Royal vs. Carnival

[Tapi]

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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That's why I keep coming back to the Carnival board! [emoji6]

 

Doing a quick google search, the "included/free" places on the Allure are:

 

1- The Grande

2- Silk

3- American Icon

4- Windjammer Marketplace

5- Cafe Promenade

6- Sorrento's

7- Boardwalk Dog House

8- Vitality Spa Cafe

9- Park Cafe

10- Wipeout Cafe

11- Solarium Bistro (for breakfast only)

12- Boardwalk Donut Shop

13- Johnny Rockets (for breakfast)

14- Coastal Kitchen (for suite passengers only)

15- Room Service (excluding the $3.95 service fee assessed between midnight and 5am)

 

With all of that said, we did indulge and spend extra money on specialty restaurants simply because we were tempted by the wide selection. We went to Chop's, Samba, Rita's, Vintages and Giovanni's Table. And to be perfectly honest with you, none of the specialty restaurants on the Allure compared to the Carnival's steakhouses that we've enjoyed on Carnival ships (specifically on the Dream and the Liberty) in terms of quality and service.

 

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[perditax]

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.

 

My first Oasis sailing is upcoming, and this frequent theme of not feeling connected with the ocean is worrying (I won't have a balcony). Can anyone recommend good air-conditioned places to lounge and see the ocean? Thanks!

[Tapi]

My first Oasis sailing is upcoming, and this frequent theme of not feeling connected with the ocean is worrying (I won't have a balcony). Can anyone recommend good air-conditioned places to lounge and see the ocean? Thanks!

 

 

 

We had a Boardwalk view window stateroom and, as amazing as the cruise was, we will NEVER book another inside facing stateroom if we ever sail on Oasis class ship. The disconnect is very real. I will even take a standard Oceanview window stateroom over a Boardwalk or Central Park balcony stateroom. Our saving grace was that, just a few feet down the hallway, there was a door leading to a large (and often completely deserted deck) with fantastic views of the ocean and the wake of the ship. Most of the time we had the deck all to ourselves.

 

 

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[S.S.Oceanlover]

We had a Boardwalk view window stateroom and, as amazing as the cruise was, we will NEVER book another inside facing stateroom if we ever sail on Oasis class ship. The disconnect is very real. I will even take a standard Oceanview window stateroom over a Boardwalk or Central Park balcony stateroom. Our saving grace was that, just a few feet down the hallway, there was a door leading to a large (and often completely deserted deck) with fantastic views of the ocean and the wake of the ship. Most of the time we had the deck all to ourselves.

 

 

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HOw long ago was your cruise? From the description you provided it sounds like the area the built the aqua suites.

 

BIll

[Cuizer2]

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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HAL is not a good cruise line for children. Other than the pool, HAL does not offer much that children would be interested in.

[cjknox]

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.

 

 

You say this, and you've been on an Oasis class vessel?

 

The Oasis class ships are great and unique ships, I believe everyone should try them at least once but the bottom line is that they may not be for everyone; and that's okay. That just means more room for the people that want to sail on them.

 

You are completely delusional if you don't think they are for the most part inwardly focused. Apart from outward cabins (of course) or select portions of upper decks everything else is interior focused. Royal executives and designers have repeated on multiple occasions that these ships are less about the destination/ocean; the design of the ships confirm this fact.

 

 

 

 

 

It's funny how you mentioned the 15 year old Carnival Glory and neglected to address the class of ships the OP wanted to cruise on if she went with Carnival. Obviously the Dream/Vista classes have the exterior promenades which provide more contact with the ocean including restaurants with seating on the promenade.

 

 

The bottom line OP is that the Allure will be a different experience you are accustomed to as it is such a different ship from any other cruise ship on the seas. Not that you'll have a bad time, but it's just so different that some people like it and others don't. But in reality, there's no such thing as a "bad cruise" so you'll have a blast with both Carnival or rOyal.

[Tapi]

How long ago was your cruise? From the description you provided it sounds like the area the built the aqua suites.

 

 

 

BIll

 

 

 

We were on the Allure during its inaugural season (2010). I did look at the deck plans just now to see if they have been altered since I cruised and it looks like they haven't. We were on deck 7 so there are no Aqua suites on that floor (there's one right above though). The deck plans show the rock climbing wall where that outdoor deck is, but the wall is actually off to the side and separated by a railing, leaving that entire deck area empty and underutilized. We were in room 7323.

