RCI or Carnival for Honeymoon?

[Jiaim06]

Hello Cruisers!

 

My fiancé and I have decided to do a cruise for our honeymoon in August 2014. Unfortunately we are very torn between RCI & Carnival. We went on our first cruise in 2012 on the Carnival Glory and we had a WONDERFUL time. We would like to try something new this time since it will be our honeymoon. We are strongly considering RCI - Jewel of the Seas - Southern Caribbean. Romance mixed with great fun is what we are looking for. What would be your suggestion for two 25yr old honeymooners embarking on their second cruise? Is there a huge difference between the two cruise lines?

 

Also...any suggestions on honeymoon packages to purchase or honeymoon ideas on a RCI cruise (Steakhouse? Couple massage?)

[notsomadhatter]

Jewel is the only RCCL we've done but we enjoyed the ship and the ports. We also found the Windjammer (buffet) to have really nice selections. Even visited once for dinner and it was pleasant.

 

The ship size was really nice as was all of the glass. You really feel like you are on the ocean. The decor was tasteful and pretty elegant and we had overall great service. We picked the cruise after lots of research and we were looking for new ports and a specific week of the year. I think it was a good introduction to RC's product. It was an active cruise with lots of people participating and dancing.

 

We have never cruised Carnival so I can't help you with comparisons. Hopefully some seasoned cruisers will chime in for you.

 

Oh and I'm in your age demographic. :)

 

Hope that helps!

[poolreader]

I love both lines but I feel RCL would be a better choice for a honeymoon.

[LMaxwell]

Carnival may be a fun trip, but RCI is going to be a more memorable, upscale type of trip with way more entertainment and a really, really nice ship. Look for verifiable travel agents that may be able to pay your gratuities or offer an onboard credit and watch for price drops. The moment you step onboard you'll be satisfied with your choice.

[fishtaco]

We chose carnival for our Honeymoon in June 2012.

 

Not sure it really matters though? The length of cruise and time of year would be more important.

 

Calm seas and sunny weather throughout usually makes for happy cruisers on any cruise line and reviews confirm this so it also makes a Honeymoon more memorable.

 

RCI just hasnt got Carnivals adult comedy though:(

[Bellamariya]

Hello Cruisers!

 

My fiancé and I have decided to do a cruise for our honeymoon in August 2014. Unfortunately we are very torn between RCI & Carnival. We went on our first cruise in 2012 on the Carnival Glory and we had a WONDERFUL time. We would like to try something new this time since it will be our honeymoon. We are strongly considering RCI - Jewel of the Seas - Southern Caribbean. Romance mixed with great fun is what we are looking for. What would be your suggestion for two 25yr old honeymooners embarking on their second cruise? Is there a huge difference between the two cruise lines?

 

Also...any suggestions on honeymoon packages to purchase or honeymoon ideas on a RCI cruise (Steakhouse? Couple massage?)

 

We had our honeymoon last June on the Mariner and we loved it. On the first night we went back to our cabin to find an invitation to a special honeymooners lunch for the following day.

Another couple and ourselves were given a private table and private waiters for lunch, free bottomless mimosas for the whole time we were dining and at the end the waiters brought us out a gorgeous cake and sang to us.

I have never sailed Carnival but loved everything about our RCI cruise :)

[fishtaco]

We had our honeymoon last June on the Mariner and we loved it. On the first night we went back to our cabin to find an invitation to a special honeymooners lunch for the following day.

Another couple and ourselves were given a private table and private waiters for lunch, free bottomless mimosas for the whole time we were dining and at the end the waiters brought us out a gorgeous cake and sang to us.

I have never sailed Carnival but loved everything about our RCI cruise :)

 

 

On Carnival we just got Drunk:D:D:D

[Bellamariya]

On Carnival we just got Drunk:D:D:D

 

Those bottomless mimosas were pretty good for that too ;)

[believer33323]

It all comes down to what type of personalities and the experience you both would like on your honeymoon. Carnival is known for it's partying and younger crowd and RCCL is known for it's attention to WOW you with special attention to your needs, especially in the MDR where you have the same waiters spoiling you each night (we love that most of all) You will find older passengers but many younger ones with kids, & families also. We find it's a very nice mix of people without too many of one generation. The decision has to be yours.

Just make sure you get a nice cabin since you will most likely be spending most of your time their (LOL):D:D

[Esmerelda]

We did Carnival for our honeymoon many years ago. It's something that can never be done over.: ( At that time, we had not yet sailed RC. If I could turn back time, there would be no doubt. It would be RC all the way. I can definitely recommend the Freedom class and the Oasis class. Both are just fabulous.

 

Happy planning....:p

[Stateroom_Sailor]

We did our honeymoon on Carnival, no regrets, and on a 7 day in October out of San Juan, it wasn't the party atmosphere like some of the shorter cruises during school breaks.

