Question for more experienced cruisers

[rjl1977]

I haven't cruised much but I've recently come to a point where I can cruise more often. I will be right around 40 days towards platinum with Carnival or I can go to the 30 night tier with RCCL and get equal perks. I've only sailed western Caribbean and Bahamas itinerary and I look forward to Eastrn and Southern Caribbean, and other itinerarys. RCCL has more activities to do on board, but costs more with less ports most of the time. Should I stay with Carnival or make the switch?

[smyliecruising]

It sounds like you've sailed them both which is awesome Which one do you like best? I would try to reach the highest perk level on both;)

[rjl1977]

I've only sailed on Carnival, but researched RCCL perks based off another post I read on this board and I looked at the boat at the nearest port to me. I might do a cruise on each line next year and compare them.

[noelbows]

I might do a cruise on each line next year and compare them.

 

I've cruised on both. There are benefits to both, but I prefer more bang for my buck and chose Carnival. I have one sister who prefers RCCL and another who prefers NCL. What is good for me may not be Good for you... For that reason I agree you should try Both next year and decide for yourself.

[Micahs Grandad]

I would do a cruise or two on both and decide which one you like better

[RWolver672]

We are probably in the minority here but we don't cruise for perks. We cruise to see different ports and how much fun we can have on the ship. We tried RCL and wasn't impressed at all. Maybe because it was out of San Juan and had a wider variety of passengers on it but they all seemed stuffy. We've cruised 8 times on Carnival and never noticed stuffy passengers once. For that, we've stuck with Carnival and have always had a great time.

Edited March 27, 2016 by RWolver672

[antique sailor]

AHOY SHIPMATE

 

I think I fit the" experienced cruiser category" so will give my thoughts.

 

A consideration you didn't mention was the accessability to ports and ships from your home. That can make a great difference in cost.

 

I am Platinum on Carnival and really enjoy the perks that go with it. I am familiar with the Carnival training program of Staff and crew stressing FUN for all guests and can see that it makes for a very nice consistency in the experience that you have when aboard. Food is also not bad.

 

I have cruised on Royal Carib. and the attitude of staff varies from trip to trip, food is about the same and cost is slightly higher. Shows are probably better but CASINO does not offer good odds to players if that is of interest to you.

 

Based on MY EXPERIENCE I would recommend CARNIVAL.

 

ONCE you decide, if you are going to cruise regularly it would be a good idea to get a Carnival Master charge credit card (no fee) and Buy 100 shares of Carnival Cruise stock(approx $5,000.) to get the shipboard credit ($50-$250) as a stockholder on each cruise you take depending on length of cruise. It also pays about 3% a year in dividends.

 

Should you decide on RC the same applies about getting stock (it costs a bit more but is good ) They may also have a credit card, most cruise lines do and they give you DOUBLE pts for each $ spent on their ships etc. any more questions , just ask. good luck.

[Je Souhaite]

I haven't cruised much but I've recently come to a point where I can cruise more often. I will be right around 40 days towards platinum with Carnival or I can go to the 30 night tier with RCCL and get equal perks. I've only sailed western Caribbean and Bahamas itinerary and I look forward to Eastrn and Southern Caribbean, and other itinerarys. RCCL has more activities to do on board, but costs more with less ports most of the time. Should I stay with Carnival or make the switch?

 

I just happen to appreciate sailing with others who appreciate spending a little more for a better experience. But we have never sailed for perks. If they were there, fine. But never thought about cruising a particular line to get them.

[Micahs Grandad]

AHOY SHIPMATE

 

I think I fit the" experienced cruiser category" so will give my thoughts.

 

A consideration you didn't mention was the accessability to ports and ships from your home. That can make a great difference in cost.

 

I am Platinum on Carnival and really enjoy the perks that go with it. I am familiar with the Carnival training program of Staff and crew stressing FUN for all guests and can see that it makes for a very nice consistency in the experience that you have when aboard. Food is also not bad.

 

I have cruised on Royal Carib. and the attitude of staff varies from trip to trip, food is about the same and cost is slightly higher. Shows are probably better but CASINO does not offer good odds to players if that is of interest to you.

 

Based on MY EXPERIENCE I would recommend CARNIVAL.

 

ONCE you decide, if you are going to cruise regularly it would be a good idea to get a Carnival Master charge credit card (no fee) and Buy 100 shares of Carnival Cruise stock(approx $5,000.) to get the shipboard credit ($50-$250) as a stockholder on each cruise you take depending on length of cruise. It also pays about 3% a year in dividends.

 

Should you decide on RC the same applies about getting stock (it costs a bit more but is good ) They may also have a credit card, most cruise lines do and they give you DOUBLE pts for each $ spent on their ships etc. any more questions , just ask. good luck.

 

agree with most of your thoughts but much better credit cards out there than the carnival m/c. For example sams m/c gives 3% to all travel charges where Carnival is only 1%.regular and 2% Carnival purchases.

