Can you compare these 2 cruise lines.

[6 of us]

I am very curious to know what the differences are between Royal Caribbean & Carnival. People have told me that they are VERY different in every single way. I have even been told that the clientele of the 2 lines is vastly different. I would like your thoughts, thank you.

[Big_G]

I am very curious to know what the differences are between Royal Caribbean & Carnival. People have told me that they are VERY different in every single way. I have even been told that the clientele of the 2 lines is vastly different. I would like your thoughts, thank you.

 

I think for the most part you probably heard wrong. I'd say the ships and shows are better on Royal but the demographic of the passengers is about the same. I wouldn't compare food because it's subjective and I've never had bad food on any line.

[Clarea]

Some threads to read:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/search.php?searchid=72244409

[jkrislc]

In my opinion, the difference really is ship specific. In terms of service, I have good and mediocre service on both. Carnival seemed to nickel and dime a bit more, but also permitted water and soda to be brought onboard by policy. While Royal normally allows it, it is technically against their policy.

 

The main dining room quality was about the same overall, but I enjoyed the noon time dining more on Carnival and the larger number of included choices. My son also liked the late night parties that the kids club offered on Carnival, but these were an extra charge. Personally, I liked the clubs better on Royal overall.

[LuvBNatC]

I've sailed on both lines and I prefer Royal Caribbean. Royal doesn't promote itself as being an "anything goes" kind of line, the way Carnival does.

 

Carnival definitely does attract a younger crowd, and has no problem with parties getting loud and wild.

 

The times I've seen passengers really behaving badly (fighting, screaming profanities, throwing up in the corridors) were all on Carnival.

 

And I've found Royal's crews generally to be friendlier and more accommodating. The only times I've ever been rudely scolded by crew members was on Carnival. (MSC was a close second on that.)

 

The ships themselves are lovely. The food is passable. Those are toss-ups.

[amiller2850]

In my opinion, the difference really is ship specific. In terms of service, I have good and mediocre service on both. Carnival seemed to nickel and dime a bit more, but also permitted water and soda to be brought onboard by policy. While Royal normally allows it, it is technically against their policy.

 

 

 

The main dining room quality was about the same overall, but I enjoyed the noon time dining more on Carnival and the larger number of included choices. My son also liked the late night parties that the kids club offered on Carnival, but these were an extra charge. Personally, I liked the clubs better on Royal overall.

 

 

Late night parties are also on RCCL ships for an extra charge. Sometimes on RCCL they open the arcade for free for the kids.

 

 

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[amiller2850]

We normally use RCCL but have also sailed celebrity, HAL, and carnival. Comparing carnival to RCCL was like comparing Walmart to Kohls. Service on carnival was awful. No edible food on our ship. Cleanliness was deplorable. Same food plates on the deck and bathroom mess found next day... The ship then had norovirus outbreak next 2 cruises and was barred from docking in Canadian port because virus came on shore. Shows were horrible on carnival. Marilyn Manson music in bondage costumes... Couldn't bring kids at all... Kids club employees on carnival had no patience for kids or parents. We stood around the wall one day after dropping kids off and heard them speaking to the kids really rudely. We will never sail carnival again and will stay with RCCL. the employees on RCCL have always been wonderful, more attention to detail and cleanliness, better shows, etc. overall a better product IMO. Prices are similar also so you aren't overpaying or a better product.

 

 

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[sailingwithfriends]

I admit a get a little upset when I read people making negative comments about a cruise line or a specific ship when they have never experienced the ship. I have been on both cruiselines.I have another cruise on a RCCL in 9 days. I have a cruise booked for next summer on Carnival. Here are my opinions based upon the ships I have sailed.

 

I believe the professional entertainment on RCCL is superior to Carnivals. I believe that the audience participation entertainment is equal on both lines. I have really enjoyed the cruise director and entertainment staff on Carnival more than RCCL.

 

I believe the food is better on Carnival in the main dining room. My opinion is RCCL buffet has more options and better food .I like that there is 24 hour a day ice cream and pizza for snacks on Carnival. Carnival offers a lot more variety of foods that are included in the cost of the cruise. Carnivals desserts are far superior to RCCL.

