnival? Also, on Dream, is lower deck a problem? We are trying not to spend a lot of money on cruise itself.

 

Anyone sailed on Oasis class can tell me how Dream would be different?

 

I also noticed the FTTF program. What if we simply want to walk off the ship and carry bags with us? Do they allow it if we do not participate in FTTF? On Royal Caribbean we could just walk off, no questions asked.

 

Well, in my opinion it just depends on the person; some prefer Carnival others Royal Caribbean, and vice versa. Just don't go aboard the Dream and expect to have the same experience as Oasis because they are two very different ships with aspects that make each special.

[Meanee]

Well, in my opinion it just depends on the person; some prefer Carnival others Royal Caribbean, and vice versa. Just don't go aboard the Dream and expect to have the same experience as Oasis because they are two very different ships with aspects that make each special.

 

I definitely do not expect same experience as Oasis, and keeping pretty open mind trying out Carnival. Just wanted to see how people who sailed on both would compare them. What they missed from Oasis, or what is so awesome about Dream, etc.

[kybluecruiser]

I've only sailed on the enchament of the seas on royal. I prefer the more laid back cruising on carnival. Though the dream will not have all the bells and whistles of the oasis class if you can get a cove balcony it will make up IMHO. Being that close to the water is so relaxing I could sleep out there.

[cruiser9800]

If you loved Royal, chances are you will not like Carnival. People (who have admitted it recently all over the boards) only cruise Carnival because of the price. It has been admitted time and time again the cutbacks are beyond noticeable, and you truly do pay for what you get.

 

On Royal you get quality shows EVERY night, live music in shows, live music throughout the ship, live music at the pool....

 

Carnival - you get food, a dj, a few soloists, 30 minute shows 2 or 3 nights, and 3 nights of passenger entertainment.

 

If price matters, you will be on a boat and be on vacation on Carnival. If price isn't too much of a factor, you will have a true quality vacation on RCCL or NCL.

[wwbill4]

I definitely do not expect same experience as Oasis, and keeping pretty open mind trying out Carnival. Just wanted to see how people who sailed on both would compare them. What they missed from Oasis, or what is so awesome about Dream, etc.

 

We have done the major Cruise Lines, the difference with the Oasis is the Ship is the destination. It does cost a little more, and it is well worth it.

However since the Oasis is limited due to its size on where it sails it is not a ship you go on for the destinations.

It is difficult doing other ships after going on the Oasis, so keep it in perspective. The experience is totally different, in a god way.

So I hope you have done your homework and have planned your Carnival Cruise on based on the port interests. If not, you will be disappointed.

Good Luck!

Bill

[Blk_Amish]

I have done all three lines, Princess, RCLL and Carnival repeatedly. My most recent over this past week on Carnival Magic. I prefer RCCL over both Princess and Carnival but Carnival over Princess. RCCL gives me some of the fun factor of Carnival with the elegance of Princess. Carnival caters to families with children so they might appear to be cheaper but soda cards, photos and ship sponsored family excursion easily make up the difference. The marketing and pricing on Carnival maybe be different but not necessarily the cruising experience. When I book Carnival I have a bigger budget left for the BAR, not so with RCCL. Cliche' you get what you pay for, you get a different vibe and cruising experience. I prefer different travel experiences so won't get stuck doing the same line or the same destination. I have enjoyed ALL, so there goes the people who say it can't happen:-))))))

 

Carnival (4x) - FUN FACTOR

 

Princess (2x) - ELEGANCE

 

RCCL (7x) - DESIGN with fun and elegance

[mn_isla_girl]

I've sailed on Carnival and Royal and found them to be so much the same that I can't believe anyone would have a preference. Food was good on both, entertainment was good on both. I'm more into the ports than the ship though. I will sail either line again with no regrets, Carnival just happens to be cheaper in general.

 

There are little differences that don't make or break the vacation for me but some people want what they want and anything less just won't do. Carnival has robes in every room, not just suites. Carnival has free room service 24 hours/day, Royal charges between midnight and 5 or 6am. Carnival's rooms are generally a tad bigger. Carnival has those awesome water slides! :eek: Royals decor in general was a little more upscale, Royal had the rock climbing wall, etc.....

 

 

 

I also noticed the FTTF program. What if we simply want to walk off the ship and carry bags with us? Do they allow it if we do not participate in FTTF? On Royal Caribbean we could just walk off, no questions asked.

 

Yes, you can do self debarkation and carry your own bags without paying for FTTF.

[MommaBear55]

Late June on any cruise line will have a greater percentage of children than non school holiday weeks.

