Switched From CCL to RCCL

[gsb]

You can look at my sig line and see that I cruised with Carnival 16 times over 11 years. In 04 I decided to try the Navigator of the Seas for seven days as a change of pace from Carnival. I have not looked back since.

 

Carnival had no past guest program in 04 and the one that they have implemented falls short of RCI's.

Also RCI does have the ice cream machines like Carnival.

 

CCL's platinum program is way better than RCI's. Not even close.

RCI's ice cream machines are very limited in availabitliy.

[Cruising89143]

You can look at my sig line and see that I cruised with Carnival 16 times over 11 years. In 04 I decided to try the Navigator of the Seas for seven days as a change of pace from Carnival. I have not looked back since.

 

Carnival had no past guest program in 04 and the one that they have implemented falls short of RCI's.

Also RCI does have the ice cream machines like Carnival.

 

CCL's platinum program is way better than RCI's. Not even close.

RCI's ice cream machines are very limited in availabitliy.

 

Well then you haven't checked out both past guest programs. :rolleyes: As far as the ice cream machines, no they are not open 24 hours a day but I guess that RCI feels that their guests don't need to belly up to an ice cream machine at 2:00 in the morning.;)

[Aquahound]

CCL's platinum program is way better than RCI's. Not even close.

 

Funny. This is the first time I've ever heard this from anyone.

 

Even all the so called "experts," magazines, critics, TA's, etc agree that RCI's loyalty program is the best of all the cruise lines.

[crusinmama22]

Carnival has a past guest program in place since I have been cruising.

 

Our first cruise back in 1979 was on the Festival and we fell in love with cruising. But then came kids, bills, house, etc and we sailed again with Carnival in 1998 on the Imagination. I actually paid $200. less in 1998 per person then in in 1979!

 

When we sailed in 1998 we were invited to the past guest party and were given any discounts that applied.

 

We love Carnival, the rooms are the best!

 

Tried Celebrity last year -- not sure if I would ever go back. Rooms quite a bit smaller then Carnival, beds not as comfortable, room layout on Celebrity I did not like. Entertainment ended early and not as much to do -- seemed for an older crowd. We are 51 and 54 and now travel with our adult kids 23 and 25. THey much prefer Carnival to Celebrity and NCL.

 

Taking our first RCCL cruise Feb 08 will have more to compare after that.

 

But overall, cruising is the way to go in my book.

 

"A bad cruise still beats staying home"!

[gsb]

Platinum cardholders are entitled to the following shipboard benefits and features:

* Petit fours and/or canapés delivered to cabin one evening

* Personalized stationery

* A special Carnival logo item

* Guaranteed dining times and supper club reservations

* Complimentary $20 entry fee into blackjack tournament

* Spa Carnival priority reservations and complimentary treatment upgrade

* Complimentary wash and fold laundry service

* Priority tender boarding

* Priority embarkation and debarkation

 

Additionally, a fully staffed concierge desk for Platinum cardholders has been established at the purser’s information desk aboard every Carnival ship. A dedicated phone line is available fleetwide, as

 

The laundry service was tremendous on our 12 night Liberty--$20 entree fees and the rest were very nice too.;)

Going on the Jewel of the Seas in Sept. Wish the CCL benefits were there.

[Cruising89143]

Carnival has a past guest program in place since I have been cruising.

 

Our first cruise back in 1979 was on the Festival and we fell in love with cruising. But then came kids, bills, house, etc and we sailed again with Carnival in 1998 on the Imagination. I actually paid $200. less in 1998 per person then in in 1979!

 

When we sailed in 1998 we were invited to the past guest party and were given any discounts that applied.

 

We love Carnival, the rooms are the best!

 

Tried Celebrity last year -- not sure if I would ever go back. Rooms quite a bit smaller then Carnival, beds not as comfortable, room layout on Celebrity I did not like. Entertainment ended early and not as much to do -- seemed for an older crowd. We are 51 and 54 and now travel with our adult kids 23 and 25. THey much prefer Carnival to Celebrity and NCL.

