Carnival Versus Princess a Comparison

[firerunner]

I am a little late we have been so busy!!

 

We booked a short three day on the Regal princess back in April, this was our first Princess cruise and we have two more booked with them. We have been on 5 Carnival Cruises. I also am HC and use a wheelchair.

 

Let me share my thoughts,,:)

 

Embarking

 

Princess - Was in Fort Lauderdale, we had some issues here, and I give the Port/Princess a 0 out of 10. The terminal was so cold and impersonal. They kept us lined outside calling in 40 or so at a time and then we had to stop and fill out their health form and their disembarking form and then it had to be signed by a Princess personal before we could go to check in and get our sign and sail card.

 

HC people were treated poorly IMO.

 

From here HC people were out into these rooms..it was cubicle like rooms, so you really couldn't talk with others unless you wanted to yell thru the walls.

 

Carnival - We have used Tampa and Miami and LOVED both ports. Carnival wins hand down on embarking!!

 

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The Ship in General - The Regal is a brand new ship and I swear you got on and it had that new car smell still LOL and it is GORGEOUS! Regal is like High Class Vegas Decor whereas Carnival is like Vegas. If that makes sense.

 

Was one better then the other??

 

Not in our opinion we have enjoy Conquest, Paradise, Legend and Inspiration (2) as well as Regal Princess and we loved the decor in all the ships. But if you are looking for more modern classy Regal wins hands down, but if Vegasy showy is your style..then Carnival.

 

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Muster Drill - Carnival wins on this--- Princess makes you bring your life jacket (not sure what for not like we put them on) and then since EVERYONE is carrying life jackets we all had to dash back to our rooms to put them away, this resulted in the elevators being SWAMPED after the drill.

 

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FOOD!!

 

Hands down PRINCESS wins on the ice cream!! I NEVER ate ice cream on the carnival cruises (hubby did) we watched kids at those machines and taking cones out and shoving them back in the cone dispenser and argh was just bad. BUT Carnival Ice cream is open 24/7

 

Princess - Actually as a station and this nice lady gave out the cones. Hubby said the ice cream was much better on princess and of course the area wasn't run over by kids!! I did have ice cream on the Regal and I think they win hands down on the ice cream station however they are only open 10 AM till 11 PM.

 

MDR - I think the food was comparable with both companies.

Buffet - I think Princess had a better breakfast selection .

Drinks - Tea coffee water etc - I like how carnival does it, really Princess stop having the staff serve coffee tea ect. IMO it was a PIA, I drink LOTS of water and was always trying to find some or find someonr to bring us some.

 

Princess has the Cafe and AMAZINg Salads and sandwiches

 

Carnival Had Guys burgers we all know how good those are!! Carnival also had the Fish and chip station and Sushi

 

So food wise I think Carnival might be just a little ahead of Princess.

 

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Our Room - Princess wins hand down because they are very very tight with their HC rooms. When I spoke to the Cruise director on Regal he stated that passengers have actually been banned from Princess for misuse of the HC rooms. Our TA stated the same thing, that unlike carnival whom will give an HC room to anyone, Princess doesn't. They hold those room as long as possible before releasing them to the general public. Other then that, which is a big issue for someone in a wheelchair, both rooms were very similar in size and ship. Princess did have TWO outlets!

 

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Accessibility

 

It is HILARIOUS to hear able bodied people complain about accessibility LOL but HC/wheelchair access for both ships is pretty similar. Some areas you cannot access BUT man oh man I heard so MAN AB people complain about the access on Regal. Not sure why something about elevators not going all the way or not in the middle of the ship. Or maybe it was stairs. Also they complained about not being able to walk completely around the ship, I never heard these types of complaints on Carnival . Maybe someone on Regal can chirp in and explain what the access issue is on the ship..:)

 

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OK have to finish tomorrow time for bed!!

 

If you have any questions just ask.

[firerunner]

No questions or replies so I will finish this up quickly.

 

Entertainment

 

Carnival has nicer theaters then Princess, I think they probably seat the same number of passengers but princess doesn't have those tables to sit your drinks on. So the theaters seem smaller and more cramped. Also many people were sitting glasses etc on the floor and they ended up getting knocked over.

