Is Royal Caribbean really that much better?

[Tapi]

RC is a lot more expensive for both cruise and drink prices and even speciality restaurants.

 

 

That's a bit of a generalization. Our last Royal cruise was on the Enchantment and it was considerably cheaper than a similar itinerary on the Carnival Sensation departing within a day of each other. Right now, I'm pricing Anthem of the Seas vs Carnival Sunshine and surprisingly Sunshine is more expensive than Anthem even though one is a brand new ship and the other is 20 years old. The one Royal cruise that was rightfully "a lot more expensive" was our sailing on the Allure which, at the time, was the largest cruise ship in the world on its inaugural season.

 

About specialty restaurants, with SO many of them on Royal, prices do vary . Some may be priced about the same as Carnival, some may be cheaper, and some, like 150 Central Park, may be considerably more expensive (but then again, Carnival doesn't offer anything of the same caliber as this type of dining experience so it's obviously going to cost accordingly).

 

I do agree that, in general, Royal sailings consistently cost more, but for those cruisers who appreciate what sets it apart from Carnival, the overall experience is worth the extra money, which in my opinion goes well beyond flowriders, rock climbing walls and ice skating rinks.

Edited July 15, 2016 by Tapi

[ryano]

Right now, I'm pricing Anthem of the Seas vs Carnival Sunshine and surprisingly Sunshine is more expensive than Anthem even though one is a brand new ship and the other is 20 years old.

 

Very surprising. Im not doubting you at all and I dont really have time to do the research right now but Im actually shocked to hear that.

 

Ive never been on a ship that has 150 Central Park but that and the Chefs Table is just not something I would ever be interested in. Carnivals steakhouse, or at least Prime on Magic, blows Chops totally out of the water though in my opinion. Its the same price but there is no hard sell for a "better" steak like Chops has and service was MUCH better in Prime. Seriously, Prime was one of my best dining experiences, ever. I would give the edge to Giovannis over Cucina De Capitano but Giovannis also costs more. I did enjoy Cucina though.

 

I dont really see all the differences you see that set Royal apart from Carnival other than their ships seem a little nicer and the entertainment (production shows) seems a little better. Just my opinion :) Now that Magic is close by in my favorite homeport, it is no longer worth it to me to pay the extra for Royal. If Oasis prices get more in line with what Freedom prices were, I will give her a try just to say I have though.

Edited July 15, 2016 by ryano

[summersigh]

Only if you book inside or standard ocean views. On pretty much every other category, Royal has either equal or larger (sometimes ridiculously larger) staterooms than Carnival.

 

On our first CCL cruise we booked a balcony - it was a tiny room with only a wooden chair to sit on except for the bed.

 

We do find RCCL a step above CCL in the vibe of the ship. We're not the ones that populate the pool deck awaiting the Hairy Chest Contest or other similar "events". Our Jan 8 day on the Sunshine was fine but the 5 day in May was more of a Redneck Rivera kind of vibe (name derived from what a group of fellow passengers were calling themselves). Many other passengers seemed bent on having what they wanted when they wanted it and if you had to be moved aside that was ok with them.

 

The dining room experience on RCCL is a bit more upscale than CCL based on my observations as was the entertainment.

 

After our 2 CCL cruises we're taking a Holland America break which is a bit more upscale dining than RCCL. Because the HAL crowd tends to be a bit older than CCL or RCCL it's normally more laid back. Service on CCL has always been comparable with any other line we've cruised.

 

At this time we pretty much have a "want to go/do list" and choose our trips accordingly based more on itinerary then ships available then price. The value of the Perks offered on the different lines often even out the cost of CCL vs RCCL vs HAL.

[mairinmaureen]

Did not look like a lot to do. Not much Trivia.

 

This is exactly why I prefer Carnival over Royal Caribbean. Carnival puts as much energy into the little activities as they do the bigger activities. They have trivia multiple times a day. They have bingo multiple times a day. When I look at the Fun Times for a particular time of day, there are so many options. I actually grew bored on RCI and Norwegian because they neglect the little activities or schedule them once a day when they almost always conflict with a show or being in port. Don't get me wrong, I love ziplining, rock climbing, the ropes courses, etc., but sometimes I just want to kick back with a beer and try to win a ship on a stick.

[Tapi]

Carnivals steakhouse, or at least Prime on Magic, blows Chops totally out of the water though in my opinion.

 

I dont really see all the differences you see that set Royal apart from Carnival.

