Loyal RCI Cruisers Might Take A Carnival Cruise.

[XLRATION]

We have been on numerous RCI cruises over the years and love them but the opportunity has come up for us to go on a cruise with old friends who moved across the country a few years ago. The hang up is that they have already booked their cruise and it is with Carnival.

My question is, if we book the Carnival cruise will we be disappointed? For those who have sailed both recently are the standards for food, entertainment and overall quality for Carnival as far behind RCI's as some report?

We are pretty easy people to please, we are not the types to fret over stained cushions or worn carpet but we do want to have an enjoyable week.

[kcdancerkc]

I've been on 3 carnival cruises and are booked for our 1st royal....will there be stains or worn carpet on the jewel? Lol.... :eek:

 

If it helps, I gained weight on HAL And carnival..... NCL came home lighter and hungry

 

:)

 

 

Life is short...book with friends and make it a great time!

[cjknox]

We have been on numerous RCI cruises over the years and love them but the opportunity has come up for us to go on a cruise with old friends who moved across the country a few years ago. The hang up is that they have already booked their cruise and it is with Carnival.

My question is, if we book the Carnival cruise will we be disappointed? For those who have sailed both recently are the standards for food, entertainment and overall quality for Carnival as far behind RCI's as some report?

We are pretty easy people to please, we are not the types to fret over stained cushions or worn carpet but we do want to have an enjoyable week.

 

Don't worry!

 

You'll have a blast on Carnival, they offer a good experience just as Royal does. Food/entertainment/service is subjective of course but don't go expecting to have a bad time or you will. Just go and have a good time and the rest will fall into place. Enjoy your cruise!

[mcatmcat]

Well my first cruise was carnival and it was great, second Ncl and it was ok, 3rd royal and we loved, went back to carnival and we were like " I don't like this" , went back to royal twice and loved again, back to royal and I was " wow", back to carnival a few months back and we were like " carnival once I get home I will delete your from Facebook " back to royal and we were like " I'm loyal to royal"

My next cruise is next year with royal :-)

But you should try it by yourself I did lol

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[sippican]

Have been on a few RC cruises and just tried Carnival for the first time. I'd say they are more similar than different. The experience really seems to depend on the ship, the itinerary and the time of year. We have always liked the RC product, but that being said, we have seen stains and worn carpets on their ships. In some ways, our Carnival trip outshined the others. If you go with an open mind you'll have a great time.

[jules815]

I went on my first Carnival cruise back in 2010 in a similar situation. It was a "girl's cruise" and my friend had already booked with Carnival. We did a 4 nighter on the then Carnival Destiny, which had some horrible reviews, but I ended up having a great time!

[cruzeluver]

Which ship? Makes a huge difference. You won't catch me ever on another Carnival ship, but if I absolutely had to, it would need to be one of the newer ones.

[KeywestK]

We love the RCI product and every cruise we've done with RCI. In '10, we decided to slip in an extra vacation and scored a great deal on Carnival Pride sailing out of Baltimore (we are 25 minutes from the port.) We are easy to please, went into it with an open mind and not real high expectations, and at the end of the day we had a great time. BUT, there were things about Carnival that were hard to overlook. The Pride is, without exception, the ugliest ship I ever saw. Food in the MDR was awful...I mean seriously inedible, and on more than one occasion sent meals back. The service was not good, mainly because there just weren't enough dining room staff. And the entertainment in the main show lounge was awful. What did we love? Plenty! The Comedy Club was fabulous, our cabin was large with a great bathroom filled with little amenities. And it was an extra cruise that year that I didn't think I've be able to do. The specialty steak house was wonderful and well worth the upcharge we paid.

 

So the bottom line is if this is the cruise your friends are doing and you want to join them, just book it and go and PLAN to have a great time. Any vacation is what YOU make of it:)

[GTMoose]

You're going on a cruise. Go on there and enjoy yourself. I like Royal a lot more than Carnival, but that wouldn't stop me from going on a Carnival ship. People don't get kicked out of the "Loyal to Royal" Club by sailing on a Carnival ship with their friends.