 

Carnival has more HC seats in their theaters.

 

Sea Days - Princess was a little boring for activities on sea days, they just didnt seem to have the activities that carnival does.

 

Performance - I think both Carnival and Princess are pretty equal here, BUT Carnival has the adult comedian show where as Princess did not. We enjoy the comedians! So in my opinions based on theater lay out and Comedians Carnival wins this!

 

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Casino

 

They both happily took our money But I wonder if Princess has better air circulation for the smoke was barely noticeable in the Casino, Carnival it is like walking into a smoke house, and you leave the casino and your clothes smell like it. YUK! Yup Princess gets this one..:)

 

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Passengers -

 

On every Carnival cruises we have met/seen/heard drunks. Doesnt bother us but they are there. Carnival is also a younger crowd and more kids/family type crowds.

 

Princess was older more refined. A quieter crowd, not the party type, so it seemed. It seemed like everyone we talked to had adult children whereas Carnival it seemed most people had young children.

 

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Shopping, Drinks, Pictures

 

Shopping was about the same, same type of stores, candy booze, cigs etc. I do not think they pushed the drinks as hard on Princess as they do on Carnival.

 

Pictures - Believe it or not I have NEVER had an issue on either cruise lines with pictures.

 

In this area I think Carnival and Princess are pretty equal.

 

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Price

 

Pfft Based on this cruise and my two upcoming cruises, Carnival wins this!

Princess is more costly but, our two upcoming cruises with them are booked due to the itinerary and not the cost.

 

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Final thoughts.

 

Honestly, I do not think there was that much of a difference between the two cruise lines. With Carnival you get more bang for your buck with Princess you get a quieter cruise. I really think it is a personal choice. Nothing really stood out to make me say HEY Carnival/Princess is better.

 

As it stands now, Carnival will be our cruise of choice as long as they offer the itinerary we want. We enjoy the more rambunctious crowds and even the kids. But we would also not rule our Princess (especially since we have two cruises booked with them!)

 

Hoped this help anyone that is comparing cruise lines!

 

Have a great night

[Cherrys]

Thanks for the detailed comparison. I have been wondering what it's like over at princess!

[love my grandkids]

We have done about 30 cruises on Carnival 1 on Princess with a second coming up. A few thoughts

 

Bread and rolls Princess far superior as their bread actually has a great taste and crust.

 

Loved the cafe on deck 3 of promenade wish Carnival had it.

 

When you carry your life jacket to muster people take it more seriously. People dont pay attention on Carnival. Also Princess will scan your sign and sail card to make sure everyone attends and they know who skipped it.

 

Entertainment more sophisticated on Princess with classical music that you would never find on Carnival. Was nice for a change.

 

Much more comedy on Carnival.

 

Games during the day and evening much more imaginative on Princess.

 

Food in general pretty even. Thought Carnival steakhouse better than Princess grill.

 

Overall both put out a very nice product but think Princess for at least our one 15 day cruise was a cut above.

[Tapi]

Honestly, I do not think there was that much of a difference between the two cruise lines.

 

 

I respectfully differ. We took our first Princess cruise last September and our opinion was that there's no fair comparison between the two. While Carnival offers a great cruise for budget seekers, we thought that Princess offered a considerably better experience, specially for those who appreciate the small details, a more refined cruise, a more diverse and innovative menu, better quality and varied entertainment, more tasteful and elegant ambiance and decor, less obtrusive and more professional staff, and worldlier itineraries.

 

For us, from the moment we flawlessly checked in at the port of Los Angeles at the hands of a very professional and courteous staff, until we participated in the silent debarkation on the last day, we were impressed with so many details that made our Princess cruise superior than most other cruises that we've ever taken.