 

 

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[jimbo5544]

HAL is not a good cruise line for children. Other than the pool, HAL does not offer much that children would be interested in.

 

 

 

Maybe watching the old people?

 

 

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[Tapi]

HAL is not a good cruise line for children. Other than the pool, HAL does not offer much that children would be interested in.

 

 

 

There was a kids club (Club HAL) but the facilities didn't look very welcoming. Small and gloomy, plus there were hardly any kids there. The staff was very friendly but there was nothing that I could do to get my kids to stay.

 

I understand that the new HAL ships, like the Koningsdam, have excellent kids facilities, and they have added more family friendly staterooms and activities, trying to appeal to a younger demographic.

 

 

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[meatloafsfan]

That's why I keep coming back to the Carnival board! [emoji6]

 

Doing a quick google search, the "included/free" places on the Allure are:

 

1- The Grande

2- Silk

3- American Icon

4- Windjammer Marketplace

5- Cafe Promenade

6- Sorrento's

7- Boardwalk Dog House

8- Vitality Spa Cafe

9- Park Cafe

10- Wipeout Cafe

11- Solarium Bistro (for breakfast only)

12- Boardwalk Donut Shop

13- Johnny Rockets (for breakfast)

14- Coastal Kitchen (for suite passengers only)

15- Room Service (excluding the $3.95 service fee assessed between midnight and 5am)

 

With all of that said, we did indulge and spend extra money on specialty restaurants simply because we were tempted by the wide selection. We went to Chop's, Samba, Rita's, Vintages and Giovanni's Table. And to be perfectly honest with you, none of the specialty restaurants on the Allure compared to the Carnival's steakhouses that we've enjoyed on Carnival ships (specifically on the Dream and the Liberty) in terms of quality and service.

 

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The first three are all the MDR - same menu and either fixed seating or anytime seating. Many Carnival ships have either multiple dining rooms or multi level dining rooms - it doesn't mean there's 3 - that's one option.

 

2 of those listed places are for breakfast only.

 

If I'm not booked in a suite, I can't eat in the suite dining room, so why list it.

 

And room service on Royal now comes with an $8 fee - all day, all night (except for continental breakfast items).

 

Considering they have to feed up to 6000 passengers - they need to spread out the crowds.

 

The Vista has the following included dining options:

 

1. Horizon's Restaurant (Main Dining Room) and Reflections (Main Dining Room)

2. The Taste Bar

3. Lido Marketplace

4. Deli

5. Pizzeria del Capitano

6. Guy's Burger Joint

7. Blue Iguana Cantina

8. Mongolian Wok

9. Pasta Bar

10. Fresh creations

11. Room service

 

11 included choices.

 

Having the Royal list match up:

 

1- The Grande / Silk / American Icon

2- Windjammer Marketplace

3- Cafe Promenade

4- Sorrento's

5- Boardwalk Dog House

6- Vitality Spa Café

7- Park Café

8- Wipeout Café

9- Solarium Bistro (for breakfast only)

10- Boardwalk Donut Shop

11- Johnny Rockets (for breakfast)

 

Hmmm....turns out to be the same number.....:confused:

[S.S.Oceanlover]

We were on the Allure during its inaugural season (2010). I did look at the deck plans just now to see if they have been altered since I cruised and it looks like they haven't. We were on deck 7 so there are no Aqua suites on that floor (there's one right above though). The deck plans show the rock climbing wall where that outdoor deck is, but the wall is actually off to the side and separated by a railing, leaving that entire deck area empty and underutilized. We were in room 7323.

