Oasis of the Seas vs Carnival

[picantel]

I just wanted to put up this thread for people like me who primarily sail on Carnival but always wanted to go on one of the royal carribeans larger ships like Oasis of the Seas. I got off that ship today which was my 17th cruise with 5 on RC, 11 on Carnival, and 1 on Disney. I fully realize that everyone has different tastes and enjoys different activities. I will put up categories and what I consider the winner as my own opinion.

 

Ship Design: Oasis- really a no brainer here. Carnival's ships for the most part are a little more worn down and the Oasis was really nice. It kinda felt like living in a mall.

 

Rooms: Oasis- I liked having a couch in my room and the room seemed a little larger than Carnival and nicer. The beds on the Oasis were much more comfortable that Carnival.

 

Showers:- Oasis in a landslide. The water pressure was great, the water stayed hot, and they did not have one of those stupid shower curtains them wraps itself around your body constantly. Also no water on the outside floor.

 

Buffet: Carnival- I thought the windjammer was pretty terrible. Even the thanksgiving dinner they served tasted like garbage.

 

Other free eateries: Carnival- This of course depends on the ship but if you have guy fieries onboard then carnival wins. You can also throw in their burritoes/tacos and BBQ. Oasis was nice but mainly had just multiple sandwiches and salads.

 

Pizza: Oasis- They never ran out and were busy and fast. Anyone who does carnival knows they have 1 or 2 people working in which they run out of pizza after 30 seconds, spend 10m making more, then start the cycle all over again.

 

Paid restaurants: Carnival- this one is completely subjective as I only put carnival because of Cucina de capitaino or however you spell it. Meatballs and new york strip steak for $15? Yes please. Oasis charged 2X-3X the amount.

 

Casino: Oasis- set in its own level so you do not get cancer walking the deck and they managed to lesson the smoke. The reward points needed for each level were clearly marked. On carnival you pretty much have to walk through the casino which is filthy and full of smoke. You know the points needed for free drinks but everything else is a mystery that changes constantly. The casino staff should be ashamed of themselves.

 

Sports activies: Oasis- full court for soccer, basketball, volleyball, and dodgeball plus a mini golf course that is not falling apart. The problem was the pingpong which was located right outside the teen center which meant broken paddles, smashed ping pong balls, and teens(need I say more?)

 

Pools: Oasis- it never seemed to be crowded on the Oasis while the carnival is a madhouse around the pool.

 

Internet: Oasis- I do not know how I managed it but I bought their stream/surf at home before the cruise and only paid $62.50 which is like half the price on the ship. Their internet is very good. Carnival is decent but they charge I think $100 a cruise.

 

Soda Package: Oasis(I do not drink alcohol)- I only give this to Oasis for the ease of getting a drink. You have the freestyle machines and numerous bars who do not waste your time ringing up a free soda and them having you sign a sheet with $0 on it. Come on Carnival stop wasting time on that.

 

Trivia: Carnival- my kid and I love trivia. Carnival has tons of trivias per day back to back to back and gives out medals, trophies, ect. Oasis even though it had packed trivias only put on 3-4 a day hours apart with prizes like pens, keychains, and hi-lighters. Oasis totally ruined out trip with this.

 

Entertainment staff- Carnival: They will stay and talked to your between trivias and schedule extra games and spend time with your children. On every ship I get to know them very well. The staff on the Oasis do the trivia and then disappear. I could not tell you even their names.

 

Comedy: Carnival- The Oasis had 18+ only comedy which disappointed my teen while carnival has many shows both for kids and adults. The Oasis also has a very tiny room that you need reservations for which is hard to get.

 

Worst part of each:

1)Carnival- for me it is the casino. It is grimy and smokey and just a cesspool.

2)Oasis- the upselling omg. They never stop trying to sell you stuff. While carnival has a bunch of things going on the Oasis puts 90% of their activities as upsells. The lady never shut up in the promenade and was constantly doing instant one time sales that were just repeated 30m later. Carnival does nightly movies with free popcorn while the Oasis puts them on here and there and freakin charges $2.50 for a tiny popcorn. You cannot even get a decent hamburger without paying. All they wanted was your money.

 

Winner: Carnival- if you like activities and getting to know the staff and want to be treated like a guest then I would go with Carnival. If you like to sit around shopping and drinking with some shows sprinkled in and want to be treated like a wallet then go with Oasis. I have waited years to go on the Oasis and I am really disappointed in them. Shame on you royal carribean.