 

Taking our first RCCL cruise Feb 08 will have more to compare after that.

 

But overall, cruising is the way to go in my book.

 

"A bad cruise still beats staying home"!

 

Carnival only put into place a past guest program within the last two years. They may have offered discounts and they did offer a past guest party but they had no past guest program. Carnival made it clear that they did not need one. Guess something changed their mind.;)

[gsb]

Carnival only put into place a past guest program within the last two years. They may have offered discounts and they did offer a past guest party but they had no past guest program. Carnival made it clear that they did not need one. Guess something changed their mind.;)

__________________

 

The Platinum program has been in place just over a year, but it is the best.;)

[Aquahound]

The Platinum program has been in place just over a year, but it is the best.;)

 

 

Ok, the back-and-forth will never end.

 

Who has the best loyalty program is obviously a matter of opinion.

[piercetc4]

ccl to be platinum you have to have been on 10 cruises, right?

 

on rci 10 cruises makes you diamond- so to be fair one must compare ccl plat. to rci diamond - then you are working apples to apples not apples to oranges...:)

[katbid10]

Going2cruz--enjoy your RCCL cruise. We will miss you guys this year. You will enjoy it. It's a great experience!!

[SherriZ366]

I took my first RCCL cruise this year. I did not feel nickled and dimed.

 

Johnny Rockets is a surcharge ($3.95 for the meal - as much as you want), but you don't have to go there.

 

Similar to Carnival as far as the "extras."

After you sail one time with RCCL, you are Gold and get a coupon book that has a coupon for the JR $3.95 surcharge. Of course, you get that at all levels -- Platinium (sailed 5 cruises); Diamond (10) and Diamond plus (24).

[jodi2227]

Goingt2cruz

 

You will love RCCL. I spent less on RCCL that the last Carnival Miracle cruise. I found myself in the casino because there was nothing else to do.

I remember you and Shane running around with a bucket of beer looking for some entertainment. That won't happen on RCCL. There are always people our and about!

 

We will most likely be on the Liberty the week before you! We'll keep her tidy!

 

It looks like we will have 12 familys with us.

[Cruising89143]

Ok, the back-and-forth will never end.

 

Who has the best loyalty program is obviously a matter of opinion.

 

You're right Paul. The ones that want to cruise with Carnival, knock yourself out.

[madforcruising]

Ok, the back-and-forth will never end.

 

Who has the best loyalty program is obviously a matter of opinion.

 

Correct !!!

 

Have not looked into Carnival at all as just from looking at pics of their ships I´m not impressed at all. It´s just that my eyes hurt looking at those designs. I´m not bashing anyone who likes Carnival - it´s fine, just don´t think it´s the right choice for me.

 

Having said this I never looked into their past passenger programm and out of curiousity I just tried on their website, but couldn´t find anything.

 

However the list posted by gsb didn´t impress me either.

 

Given the perks are to compare to diamond I would miss the $300 balcony discount most and then there´s not to forget the CL of course.

 

But again just my opinion. Isn´t it great there´s a cruise line for each and any of us.

[going2cruz]

Going2cruz--enjoy your RCCL cruise. We will miss you guys this year. You will enjoy it. It's a great experience!!

 

Hey Kathy..its me Vince..Shane doesn't get on the boards very often. If we had the same spring break dates we would be right with you all again...maybe 09 unless we become loyal RCCL cruisers. I think I enjoy its so much it wouldn't matter who I cruise with.....see what happens.

 

Have a great weekend!! Only 45 & 46 more to go!!!!

[zqvol]

I've just booked my first RCCL cruise and I'm not sure what to expect.

 

I'm felling that RCCL may be nickle and dimeing the cruisers. Why is there a charge for a hamburger. I don't really eat them I'm just seeing it as yellow flag.

