Comparison: Princess vs Carnival

[HMSDingy]

Hi all,

 

First and only cruise to date was on the Dawn Princess in the Eastern Carribean. Shopping around I found a great and affordable deal on the Carnival Legend. Would appreciate some feedback.

[Sean&Karen]

My travel agent wanted to me crusie with Princess because she said the service was much better and you didn't have to pay for the dinners.

 

Also she said they would treat me as if i had a million dollars in the bank! I am not cruising with them due to schedule but i am going to check them out next year.

[D4]

We've been on Celebrity, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival.

 

There's a big difference between Princess and Carnival. Princess ships are beautifully decorated and tasteful. Carnival goes for a gaudy look. We think the service and food is much better on Princess.

 

But we can only cruise in the summer when our kids are out of school and the selection of itineraries leaving from the US is limited. That is why we are going on Carnival next. I'd prefer to go on Celebrity or Princess but my DH's main concern is variety in the ports.

 

Last summer we were on the Caribbean Princess, so it will be a huge switch to go back on Carnival. But we'll adjust our expectations and should have a great time.

[LUCY55]

I have to disagree. Having said that, I realize the particular ship, itinerary, expectations, and value equation play into ones opinion of a particular line. We sailed the Golden Princess, RCCL Voyager, NCL Spirit, and just recently Carnival Valor. In comparing just the Golden Princess to the Carnival Valor they both had their strengths but were in the same ball park in the overall experience. In our case the Valor was way cheaper. Service was excellent on both. The food in the dinning room was better on Princess, but only a little better. The food from the deli, pizza place, fish and chips bar, and oriental bar made the choices better other times of the day on the Valor. In the Western itinerary the Valor had the longest port times. (Recently the Grand had increased their port times.) I have never been to so many shows (Valor). The one 80's show and comedians were better on the Valor. Note that I traveled with my 19 year old daughter and she liked the general "fun and excitement" on Valor over Princess. Although I think Princess is a "class act" I sure had fun on the Valor and dollar for dollar I would do Carnival again. Note that I have never been on the older gaudier Carnival ships. If you do Carnival choose one of the newer ones.

[Knights on the Beach]

My travel agent wanted to me crusie with Princess because she said the service was much better and you didn't have to pay for the dinners.

 

I'm unsure what you mean by this statement. You don't have to pay for dinners on either cruiseline (well, you've already paid for them when you paid your cruisefare), however, both cruiselines also offer "alternative" dining venues where you do pay an additional fee.

 

We have not yet been on Princess, so I would not even attempt to compare the two cruiselines.

[LUCY55]

I have to make one other comment. Yes, I think the decor is classier on Princess and Carnival is more "in your face". My daughter says "over the top". But quite frankly, is decor important for your cruise? Your choice.

[Cruise Gopher]

We sailed on the Conquest in Jan 2005, Grand Princess in Jan 2006

 

My opinion:

 

Princess had a much nicer elegant ship, Carnival Conquest was more flashy and gaudy like others mentioned.

 

Princess had much better food than Carnival; service in dinning room was the same on Princess vs. Carnival

 

Staterooms were pretty much the same, again Princess more elegant as opposed to the Salmon decor on Carnival.

 

Entertainment was 100 times better on Carnival. Princess had much less entertainment for the younger crowd and the shows were geared towards the elderly.

 

Carnival had a good mix of young and old people, whereas Princess was probably 80% people over the age of 60

 

Carnival had better layed out ship, Grand Princess has a very weird design where you have to take elevators a lot, limited stairways for public use.

 

Carnival has a MUCH better fitness center/spa than Princess.

 

Princess has a better buffet than Carnival, many more choices.

 

Princess Grand Class ships have a lot more pools and deck spaces to lay out as opposed to Carnival. I liked Carnival's tierd pool area though with all the deck chairs, it was hard to find chairs by Princess' Main Pool with the Movie Screen.

 

I'm sure I will think of more.

[LUCY55]

Mostly I "ditto" your opinions. Probably Princess had more buffet choices, but is this the case if you count pizza bar, oriental bar, deli, and fish and chips bar?

[ooulio]

I have cruised with friends that have been on Princess, Celebrity,RC and Carnival. We have been on Disney,1 older Carnival Ship and 3 newer ones including Liberty. It was decorated very nicely. There was nothing gaudy about it. My girlfriend is an Interior Decorator. The older ones are decorated from awhile ago. Our food was awesome on Liberty. We met some people this month that was on Cunard. (spelling ?) They said the majority of the people were in the late 60's and 70's. You could hear a pin after 9:30. I thought they were kidding. She said they were serious. I am happy with the newer ships on Carnival. They said the Costa food was boring. Not at all what they thought. While I was sitting in a hotel room lobby right after the cruise. we were waiting for a room. All the flights were cancelled out of Ft Lauderdale that day. I met so many people that had just come off of ships. Some of the ladies liked Holland America. Said it was decorated nicely. Not too many gave good remarks about RC. Each his own.