 

Is Princess a better choice for everybody? Absolutely not. While we had an absolutely wonderful time and would sail on them again without hesitation, they wouldn't be our cruise line of choice if we are traveling with our very active small children. Also, I wouldn't recommend Princess to the "burgers and fries" crowd. They would probably find the food inedible, the ambiance too stuffy, and most details would go unperceived. Some people enjoy Guy's Burgers, others the International Cafe. Some enjoy the ever-changing neon, wild colors and flashy Farcus decor on Carnival's atriums, others enjoy the subdued and understated elegance of Princess' Piazzas. Some enjoy DJ's blasting hip hop by the pool deck, others enjoy piped in classical music throughout the ship. It's all a matter of personal choice.

 

Respectfully, any time I read a comparison that concludes that two cruise lines are more alike than different, I more often than not disagree. Whether the comparison is between Carnival, Royal, Princess, Holland, Cunard, Costa, or several others, there are sizable differences. Whether the reviewer has the ability to recognize or even care about what truly differentiates these cruise lines is a different story.

Edited May 12, 2015 by Tapi

[sjn911]

Respectfully agree with Tapi, on feeling the cruiselines are different... but at the end of the day...we are all soooo individual and that good ship and line,,,,,can move with our capacity for challenges and how many not good "whatever" situations daily are accentuated more in our vacations....I want them better than every day life. I really understand when folks see the similarities more than the differences when so many things added up to a plus...with the least minuses at a price that allows going more.

 

I think one is most fortunate if they enjoy the differences and shop for deals and budget as much as possible also giving what style you want for any cruise consideration and creating the time and budget over life to enjoy and know those differences...sometimes Carnival feels and delivers plenty nice enough and great people togetherness..cruising casual with friend and family, usually at best price.....sometimes one wants more refined hotel feel...for a few hundred more..and the price to capacity changing prices keep one happily busy comparing.

 

Op you are positive and really appreciated what you saw and felt. Especially on the service when liked and when too much. And as a HC positive soul how all that went. I have growing arthritis with some other issues and praying I will get through without wheelchair..mom had it some of time at very end ..I really appreciate your observations on how that all was handled..willingness not to let it cloud your cruise....

 

I have wondered about how soon those HC cabins become avbx and how the cruiselines really handle it..

 

Some try to get bigger room with no need...sometimes they really are avbx at the 30 day point and let them go is my hope..with bump ability up to last minute if a handicapped person wants a last minute fare...thanks so for your valid comments.

[legion3]

they wouldn't be our cruise line of choice if we are traveling with our very active small children.

 

 

THIS!!!!

 

Nothing I have seen even on Princess's newest ships could beat the Breeze class for younger active kids. As long as my kids are young then the choices are Carnival, NCL, and Royal (if the prices were better) and looking forward to the new MSC Seaside when finished.

 

Princess would be for my wife and me, later as we don't cruise without the kids at this point.

 

I would love a Pacific coastal on Princess and I'm sure my kids would have fun but not the fun they had on the Breeze. But in the Caribbean I doubt I would even consider Princess.

[ready2cruzagain]

I have to agree with Tapi also. To me there is no comparison. Are you comparing a Princess 3 day cruise to an equivalent Carnival 3 day cruise?

 

When it comes to the entertainment, Princess wins hands down.

 

6 bands on Princess compared to maybe 1 band on Carnival.

 

Old school production shows on Princess where as Carnival now has the minimal dancers with light show and piped in music. Oh and live orchestra on Princess.

 

Princess had a show or entertainer every night where as our last 3 cruises Carnival had Hasbro the game show as main entertainment on 2 nights out of a 7 night cruise.

 

Muster drill....yes you have to take your life jacket but with Princess we have always been at an inside lounge where as with Carnival, we have always been outside on the hot deck lines up in rows of 4 deep, not a fun experience and seemed like no one was paying attention.

 

We have never had problems finding entertainment on sea days with Princess. They have all kinds of games in the atrium and also at the pool. Carnival on the other hand was lacking our last 3 cruises. Seems as though Trivia was the main entertainment.

 

Food is very subjective to each individual but I will say that our lobster on Princess made Carnivals lobster look like shrimp. (Had just gotten off a Carnival ship and went straight to a Princess ship so was very easy to compare).

