Royal vs. Carnival

[BNBR]

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.

 

The more I've thought about this, the more I don't necessarily agree with it. Sure, maybe other ships have "more" ocean views in the public areas... I didn't find it that dramatic. Boardwalk obviously has ocean views, windjammer has amazing ocean views, the entire pool deck, sports zone, etc. And the Solarium has spectacular ocean views plus the cantilevered tubs that you mention. If you book an ocean view balcony, plenty of ocean views... In other words, I was never feeling lack of the ocean. I personally appreciate having both the enclosed feel and the expansive views. It's fun to head down to the casino and get a "real" casino experience with proper lighting, design, and no windows - just like basically every Vegas casino. It's done that way on purpose to create a specific atmosphere. The promenade would be nice if they could find a way to incorporate even a couple large windows, but whatever, it has it's own "feel" to it that is pretty cool as it is.

 

On Glory, the atrium has no ocean views, the comedy club has no ocean views, dining room only if you are right near the window, really. Other than the promenade that is filled with smoke next to the casino and a sports bar (that was completely empty the entire cruise) - the public areas didn't have much more "ocean" feel to them.

 

We are really talking about a difference with a lounge or two having some windows on the smaller ships. If someone likes a certain lounge that has windows, I guess I could see them preferring that specific type of ship. Good thing we have lots of options. I'm looking forward to our Escape cruise with the Waterfront, that looks pretty awesome.

[skiingj]

Boardwalk obviously has ocean views...

 

I don't recall being able to see the ocean from boardwalk (Allure & Harmony). Maybe I'm wrong? If you can it must be from a small area as too much is in the way or you are climbing the wall.

[BNBR]

I don't recall being able to see the ocean from boardwalk (Allure & Harmony). Maybe I'm wrong? If you can it must be from a small area as too much is in the way or you are climbing the wall.

 

Not an expansive ocean view but you are definitely not enclosed. From the aquatheater, it's stunning watching the show with the gorgeous sea/islands behind the stage.

[2Shoes2Go]

We find that booking a balcony or suite on Oasis class helps satisfy the need to see more water. It is a lacking aspect for this class. Do still enjoy these large ships! :D

[texasgirl73]

I just got off Carnival Vista yesterday. I've also cruised on the Carnival Breeze and Valor. I have sailed on RCCL Allure and Oasis and I am booked for a family cruise on the Anthem next summer. For me RCCL is the better line. I enjoyed my Carnival cruises, especially the Vista, it's a really nice ship but I definitely prefer RCCL for service and overall feel of the ship. The food is comparable for me with Carnivals free options coming out ahead. RCCL beats Carnival on up keep of the ship. I noticed a lot of things dingy, broken and messed up on the Valor and even noticed more than expected wear and tear on Vista which is only a year old. I prefer Carnivals prices but all things considered RCCL comes out ahead for me.

 

 

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[Pellaz]

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.

 

Yes, but as I recall there's yet another additional upcharge for shakes at Johnny Rockets.

[momof3cruisers]

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.

Agreed. We felt very distant from the ocean experience on Allure. We prefer smaller ships.

[NavarreCruiser]

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:

 

LOL pretend I posted next month.

[skiingj]

Not surprised by how many seasoned Carnival cruisers prefer Royal. After only two Royal cruises they certainly are a notch above. Always heard Royal is more expensive but when comparing the last couple years Royal was either the same price or slightly cheaper.

 

Reserving Royal shows ahead of time is nice and they reserve seats for high tier members as well. Dislike the Sunshine and Vista new theater setup, its horrible.

[meatloafsfan]

If you want to cruise on the Allure, do it. Consider it a once in a lifetime trip and don't worry about if you prefer Carnival - go and enjoy what that ship has to offer.

 

That being said, I don't like Royal Caribbean. I have sailed on them a few times (Explorer twice, Navigator once and Freedom of the Seas once).

 

Consistently I have found the beds to be lower quality than Carnival along with the bedding (sheets, duvets and especially the pillows).

 

Not a fan of the Windjammer buffet and we try to avoid it at all costs. On Carnival I find there is much more variety on the Lido deck with the deli, pizza, Guys, Blue Iguana, pasta bar, wok, chopsticks, etc (some of those are ship dependant). Café Promenade is okay but is repetitive serving the same mini sandwiches day after day and I can't call what's served at Sorrento's pizza - it's more like cardboard with toppings.

 

My dad likes both MDRs (he sticks mostly to shrimp cocktails and steaks), my mom gives a slight nod to Carnival (mostly because you can order the sides separately and she likes vegetables so being able to add ratatouille or creamed spinach to her meal is a plus), I prefer Carnival - though not a vegetarian, I find Carnival's vegetarian dinners to be better and their seafood or pasta meals to be better. My preference when it comes to dinner is the more unusual, the more I want to try it. Royal doesn't seem to do "unusual" well.

 

Carnival offers more activities geared to us - constant trivia, board games inspired games, basically sit and participate in a nice comfy chair.

 

We're not main show people so it doesn't matter to me what's playing in the main theatre most of the time. I like that on Carnival, they are not funneling people all to one thing (main show) - they have a variety of evening entertainment (comedy club, live music in the atrium and casino bar, dive in movies, night club, alchemy bar, red frog pub, karaoke, etc.).

