Opinions on why RC is better than Carnival?

[Conwaycruiser]

I have only been on carnival cruises but am ready for something new. It just seems like even though I was on different ships that it was the same food, same schedule, same shows, etc. I would just like to hear some reasons people prefer Royal Carribbean to Carnival. Thanks

[Andy99]

This is not going to help you at all but....

I Just like it better. I cant put my finger on it but I just prefer RCCL.

Try it and see for yourself.

 

I really liked the Navagator of the Seas.

[Host Kewlguy]

Better ships is one main reason. More on board activities. We just feel RCCL is a better overall cruise experience.

[quiltsnh]

My opinion is on CCL the staff acts like they are just going thru the paces it is a job... on RCCL they act like they love their jobs without a doubt every staff person you encounter is friendly and helpful and looks like they enjoy their jobs...

[CABCruiser]

We had a very good experience with Carnival Miracle, but RC Jewel of the Seas just seemed like a classier ship. The crowd wasn't quite as young, perhaps creating less of a party atmosphere. However, I would sail both again without hesitation if the itinerary was right. Food, shows, friendliness of crew, were all similar.

[cruisePRN]

I went on one CCl cruise and would not go again. I found the dining room service less attentive then RCL. The staff are more polite and dignified on RCL. For example when I'm walking down the corridor to my cabin on RCL the staff would allow me to pass but on CCL they would bump you as if you're in their way. It's that kind of attitude throughout I didn't enjoy. The people on CCL were heavy drinkers and much louder and "party hardy' types. I like the RCL experience better but find it's mass market product has declined in the past decade.

[blueboro]

Have cruised Brilliance and Explorer in last 4 years. During that time also cruised on Carnival Pride. The main difference is that the newer RCCL ships are really beautiful and decorated with class and more expensive fittings. We found the activities similar. Carnival does put a little more emphasis on a party atmosphere but not dramatically different. Surprisingly, the food on the Pride was some of the best we have had on a cruise...including Celebrity. Service is typically more professional and "continental" on RCCL. Not bad on Carnival, just less formal in my opinion. Cabins may be slightly larger on Carnival, especially when compared with the older RCCL ships. Not much difference in cabin size when compared to newer RCCL ships.

[TPKeller]

I just saw this thread... I just started another one about the differences in investing between the two cruise lines. One quote from a Motley Fool article sums it up:

 

Royal targets a more premium end of the market -- passengers interested in longer cruises, who tend to be more affluent, experienced passengers. Understandably, Royal must therefore spend more on the whistles and bells for its passengers. Carnival, on the other hand, caters to "a variety of different lifestyles and budgets, all at an outstanding value." Thus, it likely focuses on more moderate ship amenities and related services and is able to leverage those cost savings into better margins. If you're going on a cruise, take Royal Caribbean, but if you're going to invest in a cruise line, take Carnival based on margins.

Theron

[mohavemommy]

I have only been on carnival cruises but am ready for something new. It just seems like even though I was on different ships that it was the same food, same schedule, same shows, etc. I would just like to hear some reasons people prefer Royal Carribbean to Carnival. Thanks

 

I have been on 3 Carnival cruises and 3 Royal Caribbean cruises. I can give you a few words as to why I choose Royal Caribbean over Carnival:

Service

Relaxing

Comfort

Elegant

 

It would take a pretty big push to go back to Carnival again. :p

[DonnaK]

I went on one CCl cruise and would not go again. I found the dining room service less attentive then RCL. The staff are more polite and dignified on RCL. For example when I'm walking down the corridor to my cabin on RCL the staff would allow me to pass but on CCL they would bump you as if you're in their way. It's that kind of attitude throughout I didn't enjoy.

 

I feel the same way about our Carnival Miracle cruise verses the Voyager ships we've been on. Service paled in comparison. The decor was awful. The layout was poorly planned and didn't flow well. The Carnival ship seemed more crowded even though there were 1000 less people because there wasn't enough public space to accomodate them. It seemed claustrophobic.

 

On the other hand, RCCL ships are airy, classy, and more refined, without being stuffy. Service has always been impeccable. There was more space so it seemed less crowded. There seemed to be more daily activities. And so much more...