[GE Mom]

We've been on two Carnival ships (Fantasy and Triumph) and the Golden Princess. I agree the decor is nicer on Princess. But I was not pleased with the stateroom on Princess -- the mattress was thin and worn out, the pillows smashed, the blanket thin and consisted of two old twin blankets sewn together, and the bedspread faded from being washed too many times. In a standard balcony cabin there was no sofa or comfortable chairs so you had to sit on the bed. I thought the food was just about the same on both lines. We're going on Carnival Pride this time.

[F5Loar]

First, is your TA also refridge salesperson? Cause if they are they would have no trouble selling one to the Eskimos! The lists are long of the pros and cons of each line and it's really up to you as to what trips you the most. Obviously your TA must get a bigger commision with Princess than Carnival. I've been on just about them all and out of the Carnival fleet the Legend is truly one of their least glittzy ships. In fact it's down right elegant. Carnival offers such a totally different cruise experience you will either love it or not so love it. I doubt you will hate it. I agree that Princess has some really classy ships. So much so I've already booked their new Crown and it's not even built yet but before I do that I will sail on Carnival's Celebration because it's offers a fun cruise and that's one of their "oldies" and much smaller ships. The biggest complaints or fault I find in a cruise is not the cruise line or the ship but those 2000+/- people going with me my week. Sometimes they can make or break a great cruise. I can pick the ship I want, I can pick the week to go and even where I go but I will never be able to pick those other 2000+/- people going with me.

[Douglase]

We have cruised twice with Carnival and this past year on Princess. Princess ships are elegant with top notch service and food. Princess didn't seem to nickel & dime guests like on Carnival ships. However Princess attracts the older crowds and nightlife was limited. Room service was good although Carnival has 24 hour pizza and Princess was limited times.

 

I like what was posted in this thread about adjusting your expectations.We have booked a Carnival cruise in October 06 on Carnival's Glory because the price was right for us this year (daughter getting married in May).

 

To be happy and have a good time is a choice we all make every day:)

Looking forward to cruising on Glory.

[deadbug]

Princess----fresh water pools

Carnival----salt water pools

 

Princess---poor ship design(confusing)

Carnival---nicely designed

 

Food---same on both lines

Service----Princess wins hands down

Entertainment---Carnival wins hands dowm

Nightlife---Carnival wins hands down

Excitement--Carnival wins hands down

Value for dollar----CARNIVAL

Fellow Passengers---Carnival

 

Book a newer ship, at least 7 days (to avoid the "cheap" crowd)---get the itinerary you want

[DonnyF]

I was on the Caribbean Princess last July . Pretty Ship , food was the same as Carnival .There is no arcade for the kids to play like on a Carnival ship . No slide on the pool . Its a large ship because it has many cabins . I felt it was crowded. Older crowd , if you dont have children then Princess may be the way to go. Princess did have an ice cream stand that you had to pay for and two resteraunts that were extra. If we give in to these pay extra spots then they will add more of them . I boycott them.

[suz1607]

Depends on what you are looking for -- I have sailed over 50 times on most lines. Carnival has the biggest staterooms for the money. The suites, although large, have no other special amenities except check-in. The food is greatly improved. The casinos are very good. The over the top decor is fun! Princess is a bit more sedate and probably has the best shore excursions of any mainline cruise company. I did not find the food to be particularly good. Celebrity has Chic Class with a capitol C. The spa is the best. I do not think the food is as good as it used to be. Holland America has perhaps the most varied itineraries and the oldest demographics. I recently sailed NCL for the first time and really liked it - was in a suite and the service was fantastic. The NCL Spirit has great facilities for children. The casino is the best I have experienced on a ship. I have not sailed RCCL, Disney or Costa. All that being said, my next cruise is Carnival Miracle because I just want to have some sun and fun! After that I will go back to NCL Spirit in June.

[loungelizard]

I was on the Caribbean Princess last year and Carnival Liberty this year...here's my .02 :

 

Ship ~ Both are beautiful ships...CP is more elegant, but I liked the Liberty's layout better. Liberty is not as gaudy as other Carnival ships. After a few days you get used to the decor anyway.

 

Passengers ~ CP was MUCH older crowd

 

Cabins ~ Liberty was better designed and much more comfortable ( especially the beds )

 

Cabin Stewards ~ my cabin steward on CP was outstanding. On the Liberty I only saw mine twice, although he did a great job.