 

 

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Thanks for the reply . I will have to look for that space the next time we board the Oasis.:)

 

Bill

[Tapi]

 

1. Horizon's Restaurant (Main Dining Room) and Reflections (Main Dining Room)

 

2. The Taste Bar

 

3. Lido Marketplace

 

4. Deli

 

5. Pizzeria del Capitano

 

6. Guy's Burger Joint

 

7. Blue Iguana Cantina

 

8. Mongolian Wok

 

9. Pasta Bar

 

10. Fresh creations

 

11. Room service

 

 

 

Several of the places listed are more like stations that share a common area. The thing that I appreciated about the food venues on the Oasis ships was that they are spread out throughout the ship across the various neighborhoods with their own sitting area. I also appreciated the electronic signage as well as the TV interactive system which allowed us to select where to eat before leaving our stateroom based on how busy these venues were. We were big fans of eating breakfast at the Park Cafe in Central Park in a fairly quiet and uncrowded environment while the Windjammer Marketplace buffet and the MDR were packed and showing red on the screens.

 

I do appreciate that Carnival has expanded the food options on their ships, even if the location and layout is not the most adequate, and I think that it's a very positive (and necessary) change as ships are built to carry more and more passengers.

 

 

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Edited August 10, 2017 by Tapi

[skiingj]

The Vista has the following included dining options:

 

1. Horizon's Restaurant (Main Dining Room) and Reflections (Main Dining Room)

>>>>>Does not offer buffet and menu ordering like Royal

2. The Taste Bar

>>>>>Really? How long is this open for, a couple hours? Plus super miniature portions.

3. Lido Marketplace

4. Deli

5. Pizzeria del Capitano

6. Guy's Burger Joint

7. Blue Iguana Cantina

8. Mongolian Wok

9. Pasta Bar

10. Fresh creations

>>>>>If this is the place on Serenity its Lunch Salads ONLY

11. Room service

>>>>>Many items are nickle and dime up-charges now a days.

 

11 included choices.

 

Having the Royal list match up:

 

1- The Grande / Silk / American Icon>>>>>>>>>Has both menu and buffet options

2- Windjammer Marketplace

3- Cafe Promenade

4- Sorrento's

5- Boardwalk Dog House

6- Vitality Spa Café

7- Park Café>>>>>>>>>TOGO Items also available, nice addition.

8- Wipeout Café

9- Solarium Bistro (for breakfast only)>>>>>>>Wrong, Open for Lunch and maybe Dinner as well. Allure dinner was a surcharge restaurant, not sure about Harmony.

10- Boardwalk Donut Shop

11- Johnny Rockets (for breakfast)

 

 

Having been on both Vista and Harmony, I'd pick Harmony food venues any day over Vista. Royal is by far more organized and has more choices overall. Royal food venues are nicely spread out over the ship. Carnival's Steakhouse and Pizza are the best at sea. Royal's buffet with the food islands is a great idea, so easy to navigate and less waiting in lines like Carnival buffets. Royal's specialty dining package for five dinners at $120 is a great value.

[Lionesss]

Love the summary of food places you can eat on Allure.

 

You do not realize how many there are till you see in writing.

 

But, wish there were more choices late at night.

 

Thanks again.

[FLSteve11]

We were on the Allure during its inaugural season (2010). I did look at the deck plans just now to see if they have been altered since I cruised and it looks like they haven't. We were on deck 7 so there are no Aqua suites on that floor (there's one right above though). The deck plans show the rock climbing wall where that outdoor deck is, but the wall is actually off to the side and separated by a railing, leaving that entire deck area empty and underutilized. We were in room 7323.

 

 

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I think they were referring to the upper decks (like deck 11) which used to have an open area for people to use. You walked down the end of the hall and through a door and there was a deck. Since it was at the end of a cabin floor, and you didn't notice it from below, it was very underutilized. There were empty lounge chairs available all the time when we went on it. Those have now been replaced by additional Aqua suites.

[Cuizer2]

Maybe watching the old people?

 

 

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People watching can be fun. I know a lot of whale do it.

[meatloafsfan]

Having been on both Vista and Harmony, I'd pick Harmony food venues any day over Vista. Royal is by far more organized and has more choices overall. Royal food venues are nicely spread out over the ship. Carnival's Steakhouse and Pizza are the best at sea. Royal's buffet with the food islands is a great idea, so easy to navigate and less waiting in lines like Carnival buffets. Royal's specialty dining package for five dinners at $120 is a great value.

 

Actually on many ships - including the Vista, Sunshine, Breeze, Magic and Dream, the taste bar serves breakfast every day (hot foods) and on sea days, lunch. So it's not just the appetizers at dinner.

