One opinion on Carnival vs Princess

[hbrote]

We just returned from a trip to Europe in which we cruised on the new “Carnival Vista” the first week and then on the “Royal Princess”, which was our first cruise on Princess Cruise Line. We have cruised many time on Carnival and our both Platinum which gives us some additional benefits such as priority boarding, wash and fold laundry, all of which we appreciated and used to the fullest.

 

 

After spending four days in Barcelona we were ready to board Carnival Vista and were at the pier about 10:30AM. We proceeded quickly through security and were escorted to the “Priority Lounge” to await boarding. This was a very easy and relaxing process as most boarding is on Carnival. At about 11:30AM we were escorted to the gangway for boarding and as we had a Havana Suite which we headed for. The lobby on the Vista does not have the same WOW factor that other Carnival ships have but that is not a big thing.

 

 

 

 

The Havana section is located on deck five which has most additional dining spots along with the Pixels Photo area. We didn't stop at any of these spots because of our excitement of our Havana Suite. We found the entry of the Havana section with little problem and went directly to our cabin.

 

 

We found the suite nice but storage, compared to an Ocean Suite was not very good. The three closets were next to the bed and made it difficult when changing. Our Bath was very nice and the shower with the “Rain Shower Head” along with the hand held shower was wonderful. Warning: Make sure to run hot water over the seat in the shower prior to sitting. I can still hear my wife's yell when she sat the first time. One other funny thing is the hair dryer is located in the desk draw next to the slider to the lani. Not very practical for use but I guess that's the only place they had to put it. I can say we never used the couch one time and did not add anything as far as I am concerned. I believe an Ocean Suite is much better in layout and if staying in the Havana section again I would choose a “Havana Cabana” over the suite. The Havana section itself was great and we did enjoy it until it was opened to the rest of the ship. When we first booked the Havana Section was going to be only for the use of Havana guests and I would hope they would return to this policy. After getting settled we went up to the lido deck for a quick bit of lunch. There were plenty of folks already here and we finally found a table. Now time for a “Funship Special”, but no servers could be found. I went to the bar and purchased two and brought them back to the table. This was a general problem all over the Vista, no servers or so very few you had to go to the bar yourself. Carnival has cut back with servers and its not a great thing if you would like a drink. We visited Guys Burgers for lunch and I ordered a burger and fries and headed back to the table. Now I know this is Europe and I have eaten many delicious burgers and fries but I left the burger with one bite out of it and the fries were terrible. Hopefully they will straighten this out once in the Caribbean. We explored the ship after this lunch and took in all the new things aboard. After the sail away we got ready for dinner and had elected to have “Anytime” dinning. We went to the dinning room and were seated almost immediately. Carnival has gone to the “American Table Menu” and we have not cared for it since the first time we had it. I had never not found something I would like for dinner but with the new menu, choices were limited and I found times when nothing even appealed to me. The service in the MDR was very slow at times and other times find but no consistency. One thing I thought was great was the addition of a bar in the dinning room. We decided to visit this bar one evening prior to eating. The hostess welcomed us and directed us to the bar but there was no bartender and after waiting fifteen minutes we left and asked for a table. I watched the bar from our table and not one bartender went behind this bar. Once again I think that Carnival has cut back here also. We tried the 555 Steakhouse and just like the rest of the fleet the food was very good. Still the help had been cut back on here and the service suffered. An example of this was the Champagne I purchased was put into a stand on the other side of the room. I thought this was strange but when my glass was empty I had to ask it be filled. Again not enough staff to provide the service. I know people will say “Oh, that table cloth thing again” but the lack of a table cloth on Elegant Night in the steakhouse was not to my liking.

 

 

So to sum up the food on Carnival, I can say it has gone down hill a bunch. The service has also gone down and is noticeable threw out the ship. This was not what I expected on a new ship and we were disappointed.

 

 

After the Vista cruise we immediately walked down the pier to board the Royal Princess.

 

 

 

 

This is our first cruise with Princess cruise lines. My mind wandered back to our first cruise on Carnival and waiting in the main hall with number six on our boarding pass. As we arrived at the terminal very early I expected to wait a long time to enter the terminal but we checked our luggage and went into the terminal with no problem. We went through check in which was very fast and were directed to zone one boarding. After about one hour we were shown to the boarding area and on the ship by 11:00 AM. Pretty good so far.... As we entered the ship in a lobby that was very impressive we were directed by crew members to the correct elevators for our cabin, which was ready for us. We booked a balcony and not a suite on Princess.