[John Reid]

I am confused by your evaluation. You give the nod to Oasis in 9 categories and to Carnival in 5.

 

Shame on Royal Caribbean?

[Cruzaholic41]

I am confused by your evaluation. You give the nod to Oasis in 9 categories and to Carnival in 5.

 

Shame on Royal Caribbean?

 

I'm confused too. That seemed liked a glowing review of Oasis. Shame on RCI? Huh? :confused:

[Sturmin]

Thank you for the comparison. Our first cruise was with Norwegian. Their nickel and diming and constant sales pitches put us off cruising for years. Other than that I'd say they were fairly even with Carnival overall with plus and minuses for each. Sad to hear RC has the same business practices. Still, if the price is right I'd have to find out about RC for myself:).

[jh2360]

As a normal sized individual I am confused too. I have never had the shower curtain try to give me a full body hug.

 

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Edited November 28, 2016 by jh2360

[skyandsea78]

I'm going on oasis in 6 weeks. Hoping I enjoy it.

 

 

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[picantel]

I gave the win to Carnival as the negatives from Oasis at least for my son and I were much worse than Carnivals. During some of the activities I talked to quite a few people who felt the same thing. All RC does is try and sell stuff. That is all they care about. Oddly enough my brother and his family and my parents had gone on the Oasis 2 weeks before I did and they said the exact same thing. My brother was furious and felt he just wasted thousands of dollars for nothing. Once you go on the Oasis and experience the worlds longest shopping experience you will know exactly what I am talking about.

[John Reid]

I'm going on oasis in 6 weeks. Hoping I enjoy it.

 

 

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Trust me, you will.

 

Book your shows in advance and enjoy.

[poz222]

Just got back off the Allure and loved it. The variety in the various neighborhoods (Central Park, promenade and boardwalk) were wonderful and the specialty dining package ($110 for 5 nights specialty restaurants) was great! And the shows (as others said, book them ahead) were far and above carnival. The climbing wall and flow riders were a big hit for us!

 

I did however really miss the deck party, dive in movies, comedy, line dances (as corneynas they are), singing waiters (again the cheese factor) and the general "vibe" that CCL offers. CCL just seems more "fun". The free food on CCL was better but since we got the dining package I can't complain... but the windjammer buffet is a disaster! Lunch choices on carnival (guys, tacos, deli, Mongolian, tandoori etc... blow RCCL away! But the solarium area vs. serenity is a no brainer... solarium all the way (loved that area)!

 

The ships (Oasis class) are definite showstoppers! But I did honestly miss seeing the water from most venues. Very "hotel resort like" vs being on a ship. Luckily we booked a balcony, otherwise we said we would have totally missed being at sea!

 

I don't think you can be disappointed with the Oasis/Allure... it is a destination itself... IF the price is Right! I still find CCL a better bang for the buck (but having the option of only 1 person purchasing the drink package with RCCL was a HUGE plus since only 1 of us drink) but usually the cost difference makes it much cheaper for us to take carnival, which is fine for us as we still generally enjoy the product. But it is not a bad thing to branch out every once in a while!

 

There were other things I missed about carnival that you just can't quantify... but the Allure was very impressive indeed!

[NavyCruiser]

Thanks for the review.

We were on the Allure a few yrs ago & the brand new Harmony of the seas this past summer, & we agree with most of your points, except pizza on Carnival is better (& ice cream).

 

But this is a fair comparison, apples & oranges, or older Suburban to a brand new RV.

 

We're Platinum on both Carnival & RCL, Carnival's Platinum is much better.

 

Prices are much different also. Carnival wins on value.

[Jamericannn]

I don't know how you are comparing just one ship to an entire cruise line. Hard to do that fairly.

[riffatsea]

Interesting comparisons.

Just don't understand your cabin descriptions as we have always had a couch in our cabin on Carnival?(balcony or suite)

IF you want a nicer bathroom/shower on Carnival then book a suite.

We liked our RC cruises on even their older ships but they left California so we've been enjoying Carnival ever since. It is good to have choices though and trying more than one cruise line is always a good idea.

[Aquahound]

We're Platinum on both Carnival & RCL, Carnival's Platinum is much better.

 

Well, I would imagine that it is considering Platinum has a totally different meaning on the 2 lines. Platinum is CCL's second-highest tier. On RCI, Platinum is the second lowest tier.