 

I can't speak from cruising experience, but I would choose RCL if you've already done Carnival, making the honeymoon unique. Our 2nd cruise is Royal, in 5 weeks!

[TheCalicoCat]

Maybe choose based on the ports instead of the ship or the duration or the fact that you can get a better cabin on one than the other...

 

I find the 2 to be very similar.

 

Since you have already traveled on Carnival maybe the returning guest perks are worth considering...

[jb008]

Jewel out of San Juan is a port intensive itinerary, with only 1 day at sea.

 

Having sailed out of San Juan and FLL, we much prefer to have more port days as it gives more options (most, if not all of the ship amenities are still available while in port -aside from the casino, but you also have a port to explore if so desired).

 

I've not sailed Carnival, so I can't help with the comparison, but if you enjoyed Carnival last time, I'm pretty sure you can't go wrong with either line. RCL is likely to be a slightly more upscale experience than Carnival, but should have plenty of activities and not risk being stuffy. HAL is often associated with 40 and 50 year olds feeling "young". Celebrity is advertised as a more premium experience than RCL and I'd guess would be a little more formal and also a bit more... stuffy than RCL. Princess is also frequently compared to Celebrity, and my opinion is that it's targeted at the older 45+ demographic.

 

Another option might be to pick whichever of the two lines/ships is cheaper and to splurge on a slightly higher room instead. So if you normally would book an interior or exterior view, step up to a balcony; if you normally would book a balcony, upgrade to the junior suites.

 

No matter how you dice it though, you'll have a great honeymoon. Congratulations and best wishes!

Edited January 13, 2014 by jb008

[JasonV1]

I would go on Royal just to see where you want to focus your loyalty going forward. Royal has a very good loyalty program, but getting to the first of the "better" tiers of it requires 80 cruise points (meaning 80 days sailed, or 40 on suites). At 30 points you start getting balcony discounts, but at 80 that discount doubles. There are other benefits of course.

 

On top of all that, Royal is the most innovative when it comes to things to do on the boat. This is mainly with newer ships like Oasis and Quantum class, but the older boats are getting some of those improvements.

 

My honeymoon was spent on a Carnival boat, and we had a great time, but then again I was 25 (and this was 1997 when things were much different). Oddly enough, 25% of the boat was a Richard Simmons cruise to lose (yes he was onboard), it was quite a riot.

 

I'm 39 now, and the Solarium on Royal is a really nice feature for my wife and I. Quiet, areas in the shade and sun, dedicated bar, pool, and hot tubs, and no one under 16. Carnival has the Serenity areas, but on some boats (like Dream) it is outside, with no pool, and next to the waterslides. Not quite serene in my opinion.

 

Carnival and Royal target different demographics, and Royal sees a LOT more non-US cruisers as a result (which is a good thing, as it is proof they are doing something right given the cost to fly to FL from around the world). I'm not going to say that Royal is upscale, but they haven't cut back as severely as Carnival has in areas like entertainment including live music on the pool deck, tablecloths at dinner, and other random things which people sometimes care about.

 

You will have fun on either boat, but I would try Royal just for the variety and to see you like it.

[fishin' musician]

I've sailed most mainstream lines, and have zero brand loyalty. All brands have more similarities than differences. Carnival and RCL are by far the most "lively" and family oriented lines. Both have lots of announcements and the core message seems to be, "Let's get this party started!", especially on the 7 day and shorter itineraries. A quieter, more sedate vibe will be found on Celebrity, Princess and NCL... and even more so on HAL. It all depends on what sort of vibe you prefer.

[viper548]

Hello Cruisers!

 

My fiancé and I have decided to do a cruise for our honeymoon in August 2014. Unfortunately we are very torn between RCI & Carnival. We went on our first cruise in 2012 on the Carnival Glory and we had a WONDERFUL time. We would like to try something new this time since it will be our honeymoon. We are strongly considering RCI - Jewel of the Seas - Southern Caribbean. Romance mixed with great fun is what we are looking for. What would be your suggestion for two 25yr old honeymooners embarking on their second cruise? Is there a huge difference between the two cruise lines?

 

Also...any suggestions on honeymoon packages to purchase or honeymoon ideas on a RCI cruise (Steakhouse? Couple massage?)

 

My wife and I are 37 and 33 and went on Jewel of the Seas on our honeymoon last month and both loved it. We did the St. Thomas, St. Croix, Antigua, Martinique, St. Lucia itinerary. We both enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.

[PuterMonkey]

I haven't sailed on Carnival but we had a great time on our RC honeymoon =) Make sure you go play Love and Marriage!!

[PuterMonkey]

Hello Cruisers!

 

Also...any suggestions on honeymoon packages to purchase or honeymoon ideas on a RCI cruise (Steakhouse? Couple massage?)

 

If you can, splurge for a balcony and enjoy your wine out there every night =)

[At Sea 4Ever]

I would go on Royal just to see where you want to focus your loyalty going forward. Royal has a very good loyalty program, but getting to the first of the "better" tiers of it requires 80 cruise points (meaning 80 days sailed, or 40 on suites). At 30 points you start getting balcony discounts, but at 80 that discount doubles. There are other benefits of course.

