Royal vs. Carnival

[BNBR]

Let's see.....Johnny Rockets .... popcorn for starters

 

 

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Well shoot. I must have missed the complimentary Johnny Rockets on my last Carnival cruise. I was on the Glory... where was Johnny Rockets located? Maybe in the crew area? You need a password to get in?

[BNBR]

And there are more on Royal so I guess they would be much more disappointed.

 

 

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Also more complimentary options... mind.... blown.... What now?

[jimbo5544]

Johnny rockets is on Royal ships. Some will say it's a seating fee but you have to pay for a burger. Guys (on Carnival ships) is free. That was my point.

 

 

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[jimbo5544]

Also more complimentary options... mind.... blown.... What now?

 

 

 

You asked a question and I answered it. See post 13 which I was referring to.

 

 

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[jimbo5544]

Then you say that the glory had two pay restaurants and my post was that if that is your logic (having 2 pay restaurants) and allure has many more pay than the op would be more disappointed. I can't slow it down more than this, please try to keep up.

 

 

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[jimbo5544]

Johnny rockets is on Royal ships. Some will say it's a seating fee but you have to pay for a burger. Guys (on Carnival ships) is free. That was my point.

 

Guys is much better, but your point was it is not on a carnival ship (thank God). My point was that good burgers are free on Carnival and Royal makes you pay. This info is provided and you don't even need a password to get it.

 

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[BNBR]

Johnny rockets is on Royal ships. Some will say it's a seating fee but you have to pay for a burger. Guys (on Carnival ships) is free. That was my point.

 

 

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Johnny Rockets is not comparable to Guys. Johnny Rockets is complimentary for breakfast, by the way. And it's great. Diner style, made to order sitting on the boardwalk with fresh ocean air. It's quiet, shaded, and relaxed in the AM. But anyways, lunch. Johnny Rockets is a sit down restaurant with waiter service. Guys is a counter you walk up to with a toppings bar. Guys is comparable to Wipeout Cafe on Allure. Wipeout has more options, though Guys has better burgers. You can walk up and get a burger all you want on Allure just like Guys on Carnival.

 

Allure has lots of counter serve complimentary options... Boardwalk Dog House, Sorrentos, Promenade Cafe, Wipeout, Park Cafe... plus many other complimentary options, too. I would say the only thing that Carnival has that is unique would be the Blue Iguana, which is pretty cool. But again, it's counter serve... but I like Mexican so I enjoyed it a lot. Especially the breakfast burritos - though I only found out about it because the Glory had such an atrocious breakfast buffet I was desperately looking for something else and another CC'er recommended it.

[jimbo5544]

Johnny Rockets is not comparable to Guys. Johnny Rockets is complimentary for breakfast, by the way. And it's great. Diner style, made to order sitting on the boardwalk with fresh ocean air. It's quiet, shaded, and relaxed in the AM. But anyways, lunch. Johnny Rockets is a sit down restaurant with waiter service. Guys is a counter you walk up to with a toppings bar. Guys is comparable to Wipeout Cafe on Allure. Wipeout has more options, though Guys has better burgers. You can walk up and get a burger all you want on Allure just like Guys on Carnival.

 

 

 

Allure has lots of counter serve complimentary options... Boardwalk Dog House, Sorrentos, Promenade Cafe, Wipeout, Park Cafe... plus many other complimentary options, too. I would say the only thing that Carnival has that is unique would be the Blue Iguana, which is pretty cool. But again, it's counter serve... but I like Mexican so I enjoyed it a lot. Especially the breakfast burritos - though I only found out about it because the Glory had such an atrocious breakfast buffet I was desperately looking for something else and another CC'er recommended it.

 

 

 

I agree it's not comparable, guys burgers are much better. Who wants a burger for breakfast. Lol, wipeout burgers compared to Guys, time to take off the crown and anchor tinted glasses. Look, you love Royal, I get it. That is fine, I just wanted the op to have facts, not fantasies to make decisions on. How much do they charge for the jr 5 star sit down service these days? Charging for a burger, this is perfect nickel and dining, they should be ashamed to do it.

 

 

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[dmdiver]

Johnny Rockets was fairly inexpensive, but their burgers are not as good as Guy's to me. I realize food is very subjective, so some may not feel the same way.

 

As far as waiting for a show on Oasis, we tried going, but there were not any no-shows, so we didn't get to go in. We did get to see one comedian without a reservation, but it was only because of a no-show. Couldn't get into any of the production shows. Diving show is outside, so easy enough to get to watch & pretty cool.