 

 

I agree. I've always praised Carnival's steakhouses and considered them to be some of the best dining experiences at sea. Better than the Pinnacle Grill on Holland America and definitely better than Chop's on Royal. We've tried Chop's a few times and it's always been a so so experience.

 

About the differences between these two cruise lines, I do consider that there are many, some that are drastic. I've detailed them in long winded posts before and I'll be happy to do so again if you want. But here's the main thing. They're big differences to me. They may not be to someone else and that's why we see people that consider Royal and Carnival to be so similar while others don't.

 

It's like when I sailed on Holland. I boarded the ship and I thought, what is so nice about this? What does "signature of excellence" mean? I couldn't see the differences. And that's when my 74 year old mother started pointing out the fresh flower arrangements, the white gloved service, the room service in fine china, the full dining room menu served in stateroom, the plush throw towels for balcony use (in Alaska), the high thread count bed sheets, the toiletry brands, etc, etc. None of these things mattered to me (heck I didn't even notice them!) but for her, they did. For me, Holland was just marginally better than Carnival. For my mother, it was another world, not even in the same universe.

 

I think that the same applies when comparing Carnival and Royal. How different they truly are will vary from one cruiser to another.

Edited July 15, 2016 by Tapi

[MsVulcan]

Dont buy all the "Royal guests are nothing but a bunch of snobs"comments though. Thats a generalization at best and I have never once heard someone brag on their "status" on a RC ship.

 

Sorry, I have. But it was one guy on one cruise. We all just laughed at him because he all but introduced himself as "Paul, Diamond Plus." I told him I was aluminum. :D

 

I think every cruise line has their niche they either attract or are trying to attract. I have not been on Carnival yet, January will be my first. I am expecting to have a good time. I have also had fun on RCI and Princess, and met some really nice people on both, but Princess did seem a little more serene. None of them are bad, just different. I plan on cruising by the itinerary and price that works for me and I am sure I will have fun no matter what I choose.

[mek]

Our experience on Princess was absolutely fantastic. Easily one of the best cruises that we've ever taken and, ironically, it was cheaper than Carnival. While I don't consider Royal to be "classy", I do consider Princess to fit that description.

 

I agree, of all the mass lines, Princess is our favorite.

[sunshine002]

Overall i prefer Carnival's food to RCL. My last time on Royal on the Allure in Dec it was hard to find anything I liked in the dining room. It got to the point others in my party were going to places with the surcharge.

 

I did enjoy many of the features of the Allure, for ex: Aqua show and Broadway show and the unique elevator bar. Yes I like the Promenade that RCL has on its ships, with the live music in the pub.

 

But Carnival seems to have the largest cabins and I always find great food in the dining room.

 

I will be sailing on the Vista this Fall so i will be able to compare the mega ships, but in general i prefer the smaller ships, I find the Spirit class on Carnival the perfect size.

 

For sure you will have a great time with either line.

[Lurkyloo]

I have cruised Carnival 5 times, Princess twice and Royal once. When I book for a small group of friends/family, or just for ourselves it is always Carnival because I just have more fun on a Carnival Cruise. Royal was very nice, but seemed a bit "stuffy" to me. Had a great time and would go on Royal again if a group of friends/family were going, but would book Carnival over Royal if I were the one selecting a cruise. Same with Princess, but Princess is the one that I like least.

 

I could care less about what people say about Carnival (usually they are people who have never even cruised Carnival!) I pick the cruise that offers good value and good times - and to me that is Carnival!

Edited July 15, 2016 by Lurkyloo

[cruiser fanatic]

I have sailed Royal Caribbean twice, once on the Rhapsody and once on the Liberty. We did the Rhapsody in 2005 and the Liberty this past May. We wanted to do Royal again after doing so many cruises with Carnival. I enjoyed my cruise on the Liberty, I thought it was a huge but a very nice ship. I still prefer Carnival for a couple of reasons. 1: Value for money. You get WAY more for your money on Carnival. I noticed on Royal that they charge you for things, that Carnival does not. For example, if you wanted Room Service past a certain time it was an additional charge. Another example, is Johnny Rockets, you have to pay for a Johnny Rockets hamburger on Royal Caribbean that can't even compare to a Guy's Burger on Carnival which is free. 2: I was not impressed with the food on the Liberty of the Seas, it was mediocre at best and not a lot of options to chose from. 3: I think the crew members on Carnival are much friendlier. The waiters and stateroom attendants call us by name on Carnival, not so much on Royal. 4: Royal Caribbean did not have any major network news, they did have CNN, which only worked about half of the time. I know that a lot of people don't go on cruises to watch TV, but I enjoy watching the news at night, and Royal Caribbean did not have that option. 5: The rooms were a lot smaller on Royal Caribbean especially the bathroom, I like the extra cabin space on Carnival.