 

Everyone's opinion is different but I really would like to know if you are comparing a 3 day cruise on Princess with a 3 day cruise on Carnival or are you comparing a 3 day cruise on Princess with a 7 day cruise....quite a bit of difference between shorter and longer cruises.

Edited May 12, 2015 by ready2cruzagain

[legion3]

on our Breeze cruise our lifeboat drill was in the theater, I didn't see anybody muster outside. Perhaps they did but most muster stations seemed in big rooms.

[love my grandkids]

It was nice on Princess to see old style production shows and not the production playlist thing.

 

Cannot believe Carnival is offering Hasbro as the only evening entertainment in main lounge on two nights.

[legion3]

It was nice on Princess to see old style production shows and not the production playlist thing.

 

Cannot believe Carnival is offering Hasbro as the only evening entertainment in main lounge on two nights.

 

Umm no it was actually in the afternoon, our evening shows were singing and dancing, and such. Had a hypnotist one night. Never saw Hasbro at night

[cruise_mojo]

we've been on a wad o carnival cruises, only one princess but several others as well

 

We thought Princess still qualified as upscale to Carnival when we crusied the Crown Princess for our 30th anniversary. Less Kids, more sedate, food a bit better overall. A certain formality to service that reminded us of ALL cruising in the 80's.

 

That being said, ask anyone that crusied Princess back in the day and they would probably cry about the sliding of standards!

 

That is industry wide it seems.

 

Anyhoo, our experience tells us that Celebrity and Princess are still upscale to Carnival, Royal C and NCL.

 

Those Cruises still want to portray a higher standard of formality and service, quality of the food, etc.

 

To us, it seems that RCI, Carnival and NCL all provide pretty much the same product. They just present it a bit differently. Each having strengths ands weaknesses that vary across their lines.

 

Each cruise line has a mix of older and newer ships and actually styles of cruising within their brands. You will not get the same cruise on the Fantasy that you get on the Liberty with Carnival. Nor the same with RCI's Brilliance that you get on the Enchantment as we just found. Similar for sure, but each ship and crew does have its own character as well as the expected differences in the ship's design too.

 

For the Handicap, years ago it was for sure a big struggle on any ship. Today their needs are much more planned for. Royal also works well with a scooter rental company. Our cruises with RCI have always had lots of people with rented "hoverround" type scooters as well as wheel chairs and electric wheel chairs too.

 

Both my wife and me have had some mobility issues lately. Wifey just off her second knee replacement and I have been struggling with a pinched nerve deal this spring. We both took canes on this last cruise as well as our dec cruise. MUCH BETTER, than having my wife wheeled off our June cruise last year after her knee went out! A blessing that we'd gotten one of those Accessable rooms in a last minute booking with Carnival. :o

[cruise_mojo]

WE LOVE the comedy too on Carnival and always look forward to hitting several shows during the cruise and always that last night comedy when everyone else is packing up their stuff!

 

:):):)

[ready2cruzagain]

Umm no it was actually in the afternoon, our evening shows were singing and dancing, and such. Had a hypnotist one night. Never saw Hasbro at night

 

hmmm...yes, at least on the Conquest it was 2 nights main entertainment. Different ships vary.

[Crusin Hogs]

THIS!!!!

 

Nothing I have seen even on Princess's newest ships could beat the Breeze class for younger active kids. As long as my kids are young then the choices are Carnival, NCL, and Royal (if the prices were better) and looking forward to the new MSC Seaside when finished.

 

Princess would be for my wife and me, later as we don't cruise without the kids at this point.

 

I would love a Pacific coastal on Princess and I'm sure my kids would have fun but not the fun they had on the Breeze. But in the Caribbean I doubt I would even consider Princess.

 

He was on Princess' newest ship ,and compared to some of Carnival's 15 year old plus ship's , Compare it to The Dream Class ,Dream ,Magic , Breeze ,The newest Carnival has to offer , Big difference over the antiques in the line .

[legion3]

hmmm...yes, at least on the Conquest it was 2 nights main entertainment. Different ships vary.

 

 

Ahhh, another reason not to sail on the antiquated ;) conquest style ships.