 

You need to go with the mindset that you'll have fun, and the cruise will be great! If you go with a bad attitude, you'll be miserable. Don't be "That Guy".

[joe6666]

If you compare similar size ships such as Carnival Pride vs. Grandeur of the Seas, I don't think you will find a whole lot of difference. Right now, I think you will find Carnival much cheaper in the above comparison.

 

We took our first Carnival ship, Pride, a couple of months ago. Balcony was half the price of Grandeur.

 

Hard to justify taking a RCI cruise with that kind of price difference.

[SnappyNappi]

Carnival and Royal have their differences, but it sounds like you are really going on this trip to spend time with old friends and catch up... that will make it a great time, regardless of the line you are cruising with. Your experiences and potential thrill or disappointment with the cruising Carnival will depend on your preferences. I have cruised on both lines in the past few years, and choose not to cruise with Carnival because we like the Royal ships and service better. HOWEVER, having said that, if I had the chance to catch up with old friends on a cruise and it was in my budget, I'd jump at the chance and go on whatever ship they are booked on. Focus on the experience and the time with friends and not the ship --- you will love your trip!

[jules815]

Carnival and Royal have their differences, but it sounds like you are really going on this trip to spend time with old friends and catch up... that will make it a great time, regardless of the line you are cruising with. Your experiences and potential thrill or disappointment with the cruising Carnival will depend on your preferences. I have cruised on both lines in the past few years, and choose not to cruise with Carnival because we like the Royal ships and service better. HOWEVER, having said that, if I had the chance to catch up with old friends on a cruise and it was in my budget, I'd jump at the chance and go on whatever ship they are booked on. Focus on the experience and the time with friends and not the ship --- you will love your trip!

 

Exactly! Being with my friends is what made the trip. And it made me try another line, which I had been curious about anyway.

[luvscruising2007]

Carnival and Royal have their differences, but it sounds like you are really going on this trip to spend time with old friends and catch up... that will make it a great time, regardless of the line you are cruising with. Your experiences and potential thrill or disappointment with the cruising Carnival will depend on your preferences. I have cruised on both lines in the past few years, and choose not to cruise with Carnival because we like the Royal ships and service better. HOWEVER, having said that, if I had the chance to catch up with old friends on a cruise and it was in my budget, I'd jump at the chance and go on whatever ship they are booked on. Focus on the experience and the time with friends and not the ship --- you will love your trip!

 

I agree with Snappy.

The time you are able to spend with your friends will more than make up for any thing you don't like about Carnival. Try not to compare until after the cruise. Have fun!

[GaryfmCol]

GO AHEAD...

 

We have cruised Carnival about 3 times.

 

We are Diamond Plus, with RCCL and, Elite with ~X~.

 

Somehow we were just "newbies" with Carnival and,

as I recall, out of the 3 weeks on the 3 cruises we were aboard,

we got exactly 3 drinks we did not have to pay for.

And, in booking new cruises aboard, our Diamond discounts

automatically get us a $300.00 deduction (for a veranda)

plus, other credits.. That really means alot too.

 

There are no perks for us at Carnival.

 

I am sure their most frequent cruisers get them, but, not us,

and, I have ZERO desire to cruise them again.

 

Personally, I wish now, we had 3 more cruises on RCCL or, ~X~

instead of these, 3 on Carnival.

 

I am not knocking their product, but, there are a myriad of

services, reasons and, ship layouts I much prefer on the

RCCL and, ~X~ ships for us.

 

Enjoy Carnival..I am NOT knocking Carnival...just sayin...(for us). ;)

[Ladysilver]

I would go on Carnival, enjoy being with friends, and have a great time. If anything, it will make you appreciate RC even more! :D

[Karter]

I agree with the above poster that what ship you are considering going on makes a huge difference. If it is a Fantasy class ship (Fantasy, Ecstasy, Fascination, Imagination, Inspiration, Paradise, Sensation and Elation) you will probably be disappointed.

 

If it is a Spirit class (Spirit, Legend, Pride, Miracle) very similar to Radiance class if should be OK.