 

And if the donut place and the two breakfast places can be listed for Royal, I don't see why the lunch only place can't be listed for Carnival.

 

And Royal's 5 dinners for $120 - hmmm, without a discount - on Carnival Vista I can do the steakhouse twice ($35 + $35), JiJi's ($15), Cucina's ($15) and still have $20 left for dinner at Bonsai Sushi. Just because Royal inflates their prices and then puts stuff "on sale" doesn't make it a good value.

[momof3cruisers]

Having been on both Vista and Harmony, I'd pick Harmony food venues any day over Vista. Royal is by far more organized and has more choices overall. Royal food venues are nicely spread out over the ship. Carnival's Steakhouse and Pizza are the best at sea. Royal's buffet with the food islands is a great idea, so easy to navigate and less waiting in lines like Carnival buffets. Royal's specialty dining package for five dinners at $120 is a great value.

This won't quote your quote, but are you really going to knock the Taste Bar (which also serves breakfast btw) and keep the Donut "shop" in the Comparison? Some shelves in the wall with donuts on them for a couple of hours in the mornings does not a "shop" make. However, I agree that I like the food islands much better. I can see positives and negatives to the spreading out or grouping together of the various venues. Spread out obviously cuts down on crowds which is really nice and makes it more convenient when you are in different locations around the ship. but when they are closer, it is easier for families who want different options to still eat in the same basic location.

[skiingj]

This won't quote your quote, but are you really going to knock the Taste Bar (which also serves breakfast btw) and keep the Donut "shop" in the Comparison?

 

Uhmm It was a quote. Quote = someone else's post. I didn't list them, only commented. Not my list.

 

If the taste bar servers breakfast great. The dinner 'ITEM' is only trying to sell you a surcharge restaurant and a 1-2oz helping is hardly a meal. I do however think its a good idea just not a dinner option in my book. "Hello, can I get ten of those thimblefuls of soup?"

[Yvonne]

Actually on many ships - including the Vista, Sunshine, Breeze, Magic and Dream, the taste bar serves breakfast every day (hot foods) and on sea days, lunch. So it's not just the appetizers at dinner.

 

And if the donut place and the two breakfast places can be listed for Royal, I don't see why the lunch only place can't be listed for Carnival.

 

And Royal's 5 dinners for $120 - hmmm, without a discount - on Carnival Vista I can do the steakhouse twice ($35 + $35), JiJi's ($15), Cucina's ($15) and still have $20 left for dinner at Bonsai Sushi. Just because Royal inflates their prices and then puts stuff "on sale" doesn't make it a good value.

 

We were on the Dream in January and never saw The Taste Bar open for "breakfast" or "lunch." They served "a taste" of something in the evenings, that was it. Never anything that could be called a meal. I suppose if you went back up 2, 3, 4, times etc. you could make it a meal.

[Pellaz]

 

The Vista has the following included dining options:

 

1. Horizon's Restaurant (Main Dining Room) and Reflections (Main Dining Room)

2. The Taste Bar

3. Lido Marketplace

4. Deli

5. Pizzeria del Capitano

6. Guy's Burger Joint

7. Blue Iguana Cantina

8. Mongolian Wok <--- JiJi's Asian Kitchen (free for lunch as a stir-fry "made to order" venue)

9. Pasta Bar

10. Fresh creations

11. Room service

12. Guy's Pig & Anchor Barbecue

 

12 included choices.

 

Having the Royal list match up:

 

1- The Grande / Silk / American Icon

2- Windjammer Marketplace

3- Cafe Promenade

4- Sorrento's

5- Boardwalk Dog House

6- Vitality Spa Café

7- Park Café

8- Wipeout Café

9- Solarium Bistro (for breakfast only)

10- Boardwalk Donut Shop

11- Johnny Rockets (for breakfast)

 

Hmmm....turns out to be the same number.....:confused:

 

No, you forgot Guy's Pig & Anchor BBQ, so.... Vista wins! :D

[meatloafsfan]

No, you forgot Guy's Pig & Anchor BBQ, so.... Vista wins! :D

True! I forgot one of the best new additions!

 

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[Isasprings]

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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I am not a fan of burger but Guys is so good and free:cool: better than Johnny rockets.