 

Entertainment ~ CP had better quality shows but they were geared to older crowd. Liberty shows were good, but cheesy...comedy shows were great.

 

Lido Food ~ Buffets were better on CP, but Liberty had great pizza, deli, grill and fish and chips. There is no extra charge for ice cream on Liberty . Layout is better on Liberty.

 

Surcharge Dining ~ Harry's on Liberty was fantastic! CP had 2 options, but only ate in the Steakhouse and had a good experience, but nothing like Harry's.

 

Dining Room Food ~ Carnival menu is more inspired and my food was always tasty, hot and artfully presented ( btw, I'm a chef and very critical )

 

Dining Room Service ~ I have to give CP the edge here.

 

Nightlife ~ Disco on CP was on the 19th deck aft and a pain to get to. It was hard to dance because of ship vibration. Liberty disco rocked every night and was close to other bars, karaoke and piano lounge.

 

Embarkation ~ Carnival seems to have this process down pat...ditto debarkation.

 

Pools ~ CP

 

Big Screen ~ CP...much better use of it. I personally would rather have larger pools than huge TV screen.

 

Spa/Gym ~ N/A

 

Hope this helps

[DonnyF]

Oh , I forgot the spa ! Caribbean princess would not let me use a gym locker unless I booked an extra with them ( massage or treatment ) . That meant I could not use the steam room or sauna.

[F5Loar]

do you have to have a locker to use the sauna and steam? I just show up in my room bathrobe and seldom need a locker anyway. Usually you'll find a few lockers open that you can put some things in, otherwise I just put anything I need to folded in my towel and place it where I can see it.

[shallwechat]

i have cruised ncl, rccl, princess, celebrity & just got off carnival on saturday. there is no comparison in my book........any of the above are better than carnival after the cruise last week.....and i am partial to princess - it is wonderful!

[GoodAsGold]

But remember, this is very general and can vary from ship to ship. I find that the newer and larger ships of ANY line will often be able to offer more amenities and have a nicer decor. I don't think you can compare Carnival Ecstasy with Carnival Pride or Liberty. Just as you wouldn't compare Regal Princess with Sapphire Princess.

 

By the way, I LOVED the Star Princess when I sailed on her when she was just 3 months old. I also liked Sun Princess, but I did find that they duplicate their decor from ship to ship. Carnival has more individual themes. I've only been on the older and smaller CCL ships, so I can't compare them to the larger and newer vessels. I would love to sail Sapphire Princess to the Mexican Riviera. I had wanted to sail on her to Alaska last summer but my in-laws wanted to cruise on NCL Star because it sailed through Glacier Bay. Well, guess what? An Azipod broke and we didn't get to sail there anyway! I yearned to be sailing on the Sapphire Princess everytime I looked over at her sitting in port. At least they got to see SOME glaciers. :)

 

 

We sailed on the Conquest in Jan 2005, Grand Princess in Jan 2006

 

My opinion:

 

Princess had a much nicer elegant ship, Carnival Conquest was more flashy and gaudy like others mentioned.

 

Princess had much better food than Carnival; service in dinning room was the same on Princess vs. Carnival

 

Staterooms were pretty much the same, again Princess more elegant as opposed to the Salmon decor on Carnival.

 

Entertainment was 100 times better on Carnival. Princess had much less entertainment for the younger crowd and the shows were geared towards the elderly.

 

Carnival had a good mix of young and old people, whereas Princess was probably 80% people over the age of 60

 

Carnival had better layed out ship, Grand Princess has a very weird design where you have to take elevators a lot, limited stairways for public use.

 

Carnival has a MUCH better fitness center/spa than Princess.

 

Princess has a better buffet than Carnival, many more choices.

 

Princess Grand Class ships have a lot more pools and deck spaces to lay out as opposed to Carnival. I liked Carnival's tierd pool area though with all the deck chairs, it was hard to find chairs by Princess' Main Pool with the Movie Screen.

 

I'm sure I will think of more.

[Umbarger]

Carnival cabins are much larger than Princess cabins.

Food much better on Carnival.

Carnival is much more fun.

On Princess the only thing they have for you to drink is water or tea. A lot more choice on Carnival.

 

I also booked Princess hearing it was the be all and end all. It isnt. I much prefer Carnival.

