Royal Caribbean or Carnival

[irishcraig]

We're 32 and 27, and have been on 4 cruises with Royal Caribbean on 4 different ships; allure, freedom (east and west Caribbean), mariner and rhapsody in Asia and Australia.

 

We're looking at a Southern Caribbean cruise next June on adventure from San Juan but the price has gone up from around €1400 to €2000 in the past couple of weeks, so we had a look at other companies and found a similar itinerary with carnival on their valor ship priced around €1400.

 

 

Is there much of a difference between the 2 companies, does carnival have drinks packages, anytime dining etc, etc....

 

 

Would we be disappointed with carnival after 4 cruises with RCI?

 

Looking for advise from anyone that has experienced both lines or even better been on both ships, adventure and valor.

[margaret91326]

I have been on both ships and hands down rccl. If money is an issue choose another time at a cheaper rate. IMO

 

 

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[racerxspeedy]

Hello -

 

I have been on the Valor twice and did the Southern Itinerary a few months ago. We had a great trip - no issues. That trip is very port intensive so the ship is not the main focus.

 

There are a ton of threads comparing the two lines - if you use the search function.

 

To answer your questions:

1) Yes they offer drink packages very similar to RCI

 

2) They do not have the MTD, but they offer many more casual food options around the ship. They have food, drink and ice cream stations at the pools. The Main Dining food is very good and they do have specialty restaurants.

 

3 The rooms are larger - A std outside room is 225 sq feet!.

They offer cheap inside rooms that have two small port holes. They have larger aft rooms with huge balconies (book early).

 

Check out pic sof the ship online - it is nice, but has loud colors -some would call it gawdy. But overall still comfortable.

 

The cost savings made it worth trying - I got an outside room for $375pp and direct flights for $275. Best value I have ever found.

[racerxspeedy]

Keep in mind that asking this question on the Royal forum will bias the response. You should ask the same question on the Carnival forum as well. I was skeptical before going on Carnival as well - and was pleasantly surprised. Many here will agree with me and some actually prefer Carnival.

 

Since you are considered "younger" cruisers I think you might enjoy the casual atmosphere. With the money you save you can really enjoy the amazing ports. Isn't that the whole point of this trip?

 

Happy Sailing mate

[wdwcoltsfan]

We cruised CCL last summer on the Liberty and had Anytime Dining. It worked very well for us.

 

I haven't cruised on the Valor, but our family has done multiple CCL cruises and they have all been enjoyable. We always have a great time, no matter which line we are on.:)

[time4u2go]

You won't be disappointed. They are more alike than different.

 

As another poster said, you should ask this question on the Carnival board as well, so that you can get more opinions.

[Cruising89143]

The best way to know is to try for yourself. We each have our own opinion of each line. On this board you will have more tell you RCI and on the Carnival board it will be all about Carnival.

 

I personally am not a fan of Carnival and do not find them more alike than different. I cruised with them for many years and then decided to try RCI and haven't been back. My main dislike of Carnival is their ships. With the exception of the Spirit class which I liked I think that Carnival has some of the worst designed ships in service. Crowded and poor passenger flow. I won't comment on entertainment or food as that is subjective.

 

The positive about the southern itinerary cruise is that it's very port intensive so you are off the ship most of the time so if you don't care for the cruise line it's not as big of a deal.

Edited July 25, 2014 by cruisingator2

[tggs726]

You won't be disappointed. They are more alike than different.

 

 

 

This is most likely the best answer. The mainstream lines(Carnival, RCI, & NCL) are definitely more alike than they are different. Each do some things better than others but its more or less a similar experience.

[racerxspeedy]

One other thing to keep in mind -Old San Juan. Most consider this a fun stop . The carnival valor is parked right in the middle of town. You can check in early and spend the day in town..... Or walk off the ship after the cruise drop your luggage at barrachina and enjoy your final day. Thats a major bonus for me. RCI requires a taxi ride from the ship

[momof3cruisers]

I think so much of any vacation is what you make of it.