 

The best ships in my opinion are the Carnival Breeze and Magic built after Joe Farcas quit being the interior designer for Carnival. The rest are very similar in design and amenities are Ok ships.

 

I have switched over to RCCL and am now D++ but before RCCL I went on 16 Carnival cruises on their different classes of ships so I am somewhat familiar with their product.

 

Going with friends and not having a bad attitude will make all the difference in the world and you should have a good time (even on a Carnival ship)

[ParkerIngle]

We love RC and are going next month on Oasis - but to save money a couple of years ago we went on Carnival Legend. We were happy with it. The goofy theme decorating was actually kinda of fun (unicorns, etc) , the cruise director was really great, and we had a nice evening in the specialty steak restaurant (name? sorry). Not as many cool things to do or food choices as RC, but for the money, it was fine. Take that + travelling with a friend - I say go and enjoy!

[harleymouse]

It has a lot to do with the ship and people you are with. But food and entertainment I say is better on RCCL. I never had a bad cruise on Carnival and would sail on them again. I do like RCCL more , This is from a 40 man. my kids 16, 12, & 9 also like RCCL . They have bin on 2 carnival and one RCCL with second RCCL next month. I have sailed on about 20 cruises in order I will sail RCCL, Carnival, Celiberty & Then NCL last

.

[macruisefan]

They are basically the same product. That which is similar far outweighs that which is different. Generally, the live entertainment seems to rate a little higher on RCI, but really this can vary week to week.

 

I think the steakhouse on Carnival is far superior to Chops.

 

I guess everyone will have their opinion about food in the MDR, but I thought Carnival was better than the MDR on RCI (I never dine in the MDR on RCI anymore, as I have been consistently disappointed with it).

 

The ships are very different, in layout and decor. I like them both, just different.

 

Go and have a blast!

[FLACRUISER99]

We have been on numerous RCI cruises over the years and love them but the opportunity has come up for us to go on a cruise with old friends who moved across the country a few years ago. The hang up is that they have already booked their cruise and it is with Carnival.

My question is, if we book the Carnival cruise will we be disappointed? For those who have sailed both recently are the standards for food, entertainment and overall quality for Carnival as far behind RCI's as some report?

We are pretty easy people to please, we are not the types to fret over stained cushions or worn carpet but we do want to have an enjoyable week.

I have a friend that just did a TA on Carnival & Loved it, BTW he did a cruise on AD out of San Juan and hated it, so why not give it a try? No better way to find out than try it yourself.

[Cruisegirl6]

I been on an abundant of cruises I am 50 took my 50th cruise last month, this is my advice...

 

For me:

number 1 cruise line is RC

number 2 Princess (have not cruised celebrity yet)

number 3 Carnival

Number 3 NCL

 

To determine which cruise line is best for you that depends on what is most important to you on a ship? By the way, I been to all the ports seen it been there, so ports to me are the least thing to think about although I tend to avoid Jamaica and Nassau.

 

Food MDR RC and NCL

Food buffet- RC then Princess

Food Late Night- RC

Staterooms- pretty much even overall but Carnivals a bit larger

Service Overall- RC then Princess

Worst service in MDR- Carnival

Entertainment- RC then NCL (NCL you really need to prebook shows and some have extra charges)

Specialty dining choices- Allure/Oasis of the Seas and NCL Breakaway

(again have not been on Celebrity that offers many)

Suite Perks- NCL

Specialty Steakhouse- Carnival then RC

All offer drink packages but NCL has restrictions

Best bands- RC

Music out on deck with live bands- RC and NCL

Best Pools- RC and Princess

Best Childrens Program- RC and NCL

Best Overall Staff- RC

Best Main Shows- RC, then NCL

Best outdoor deck space- RC, Carnival then Princess

Best for People with diet restrictions- RC

Most choices and selection in Buffet- RC

Best pleace to sit for view- RC (Viking Crown Lounge) then Princess

Best coffee- none really maybe I say Princess

Most nickel diming- NCL

Most things for kids to do- RC

Best Casino- Carnival, RC

Best disembarkation process- NCL

Best Balcony in regular balcony room- RC then Princess

 

These are my opinions. Hope you enjoyed reading.