[CarolinaCookieman]

Just got back off the Allure and loved it. The variety in the various neighborhoods (Central Park, promenade and boardwalk) were wonderful and the specialty dining package ($110 for 5 nights specialty restaurants) was great! And the shows (as others said, book them ahead) were far and above carnival. The climbing wall and flow riders were a big hit for us!

 

I did however really miss the deck party, dive in movies, comedy, line dances (as corneynas they are), singing waiters (again the cheese factor) and the general "vibe" that CCL offers. CCL just seems more "fun". The free food on CCL was better but since we got the dining package I can't complain... but the windjammer buffet is a disaster! Lunch choices on carnival (guys, tacos, deli, Mongolian, tandoori etc... blow RCCL away! But the solarium area vs. serenity is a no brainer... solarium all the way (loved that area)!

 

The ships (Oasis class) are definite showstoppers! But I did honestly miss seeing the water from most venues. Very "hotel resort like" vs being on a ship. Luckily we booked a balcony, otherwise we said we would have totally missed being at sea!

 

 

My thoughts exactly...I love being able to see the water, even if it is dark outside. We have cruised on both Oasis and Allure, and I have Harmony booked for January 2018.

 

I had booked Oasis for January 2017, but once I read about all the open space on Deck 5 of Vista, I changed my booking to Vista, and was lucky enough to book a Havana balcony.

 

I love to plan all the details of our cruise, and to learn about the ship before we board...hit the deck running, so to speak. Cruise Critic is invaluable in that regard.

 

Both RCCL and CCL have their hits and misses...beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[louanne93]

We will be diamond on our next RC cruise! However, I just can't seem to take it... We love the personal touch of Carnival. We love getting to know the staff, them taking the time to talk to us. We are very social people and your review is the very reason that we haven't taken that next step on Oasis (which is the one I've always wanted to try)!

[nealstuber]

My thoughts exactly...I love being able to see the water, even if it is dark outside. We have cruised on both Oasis and Allure, and I have Harmony booked for January 2018.

 

 

 

I had booked Oasis for January 2017, but once I read about all the open space on Deck 5 of Vista, I changed my booking to Vista, and was lucky enough to book a Havana balcony.

 

 

 

I love to plan all the details of our cruise, and to learn about the ship before we board...hit the deck running, so to speak. Cruise Critic is invaluable in that regard.

 

 

 

Both RCCL and CCL have their hits and misses...beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

 

 

One special place for ocean lovers like us is the area below and behind the aqua theater, close to the water overlooking the wake.

 

Easy to miss if you don't know it's there.

 

 

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[ABQrobin]

Like living in a Mall.... you lost me right there. No friggin' way. I use my room to sleep and change clothes. Shower, as long as there is one I don't care how fancy or water pressure. Bed? I sleep very well on the ship as I am active all day.

 

I get that RC ships are pretty and fancy. I don't do casinos so that is not a factor for me.

 

Entertainment... that is important to me, and you gave Carnival the nod there.

 

Food...that is important to me, Carnival won your review again.

 

Thanks for the comparison... friends told us the same thing a few years back and steered us to Carnival for our first cruise. You basically said the same thing they did. They won't do RC again due to all the upsells and bill they get at the end of cruise. Carnival is a better value.

 

Plus..... we go on cruises to see ports anyhow. Yes, we love the cruise part, but we want to go someplace fun and be off the ship all day doing things. So the ship is only ONE factor in our decision.

[texasgirl73]

I have sailed Allure and Oasis and the Carnival Breeze. I find many of your comparisons spot on but I'd have to say that Oasis/Allure would be the overall winner for me. Hard to beat them. But for the savings, Carnival compares well.

 

 

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[crewsweeper]

We've booked the Oasis for January 2018 after DW did an all-girls cruise on the Independence. I think she got spoiled because her cabin mate is a regular RCL cruiser and was able to snag the "Ben and Jerry" suite with all its perks.

 

While there are some great things on the Oasis, I'm looking forward to doing (lap pool, rock wall, the outside entertainment at night, etc.) I am concerned of the need to book reservations for normal dining and all the extra charges for other dining venues. Also, I hate the upsell push by anyone, even the so-called upgrades on apps for phone or tablet.

 

We are on the Vista this January so can't wait to see what that will be like.

[queenL]

You are certainly entitled to your opinion but I strongly disagree. I've sailed both the Oasis and Quantum classes and no Carnival ship I've ever sailed on could compete with RCL's ships. I have enjoyed all my Carnival cruises to date and plan to sail Carnival again in a few weeks. So, I'm not anti Carnival at all. However, I must give credit where credit is due. Sailing the Oasis class should be a "must" for every serious cruiser.