 

The cost of mixed drinks is cheaper on CCL. You can also bring your own water and soft drinks on board at embarkation.

 

I believe that the overall appearance of the cruise ship is a step above on the newer RCCL ships. CCL is improving the decor on their newer ships that are very nice. I haven't been on an older RCCL ship, so I can't compare it with an older CCL ship. I know many people enjoy the serenity adult only sections on CCL.

 

Both cruiselines are clean. I have not witnessed the mess that I read others stated they saw on CCL.

 

The employees on both lines have been very friendly and great workers. The only time I have been unhappy with an employee was on RCCL Freedom of the Sea. The wait staff was under a lot of stress and it showed in how they treated us. I am one person that enjoys the dining room entertainment on CCL.

 

Both Carnival and RCCL had comfortable beds. I think the linens are better on CCL. I also think I had more square footage and storage space on my cabins on CCL.

 

As far as the types of passengers that you will encounter on the ships, I think the 7+ day cruises attract very similar types of people on both cruiselines. Carnival offers short cruises that tend to attract a paper crowd. Some people have referred to them a "booze cruises". Not everyone on the short cruises are constantly partying, but there are a lot.

 

I admit I select my cruises based upon the price. I can not see why I should spend hundreds of dollars more to travel exclusively on RCCL when I have always enjoyed my cruises on CCL. I prefer to save money on the cruise itself and spend money on excursions.

 

I do believe if you travel on one of Carnival's newer ships or one of the ships that have the 2.0 upgrades, you will find them comparable to RCCL ships. I have not traveled on one of RCCL mega-ships yet, but I can only guess that Carnival has nothing that can even compare to them.

[jkrislc]

Late night parties are also on RCCL ships for an extra charge. Sometimes on RCCL they open the arcade for free for the kids.

 

 

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They have late night child care on Royal; Carnival offers themed parties like pirate, glow, etc. and the kids leave with a goodie bag. Very different overall but ends up costing more on Carnival as you pay for the full night rather than by the hour on those select nights. Carnival also had a kids dinner very night. This wasn't available every night on our Jewel cruise.

[dacsmom]

Very well put, sailingwithfriends. I have found the lines to be more similar than different, each line does things well and each does some things not so well. It all depends on each ship. I have had wonderful cruises on RCI and also on Carnival. Some people are very brand loyal, and there is nothing wrong with that at all. Go on each line and see which you prefer, every person had different things they find important.

[ryano]

I admit a get a little upset when I read people making negative comments about a cruise line or a specific ship when they have never experienced the ship. I have been on both cruiselines.I have another cruise on a RCCL in 9 days. I have a cruise booked for next summer on Carnival. Here are my opinions based upon the ships I have sailed.

 

I believe the professional entertainment on RCCL is superior to Carnivals. I believe that the audience participation entertainment is equal on both lines. I have really enjoyed the cruise director and entertainment staff on Carnival more than RCCL.

 

I believe the food is better on Carnival in the main dining room. My opinion is RCCL buffet has more options and better food .I like that there is 24 hour a day ice cream and pizza for snacks on Carnival. Carnival offers a lot more variety of foods that are included in the cost of the cruise. Carnivals desserts are far superior to RCCL.

 

The cost of mixed drinks is cheaper on CCL. You can also bring your own water and soft drinks on board at embarkation.

 

I believe that the overall appearance of the cruise ship is a step above on the newer RCCL ships. CCL is improving the decor on their newer ships that are very nice. I haven't been on an older RCCL ship, so I can't compare it with an older CCL ship. I know many people enjoy the serenity adult only sections on CCL.

 

Both cruiselines are clean. I have not witnessed the mess that I read others stated they saw on CCL.

 

The employees on both lines have been very friendly and great workers. The only time I have been unhappy with an employee was on RCCL Freedom of the Sea. The wait staff was under a lot of stress and it showed in how they treated us. I am one person that enjoys the dining room entertainment on CCL.

 

Both Carnival and RCCL had comfortable beds. I think the linens are better on CCL. I also think I had more square footage and storage space on my cabins on CCL.