 

Although both lines have pay restaurants, no one will go hungry if they don't avail themselves of them. There is still plenty of food out there.

 

You also have to look at what you want to do on sea days. Allure will have the flowrider, rock climbing wall, adult solarium with pool and lots of shopping if you're into that. I think there is also ice skating (there was on Oasis), but we never got to use it. Since they do a performance there, it is closed for rehearsals at certain times. For us, that always seemed to be the time we wanted to go down there. Our schedule & the ship's schedule just didn't mesh well. If we go again, we'll plan better. But, we had a great time lounging by the pools and there was a fantastic parade down the center of the ship.

 

On Carnival, we always enjoy the waterslide, serenity deck & the comedy club. Of course, we lounge by the pool & play mini golf. I've also enjoyed the ropes course on Magic & Breeze.

 

Seems all the lines have trivia, name that tune type of stuff as well.

[BNBR]

I agree it's not comparable, guys burgers are much better. Who wants a burger for breakfast. Lol, wipeout burgers compared to Guys, time to take off the crown and anchor tinted glasses. Look, you love Royal, I get it. That is fine, I just wanted the op to have facts, not fantasies to make decisions on. How much do they charge for the jr 5 star sit down service these days? Charging for a burger, this is perfect nickel and dining, they should be ashamed to do it.

 

 

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I don't think you actually read before responding. For one, Johnny Rockets provides breakfast food for breakfast... And two, I CLEARLY said Guys has a better burger. You complained that you had to pay to get a burger and compared Guys with Johnny Rockets. I pointed out that Guys is comparable to Wipeout in that they are both counter serve, complimentary options on Lido deck to get a burger.

 

At Johnny Rockets I think it's like $7. I know that's a lot for you, but it's not really that much. You can also get shakes, among other items. Guys, you get a burger off a try and waived off to a toppings bar. It's a decent burger, but come on....

 

 

I don't think you are that focused on facts, at all. Or you just simply don't know what you are talking about (more likely). If you were focused on facts, you would point out that both lines have complimentary, counter serve burgers. Carnival has the better free burger, but Royal has a more robust, full service second option if you don't mind the small extra charge.

[jimbo5544]

I don't think you actually read before responding. For one, Johnny Rockets provides breakfast food for breakfast... And two, I CLEARLY said Guys has a better burger. You complained that you had to pay to get a burger and compared Guys with Johnny Rockets. I pointed out that Guys is comparable to Wipeout in that they are both counter serve, complimentary options on Lido deck to get a burger.

 

At Johnny Rockets I think it's like $7. I know that's a lot for you, but it's not really that much. You can also get shakes, among other items. Guys, you get a burger off a try and waived off to a toppings bar. It's a decent burger, but come on....

 

 

I don't think you are that focused on facts, at all. Or you just simply don't know what you are talking about (more likely). If you were focused on facts, you would point out that both lines have complimentary, counter serve burgers. Carnival has the better free burger, but Royal has a more robust, full service second option if you don't mind the small extra charge.

I give up, your right I have no idea

[BNBR]

Johnny Rockets was fairly inexpensive, but their burgers are not as good as Guy's to me. I realize food is very subjective, so some may not feel the same way.

 

As far as waiting for a show on Oasis, we tried going, but there were not any no-shows, so we didn't get to go in. We did get to see one comedian without a reservation, but it was only because of a no-show. Couldn't get into any of the production shows. Diving show is outside, so easy enough to get to watch & pretty cool.

 

Although both lines have pay restaurants, no one will go hungry if they don't avail themselves of them. There is still plenty of food out there.

 

You also have to look at what you want to do on sea days. Allure will have the flowrider, rock climbing wall, adult solarium with pool and lots of shopping if you're into that. I think there is also ice skating (there was on Oasis), but we never got to use it. Since they do a performance there, it is closed for rehearsals at certain times. For us, that always seemed to be the time we wanted to go down there. Our schedule & the ship's schedule just didn't mesh well. If we go again, we'll plan better. But, we had a great time lounging by the pools and there was a fantastic parade down the center of the ship.

 

On Carnival, we always enjoy the waterslide, serenity deck & the comedy club. Of course, we lounge by the pool & play mini golf. I've also enjoyed the ropes course on Magic & Breeze.