[Cruising89143]

It depends on what one is looking for in a cruise experience. For me I want good service, a friendly crew, clean and well maintained ships. That I get from RCI. Better than what I received from Carnival. There are other things that separate them as well but these are the main items. Both offer good products but to me RCI is a little better overall.

[ccletzgo]

RCCL, service, service, service. Carnival has no loyalty program because they cater to the first time cruiser. If you come back, thats great, but they don't really seem to care enough to reward you. They do fine with the zillions of first timers, i guess :confused:

 

no real meals offered with room service on carnival. Sandwiches and cereal. No hot breakfast, no dinner, nothing.. We like a nice breakfast on our balcony and on Carnival there was no nice breakfast to order.:confused:

 

Carnival has the themed ships that are like the themed hotels in Las Vegas. The theme takes over and some of them are real "dark" (the pride) We were entertained with the ships theme the first few days, then it started getting to be too much, and we got sick of it real fast. I have never been tired of a Royal or Celebrity ship. They are real easy on the senses.

 

Its great that there is something for everybody! thats what makes cruising so popular. ;) Everyone has different likes and dislikes and Carnival seems to be the less intimidating line.

 

This is all just personal opinion. to each his own.:D

[firsttimecruiser77]

For me, the difference was like night and day. The food was better on RCCL, the crew was friendlier and the ship was not even comparable. I haven't been on any of the newer Carnival ships but RCCL seems to maintain the ships better and send them to be refurbed more often. RCCL is just a classier experience IMHO.

[burnsie]

Depends on who your cruising with and what your looking for. I personally like RCCL better. Sailed on Carnival Inspiration and it was nice...but I didn't like how they set up the games they were in a corridor and not a lounge so it was noisey and hard to play. We had several teens with us and there was nothing for them to do after 11:00 to early for bed on vacation. Recently went on the Zenith for a girls cruise. The service was excellant and it was a nice ship with alot of cozy places. Would like to go back with the hubby. Overall our best cruises have so far been on RCCL. A long time ago I cut out an article in the paper that listed all the ships and itineraries, I told my hubby the goal was to try at least all of them once before we go!

 

Burnsie

[xxbrowns]

A couple of things for us....my 3 y/o son wanted a jelly sandwich during dinner, when we asked for it, the waiter said that they only had the goober jelly, which is a mixture of peanut butter and jelly in the same jar, so he wouldn't be able to get us one. They could have just taken a couple of the jelly packets they have for b/f and slapped it on some bread. Another instance, they had a fruit buffet, but you had to ask the man behind the counter for strawberries and then on top of that, they ran out. This is only 2 examples of a list of why we will never sail Carnival again. I guess I could have summed it up in one word...service. We've never had a problem on RCI, asking for say a jelly sandwich and receiving it. Also, as someone else stated, the dining room decor, was horrible.

 

Good luck and happy cruising!

 

Chris

[CaesarsNcruisin4me]

RCCL, service, service, service. Carnival has no loyalty program because they cater to the first time cruiser. If you come back, thats great, but they don't really seem to care enough to reward you. They do fine with the zillions of first timers, i guess :confused:

 

Actually thats not true. Carnival does reward you for being a past guest by offering upgrades. I called Carnival to inquire about their 12day Vancouver to Honolulu, Sept 19th 2007 sailing and was offered a two category upgrade for being a past guest.

 

Last November we did a back to back with the 1st week on the Radiance and the 2nd week on the Valor and we had a great time on both lines but there were differences.

 

 

One thing that Carnival offers that RCI does not is an adult only deck. On the adult deck they allow topless suntanning and the drink service was ALWAYS great on this deck!;) This deck is open for all their sailings and not just the European sailings. Plus our ship had a great waterslide on board.

 

The majority of the crew were very friendly on the Valor but there were definately a few that didn't seem to take their HAPPY pill!:p Luckily most were friendly and our waiter in the dining room was excellent. He heard me comment to my son that I didn't like all the pastry (ect..) type deserts and surprised me with a delicious hot fudge brownie from the kids menu.:D There was lots of entertainment and plenty to do. We had a fantastic time on board and I would travel with Carnival again.