 

As far as the types of passengers that you will encounter on the ships, I think the 7+ day cruises attract very similar types of people on both cruiselines. Carnival offers short cruises that tend to attract a paper crowd. Some people have referred to them a "booze cruises". Not everyone on the short cruises are constantly partying, but there are a lot.

 

I admit I select my cruises based upon the price. I can not see why I should spend hundreds of dollars more to travel exclusively on RCCL when I have always enjoyed my cruises on CCL. I prefer to save money on the cruise itself and spend money on excursions.

 

I do believe if you travel on one of Carnival's newer ships or one of the ships that have the 2.0 upgrades, you will find them comparable to RCCL ships. I have not traveled on one of RCCL mega-ships yet, but I can only guess that Carnival has nothing that can even compare to them.

 

Very nicely done :) I generally dont comment on these threads as my only Carnival experience was a first cruise on a really old ship that is no longer even in their fleet. You know what though? Holiday is what HOOKED me on cruising and I would NOT hesitate to cruise with CCL again!

[6 of us]

I really appreciate your helpful info & kind attitudes. I do know that everyone has their own opinion & you really do have to cruise the line yourself, but it does help me to hear the stories of differences people notice.

 

We have cruised Carnival for years & I hate to say this but the clientele has gotten so wild & rude that we want to change. The last 3 cruises people have been amazingly inconsiderate. Now i know jerks are everywhere, but this was over the top. Yelling at the cabin stewards, men grabbing strangers as they walked by them on the lido deck & "twerking" on them. Smoking literally everywhere & trying to hide it because they know it isn't allowed. During the muster drill, which is no fun & I get that, the adults are so out of control rude, yelling at the poor staff, running off, cutting up & causing hundreds of people to have to wait. I totally get partying & having fun & I have no problem with people getting a little wild, but it seemed that large groups of the passengers on that line have gotten over the top rude, not just people having fun. I understand it is their vacation & they have a right to be there & do whatever, but I too have a right to be there & not be subjected to it. Wearing only bra's (yeah, no top) to run down the cabin hallway or to the buffet to grab something & take back to the room. Guess I'm just not that kind of person.

[silentbob007]

A lot depends on where you are sailing from, the length of the cruise, and the time of year when it comes to clientel. I'd be interested in sailing a new Carnival ship just to see the post-Farcus era decorating along with the 2.0 amenities like Guy's Burgers.

[6 of us]

Guy's Burgers is yum!

[DebJ14]

I'm Diamond on both lines and have been on 55 cruises across many lines.

 

We have stopped sailing Carnival as the demographic has really sunk to the lowest level of passengers. We stayed off them for a few years and were lured back by a free cruise, but decided that even if free Carnival is just not our cup of tea anymore. We are getting older and not as willing to put up with the nonsense and the high noise level on Carnival.

 

We have been sailing Princess, RCCL and MSC for the past few years. We are going back to NCL to try the Haven next year.

 

RCCL passengers still seem to be a few notches above those on Carnival. There don't seem to be as many people who have to scrimp and save for years for a cruise on RCCL as there are on Carnival. Also, we always encounter lots of professionals on RCCL and Princess and rarely come across a doctor, dentist or attorney on Carnival.

 

We prefer the Windjammer on RCCL to the Lido restaurant on Carnival because it is just laid out so much better and the drink system avoids blocking the main walkway. The seating is just so much nicer too. Although, I do have to admit that Guys Burgers and Blue Iguana Cantina on Carnival are great. The floors on the Lido restaurants on the Dream Class ships on Carnival are super slippery and I have fallen, and seen lots of others fall too.

 

To me the passengers on RCCL seem more similar to Princess than to Carnival.

 

There are fewer dress code violations on Princess, but still lots of well dressed people at dinner on RCCL. Dinner at Carnival most nights looked like they are going to a picnic in the park.

 

MDR food is a toss up. Service has been good to excellent on both lines. The Carnival Steakhouse is much better than Chops, but we like Giovanni's Table much more than Cucina Capitano.

 

Suite perks are non-existent on Carnival, except for priority embarkation and debarkation which we have had for years since we hit Platinum on the first cruise they started the Platinum program back in 2005.

 

We now sail only in a suite, so that matters somewhat, although I have to say if I could I would always sail the MSC Yacht Club over RCCL or Princess, but we can't drive to reach MSC so it gets expensive with the airfare.