 

Yes, Carnival has beverage packages but not the same variety as Royal. Carnival drink packages do not include bottled water, which to me makes a huge difference. IMO the dinner menus are more varied and the food is better on Carnival, but many people would disagree. I like that on Carnival there are more options for late night food, such as 24 hr free room service instead of a fee after midnight as Royal does.

 

Royal's entertainment blows Carnival out of the water. (No pun intended. ;) )

 

That S Carribbean itinerary is what will make either a great cruise IMO. I don't think you will be disappointed but as with anything, if you look for things you don't like, you will find them. So much of any ship is subjective. We went on Allure with extended family. Most of them LOVED the ship. As for us, we REALLY like a smaller ship. Lots of people think I'm nuts for that opinion but I know what makes us happy.

[Big_G]

We think Royal is a step up from Carnival but that doesn't mean you would be disappointed with Carnival. We weren't. We just liked the Royal product better. You won't know until you try it.

[Aquahound]

I've only toured the Valor when she was here in Key West recently, but I've cruised on Adventure a couple times. More alike than different? Not hardly! These are two very different ships. I'd stick with RCI in this case and go with the Adventure.

[rjrice1]

I have done both RCL and CCL.

We did the Valor out of San Juan this past March and it was very intense..

But so isn't AOS.

Valor leaves at 10pm; close to Old San Juan, where you can drop off your luggage, walk over to Walgreen's (get soda, water and etc)

Very safe... Price was cheaper (but you only have one sea day..and rarely on the ship) They do have the drink package... however everyone over 21 y/o in the cabin must purchase it.. and there is a limit to 15 (alcoholic drinks) per day.

They do give can soda's vs the fountain...(but in the process of changing it.. )

They do have anytime dining and do not pre-charge you the tips..

You can request the same waiter if you like.

We chose anytime dining due to the fact most nights we were to tired after our shore excursions to eat in the dining room.

Men can wear nice shorts/shirts for dinner in the mdr as well on the valor.

They also have self laundry on the ship too.

We chose RCL for 2015 due to the price was cheaper with the bogoho

A cruise is what you make out of it...

What ever line you chose just have fun..

Cathy

Edited July 25, 2014 by rjrice1

[fridaythe13th]

I'm also not a fan of the Spirit Class of CCL but do enjoy Carnival. Isn't the Valor out of San Juan only 6 days? It is nice that Carnival docks right in Old San Juan and opposed to the Adventure which docks about a 10 minute taxi ride from OSJ and really nothing within walking distance, but closer to the nice beaches. It sounds like you're leaning toward RC. Maybe just keep an eye on the Adventure, the prices may come down or look at a different date.

[irishcraig]

Hey guys,

 

Thank you for all the replies and opinions so far.....

 

From what we've read both companies have a lot in common, both have pros and cons, we were never going to get a straight cut answer.

 

I'd like to stay with RCI, but would have no problem trying carnival, especially for the Southern Caribbean as both itineraries are really port intensive with only 1 sea day.

 

It's probably the fact that an OVC is around €600 cheaper with carnival at the moment and we have the added expense of air fare from Ireland to take into account aswell.

 

I also know that prices on RCI will probably come back down or they'll have another "sale", just don't want to leave deciding too long incase carnival starts selling well and drives the price of that cruise up too!

[WetToes]

We've sailed both and agree that they aren't that different.

I also agree with those who said you won't know, till you try CCL yourself.

Hope you have a fun cruise. :)

[cd4lsu]

We sailed on Carnival last summer and had My Time Dining. If the Valor has the 2.0 upgrades than that is a huge plus. Carnival has a great deal of alternative free dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guy's Burgers and the Blue Iguana are really good.

[Rocknsoul]

We've had great cruises on both, and each does some things very well while others could be improved.