[tgagnon13]

I've sailed RC once (Oasis) and Carnival eight times. The big difference for me were the pools. The Oasis had a far superior pool/ area. I really enjoyed having the fresh water pool and the bigger space to hang out. I found the food and service to be the same. I choose Carnival mainly because the price is $800 cheaper. I sail in four days on The Breeze and I am a little concerned with all the cutbacks, specifically with the entertainment. I will let you know when I return.

 

I also found the atmosphere on Carnival to be a bit more fun. Good luck!

[ScottsSweetie]

I have sailed Carnival, NCL and RCCL - I find that there are many more similarities than differences. However, be careful not to compare a brand new ship on any line with an older ship of any other line.

[Tapi]

I sailed on the Allure of the Seas and the Carnival Dream the same year. I have writte reviews for both and you can read them by clicking on the links below (in my signature). In a nutshell, the Dream was another nice and enjoyable cruise. The Allure was a wow! amazing, once in a lifetime type of cruise.

 

Undoubtedly, someone will try to convince you that Royal and Carnval are more alike than different. True when you compare older ships and some of the basics. But in reality, these two cruise lines are vastly different these days, one offering a more budget minded basic cruise experience, the other offering a truly innovative and more premium experience.

[DEL67]

I have sailed on Carnival, RCCL, NCL, Princess, HAL, Celebrity and MSC and am Platnium on Carniival and Diamond on RCCL. Carnival and RCCL are my favorites. I do try to avoid shorter cruises during Spring break.

 

Yes, there are differences, but to me, the similarities are greater than the differences. Both serve good, but not great food (its a matter of taste, but I prefer Carnival's.) Both lines attract a lot of children during vacation periods. Carnival's cabin's tend to be larger. Carnival does focus more on the "fun" but I have seen as many drunks on RCCL as I have on Carnival. Carnival's entertainment tends to be a little more Las Vegas style. RCCL has rock climbing on all ships and ice skating, zip lining and surfing on some. Carnival does not; however Carnival has waterslides and their newer ships have rope course.

 

The bottom line is that I choose first based on itinerary and then on price rather than on cruise line. Carnival in general offers greater value than RCCL, but if you like the "bells and whistles on the Oasis and Allure, it may not be for you. And, no, I have not found that being on a lower deck is a problem. However, I do check what is above me and try to avoid the noise from the Atrium, bars and the casino.

[Notaworryintheworld]

Just don't go aboard the Dream and expect to have the same experience as Oasis because they are two very different ships with aspects that make each special.

 

This is the best way to sum it up. I went on oasis and it was obviously amazing. I went on dream after that and it's all about expectations. If you go in trying to compare, youll be miserable. I did have a hard time since we were parked next to oasis in every port and i just wanted to be on that ship. Haha. I would say 95% of things are better on oasis BUT you're also paying twice as much. We werent in a position to pay for that right now so we chose carnival and if that's how you are, than lower your expectations and you'll have a good time.

 

 

There are a few things that are better about carnival (that i could actually afford because we had such a good deal on the cruise): faster to the fun, spa cabin, steakhouse, and cheers. If you want more info on any of those, Id be happy to give it.

 

We found the food on the dream to be much much worse quality than on oasis but I've heard other people say the opposite so we might have been unlucky in the mdr. I highly recommend staying away from the lido breakfast...not even close to as good as oasis windjammer breakfast and no hot breakfast for room service. The food was the biggest thing that i couldn't help but notice as a major difference.

 

 

 

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[Surfwench]

Hello everyone.

 

I've been on 2 cruises so far total, one on Oasis of the Seas, another on Allure of the Seas. Loved both.

 

This year, I am looking at Carnival Dream, sailing in June 22nd. So, how does it compare to RCCL? I only heard (so please do not shoot the messenger) that Carnival is not a great cruiseline, mostly due to lower prices, and they tend to cut back on things.

 

So, how much different is Carnival? Also, on Dream, is lower deck a problem? We are trying not to spend a lot of money on cruise itself.

 

Anyone sailed on Oasis class can tell me how Dream would be different?

 

I also noticed the FTTF program. What if we simply want to walk off the ship and carry bags with us? Do they allow it if we do not participate in FTTF? On Royal Caribbean we could just walk off, no questions asked.

 

If you loved Oasis and Allure I'd choose Breeze as that is the closest Carnival comes to a 'destination' ship. In fact if I love my upcoming Breeze, (3 days!), I'm going to give serious thought to RCCLs two Behemoths of the Sea. If I don't, well then I'm backing it down to quieter smaller ships offered by HAL, Princess.