Edited March 27, 2016 by Micah's Grandad

[antique sailor]

agree with most of your thoughts but much better credit cards out there than the carnival m/c. For example sams m/c gives 3% to all travel charges where Carnival is only 1%.regular and 2% Carnival purchases.

 

AHOY Shipmate,

I only discussed CREDIT CARDS as they pertained to the Cruise L ines mentioned. Other credit cards are like mixing apples and oranges and easily confusing when comparing % with $ . and how extensively you use them.

 

SEA YA

[nealstuber]

We're Platinum on Carnival and Emerald with RCCL. We would never let the loyalty perks be the deciding factor in our cruise. We look for the right price at a drive to port with the cabin class and location we want . We will pay a little more for RCCL's ships and entertainment.

[Podna's]

We are probably in the minority here but we don't cruise for perks. We cruise to see different ports and how much fun we can have on the ship. We tried RCL and wasn't impressed at all. Maybe because it was out of San Juan and had a wider variety of passengers on it but they all seemed stuffy. We've cruised 8 times on Carnival and never noticed stuffy passengers once. For that, we've stuck with Carnival and have always had a great time.

 

 

No you're not in the minority. Lots of people cruise for the experience not the perks. Having cruised 3 different cruise lines I also get my best vacation experience from Carnival. As for op, I'd still give RCL a shot and see what's his personal preference.

[TC Cruiser]

I would just split between the two cruise lines and choose itineraries that take you to new ports. Both cruise lines have a lot to offer and I wouldn't let the perks be a deciding factor.

 

Also, if you wanted a different experience, try the west coast. I've only done one cruise out of LA but it was a nice change of pace. Replace all of the Caribbean themes with a Mexican theme, for example. Also, we enjoyed a balcony for the price of an interior stateroom. One ship isn't enough of an example but those itineraries seemed less expensive than Caribbean cruises.

[golfb4cruzing]

We are probably in the minority here but we don't cruise for perks. We cruise to see different ports and how much fun we can have on the ship. We tried RCL and wasn't impressed at all. Maybe because it was out of San Juan and had a wider variety of passengers on it but they all seemed stuffy. We've cruised 8 times on Carnival and never noticed stuffy passengers once. For that, we've stuck with Carnival and have always had a great time.

We are the same for cruising for destinations. The ship is a place to eat and be mildly entertained. Personally I'd go with Princess but they are rarely mentioned here. Their pool and hot tubs are fresh water and they have the 24 hour IC. Room Service is an option but takes too long. After a day in the ocean, do I really want to relax in a saltwater bath. Perks are minimal on Carnival and we have no desire to try mega RC. Perks are better on Princess but we are one trip away from enjoying them.

[cruiseonthebrain]

If you have the time and the means, then take some time to enjoy different cruise lines and ships and ports. Then decide if you want to choose cruises based on a loyalty program or other factors. Have fun!!!

[js]

I wouldnt let the loyality perks dictate what line I cruise but I do let booking perks sometimes dictate. I booked NCL for my next two cruises since We have "free" beverage and dining package.

 

I enjoy RCCL and one cruise away from Diamond, so Im Emerald too, but what Im paying for a spa balcony on NCL with unlimited beverage package for two and specialty dining, Im still paying less than a comparable RCCL sailing.

[elliair]

I haven't cruised much but I've recently come to a point where I can cruise more often. I will be right around 40 days towards platinum with Carnival or I can go to the 30 night tier with RCCL and get equal perks. I've only sailed western Caribbean and Bahamas itinerary and I look forward to Eastrn and Southern Caribbean, and other itinerarys. RCCL has more activities to do on board, but costs more with less ports most of the time. Should I stay with Carnival or make the switch?

 

It depends. If you want to make platinum then stay with Carnival. Once you meet platinum then cruise on RCCL and reach the next tier. We're platinum on Carnival and only 10 cruise days away from reaching elite on Princess. In May we're cruising on Carnival to Alaska. We could have cruised on Princess but we've been on the same Princess ships and had never been on the Carnival Legend. So either way we get perks on both cruise lines.

[CGinMTL]

We are probably in the minority here but we don't cruise for perks. We cruise to see different ports and how much fun we can have on the ship. We tried RCL and wasn't impressed at all. Maybe because it was out of San Juan and had a wider variety of passengers on it but they all seemed stuffy. We've cruised 8 times on Carnival and never noticed stuffy passengers once. For that, we've stuck with Carnival and have always had a great time.

 

I agree. we are not loyal to a brand and over the years, have started to get status on all. However, I have to admit that since we made diamond on RCI, the value of the perks does come into play when we are shopping for a cruise.

.

This is my comparison.

Carnival is an 8/10

RCI is a 9/10

if the price difference is worth the extra rating....... go for it.

If you are happy with the 8 for the price, then go with carnival.

[dacsmom]

You don't mention if you cruise solo or with others. One nice perk from RCI is if you sail solo you get double points. I switch back and forth between RCI and Carnival. Right now RCI is a bit pricey for solos. I got some pretty good deals on Carnival.