[SharkCruiser24]

Take every negative you hear with a grain of salt. Go on this cruise with the same enthusiasm as you would with Royal cruise. I took my fiance on his first cruise last year. I took him on the Imagination, I had my reasons, lol! I wanted to show him different cruise ships on a step ladder system :D We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and keep in mind that was the dreaded Hurricane Sandy cruise! This fall a bunch of our friends will be sailing on Carnival Victory. A much bigger ship than he's been on. And I am terribly excited, we will be cruising with friends for the first time! Our honeymoon, however will be on Royal's Jewel of the Seas, and it will be his first time on Royal. Bottom line, you are going on a cruise, you'll enjoy yourself, just don't get on board looking for things to go wrong :)

[reedl]

I have taken 7 cruises on RCCL, and one on Carnival (The 9 nighter on the Legend out of New York in 2006). We were in what would be considered a GS on the Legend.

 

The positives:

- They had Caffeine Free Diet Coke in cans on the ship. (I know not exactly earth shattering, but important to me)

- The food in the MDR was actually very interesting and pretty good.

- Since we were in an upper cabin, we got a free meal in the steakhouse which was actually very good. The french onion soup was quite good. The steak was also very good.

- The staff was actually very friendly, and willing to help you out. When I walked up to the bar that was nearby my cabin to get my soda fix, the bartenders knew my drink and took care of me. The cabin steward was also quite good

 

Negatives:

- Except for the free meal in the steakhouse one night, there were no other "perks" for being in an expensive room. No lounge, special room service, seating or anything of the like.

- Checkin was awful. The line to check in my room had 1 agent and four people in line. The line for regular rooms had 30 agents with about 20 people in line. You do the math.

- After that fiasco, we had to wait in a 30 minute line that snaked around the dingy dirty pier area to board the ship. It moved, but quite slowly.

- On the way back from the Caribbean during which we would have two (fun) days at sea, right after leaving our last port in totally clear waters, the ship tipped 14 degrees to port (our side of the ship). When you see the ocean coming towards you, and a real nice waterfall in front of your balcony (the spillover from the pool above us), you hope that this is not your last days on earth. The captain reminded me of the movie "Police Squad" where the officer is standing in front of the fireworks factory blowing up, and he says something like "remain calm, nothing to see here". He got on the intercom and said something like "everything is fine." and that was it.

 

Would I go on a Carnival cruise anymore? No. I happen to like RCCL better, and want to build up my points. After my next cruise, I will be ONE point away from Emerald.

[ronandannette]

They are basically the same product. That which is similar far outweighs that which is different. Generally, the live entertainment seems to rate a little higher on RCI, but really this can vary week to week.

 

I think the steakhouse on Carnival is far superior to Chops.

 

I guess everyone will have their opinion about food in the MDR, but I thought Carnival was better than the MDR on RCI (I never dine in the MDR on RCI anymore, as I have been consistently disappointed with it).

 

The ships are very different, in layout and decor. I like them both, just different.

 

Go and have a blast!

 

The bolded above would be a huge understatement in our opinion, but not everybody thinks evening entertainment is as important a part of cruising as we do. It's the main reason we won't cruise Carnival again. In terms of you (OP) being disappointed, it's impossible to predict especially since you haven't mentioned what aspects of the experience are most important to you.

[Cruising89143]

The biggest difference between the two lines are the ships IMHO. The only class Carnival ship that I liked was the Spirit class. They Destiny/Conquest class has to be without a doubt the worst designed and crowded ship that I have cruised.

 

I won't comment on the food or entertainment as it's been too long since I have criused with Carnival so that would not be fair to judge but I will state that I have never gone hungry on either line. They both did some things better than the other.

 

Carnival does not match RCI in the past guest department. No Concierge or Diamond lounge, poor to non existent suite perks. If you have never cruised on Carnival then try it as each of us have our own likes and dislikes and you really will not know unless you experience it for yourself. For me there are far better options out there but many people love Carnival. I'm no longer one of those people.:) Good luck.