 

You might try experiencing the extremes... since you've done Oasis, Allure, why not try a Carnival Fantasy class like Paradise out of Tampa? A quarter the size of the behemoths and very inexpensive too.

 

:)

[Blk_Amish]

My preference for RCCL is that I found the staff more engaging while on Carnival and Princess they were more cordial. RCCL still recruits in the Caribbean, Jamaica mon, so island vibe. In terms pf design, RCCL is in a class by itself, for nighttime fun, Carnival Magic. For a vessel that looks anything like a gorgeous ship, Princess. My DREAM is to spend the day on RCCL and the night on Carnival:-))))). In term of experience much, much, more, similarities than differences to be enjoyed.

 

I have done the cove balcony on Magic, aft on Princess and hump on RCCL. I prefered the cove and the aft. I would book the cove on Carnival over an inside or ocean view on RCCL. The cove is an experience all by itself.

[Meanee]

Thank you for all replies.

 

I am choosing Carnival Dream more for ports of call and the sail date. I am not flexible at all due to girlfriend's school schedule.

 

While I loved Oasis class, I just can't pay this much again. Cheapest RCCL I found for these dates starts at $1050/pp before all taxes and fees. Carnival starts at $579. Also, I want to go to different destinations. Oasis class only does 2 itineraries, both of which we have done already.

[tmac04]

Hello everyone.

 

Also, on Dream, is lower deck a problem? We are trying not to spend a lot of money on cruise itself.quote]

 

We had rooms on deck 2 of the Dream and had no problems.

[firefly333]

If you loved Royal, chances are you will not like Carnival.

 

I dont think thats true at all. I love RCL and loved my cruise on Magic, sister to Dream. I loved the food choices.

 

I have over 20 on Carnival and am also diamond on RCL. Last week there was a tender problem with Navigator and missed my priority tendering I get with Carnival.

 

I think you have to enjoy what each offers. I liked Tandori on Magic, the Indian food, for lunch. I think RCL buffet for dinner is the greatest. I also enjoyed the free wine in the diamond lounge 5 of the 7 nights last week and then went to dinner in the buffet when I felt like it and skipped the MDR.

 

I think the trick is to enjoy what each does well.

[firefly333]

Thank you for all replies.

 

I am choosing Carnival Dream more for ports of call and the sail date. I am not flexible at all due to girlfriend's school schedule.

 

While I loved Oasis class, I just can't pay this much again. Cheapest RCCL I found for these dates starts at $1050/pp before all taxes and fees. Carnival starts at $579. Also, I want to go to different destinations. Oasis class only does 2 itineraries, both of which we have done already.

 

Dream has the tasting bar, some like, I dont like soup so not for me.

 

The Italian food is free for lunch, $12 at night.. try it if you like that sort of thing (I dont do pasta and not crazy about tomato sauce, lol).. but I hear its really good for lunch... and free.

 

Like I said above.. I enjoyed Tandori for lunch, but maybe its not everyone's taste, but the good thing is there are lots of choices. There is also a burrito bar that some would like. I want crispy tacos, but some love burritoes. It will have brunch. I recommend that chicken whatever over a soft taco with a fried egg on top. 3 types of sauces came with it.

 

I find doing the same cruiseline each time gets boring. change it up. I heard a lot of the loyal to royal stuff last week.. gotta stay loyal to rack up those loyalty points.. no other reason. Everyone wants to top the next person in the most cruises..relax. Enjoy both lines. Both have good points. Dont let others tell you different.

[rjrpar]

The overall experience on most mass market cruise lines is similar, there is no doubt about that. However, don't forget, you usually get what you pay for in this country. Since RCCL and Princess are usually about 20% more expensive than Carnival, they do offer more. Some people don't care about a little more quality in their cruise but that doesn't mean it isn't there. I personally think Carnival is often the best value but I don't think it is of the same quality level.

[quiltsnh]

Let me start by saying I am a huge RCCL fan Diamond Plus status... and I have sailed Oasis. I sailed Carnival a couple years ago and had a good experience both times. I will sail Carnival Breeze in 2 weeks. I pick cruises based on itinerary. RCCL did not have any Southern Carib. cruises to the 4 islands 8 day on the Carnival itinerary. The 2 cruises lines are dif. but not seeing a huge dif. I am also a travel agent and I sell equal number on both lines. So go looking at it as a dif. kind of experience and you will have a great time. I found Oasis to be too big! I like the Freedom class of ship and I have sailed all classes on RCCL.