 

Again, I enjoyed my cruises on both cruise lines, I just prefer Carnival.

Edited July 15, 2016 by cruiser fanatic

[rjrpar]

Been on both lines many times. Carnival is usually cheaper but you get what you pay for. Royal is not filling 20+ large ships every week because it is almost as good as Carnival

[nealstuber]

Given that so many people have cruised both, such cruisers must have split personalities. They're party animals when they cruise Carnival and turn in to pretentious status snobs when they get on a RCCL ship.

[RuthlessBoss]

Given that so many people have cruised both, such cruisers must have split personalities. They're party animals when they cruise Carnival and turn in to pretentious status snobs when they get on a RCCL ship.

 

I see you sail RCCL. Are you a pretentious snob?

[jimbo5544]

On a per diem basis I don't find RC to always be more expensive. Short cruises yes, longer cruises no. Sometimes even less. Yes, onboard extras are more than CCL

 

LOL, ok I can't help it. That is one of the most confusing posts you have ever done....;)

[jimbo5544]

Been on both lines many times. Carnival is usually cheaper but you get what you pay for. Royal is not filling 20+ large ships every week because it is almost as good as Carnival

 

Are you looking for input?

[nealstuber]

I see you sail RCCL. Are you a pretentious snob?

 

 

I don't think so and I'm not a party animal either. But I, and everyone else who's sailed both are part of the "they" we all reference when we talk about the passenger profile of each line.

[slyone14]

This is exactly why I prefer Carnival over Royal Caribbean. Carnival puts as much energy into the little activities as they do the bigger activities. They have trivia multiple times a day. They have bingo multiple times a day. When I look at the Fun Times for a particular time of day, there are so many options. I actually grew bored on RCI and Norwegian because they neglect the little activities or schedule them once a day when they almost always conflict with a show or being in port. Don't get me wrong, I love ziplining, rock climbing, the ropes courses, etc., but sometimes I just want to kick back with a beer and try to win a ship on a stick.

 

LOl, this is the single best response to me out of all the ones I have read. I honestly laughed out loud at work. With 6 Carnival cruises on my belt these reasons alone I continue to use them. I love the constant things to do all day long. Plus, the service to me is bar none amazing. Plus, as Mitsugirly says, "I don't make RCCL money." So ill stick to my Carnival and take the, "Oh, your cruising Carnival, you should do RCCL." Really? Who asked you?

[LMaxwell]

LOL, ok I can't help it. That is one of the most confusing posts you have ever done....;)

 

 

Royal Caribbean is not always more expensive. Sometimes it is equal. Sometimes they cost less than Carnival. Generally speaking I find that for cruises under 4 days and shorter that Carnival is less expensive, and for cruises 5 days or longer, that Carnival is sometimes equal to or more expensive than Royal Caribbean. This is based on a per diem basis.

 

If you're confused I'll type slower :D

 

Seems a lot of people here have a chip on their shoulder about RCI. That's too bad. It's a nice product and if you are flexible on your time to go and really look around you can find great deals.

Edited July 15, 2016 by LMaxwell

[slyone14]

I will say that unless your a spender in the casino. That is am gold on CCl and even after 6 cruises my Vifp rewards are horrible. I get the same two crappie benefits each time. But my ex would drop $$$$$ in the casino and pull in 40 percent off fares.

 

What is it like on rccl?

 

Not to throw NCL into this, but to me there 7 day cruises on their "megaships" seem to be more expensive than both rccl and CCl. I priced an interior for two people on NCL Escape in September and it was like $2200.

[LMaxwell]

I will say that unless your a spender in the casino. That is am gold on CCl and even after 6 cruises my Vifp rewards are horrible. I get the same two crappie benefits each time. But my ex would drop $$$$$ in the casino and pull in 40 percent off fares.

 

What is it like on rccl?

 

Not to throw NCL into this, but to me there 7 day cruises on their "megaships" seem to be more expensive than both rccl and CCl. I priced an interior for two people on NCL Escape in September and it was like $2200.