 

On top of all that, Royal is the most innovative when it comes to things to do on the boat. This is mainly with newer ships like Oasis and Quantum class, but the older boats are getting some of those improvements.

 

My honeymoon was spent on a Carnival boat, and we had a great time, but then again I was 25 (and this was 1997 when things were much different). Oddly enough, 25% of the boat was a Richard Simmons cruise to lose (yes he was onboard), it was quite a riot.

 

I'm 39 now, and the Solarium on Royal is a really nice feature for my wife and I. Quiet, areas in the shade and sun, dedicated bar, pool, and hot tubs, and no one under 16. Carnival has the Serenity areas, but on some boats (like Dream) it is outside, with no pool, and next to the waterslides. Not quite serene in my opinion.

 

Carnival and Royal target different demographics, and Royal sees a LOT more non-US cruisers as a result (which is a good thing, as it is proof they are doing something right given the cost to fly to FL from around the world). I'm not going to say that Royal is upscale, but they haven't cut back as severely as Carnival has in areas like entertainment including live music on the pool deck, tablecloths at dinner, and other random things which people sometimes care about.

 

You will have fun on either boat, but I would try Royal just for the variety and to see you like it.

 

Carnival really doesn't have a poolside band or tablecloths in the dinning room? Wow! Guess that's why we are loyal to royal!

[Georgiagolfer]

Hello Cruisers!

 

My fiancé and I have decided to do a cruise for our honeymoon in August 2014. Unfortunately we are very torn between RCI & Carnival. We went on our first cruise in 2012 on the Carnival Glory and we had a WONDERFUL time. We would like to try something new this time since it will be our honeymoon. We are strongly considering RCI - Jewel of the Seas - Southern Caribbean. Romance mixed with great fun is what we are looking for. What would be your suggestion for two 25yr old honeymooners embarking on their second cruise? Is there a huge difference between the two cruise lines?

 

Also...any suggestions on honeymoon packages to purchase or honeymoon ideas on a RCI cruise (Steakhouse? Couple massage?)

 

Haven't sailed the Jewel, but love the Voyager and Freedom class of RCI ships. If not comparing the Jewel to any CCL ship/cruise, sail the ship you want that has the itinerary you want. Jewel is very Port intensive. With this many Ports and only 1 sea day, not a lot of down time unless you stay on the ship while in port.

[Honeymooner15]

We had our honeymoon last June on the Mariner and we loved it. On the first night we went back to our cabin to find an invitation to a special honeymooners lunch for the following day.

Another couple and ourselves were given a private table and private waiters for lunch, free bottomless mimosas for the whole time we were dining and at the end the waiters brought us out a gorgeous cake and sang to us.

I have never sailed Carnival but loved everything about our RCI cruise :)

 

Wow that's awesome. How do you let them know you're on your honeymoon? I'll be on the Explorer next year for mine! :)

[Jimnbigd]

Note that the Southern Caribbean has lots of port -- just about a new port every day. That might make a difference for a honeymoon -- less alone time. Also, as you probably know, August is hurricane season -- so you might have a "plan B" just in case. You might consider going somewhere in the states for the honeymoon, and go on the cruise later in November or December (excluding Thanksgiving or Christmas) -- better prices and hurricane season is over, plus in December the ships are decorated for Christmas. Look at the Dec. 7 Adventure of the Seas from San Juan.

Edited January 13, 2014 by Jimnbigd

[Loves_Dogs]

Southern cruise is by far my favorite itinerary. I don't think you can go wrong with either RCI or CCL on the southern route. They are so port intensive you spend a lot of your time off the ship anyway. I would look at the ports and the prices to make my decision. Congratulations on your marriage and have a GREAT cruise!

Edited January 13, 2014 by Loves_Dogs

[dolita22]

We had our honeymoon last June on the Mariner and we loved it. On the first night we went back to our cabin to find an invitation to a special honeymooners lunch for the following day.

Another couple and ourselves were given a private table and private waiters for lunch, free bottomless mimosas for the whole time we were dining and at the end the waiters brought us out a gorgeous cake and sang to us.

I have never sailed Carnival but loved everything about our RCI cruise :)

 

Really? That's great! I hope the Indy does that as well, because we will be celebrating our honeymoon on board in just a couple weeks and bottomless mimosas sound awesome! :-)

[Orange jeep]

I have been on 12 cruises, RC and Carnival equally. I love the southern carb. Have been on Jewel of the Seas twice which is a beautiful ship. I will say my favorite ship is the Oasis and we went in September 2013 for first time. The entertainment, which in my opinion is nonstop, is wonderful. There is a lot to do on this ship. It spoiled us. Carnival is nice and a good value and I have wonderful memories but RS ships are really well appointed. No matter you will have a wonderful time.