 

However, that being said, our first cruise was on RCI aboard the Radiance and we had a fantastic time! I agree with the previous posters about the service, it is was always excellent. Every member on the Radiance was absolutely fantastic and we never saw even one employee that didn't appear to be happy! The room service on the Radiance was 5x better that what was offered on Valor. The entertainment (RCI) was excellent and there was always somthing to do. Plus the crew was always friendly and provided excellent service all of the time! Of course, the casino did keep a good chunk of my money!:p

 

IMHO, RCI is better if you are looking to be pampered and enjoy a beautiful ship with a GREAT crew. Carnival is good if you want an affordable cruise on a nice ship with a good crew.

 

Sandie

[Cruising89143]

RCCL, service, service, service. Carnival has no loyalty program because they cater to the first time cruiser. If you come back, thats great, but they don't really seem to care enough to reward you. They do fine with the zillions of first timers, i guess :confused:

 

no real meals offered with room service on carnival. Sandwiches and cereal. No hot breakfast, no dinner, nothing.. We like a nice breakfast on our balcony and on Carnival there was no nice breakfast to order.:confused:

 

Carnival has the themed ships that are like the themed hotels in Las Vegas. The theme takes over and some of them are real "dark" (the pride) We were entertained with the ships theme the first few days, then it started getting to be too much, and we got sick of it real fast. I have never been tired of a Royal or Celebrity ship. They are real easy on the senses.

 

Its great that there is something for everybody! thats what makes cruising so popular. ;) Everyone has different likes and dislikes and Carnival seems to be the less intimidating line.

 

This is all just personal opinion. to each his own.:D

 

Actually Carnival has implemented a past guest program for guest with 10 cruises or more. I don't think that it is quite as good as RCI but at least they are now starting to do something.

[SissasMomE]

I have only been on carnival cruises but am ready for something new. It just seems like even though I was on different ships that it was the same food, same schedule, same shows, etc. I would just like to hear some reasons people prefer Royal Carribbean to Carnival. Thanks

 

 

Different class of people on RC - different atmosphere.

[lvanp]

We took our DD and DS (ages 17 and 15 at the time) on their first cruise aboard the Carnival Fantasy. They were not impressed. We bribed them in to trying another cruise with Royal Caribbean and they are now hooked. Even at that age, they said that the service and overall atmosphere on RCCL was more impressive and to their liking.

[lauren0309]

My 22 year old son took his first cruise on Carnival with friends. He said he don't know if he would ever cruise again. He said everything was very disorganized and there were lines for everything. I told him to give cruising another chance and try another cruise line.

[mohavemommy]

I've cruised two of the Carnival newer ships, Spirit and Pride. I will take the 15 year old RCI Monarch of the Seas anyday over either of the RCI ships.

 

... and yes, Carnival does offer upgrades from time to time... a two category upgrade within the same category.. ie: balcony to balcony which results in the same cabin one deck higher. Usually a $20 to $30 "upgrade". I much more prefer RCI's $100 baclony discount for those with 5 or more cruise credits.

 

Another example... My DS had an allergy to milk products in the past. I notified both cruiselines of this before I sailed.

Carnival - Received a letter in my cabin on embarkation noting the allergy. When we went to dining room, no special foods for him. In fact, when I ordered him a hamburger once they brought a cheeseburger. When I pointed out that he could not have cheese, the waiter rolled his eyes, made a huff sound, grabbed the plate and went back to the galley to get the right food.

RCI - When we went to the dining room the first night, the head waiter immediately came over and acknowledged his allergy and sent someone over with the weeks worth of menus so we could decide together what he would have each night. Some nights there was nothing he could have or wanted, so the made him something he did want... steak. They also made sure he had a desert with no milk every evening.

 

again... service... service... service. The little things really do matter.

[puggdogg1]

I've been on 3 Carnival ships, and 2 RCCL. Just returned from a RCCL Mariner ship and was really impressed. The cruise before that was Carnival's Valor. Comparing the two, I am now a Royal Caribbean fan. Though I enjoyed the Valor cruise, the main reason i enjoyed it was due to GORGEOUS weather! The actual ship itself was a little boring....nothing to do for those that are not "lounge" lovers.