 

 

 

 

The room is comparable to a balcony on Carnival and just a bit different layout and the décor also different. After meeting our steward we headed up to the lido deck. We found a table, very easily, and were visited by a server before we sat down. Not any specialty drinks offered by what every else you would like Our order placed we went to the grill and had a burger and fries in a few short minutes. The food was excellent and served right off the grill. From here ventured into the Horizon Court Buffet. What a difference compared to Carnival. When you found a seat, a server immediately welcomed you took your beverage order. The buffet itself was so much more upscale from Carnival it was unbelievable to us. The food stations and selections were different and wonderful. So far the food was far above Carnival. We explored the ship which is very much different from the Vista. As the Vista has a much more subdued décor from other ships in the fleet it is kind of bland. Princess is very much more elegant and welcoming. After we explored and sail away was over we changed for our first dinner. After enjoying a cocktail in the Wheelhouse bar we ventured down to the Main Dinning Room. We were greeted by the maître d and shown to our table by our waiter. I can already tell there are more servers than in the Carnival MDR. We examined the menu and were impressed by the choices available. All of the food we had in the MDR were well above the food on Carnival. Presentation, and speed of service was fantastic and I can honestly say everything served was hot. Something that was not to said of Carnival. Princess has much better food in both the buffet and the MDR. One item Princess offers is the “Balcony Dinner” which is to good to be missed. As we usually visit the Steakhouse on Carnival and would have on Princess we instead chose the Balcony Dinner over the steakhouse. For $100, you will be served dinner on the balcony by two waiters. Unbelievable and very romantic is my best description. You start with a photographer visiting and taking a bunch of pictures of which you could chose one. Next you were served your choice of cocktail along with an appetizer which you chose. Next up was split of champagne served along with a salad so big it was worth mentioning. After this was the main course which was two lobster tails and a very large filet along with a vegetable melody. Wonderful..... Desert followed along with coffee and finally a tray of delectable cookies. The entire time the two waiters anticipated your every need while being far enough removed as to not bother you. If I can say anything it would be if you every cruise on Princess make sure to include a “Balcony Dinner” both you and your wife will love it.

 

 

All in all I have to say Princess is a large step up when it comes to food over Carnival. The service is well above Carnival and the entire crew is as friendly. Perhaps I am just tired of Carnival, finding some of the “Normal” things on board a little old, I'm not sure. I do find Princess a refreshing change. I find it not only better than Carnival but also Celebrity. Maybe it is just on European itineraries, I'm not sure but will find out in a few weeks as we board the Royal again.

 

 

I hope this helps some folks who are trying to decide on a different cruise line.

[ltcal94]

Has something changed with the Havana section? I thought there was still limited access during most of the day until 5PM unless you were booked a Havana cabin. If this is the case there is no point paying a premium to get a cabin there .

 

 

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[GradUT]

Nice comparison, Hbrote.

 

For the Bahamas or Caribbean, Carnival is fine for me. But for a "special" destination such as Europe or the Panama Canal, we always choose to go with Princess or HAL. You pay for it, but they are just better experiences.

[riffatsea]

Thanks for writing!

We have not tried Princess yet but may do so some day.

I probably have a totally different opinion though of Europe. To me the cities there are sooo rich with culture that I only choose to visit them on land vacations since cruising doesn't give me enough time to really explore.

I may change my mind one day but so far cruising for me does not include Europe.

[Micahs Grandad]

Nice comparison, Hbrote.

 

For the Bahamas or Caribbean, Carnival is fine for me. But for a "special" destination such as Europe or the Panama Canal, we always choose to go with Princess or HAL. You pay for it, but they are just better experiences.

 

Diamond on Carnival just finished third cruise on Princess all out of mainland US.

 

Horizon court is far superior to lido on Carnival both in quality, variety and temp of foods. Have had to wait a bit for drinks but nice having it delivered.

 

DR food is comparable but better service on Princess.

[hbrote]

Has something changed with the Havana section? I thought there was still limited access during most of the day until 5PM unless you were booked a Havana cabin. If this is the case there is no point paying a premium to get a cabin there .

 

Access to the Havana Section (outside) is limited to Havana guests until 7:00 PM. It is then open up to the entire ship. If you ever watched the movie "Caddyshack" once opened to the entire ship it looks like the scene where to club pool is opened to the caddie's for the day. I can see many problems once the Vista is in the Caribbean.

[hbrote]

Thanks for writing!

We have not tried Princess yet but may do so some day.

I probably have a totally different opinion though of Europe. To me the cities there are sooo rich with culture that I only choose to visit them on land vacations since cruising doesn't give me enough time to really explore.

I may change my mind one day but so far cruising for me does not include Europe.

 

We have been one three cruises in Europe and use them to find areas we would like to visit. Then we add time on to visit the cities that have interested us. Last year after we left our ship we spent four days in Venice, then took the train to Florence spending three days there and last a train into Rome for an additional day. This year we started with four days in Barcelona and finished with four days in Rome.

 

Next on the agenda will be returning to Greece and spending more time.

Edited October 5, 2016 by hbrote

[Micahs Grandad]

Thanks for writing!

We have not tried Princess yet but may do so some day.

I probably have a totally different opinion though of Europe. To me the cities there are sooo rich with culture that I only choose to visit them on land vacations since cruising doesn't give me enough time to really explore.

I may change my mind one day but so far cruising for me does not include Europe.