 

I don;t knost much about RCI's Casino Royale program, but they do have land based affiliates.

 

As far as the Escape; we are going soon; 3 in a mid-ship balcony with adults beverage package and a nominal amount of OBC and my total with taxes is around 2200; not sure how you are getting such high prices for 2 in an inside?

[jimbo5544]

Royal Caribbean is not always more expensive. Sometimes it is equal. Sometimes they cost less than Carnival. Generally speaking I find that for cruises under 4 days and shorter that Carnival is less expensive, and for cruises 5 days or longer, that Carnival is sometimes equal to or more expensive than Royal Caribbean. This is based on a per diem basis.

 

If you're confused I'll type slower :D

 

Seems a lot of people here have a chip on their shoulder about RCI. That's too bad. It's a nice product and if you are flexible on your time to go and really look around you can find great deals.

 

 

No worries, I Got it. Also, understood what you meant, it was more of a comment of your "shorter less, longer more sometimes less" that caught me funny.

 

While there are enough chips to go around on both sides of the fence, I think most come from those who think Royal is superior and think anyone who believes otherwise is out of their head. That and the old history of Royal champions (for those that have been around that long). At the end if the day, they are much more similar than different....just my 2 cents.

[Mikew0805]

My Opinion:

 

Royal has amazing ships... no doubt, but I am still interested in ships, not amusement parks. So far the Oasis & Quantum class are not on my radar.

 

Royal has better hot tubs and pools. First, they are open 24 hours. Second, there is always an adults only version somewhere. The Solariums are very nice.

 

Royal has better drink packages. More choices for those of us that do not drink much alcohol, and enjoy specialty coffee. I really appreciate this from Royal.

 

Carnival seems to have better variety of food choices, although I have not been aboard since 2008. That changes in a couple months. Carnival always had a better dining room experience when it came to food quality, variety, and presentation. I have heard this last part may have changed... we shall see.

 

Carnival used to be my favorite, and I still like them very much. I think that Royal, because of what I mentioned above, is my favorite.... for now.

[trogmd]

Royal Caribbean is not always more expensive. Sometimes it is equal. Sometimes they cost less than Carnival. Generally speaking I find that for cruises under 4 days and shorter that Carnival is less expensive, and for cruises 5 days or longer, that Carnival is sometimes equal to or more expensive than Royal Caribbean. This is based on a per diem basis.

 

If you're confused I'll type slower :D

 

Seems a lot of people here have a chip on their shoulder about RCI. That's too bad. It's a nice product and if you are flexible on your time to go and really look around you can find great deals.

 

Hi,

No chip on my shoulder, Maybe a few too many in my belly though :D.

 

I don`t have a favorite cruise line and I really LOVED my cruises on RCI.

I am looking forward to traveling with them again in the future when they put out cruises with a price I can afford in the UK.

Cruise prices on RCI are extremely expensive here in the UK.

At the moment the first thing I look at when choosing a cruise is the Itinerary then price. I don`t really care which company operates the ship.:)

[LMaxwell]

Hi,

No chip on my shoulder, Maybe a few too many in my belly though :D.

 

I don`t have a favorite cruise line and I really LOVED my cruises on RCI.

I am looking forward to traveling with them again in the future when they put out cruises with a price I can afford in the UK.

Cruise prices on RCI are extremely expensive here in the UK.

At the moment the first thing I look at when choosing a cruise is the Itinerary then price. I don`t really care which company operates the ship.:)

 

Once past some initial sticker shock, digging deep usually will show some very competitive pricing. Some of the promotions are confusing and unclear as to bottomline pricing though. I shop you like you; itinerary and price. For a particularly itinerary I wanted Royal was 1 day longer and at lower cost than Carnival. But short cruises, Carnival was significantly less expensive than RCI.

 

All the major brands are pretty price competitive really. I don't limit myself to one brand. I've been on Princess, Celebrity, NCL, MSC; next is NCL, then CCL, then Royal, then probably back to MSC...the ship is also important to me and CCL's older ships no longer appeal to me.

 

Sometimes I want price.

 

Sometimes I want a ship.

 

Sometimes I want an itinerary.

 

It just depends.

 

But back to my original statement in this thread, once CCL costs 70% of what an RCI cruise would cost I'd generally rather pay the extra for RCI, I feel they have nicer ships and better entertainment. The tradeoff is smaller cabins and food not as good.

[PAPERBKWRITER]

Pepsi or Coke... Same as Carnival or RCCL.