[xitappers2bx]

I'm going to agree with you pretty much on every aspect... granted, I have not been on one of the newer of Carnival's ships yet (although, will be going on the Magic in a few week so maybe I"ll have more insight there). Royal's showers are by far the best showers at sea (that aren't in a suite... I think the shower in HAL was the best, but that was a suite so different by design). It's nice to see I'm not the only one who feels this way!

[cruzin Phillis]

Ive been on Oasis during her Inaugural season and I have also been on Carnival.

 

Yes, Oasis is bigger and has more options but the passengers seemed snotty to me. Some felt that they were entitled and would stare at you like you didn't belong on the ship, others would not value people in general and would be rude when getting in or off the elevators or in any line for that fact.

To me, passengers can also make or break experiences. I did enjoy Oasis a lot however, Carnival is top in my book.

[cruzin Phillis]

Just got back off the Allure and loved it. The variety in the various neighborhoods (Central Park, promenade and boardwalk) were wonderful and the specialty dining package ($110 for 5 nights specialty restaurants) was great! And the shows (as others said, book them ahead) were far and above carnival. The climbing wall and flow riders were a big hit for us!

 

I did however really miss the deck party, dive in movies, comedy, line dances (as corneynas they are), singing waiters (again the cheese factor) and the general "vibe" that CCL offers. CCL just seems more "fun". The free food on CCL was better but since we got the dining package I can't complain... but the windjammer buffet is a disaster! Lunch choices on carnival (guys, tacos, deli, Mongolian, tandoori etc... blow RCCL away! But the solarium area vs. serenity is a no brainer... solarium all the way (loved that area)!

 

The ships (Oasis class) are definite showstoppers! But I did honestly miss seeing the water from most venues. Very "hotel resort like" vs being on a ship. Luckily we booked a balcony, otherwise we said we would have totally missed being at sea!

 

I don't think you can be disappointed with the Oasis/Allure... it is a destination itself... IF the price is Right! I still find CCL a better bang for the buck (but having the option of only 1 person purchasing the drink package with RCCL was a HUGE plus since only 1 of us drink) but usually the cost difference makes it much cheaper for us to take carnival, which is fine for us as we still generally enjoy the product. But it is not a bad thing to branch out every once in a while!

 

There were other things I missed about carnival that you just can't quantify... but the Allure was very impressive indeed!

Your review is fair and mirrors my experiences as well.

[dmdiver]

Just got back off the Allure and loved it. The variety in the various neighborhoods (Central Park, promenade and boardwalk) were wonderful and the specialty dining package ($110 for 5 nights specialty restaurants) was great! And the shows (as others said, book them ahead) were far and above carnival. The climbing wall and flow riders were a big hit for us!

 

I did however really miss the deck party, dive in movies, comedy, line dances (as corneynas they are), singing waiters (again the cheese factor) and the general "vibe" that CCL offers. CCL just seems more "fun". The free food on CCL was better but since we got the dining package I can't complain... but the windjammer buffet is a disaster! Lunch choices on carnival (guys, tacos, deli, Mongolian, tandoori etc... blow RCCL away! But the solarium area vs. serenity is a no brainer... solarium all the way (loved that area)!

 

The ships (Oasis class) are definite showstoppers! But I did honestly miss seeing the water from most venues. Very "hotel resort like" vs being on a ship. Luckily we booked a balcony, otherwise we said we would have totally missed being at sea!

 

I don't think you can be disappointed with the Oasis/Allure... it is a destination itself... IF the price is Right! I still find CCL a better bang for the buck (but having the option of only 1 person purchasing the drink package with RCCL was a HUGE plus since only 1 of us drink) but usually the cost difference makes it much cheaper for us to take carnival, which is fine for us as we still generally enjoy the product. But it is not a bad thing to branch out every once in a while!

 

There were other things I missed about carnival that you just can't quantify... but the Allure was very impressive indeed!

 

Your views are a lot like my views of Oasis vs Carnival's 2.0 ships. I love RCCL's solarium adult pool. I found myself telling people on my Princess cruise that Oasis & Allure would be good ships for them to try. Don't recall how the subject came up, maybe because one of the ships were in port with us. I would sail RCCL if the price was competitive and the itinerary of course would have to be one I like.