 

Good point but so far cruising in Europe has allowed us to see a lot in short period of time. Down the road hope to do some land trips

[JimAOk1945]

Thanks for the comparison. Although we enjoyed all of our Carnival cruises, we also found our experience on Princess cruises to be a step above Carnival.

[sparks1093]

This is about what I expected- when one pays more one generally receives more (or that is the expectation in any event).

[johnny75]

Cutbacks in staff are going to sour loyal Carnival cruisers.

 

It is really starting to make us go to Princess or HA.

 

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[hbrote]

This is about what I expected- when one pays more one generally receives more (or that is the expectation in any event).

 

Our cruise on the Vista was more expensive than Princess. Carnival's prices have been increasing overall. They will still be the low cost provider for a basic inside cabin.

[hbrote]

Cutbacks in staff are going to sour loyal Carnival cruisers.

 

I agree totally with this. There is a point when you have gone to far.

[sparks1093]

Our cruise on the Vista was more expensive than Princess. Carnival's prices have been increasing overall. They will still be the low cost provider for a basic inside cabin.

 

I would hope that a suite on CCL would be more expensive than a balcony on Princess, so it isn't really apples to apples. Princess has always been significantly more than CCL whenever I've checked for cruises we would be likely to take. I just priced a cruise on the Pride for 2018 and it's $100 more than our last cruise on the Pride for the exact same cabin.

[Port of Tampa]

Thanks for the comparison. We have only cruised on Carnival and have enjoyed them all but have nothing to compare them to except past Carnival cruises. We will hit Platinum on our next cruise in Jan 17...maybe after that will try another cruise line.

 

Cheers and happy cruising!

[toosaxykk]

This is EXACTLY how I would describe our experience with Carnival and Princess. We have sailed with Carnival for 5 cruises, Royal for 2 and Princess for 1. The significant notice in the elegance and service on Princess were astonishing. The details of the ship, decor and overall attitude and service of the crew was so impressive. We live in Houston so naturally we sail out of Galveston and Carnival is cheaper but we already decided that 1 cruise per year will be with Princess! I LOVE them!

 

Thanks for sharing!

[Micahs Grandad]

Our cruise on the Vista was more expensive than Princess. Carnival's prices have been increasing overall. They will still be the low cost provider for a basic inside cabin.

 

Just back from a TA on Princess. Wanted to do Vista TA but price was higher and itinerary was rather pathetic.

[Karnyval]

Cutbacks in staff are going to sour loyal Carnival cruisers.

 

It is really starting to make us go to Princess or HA.

 

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There have been cutbacks by all cruise lines but if you haven't been on them before, you wouldn't notice.

 

Anyway, CCL stockholders appreciate you remaining loyal to the corporation. :)

[Lew Port]

Thanks for the comparison. Although we enjoyed all of our Carnival cruises, we also found our experience on Princess cruises to be a step above Carnival.

 

IMHO, Carnival is a Chevrolet and Princess is a Buick, if that makes any sense.

I have sailed on both. As another poster said, you get what you pay for.

 

And I have a Buick and a Chevy in the garage. HAHA

[JimAOk1945]

IMHO, Carnival is a Chevrolet and Princess is a Buick, if that makes any sense.

I have sailed on both. As another poster said, you get what you pay for.

 

And I have a Buick and a Chevy in the garage. HAHA

That's a good comparison, and I agree that we get what we pay for. We have discovered that we prefer cruising in full suites and enjoy the perks that come with them. So far, Royal Caribbean gives us the best "bang for our bucks." and HAL comes close. We cruised in the CL Owner Suite a few years ago. We enjoyed it, but didn't get any perks considering the price I paid for accepting the upsell. Don't misunderstand, we loved the experience, but in the meantime, we will look elsewhere for the "suite" experience with great itineraries.

 

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Edited October 5, 2016 by JimAOk1945

[drerickson77]

In case it hasn't been said.... Princess Cruises was featured on The Love Boat. Was Carnival Cruise Lines? No. And there's a reason for that.

 

BOOM!

 

This thread is done. Lock it down!

 

:)

Edited October 5, 2016 by drerickson77
Page 2 ownage!

[rjrpar]

Princess is definitely a step up from Carnival, as is Celebrity. Like someone said above, you usually get what you pay for and Carnival is the low cost cruise line

 

 

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[jimbo5544]

Our cruise on the Vista was more expensive than Princess. Carnival's prices have been increasing overall. They will still be the low cost provider for a basic inside cabin.

 

 

How many levels of inside cabins are there beyond "basic"?

 

 

 

 

 

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[jimbo5544]

Cutbacks in staff are going to sour loyal Carnival cruisers.

 

It is really starting to make us go to Princess or HA.

 

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Let me know what you pay on HAL, and check out what happens after 8 pm. I have a clue for you....it starts with the letter z.

 

 

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[joepeka]

Thanks to the OP for their review here and on the Princess board. We've been considering what will be our next cruise after our current HAL cruise and the follow on CCL cruise and have been seriously looking at Princess. We will look at Princess even more seriously now. ;)