 

Seems all the lines have trivia, name that tune type of stuff as well.

 

Interesting. We didn't book reservations for a couple of shows on Oasis and walked right into an Aquatheater and Production (regular theater) show during open seating. Maybe it's just time of year when certain shows are busier? I personally LOVE the reservations and you can make them through your TV. On Glory we got lucky and found the last seat at the bar way in the back of the comedy club walking in 10 minutes prior to the show. It was the first show, and they tell everyone 5X that EVERYONE must leave and form a line that goes the length of the promenade. We skipped the adult comedy show... Who wants to stand in a line like that? We get reservations on Royal and walk in 15 - 20 minutes prior and get prime seating.

 

For our Harmony cruise in October this year, we just scheduled out our shows at times we think we'll want to go using the cruise planner. If we end up missing them or going standby on another, no big deal.

[bUU]

I find it very funny all posts are in favor of RCI on the Carnival boards!

I find it rather refreshing and encouraging. My experience on the Royal Caribbean board is that there is a generalized rain of rudeness rained down on any dissenting views, while the Carnival board is much more even-keeled.

[Aquahound]

We are going to be cruising with another family next summer. They have never cruised. We have done 4 with Carnival. As I look at the options for next summer, a trip on Allure of the Seas has caught my eye. I guess my question is what differences should I expect - food, shows, amenities, excursions, etc...? Basically anything.

 

I've cruised on Oasis Class 4 times and I've yet to experience anything like it on any other cruise line. Allure is an amazing ship with entertainment you won't find on Carnival. Allure has Mama Mia playing as its headline show, and they do a great job with it.

 

Yes, there are several pay restaurants, but all the typical free venues are still there. Park Café in Central Park is a good option (free). The roast beef sandwiches there are popular.

 

I recommend going on Allure. I don't think you'll regret it. Don't let something so trivial as a hamburger prevent you from experiencing Oasis Class for yourself. ;)

 

Although they are free, the shows have to be reserved on Allure, not on Carnival.

 

Not true. The reservation process is recommended because that's what keeps the crowds separated. It's not mandatory.

[wanderlust0713]

I'm 22, and wrote a review on the Allure. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2440483

 

Personally, we realized we much prefer Carnival in almost every aspect (buffet is 100x better on RCI). To each their own.

[Havingfun2010]

I find it very funny all posts are in favor of RCI on the Carnival boards! It is a preference to each one individually. I prefer Carnival because I dont have to pay for all these extras like on RCI.

 

What extra's? Food in the MDR/Buffet as well as multiple places around the ship is free. All the entertainment is free.

 

Both cruise lines have specialty restaurants (Johnny Rockets is one) that you pay. Both have casino's and shopping that you pay for. Pictures cost money also.

 

If you are complaining about a bag of popcorn, or eating an hamburger, you will find hamburgers on the Oasis class ships are free in some areas. Popcorn is not a make or break it item on any ship. Entertainment, food, service is.

 

You don't have to pay for anything once on the ship. Like everything, it is an option, for those that wish to do so.

[NavarreCruiser]

Below is my review of the Allure. I have been on 13 Carnival cruises. Because of a change in the terms for photobucket, the pictures will not be visible after August 16.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1928555

 

I really enjoyed your lengthy review of your cruise 4 years ago. That must have taken a lot of time and effort to produce. I have sailed on Oasis and Harmony and will be on the Allure for Halloween. Thanks for posting.

[nhraformula00]

I have been on 14-15 Carnival cruises over the last 36 years. Been on 3 Royal cruises over the last 12 years . Both have there pro's and con's, and both have changed quite a bit in the last 5 years. We enjoy both and just love to be on any ship cruising to all the same places we have been to over and over time and time again. No cheerleader here, just stating my observations. Going on the Splendor in one month, Happy Sailing!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[FLSteve11]

I'm 22, and wrote a review on the Allure. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2440483

 

Personally, we realized we much prefer Carnival in almost every aspect (buffet is 100x better on RCI). To each their own.

 

Exactly. Different people are looking for different things in a cruise. I generally prefer RCCL, but I like Carnival as well. I would say they're more the same then different (not surprising as they share the same space in the cruising world, being family mass market lines). Each ship does some things better then the others. I think Carnival is a bit livelier (sometimes a bit too lively for my DW), generally has more interactive activities (a bit more trivia, for example), and does a better job of getting the crowd involved at parties. Royal has better ships on the large side, and better production shows on those. I find food subjective, and honestly I've had both good and bad meals on both ships. I think the chef on a ship has a lot more to do with how good the food is then what's on the menu.