 

There are some things I prefer on Royal over Carnival - their solarium pool (it has steps instead of a ladder), their non-alcoholic package, the inclusion of freestyle coke machines on some of their ships (though not all of them). But for me, the not like outweighs the like.

[mguernsey77]

This one is easy. With teens, definitely do the Allure. My son made so many friends that he is still in contact with a year later. So much to do on this ship for all. Plus, for the adults, the drink package is so much better than on Carnival (truly unlimited on Royal and limited to 15 beverages on Carnival.) Also, the specialty restaurants on Allure are so much better than on Carnival and are great for a date night. Don't expect your teen to go to any shows (" they are all lame!" Per my son), but mine loved Carnival's family comedy show which Royal does not have. There are so many food options on the Allure with all their neighborhoods, but food is better on Carnival. Shore excursions are better with Carnival too. Tough choice. I vote Carnival... Vista maybe. Teen votes the Allure.

 

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[SehrishAD]

We did Allure of the seas, and now we don't want to go any other way!!! It had dining options included without an additional fee and they worked just great for us. The only extra dining option we did was Johnny Rockets and that's because it was like $5.95 per person for breakfast!!! So worth it.

The entertainment is first class, and activities are endless. I think your teenagers will absolutely LOVE it!!! As far as the balcony and interiors across the hall: yes of course royal will accommodate that. Trust me!!! Book Allure!!!! [emoji322][emoji7]

 

 

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[ryano]

The only extra dining option we did was Johnny Rockets and that's because it was like $5.95 per person for breakfast!!! So worth it.

 

They are charging for the what was once INCLUDED breakfast at Johnny Rockets now? Lol, nah Royal isnt nickle and diming at all :'):rolleyes:

[Aquahound]

They are charging for the what was once INCLUDED breakfast at Johnny Rockets now? Lol, nah Royal isnt nickle and diming at all :'):rolleyes:

 

No. Breakfast is still free at JR.

[SehrishAD]

They are charging for the what was once INCLUDED breakfast at Johnny Rockets now? Lol, nah Royal isnt nickle and diming at all :'):rolleyes:

 

 

 

I think I am mistaken, not breakfast but actually lunch. We sailed November 2016.

 

 

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[skywalkr2]

Comparing Carnival to RCC elite ships is pointless. RCC elite ships are resorts at sea. Carnival ships are regular cruise ships.

 

If you want that resort at sea... with it's increased options at sea, but with extra cost upfront + lack of ports... then go for it.

 

Kids will love any cruise.

[dogbert's mom]

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.

 

This is exactly how I felt about our cruise on the Allure. If the right cruise comes along I will try RCI again but until that time I am happy cruising on Carnival

[jimbo5544]

Comparing Carnival to RCC elite ships is pointless. RCC elite ships are resorts at sea. Carnival ships are regular cruise ships.

 

 

 

If you want that resort at sea... with it's increased options at sea, but with extra cost upfront + lack of ports... then go for it.

 

 

 

Kids will love any cruise.

 

 

 

RCC ELITE SHIPS....comedy hour has begun.....

 

 

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[S.S.Oceanlover]

RCC ELITE SHIPS....comedy hour has begun.....

 

 

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Give em h*ll Jimbo

 

Bill

 

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[jimbo5544]

Give em h*ll Jimbo

 

Bill

 

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I have a rep to maintain.....

 

 

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[Tapi]

I always find it amusing how some posters like to point out all the upcharge restaurants on the Oasis class ships. What they neglect to say is that, even if you remove all of the upcharge restaurants from these ships, you still have more free restaurants to choose from than on any Carnival ship. If I recall correctly, we had about 12 free options for food every day on the Allure.

 

 

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[Cuizer2]

I always find it amusing how some posters like to point out all the upcharge restaurants on the Oasis class ships. What they neglect to say is that, even if you remove all of the upcharge restaurants from these ships, you still have more free restaurants to choose from than on any Carnival ship. If I recall correctly, we had about 12 free options for food every day on the Allure.

 

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So, would this be a bad time to point out none of the food is "free". It might be included, but it is not free.

[Tapi]

So, would this be a bad time to point out none of the food is "free". It might be included, but it is not free.

 

 

Yes, "included" is a much more appropriate word [emoji6].

 

 

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[Tapi]

Kids will love any cruise.

 

 

My kids didn't care for Holland America [emoji6]

 

But with that said, you never know what kids will favor. For my kids, the favorite kids program so far has been on MSC. The facilities were much more basic than what we've experienced on Royal or Carnival, and the list of activities was very traditional with little use of technology, yet we couldn't pry the kids away from the kids club. And both of them got off the ship with "Doremi" plush dolls (the ship's mascot) which they begged for, singing MSC's stupid theme song over and over. We couldn't get it out of our head for months [emoji23]

 

 

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[jimbo5544]

I always find it amusing how some posters like to point out all the upcharge restaurants on the Oasis class ships. What they neglect to say is that, even if you remove all of the upcharge restaurants from these ships, you still have more free restaurants to choose from than on any Carnival ship. If I recall correctly, we had about 12 free options for food every day on the Allure.

 

 

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One of the main goals of posters here is to keep you amused. Your point is well taken, I tried to count restaurants (free) on our Oasis cruise, and could not come near your number. Not that I doubt you, but can you list them on Allure?

 

 

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