 

Entertainment - Mariner had a FANTASTIC cruise director (Becky), so perhaps we were spoiled a bit here. There was always some sort of activity going on, and they were not always spa seminars, art auctions, bingo or exercise classes. There was those type of activities, but there were others that were fantastic. There was Quest, which was a BLAST, a comedian show 3 nights a week, an ice show, Love and Marriage game show (which is done early in the evening on Carnival), Battle of the Sexes, etc... I didn't find that kind of variety on the Valor. As a matter of fact, we were bored at night... my friend and I are not into lounges, which was all Carnival seemed to offer after the shows were done. RCCL had something to do each night until after midnight.

 

Casino - Carnival won out in the casino area - simply b/c they had penny slots (which I like b/c you can be there for a long time and not lose a lot of money). RCCL had a good variety of machines though, and i found that the layout of their casino was much better - people weren't running over each other as they were on carnival.

 

Food - I found RCCL a little better in this area, as they were a little bit more flexible. We had a guy at our table that hated vegetables. Our waiter after the first night remembered to bring his meals without vegetables. Carnival told us they couldn't make changes as the chefs prepare the plates a certain way and that was it.

 

Lines - I encountered lines on RCCL, but they moved quickly. Carnival was OK in this area, but sometimes things were confusing and when questions arose, staff was not too friendly.

 

Staff - I found the staff (with the exception of our room steward, who was a little quiet) to be exceptionally friendly on RCCL. Even the entertainment and spa staff were nice and down to earth. I found Carnival's entertainment staff to be a little on the snobbish side. One day I had a question about the time difference on an island and the dancer looked at me like I had 5 heads and basically blew me off. The cruise directer on RCCL mingled with people and was so friendly, she even stopped to have a friendly conversation w/my friend and I b/c she said she had noticed how my friend dressed all week and she wanted to know which stores she shopped in to get her beautiful clothes. (to which my friend was l ike.... I shop at cheap stores like Walmart and Target!) She was thrilled and continued to greet us personally each day.

 

Clientelle/environment - we felt that the clientelle on RCCL was more our speed. We don't have kids and are both single, so we try to avoid places that have hoardes of kids. Not that we dislike children, just children that are not monitored or controlled. RCCL's kids activities are so structured that you never see them! it was funny. When we did see families with kids, they seemed to be more well behaved and monitored. For example, on the Valor, the hot tubs were overrun by kids, on RCCL there was maybe one or two kids in the hot tub. There also seemed to be a lot less "public drunkenness" on RCCL than I noticed on Carnival. I know the crowd varies on each ship, so maybe I just hit RCCL on a good week - but we just liked the group of people that were on our ship for the most part! Most were a lot of fun and the activities were all participated in eagerly.

 

Ship design - The Voyager class RCCL ships are just so easy to navigate around and the Royal promenade is a nice "hang out and people watch" place. The decks were also huge and there was an abnormally large amount of deck chairs. There are also endless things to do on RCCL, mini golf, ice skating, rollerblading, etc... that are free. The ships are also a lot airier and brighter, more cheerful.

 

Loyalty program - Carnival instituted a loyalty program, but it pretty much just gets you a different color card - RCCL offers savings coupons to their past cruisers, and I didn't find that on Carnival. We saved about $25 using our coupons, and we only used half, put the rest in our safe for the cruisers the following week.

 

Don't get me wrong, it's not that I wouldn't sail Carnival again, I just have to say that I was impressed with RCCL, particularly the Mariner of the Seas. I'll be going on Explorer in December, so I'll check back then to let you know whether I get the same impression of another RCCL ship.

 

Some good points about Carnival though are:

- drink prices (2.95 in a non-souvenier glass as opposed to 5.99 on RCCL)

- availability of iced tea (RCCL I couldn't find iced tea when the buffet was closed, carnival always had their buffet/drink area open)

- rooms are wider, even the ones w/o a balcony

- more opportunities for upgrades

- debarkation (they don't throw you out of your rooms as quickly as RCCL)

 

I found that both lines are about the same with embarkation, immigration, and excursions.