Those familiar with Carnival, opinions please.

[summersigh]

RCCL is known for their "gee-whiz" amenities on board. So if you absolutely have to have a zip line, freefall wind tunnel, surf generator and so on then you may be dissapointed. Then again, the new Carnival Vista has its share of "gee-whiz" too: the first micro-brewery and IMAX theater on board a ship, as well as the Sky Ride and elevated rope course. And you're correct: The Vista's maiden voyage is on May 1st, she's only now just finished up her final sea trials.

the "gee whiz" amenities on rccl (or any line's newest, biggest ships) are mainly on their biggest ships and you pay for them with significantly higher fares.

 

CCL has a greater reputation for being a party ship but to a certain extent that's a legacy of 1980s and 90s marketing. Being cheaper or cheapest, the line does tend to attract the youngest demographic of any cruise line. But that's not to say that you can't party on a RCCL ship, either.

while rccl has a majority of middle age and up cruisers - ccl does seem to have the youngest demographic of any cruise line - and normally far more kids. 3-4 days on ccl are more like booze cruises ... longer trips not so much

 

As you might expect, Med cruises are a little more sedate than Spring Break in the Caribbean, so this difference will likely not matter for you.

 

Otherwise, I've heard it said that RCCL may have slightly better food but that CCL has the edge in service. CCL has, AFAIK, a slightly more generous smoking policy and I'd imagine would tend to be less formal in terms of dress codes.

Much less formal in terms of dress at dinner on ccl -especially formal nights

 

we've sailed both - and like both ... but there are differences in atmosphere.

service on both was excellent.

Edited March 31, 2016 by summersigh

[skidawg79]

Hello everybody,

 

I've been on only three cruises before, and all were with Royal Caribbean. I enjoyed all three quite a bit. I have only been on two different ships and both were of the Voyager class, for those familiar with the RCCL class.

 

I loved the layout, the activities, the food, the secondary dining options, the night club, bars, gym, pool areas, casino, theater, etc. Basically everything. I'm not super picky, and I felt like there was a good balance between a party atmosphere and a more sophisticated relaxed atmosphere, for whatever mood i was in at any given moment.

 

Now, I am considering a Carnival cruise on the new ship Vista sailing in the Mediterranean. Now I know the ship is brand new, and to my knowledge, has yet to set sail with the general public, but for those familiar with Carnival and maybe even Royal Caribbean as well, it would be much appreciated if you could offer your opinions as to what I might expect, compared with my past experiences on RCCL. What might be the same, what might be different. From everything to ship layout, to dining, to general atmosphere, everything and anything!

 

I will be traveling with my girlfriend, both of us are 28 years old.

 

I look forward to your responses. Thank you all!

 

I've sailed on both, granted only once on both. To be honest, you will see more similarities than differences. Maybe you won't see singing and dancing in the Dining room on RCCL. I was on the Oasis of the Seas with RCCL and the Carnival Valor with Carnival. Ship wise, obviously there was no comparison, the largest ship on water compared to the Valor. However, I found myself liking the Valor every bit as much as the Oasis of the Seas if not better.

 

Differences that i can remember....

-rooms felt bigger on Carnival (not sure if they actually are, they just felt bigger, i had a balcony on both).

-midnight Pizza was better on Carnival.

-Not much of one to comment on the entertainers, they were both pretty good, maybe a little better on RCCL (that's just my 1 experience).

-Announcements were more annoying on carnival

-Singing and dancing in the dining room on carnival (which I kinda like, except Gangham Star, i would not be upset if that song was never played again).

 

Layout of ship is hard to compare considering the two ships i was on. I liked the comedy on Carnival (except for one guy...he was just...well not funny)

 

As far as people, i honestly think you won't see much of a difference. There are partiers and more mellow people on every cruise. The wildcard is that it is a Mediterranean cruise. Never been on a cruise over there, so the clientele could be totally different than from what i know.

 

Go have fun, i tried Carnival after two cruises (one with princess and one with RCCL) and now I'm going on my second carnival cruise in 2 months!

Edited March 31, 2016 by skidawg79