 

We can drive to the piers in Houston, Galveston and New Orleans with no problem.

 

The Royal Caribbean ships are so much prettier than the Carnival ships too. Some of the old Carnival ships are garish, but the newer ones are really boring and the dining rooms are ugly compared to those on RCCL. We also love the Promenades on RCCL.

 

But, everybody has a different opinion. The only way to see if a line if the one for you is to try it.

[daljcl]

:) We have sailed both several times and my family goes with Carnival hands down over Royal. We have found the rooms on deck 2 to be more spacious, the staff to be friendlier, casino with newer slots, more entertainment during the day by the pool, variety of live music at pool, and more food options during the day and night. We refer to RCCL as the Hunt for food cruise because we have found choices so limited at night.

 

They are passengers who leave much to desired on all cruises....depends on what bothers you IMHO.

 

While we prefer Carnival over RCCL and NCL, I select our yearly cruise based on dates, ports, and price.

 

Just my family's opinion......I believe any cruise is a good cruise...:D

Edited June 5, 2015 by daljcl

[bumbletigger]

I like the Wal-Mart and Kohls analogy. IMO Carnival is Wal-Mart and Royal Caribbean is More like Target to me.

 

There is nothing "wrong" with Carnival. Sometimes you want that. Royal is Target. Everything is a tad bit nicer, service, people on ship, food, and entertainment.

 

Carnival tends to be cheaper, as does Wal-Mart. You get what you pay for.

[LuCruise]

How do the daytime activities / facilities (e.g. Pools, mini golf, etc) compare?

[azgrandmax3]

I am very curious to know what the differences are between Royal Caribbean & Carnival. People have told me that they are VERY different in every single way. I have even been told that the clientele of the 2 lines is vastly different. I would like your thoughts, thank you.

With over 30 years of cruising we have traveled both lines often.

When our children were young CCl was the better choice. Everyone had kids and a lot for all ages to do. When they became teens we stopped CCL. Way too much drinking allowed including teens. Now that we travel with young grandchildren we again do CCL. CCL does a great job of offering more age groups for the kids activities. Over all we have experienced more of the over partying happening on CCL. To the point of making most evening a "get out of public areas by 10".

[OCruisers]

Difficult! Which Carnival ship to which RCCL ship makes a big difference! :rolleyes:

 

LuLu

[dacsmom]

I have sailed RCI for the last few years and am looking to book the Carnival Vista. I am well past the all night party stage of my life. I want to eat Guy's Burgers and drink adult milkshakes all week.

[garycarla]

Your responses would have been higher if you had included more in the subject line:

 

Compare Royal and Carnival or something like that.

[splash_in_the_water]

^probably

 

having been on 4 carnival cruises and 1 RCL now my first impressions are pretty consistent with the rest of the answers...

 

activities : about equal, barring more RCL ships having more things like rock wall, jumpy things, surf thinger, etc...

 

entertainment: RCL. Better music throughout the day. Better production shows...also ice and water shows

 

food: Carnival for standard MDR food, guy's burgers. I can't compare specialty resto's but I[d imagine for the upsell they're noth pretty damn good.

 

booze and drink packages: RCL has a better variety of packages and package pricing -from soda, juice and coffee, wine, beer and liquor , to everything...RCL is unlimited too...

 

ports: Probably pretty equal unless there's one you like better that the other doesn't offer

 

service: equal? room service, mdr, bartenders, guest relations, etc...similar experiences

 

 

I'm sure there are some things I'm forgetting, but this is probably the most of it...Point is for the most part if you can't find a way to have fun on either, then clearly you're doing it wrong...

[splash_in_the_water]

Difficult! Which Carnival ship to which RCCL ship makes a big difference! :rolleyes:

 

 

aside from my previous post, it's really this....it really depends a lot from ship to ship, what activities you're looking for , etc....So do your homework, ask questions about which ships you're specifically looking at, etc..you can't really compare Carnival elation to RCL's Oasis...

 

but the other part I still maintain that if you don't find a way to have fun, you're doing it wrong.

[big1515]

How did you like the Liberty of the sea ,Pros and Cons thanks Rich