 

In my experience, on the whole, RCI has prettier ships. Whether the amenities are better to you really depends on what you like to do on the ship. Other than that, your experience could depend a lot on the ship itself & the crew it has on your sailing. Some of our RCI food, service, etc. has been great, some not so much -- the same with our Carnival cruises.

 

While I can definitely understand loyalty to a brand, we don't mind trying new things. We took our first Carnival cruise with some trepidation, because all we had heard was how bad Carnival was (mostly from some folks on our RCI cruises:p), but we couldn't pass up the price & the convenience of driving to the port. Although it was one of the oldest & smallest ships in the fleet & cheap as dirt, we had a blast. The ship was clean, the food good, the beds comfortable, and the crew was phenomenal. We felt right at home. Because we love to cruise out of NOLA, we were excited to see NOS there & thrilled when they had a screaming deal. DH loved that ship more than all the others & now prefers RCI, but when the Sunshine had a great deal, we booked it & went & had a fantastic time. DH loved Guy's burgers. We both loved anytime dining.

 

If the cost matters to you, like it does to us, it can't hurt to try. If you love it, you've got more options for your future cruises; if you don't, you never have to take a Carnival cruise again. What have you got to lose? :)

[joepeka]

Just some follow up on a couple of things mentioned above:

 

Carnival does have their own open dining option in the MDR it's called "Your Time Dining". It's virtually identical to RCI MTD.

 

The Valor is part of CCL's Conquest class. Someone above alluded to it being in the Spirit class, which is smaller than Conquest class.

 

I don't believe Valor has the Funship 2.0 upgrades yet, but I could be wrong on that (I'm not completely up to date on their schedule for those upgrades).

 

We've done both CCL and RCI now and I will echo what others have said: they are more the same than different and I think that after four RCI cruises you should give Carnival a try especially if the price is substantially lower (which it appears it is for you).

[QLUVS2CRUZ]

I've been on both lines and like both. There are pros and cons to each, and I really think it depends on the ship. I've been on a couple of the small Carnival ships...they weren't my favorite. I loved Freedom and Valor. I also liked Pride. In my opinion, I think the staterooms and food are better on Carnival. But if you do your research on the ships and itineraries, you will have a great time on either.

[Soloist]

I`ve enjoied cruises on both lines.

 

Carnivals ships arent laid out as well as RC ships because they are 30 feet narrower than the RC ships with the promanade, and one of the dining rooms is in the middle of the ship with no way around except to go up or down.

 

Carnivals inside cabins (Except 1A) are 185sq ft vs 150ish for RC. With that much space devoted to cabins, the public areas tend to feel more crowded.

 

Carnival`s large ships are all smaller than RC`s voyager class, freedom, and oasis class. Carnival`s newest ships are around the size of the voyager class that first sailed in the late 90`s.

 

On either line I want the newer large (over 100,000 tons) ships. They have the larger selection of foods/activities on board.

No fantasy class, spirit class on CCL. No vision or sovereign class for RC.

 

Carnivals fares are more reasonable right now. But on last cruise i couldnt watch the stage shows (that bad). Comedy shows were good. Carnivals food has been better(in general) Excursions are mostly the same. Pool side actitivies same (RC pools are better). Casino same (CCL doesnt have a smoke free night:-( ) Room service similar(CCL doesn't have the late night charge) Bingo same. Spa same.

 

Then add all the stuff that RC has. Rock climb, ice skating, boxing ring, rollerblading, flowrider, basketball, indoor movie theater. Royal Promanade.

CCL has self service laundry if you want to travel light with fewer bags airfares being what they are now (Used for first time last cruise.)

 

CCL is a perfectly fine Cruise line especially at the prices that RC wants right now.

[fishtaco]

I have cruised both and just recently finished a Carnival Dream cruise out of New Orleans, If Carnival was much worse than RCI I wouldnt have chosen them, after all I had to fly to The states for a carribean as well.