[meluvtogocruise]

I have to disagree. Having said that, I realize the particular ship, itinerary, expectations, and value equation play into ones opinion of a particular line. We sailed the Golden Princess, RCCL Voyager, NCL Spirit, and just recently Carnival Valor. In comparing just the Golden Princess to the Carnival Valor they both had their strengths but were in the same ball park in the overall experience. In our case the Valor was way cheaper. Service was excellent on both. The food in the dinning room was better on Princess, but only a little better. The food from the deli, pizza place, fish and chips bar, and oriental bar made the choices better other times of the day on the Valor. In the Western itinerary the Valor had the longest port times. (Recently the Grand had increased their port times.) I have never been to so many shows (Valor). The one 80's show and comedians were better on the Valor. Note that I traveled with my 19 year old daughter and she liked the general "fun and excitement" on Valor over Princess. Although I think Princess is a "class act" I sure had fun on the Valor and dollar for dollar I would do Carnival again. Note that I have never been on the older gaudier Carnival ships. If you do Carnival choose one of the newer ones.

 

I TOTALLY AGREE that Carnival's newer ships are not gaudy. I've only sailed Carnival and I must say my first cruise on Imagination was wonderful.

However, my first impression on embarking her was that it was gaudy and

not what I had hoped for.

 

Have since been on Legend (beautiful) and Liberty (beautiful). Not sure I'll

ever try another line because of the great degree of satisfaction with Carnival!:)

 

Probably going with Valor next.:p

 

Mel

[salt_salt_salt]

Princess----fresh water pools

Carnival----salt water pools

 

Princess---poor ship design(confusing)

Carnival---nicely designed

 

Food---same on both lines

Service----Princess wins hands down

Entertainment---Carnival wins hands dowm

Nightlife---Carnival wins hands down

Excitement--Carnival wins hands down

Value for dollar----CARNIVAL

Fellow Passengers---Carnival

 

Book a newer ship, at least 7 days (to avoid the "cheap" crowd)---get the itinerary you want

 

DeadBug's assesment is close, with 2 exceptions

1. poor design is a strech, but CCL decor is gaudy at best

2. value about equal

[DougH]

I recently returned from my first Carnival cruise on the Liberty, 31st overall, 20 with Princess, others on Celebrity, HAl, RCCL and NCL.

 

Overall the group I sailed with (all very experienced cruisers) was very impressed by the food on Carnival. IMHO it was better than a lot of my Princess trips and the buffet was far better. Numerous choices and loved the Fish and Chips.

 

I thought the ship was OK but did not think it was a great design. Many areas/bars were very underutilized and was very surprisd that there was only one show lounge. On a ship this size I expected at least two different shows a night to choose from. I had a basic 1A cabin #2212 and it was a great value with two portholes. While I had much more floor space than others in my group it was mainly because I had only one single bed. Cabin was overall a bit larger than on Princess but but not enough to make a huge difference.

 

Also thought the ship was way to overcrowded and noisy for my taste. Will still prefer Princess but would sail on Carnival again the opportunity comes up.

 

Doug

[GoodAsGold]

I had a blast on my two Princess cruises (both to the Mexican Riviera during Spring break.) Actually, if I closed my eyes, I wouldn't really know the difference between the two lines for the most part. I do have to say that the dining room food was tastier on my Carnival cruises. But, the Horizon court lido buffets on the Princess beats Carnival in most categories. Much prettier, too. On our cruises the demographics were just about identical with the exception of our 10 day Sun Princess sailing. I saw more electric scooters...and I'm not talking about Razors! :D But other than that, we had some great deck parties on Princess. Lots of dancin' and drinkin' and everyone just having a grand old time. But then Carnival is just as fun! Even though our cabin was smaller than on Carnival, they made very good use of the space. And to make an inside cabin look larger they had one wall that was mirrored. Also, the decor and color scheme was much more pleasing to the eye. I also like the bathroom set-up. They have a shelf above the sink to store your stuff.

 

I wasn't as fond of some of Princess' production shows, but that was mainly because they had microphones attached to their costumes. Something about it was annoying. Truth be known, after seeing these types of shows over and over on cruises, they aren't as appealing as they used to be. I do love the comedians the best. Or even some of the comedy/magicians. That goes for both Carnival and Princess.

 

I do think the public areas are very pretty on Princess. Rich woods and understated decor. And, NOTHING is nicer than sunning and swimming in and around the gorgeous fresh water pools on Princess's ships (at least the two I was on!). All the tile and curving lines. I am not a fan of Carnival's cold saltwater pools. At least on the older ships they aren't very pretty, either.

 

I would like to try to a newer and larger Carnival ship one of these days for a more fair comparison. All in all, though, I like BOTH of these lines better than NCL!

 

I have no desire to cruise on HAL or any of the smaller, luxury lines geared for the "blue hairs". :) I don't think I'll ever be ready for that! I'll always be a Carnival and Princess fan.

 

 

Carnival cabins are much larger than Princess cabins.

Food much better on Carnival.

Carnival is much more fun.

On Princess the only thing they have for you to drink is water or tea. A lot more choice on Carnival.

 

I also booked Princess hearing it was the be all and end all. It isnt. I much prefer Carnival.