mary80 Posted November 11, 2014 #1 Share Posted November 11, 2014 We have sailed with carnival 4 times, and always love it. We are thinking of cruising in January, and found two cruises, both the same week, and both to key west and the Bahamas. One is with carnival, and one is with Royal. The Royal Caribbean cruise is about $300 cheaper. Have any of you ever sailed only with carnival and then switched to Royal? What did you think? We want to save money, but are afraid to make the switch. It'll be just the two of us sailing. Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisinfanatic Posted November 11, 2014 #2 Share Posted November 11, 2014 We have sailed with carnival 4 times, and always love it. We are thinking of cruising in January, and found two cruises, both the same week, and both to key west and the Bahamas. One is with carnival, and one is with Royal. The Royal Caribbean cruise is about $300 cheaper. Have any of you ever sailed only with carnival and then switched to Royal? What did you think? We want to save money, but are afraid to make the switch. It'll be just the two of us sailing. Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using Forums what ships? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuthlessBoss Posted November 11, 2014 #3 Share Posted November 11, 2014 What ships are you comparing? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jana60 Posted November 11, 2014 #4 Share Posted November 11, 2014 We have sailed with carnival 4 times, and always love it. We are thinking of cruising in January, and found two cruises, both the same week, and both to key west and the Bahamas. One is with carnival, and one is with Royal. The Royal Caribbean cruise is about $300 cheaper. Have any of you ever sailed only with carnival and then switched to Royal? What did you think? We want to save money, but are afraid to make the switch. It'll be just the two of us sailing. Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using Forums I'm amazed that you were able to find a Royal Caribbean cruise cheaper than Carnival for the same length of cruise leaving from the same port but hey I think you should try another cruise line if you've never done so. I've done 3 Royal Caribbean cruises, 4 NCL cruises, 2 Princess Cruises, and 18 Carnival Cruises. I went back and forth between various cruise line not sticking with just one so my opinion of them formed over an extensive period of time. So far I prefer carnival for price, value, and experience. For destination I prefer Princess and Royal Caribbean. I has been generally displeased with my NCL cruises although I would not say I had a bad time on any cruise except possibly a 4 day cruise I took on a very old Royal Caribbean ship. There was very little to do on that cruise and the seating everywhere was very uncomfortable. Sent from my Nexus 7 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surfwench Posted November 11, 2014 #5 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Go for it! My kids are taking advantage of that sale. I've done a short Royal to Cozumel and had a great time. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tampa8 Posted November 11, 2014 #6 Share Posted November 11, 2014 I guess why wouldn't you try another cruise line? But because you mention you are considering it because it is less expensive, more info is needed. As others said what are the two ships you are comparing? Is it $300 per person or for everyone combined less expensive? It's unusual these days for RC to be less expensive but not unheard of. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mary80 Posted November 11, 2014 Author #7 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Sorry I forgot to mention that, it's between the dream and serenade of the seas. Both ocean view rooms. My husband is a firefighter, and Royal Caribbean offers a special discount for that, so that's where the lower price comes in. It is nice to see that you have sailed with carnival so many times, but still enjoy other lines. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tapi Posted November 11, 2014 #8 Share Posted November 11, 2014 (edited) Life is too short to sail on just one cruise line. Go for it! Worst case scenario, if you don't like it, you can always go back to Carnival or try something else. I wouldn't hesitate to sail on any of those two ships. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Edited November 11, 2014 by Tapi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mary80 Posted November 11, 2014 Author #9 Share Posted November 11, 2014 It's 300 less combined less than carnival. We really just like the fun relaxed atmosphere of carnival. We're not big drinkers and we don't gamble, so we don't care about bars or the casino. We love the crew with carnival, they are so friendly and always look like they are having fun. So, we weren't sure if Royal had the same atmosphere and if there is as much to do on board. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
champagne123 Posted November 11, 2014 #10 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Sorry I forgot to mention that, it's between the dream and serenade of the seas. Both ocean view rooms. My husband is a firefighter, and Royal Caribbean offers a special discount for that, so that's where the lower price comes in. It is nice to see that you have sailed with carnival so many times, but still enjoy other lines. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Mary...RCCL is amazing. You will not regret your decision. Give it a try and if for some reason you do NOT like it, at least you tried something different. RCCL has won "Best overall Cruise Line" eleven years in a row. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tampa8 Posted November 11, 2014 #11 Share Posted November 11, 2014 You will have just as good a time on RC IMHO. Have a great time! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mary80 Posted November 11, 2014 Author #12 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Thanks for all the responses. We are leaning towards going with Royal, and this definitely helps! We just have that fear of, what if we switch and don't like it. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michaelandjoanne Posted November 11, 2014 #13 Share Posted November 11, 2014 I've sailed both and they both have better points and worse points, but that is only in comparison to the other. They are both top notch cruise lines and you will have a great time no matter which you choose. The Serenade is a great ship and they have glass elevators overlooking the Ocean. A really neat thing to experience. The only caution i would give is that Carnival has a more structured kids program, particularly in the evening and nights. If you are travelling with kids and they love the late night camp carnival activities then that is something to consider. Otherwise you can't make a bad choice here. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisinfanatic Posted November 11, 2014 #14 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Thanks for all the responses. We are leaning towards going with Royal, and this definitely helps! We just have that fear of, what if we switch and don't like it. Sent from my iPhone using Forums What if you switch and like it better? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Surfwench Posted November 11, 2014 #15 Share Posted November 11, 2014 It's 300 less combined less than carnival. We really just like the fun relaxed atmosphere of carnival. We're not big drinkers and we don't gamble, so we don't care about bars or the casino. We love the crew with carnival, they are so friendly and always look like they are having fun. So, we weren't sure if Royal had the same atmosphere and if there is as much to do on board. Sent from my iPhone using Forums The two lines are more similar than different. Royal's ships are beautiful, cabins are smaller. Entertainment is better on Royal, food better on Carnival. FAR fewer woohoo people on Royal. One of these days I'm going to give their behemoths of the seas a try. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fridaythe13th Posted November 11, 2014 #16 Share Posted November 11, 2014 I love the Serenade class! I've been on The Radiance a couple of times. I always look for a bargain and never hesitated to switch up. I also like trying different ships for my own experience. I say try The Serenade and enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orison Posted November 11, 2014 #17 Share Posted November 11, 2014 We have sailed with carnival 4 times, and always love it. We are thinking of cruising in January, and found two cruises, both the same week, and both to key west and the Bahamas. One is with carnival, and one is with Royal. The Royal Caribbean cruise is about $300 cheaper. Have any of you ever sailed only with carnival and then switched to Royal? What did you think? We want to save money, but are afraid to make the switch. It'll be just the two of us sailing. Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using Forums We took our first RCCL cruise for an itinerary that wasn't offered by Carnival. Prepared to note the comparisons between the two lines, I found everything either equal or better in RCCL. And the ship was stunning. We came back actually will to pay more for that experience. Shortly after that, Carnival started their cutbacks, so now it's pretty much a no brainer. And if you look, you can still get those RCCL bargains. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruisinfanatic Posted November 11, 2014 #18 Share Posted November 11, 2014 The two lines are more similar than different. Royal's ships are beautiful, cabins are smaller. Entertainment is better on Royal, food better on Carnival. FAR fewer woohoo people on Royal. One of these days I'm going to give their behemoths of the seas a try. :) you really can't know that as you haven't been with Royal in quite awhile. Except for Guys on Carnival, Royal is just as good or better now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tapi Posted November 11, 2014 #19 Share Posted November 11, 2014 (edited) We just have that fear of, what if we switch and don't like it... I can't guarantee that you'll like Royal MORE than Carnival, but chances are that you will enjoy Royal enough to consider them worth your time and money. There are several differences between these two cruise lines. Whether you notice them or not is a different story. Some are subtle, like your cabin steward handing you his/her business card with their direct extension upon arrival in your stateroom. Others are more obvious, like ship design and decor. On the Serenade, expect generous use of glass throughout the ship, with unobstructed views of the ocean, as well as a more soothing and tasteful decor. Whatever you decide to do, have an enjoyable cruise! Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Edited November 11, 2014 by Tapi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tapi Posted November 11, 2014 #20 Share Posted November 11, 2014 FAR fewer woohoo people on Royal I've seen this term used a few times recently. What exactly is "woohoo people"? Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
champagne123 Posted November 11, 2014 #21 Share Posted November 11, 2014 I've seen this term used a few times recently. What exactly is "woohoo people"? Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app The CD on the Splendor was CONSTANTLY...ANNOYINGLY saying WOOHOO...:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orison Posted November 11, 2014 #22 Share Posted November 11, 2014 The CD on the Splendor was CONSTANTLY...ANNOYINGLY saying WOOHOO...:) Must be Malcolm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy.capitan Posted November 11, 2014 #23 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Bring lots of nickles and dimes if you want popcorn or a hamburger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
champagne123 Posted November 11, 2014 #24 Share Posted November 11, 2014 Must be Malcolm LOL....Yup. Thanks...was wracking my brains trying to think of his name. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topo Gigio Posted November 11, 2014 #25 Share Posted November 11, 2014 The two lines are more similar than different. Royal's ships are beautiful, cabins are smaller. Entertainment is better on Royal, food better on Carnival. FAR fewer woohoo people on Royal. One of these days I'm going to give their behemoths of the seas a try. :) Food is definitely much better on Royal. Cabins are smaller, well depends which class of ships you are talking about! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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