[AngAndBoys]

From the sounds of things, I better stick with Carnival. While I do like and appreciate luxury and upscale food, my mentality is more burgers and fries. I've looked at some of the more upscale lines and decided not to try them because I'm pretty sure I'll be bored with the more sedate atmosphere. I have done NCL several times and will do at least one more on Vista, but they don't really have the same "fun" atmosphere as Carnival either. For me, most reviews I see on other lines, positive or negative, sort of prove to me that while other lines have some really great features, Carnival is my best fit. Thanks for taking the time. :D

[love my grandkids]

hmmm...yes, at least on the Conquest it was 2 nights main entertainment. Different ships vary.

 

I cannot believe that Carnival has cheapened their entertainment to do Hasbro two evenings in main lounge.

 

For a 10 year old this is awesome entertainment, for adults seriously?:(

[ready2cruzagain]

I cannot believe that Carnival has cheapened their entertainment to do Hasbro two evenings in main lounge.

 

For a 10 year old this is awesome entertainment, for adults seriously?:(

 

I think it has a lot to do with the CD. We had Gary Brierley and I must say he was the worst CD we have ever had. Lack of entertainment was a great way of describing him. We were on the Conquest for 3 weeks on a b2b2b and must say went to Princess after that. Trying Carnival again next year because of the Journeys cruises. Love the itineraries. Hoping entertainment will be better.

[winddawn]

I have cruised out of Fort Lauderdale twice in the last 9 months. Once on Carnival and once on HAL. Both embarkations at this port were the worst I've experienced in a long time. Traffic cops throttle traffic from entering the drop-off area at the port causing long lines to form. That isn't much fun when you are sitting in a taxi with the meter running. I will not cruise from Fort Lauderdale again any time soon because of their slow, disorganized embarkation.

Edited May 12, 2015 by winddawn

[Lurkyloo]

I have done 2 Princess cruises - one a 7 day, and one 4 day. While I had a great time, I didn't think the food was as good, and they seemed a bit disorganized. Matre' D on the 7 day was an ass. We had booked way in advance and linked with 2 other couples for early seating dinner and we got stuck in late seating alone. We went to speak with him the minute we got on ship - wasted our first hour on board waiting to talk to him. He basically said "tough luck". We went over his head and ended up sitting with our friends.

 

Enjoyed both cruises immensely, ships were lovely, rooms nice, service was great (with a few glitches). Didn't think the food was near as good as Carnival but wasn't bad. I just found that they seemed disorganized in some ways - I like Carnival better.

Edited May 12, 2015 by Lurkyloo

[love my grandkids]

Ahhh, another reason not to sail on the antiquated ;) conquest style ships.

 

Actually reason not to sail on ships that have gone to playlist productions and hasbro.

 

At least they have the comedy club so we have good entertainment (usually) for 4 nights of the cruise.

[guxu]

Princess offered a considerably better experience, specially for those who appreciate the small details.

Exactly! To me, serving drink in buffet is a nice touch. Last time we were on Princess, the chef behind the buffet actually talked to us introducing some dishes. Never saw that in any Carnival cruises.

 

But of course even Princess changed. In our first Princess cruise (our 1st cruise too), we had practically 24-hour buffet with lobster in it. :(

[Cherrys]

From the sounds of things, I better stick with Carnival. While I do like and appreciate luxury and upscale food, my mentality is more burgers and fries. I've looked at some of the more upscale lines and decided not to try them because I'm pretty sure I'll be bored with the more sedate atmosphere. I have done NCL several times and will do at least one more on Vista, but they don't really have the same "fun" atmosphere as Carnival either. For me, most reviews I see on other lines, positive or negative, sort of prove to me that while other lines have some really great features, Carnival is my best fit. Thanks for taking the time. :D

 

 

I'm with you!

[firerunner]

Thanks for the replies!

 

As stated I have been on ONE princess Cruise (with two more booked) compared to FIVE Carnival.

 

We liked both cruise lines but there are differences, only you can put a value/price on those differences and whether it will make or break your cruise line choice.

 

We really do like the livelier atmosphere on Carnival..:)