 

Main dining room options are way better on RCI than Carnival but Carnival alternative included food choices and venues are far superior to RCI.

 

If you are considering price and Carnival is much cheaper I would say book Carnival.

 

Carnival allows overseas customers to book direct with Carnival USA, this means you get the same prices and deals as US customers, this also means you use Carnival USA main online site so you can easily add shore tours ect and pay in US dollars. Carnival also has Bon Voyage service where you can order bottles booze and it is delivered to your cabin sail day.

 

A newish Carnival feature is limited number "Fast Track To Fun" which costs $50 per cabin but gives you priority check in and boarding, priority tenders and the use of Diamond/platinum dedicated guest services line, VIP luggage delivery,option to be first to debark as well as your cabin being available and ready as soon as you board. I purchased it and it was worth every penny as was the bottle of vodka and Gin that was waiting for me in my cabin:)

[OTownNick]

Unlike many others here, I haven't sailed on Carnival, nor will I ever. I've just heard way too many negatives from people and I feel I would be disappointed. I have certainly talked to some people who like Carnival and I even know some that have only sailed on Carnival.

 

One aspect that I believe is that hands down, RCL ships are the winner. I LOVE the Royal Promenade on Adventure. You've already been on Allure, I see, and if you loved it, anything less or even a different style of ship may be a disappointment.. You're coming a long way and the last thing you want is disappointment. You might as well go with what you already know will be a fabulous ship.

 

Another point I didn't see mentioned is, RCL has the best loyalty program in the business. You may already be Platinum members (not sure though). There are some nice perks at that level you will not get on CCL. Balcony discounts start at the Platinum level. The coupons you get loaded onto your Seapass card are nice too. You also get to go to the top tier event.

 

In the end, I'm sure either way you will have fun, but if it were ME, coming all that way, I would want the best possible experience and the least amount of unknowns..it may be worth paying a little more for RCL. And depending on how far out you are from sailing date, you COULD get price drops. I would wait until 12 weeks out (around final payment date) . That's when you could see price drops as many cabins may be released at that time.

[nbsjcruiser]

We're 32 and 27, and have been on 4 cruises with Royal Caribbean on 4 different ships; allure, freedom (east and west Caribbean), mariner and rhapsody in Asia and Australia.

 

We're looking at a Southern Caribbean cruise next June on adventure from San Juan but the price has gone up from around €1400 to €2000 in the past couple of weeks, so we had a look at other companies and found a similar itinerary with carnival on their valor ship priced around €1400.

 

 

Is there much of a difference between the 2 companies, does carnival have drinks packages, anytime dining etc, etc....

 

 

Would we be disappointed with carnival after 4 cruises with RCI?

 

Looking for advise from anyone that has experienced both lines or even better been on both ships, adventure and valor.

 

We're typically RCI fans but we also guard our wallet. On the last 3 Carnival cruises we went on we didn't think they were up to the quality of RCI and the ships simply don't compare. However, for a €600 difference which is close to $900 Dollars, I would look at Carnival again. The problem I had with Carnival was I felt the food was not as good as RCI's and the ships aren't as nice with the activities RCI has. But the southern itinerary is a port intensive cruise so the ship itself won't be as big of an issue. Also, if the Carnival ship you are looking at has specialty restaurants then for the difference, I would take the Carnival ship and do specialty dining for at least 3 nights.

Edited July 26, 2014 by nbsjcruiser

[Poseidon Patty]

I agree that both lines are more alike than different. If you have kids and need to do laundry, Carnival has self-laundry available, RCI does not. But, speaking of kids, Carnival does very little to control children, while RCI enforces a curfew and has a program for children that seems to be very efficient and fun. Carnival's cabins have more space. I like Carnival's food better, but that's subjective. RCI's atmosphere is just calmer and relaxing. Carnival is more of a party. I will probably sail on both again, if given the chance. My preference, however, is Princess.