[kidlessatsea]

I am close to Emerald on Royal and have most recently cruised on the Oasis of the Seas.

We will (almost) always continue to return to Carnival. I am currently booked on the Breeze and super excited.

 

Here is why I did not LOVE the Oasis of the Seas:

- rooms were much smaller than I have experienced on other cruises. When our couch/bed was out (all day) you could not walk around to get to the balcony, you had to climb over it, therefore we spend very little time on the balcony.

- NO ocean view from the dining room - in fact, most of the ship's attractions are in the middle of the ship with no ocean view or indication that you are on the water

- Many times I wanted food, it was not available. Every food place closes at some point in the day and there were times where food was not available at all.

- ice cream only available at certain times on the pool decks

 

The Oasis is beautiful and HUGE but Royal relies too much on the ship being the attraction and many of the activities are indoors without an outside view. We did get to see some great movies and did a bit of trivia but instead of sitting in a bar overlooking the ocean, you are looking at a center plaza. It's a lot like being in a casino, very dark, no windows.

That being said, their entertainment is top notch and unbeatable, but that's not why I cruise. I cruise to be on the water, to see and feel the waves, and for great destinations. I have no need for the ship to be the destination. We did take advantage of all the shows we could (waited in line for over an hour for the comedy show and didn't get in - full), climbing, zip lining, swimming, parade, kids club, movies etc. I would have just loved for the ocean to come first.

[Cuizer2]

I really enjoyed your lengthy review of your cruise 4 years ago. That must have taken a lot of time and effort to produce. I have sailed on Oasis and Harmony and will be on the Allure for Halloween. Thanks for posting.

 

Well, that one did take some time and effort. However, except for the time it takes to post the pictures, it is also fun. Now I have a way to post more pictures and take less time doing it.

 

My NCL Pearl review includes more pictures, but it took me less time to post them. I'm looking forward to my next review, as I'm be using a new photo hosting site which I think will make it even easier to post the photographs and allow me to link to even bigger photographs (bigger makes it easier to see more detail).

 

BTW, that cruise was only three years and eleven months ago. :halo:

[BossOfTheHouse]

Wow - I am impressed that those that commented respect other people's opinions. I posted on another thread good and bad about my past cruise experience and received pretty snarky comments by 2 in particular that didn't agree with me. It's nice to read everyone's opinions and not arguments.

 

To answer your question, I prefer RCCL over Carnival. They both have their good and bad points but RCCL is just a notch better, imo.

[skiingj]

After 12 Carnival and 2 Royal cruises. I believe Royal has a better product. Allure has more upcharge restaurants because it’s bigger, duh. Carnival has several upcharge restaurants and now charges for many room service items, I don’t see much of a difference.

 

Royal has far better shows. Royal has a much better loyalty program.

 

One drawback I find with an Oasis class ship is its common areas are mostly inward facing. You don’t feel like you’re cruising in certain places and the ship is more the destination. That said you can always go on a smaller ship. If you haven’t been on an Oasis class you won’t be disappointed. It’s an amazing experience, Carnival has nothing like it.

 

Johnny Rockets and popcorn, wow that’s all you can come up with. Royal has pre-packaged to go items for free in the CP café. Carnival has nothing like it. Got to love the Kool-Aid drinkers.

 

They are both great cruise lines but Royal’s product has caught my attention after disappointment with the Vista and Carnivals cutbacks.

[UPNYGuy]

As I said, everyone has whats important to them, to me Allure is a big floating city (full of restaurants - free and up charged ones), I cruise to get away from that and feel like I'm actually cruising! I can go for walks in the parks here :) If you truly want them to go on their first cruise, maybe a smaller ship would give them more of a cruising experience :)

 

 

 

^this! DW and I had our first cruise on Oceania and loved it. We admit we also cruise on Breakaway, but refuse to do so unless we are in The Haven. If you want a genuine cruise experience (and not feel like a number), you need to be on a smaller ship. Megaships aren't bad, just do not expect gourmet cuisine and personalized service.

 

 

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[dmdiver]

I will agree with those about Oasis class public areas not feeling like you are on a ship. That is one drawback to that style. Although, there was a very large hot tub that was out a bit over the side where you could see out over the ocean. That was pretty nice.