 

Can anyone who's done both tell me where I'm in for a shock?

If you have cruised Carnival and enjoyed it, IMO, you will LOVE RCL.

 

Both lines are similar in what is included in the fare. RCL has a few more pay as you go venues, but as far as a hamburger costing extra, not so. Hamburgers are available every day in the Windjammer during the "lunch " hours, and you are going to have to trust me on this one, they are much better than what you get on the Lido deck on CCL.

 

You will find RCL a bit more upscale, but you are not nickeled and dimed at all and IMO you get more bang for your buck on RCL.

 

(FYI, I have cruised both Radiance and Elation within the past year.)

[Aquahound]

Additionally, a fully staffed concierge desk for Platinum cardholders has been established at the purser’s information desk aboard every Carnival ship. A dedicated phone line is available fleetwide, as

 

And RCI has a concierge LOUNGE. Did I mention the lounge has free cocktails, appetizers, cappuccinos, etc? Also, the concierge will handle your ice show tickets (oh, wait - Carnival doesn't have ice shows - nevermind), priority tender tickets, spa appointments, and pretty much anything else you ask of him w/in reason.

 

And on Freedom Class, not only is there a Concierge Lounge, but also a Diamond Lounge.

 

I didn't realize until piercetc4 pointed out that CCL's Platinum level is the same level as RCI's Diamond. My goodness, there is no comparison.

 

But like I said earlier, I guess it's all just a matter of opinion. :rolleyes:

[PhylSam]

I have sailed on RCI (x4), Windstar, Disney (x2) Carnival (x2), as a single person, as a married woman and with family (extended and intimate family). I feel that RCI's product is FAR superior to Carnival. The RCI ships feel larger yet intimate, the pools are betters, the activities are uncomparable and the cabins can not be beat by Carnival.

 

We just spent 8 days with 7 other families on the Liberty and we all were so disappointed. Looking for activities to do was a daily chore. On RCI, we had ice skating, swimming, cooking classes, golf, roller blading, rock climbing, spa programs and the kids program was really fun. On Carnival the belly flopping contest and hairy man contest dominated the day. The auditorium style of the pool deck allows no choices. With so many people on top deck for three days at sea, the Liberty felt crowded and overrun. We never felt that way on RCI.

 

The food on Liberty was good, choices plentiful but I still felt that the service in the dining room and the other outlets on RCI was a step up.

 

The mall on RCI was a fun option for after dinner and party gathering. It felt like a party all the time.

 

Room and suite wise the RCI ships win hands down.

 

Sorry, but Carnival doesn't come near the product of RCI.

[time4u2go]

Hamburgers are available every day in the Windjammer during the "lunch " hours, and you are going to have to trust me on this one, they are much better than what you get on the Lido deck on CCL.

Just my opinion, but I would definitely disagree with this! On Carnival, there was a grill where they were actually cooking the burgers, almost to order, while on RCI, there was a metal pan with the burgers just laying in it. Ick!

[piercetc4]

they cooked hamburgers in the solarium area of enchantment on a grill- chicken too- was very good- wouldnt go on enchantment again just for that tho.........:)

[going2cruz]

I have sailed on RCI (x4), Windstar, Disney (x2) Carnival (x2), as a single person, as a married woman and with family (extended and intimate family). I feel that RCI's product is FAR superior to Carnival. The RCI ships feel larger yet intimate, the pools are betters, the activities are uncomparable and the cabins can not be beat by Carnival.

 

We just spent 8 days with 7 other families on the Liberty and we all were so disappointed. Looking for activities to do was a daily chore. On RCI, we had ice skating, swimming, cooking classes, golf, roller blading, rock climbing, spa programs and the kids program was really fun. On Carnival the belly flopping contest and hairy man contest dominated the day. The auditorium style of the pool deck allows no choices. With so many people on top deck for three days at sea, the Liberty felt crowded and overrun. We never felt that way on RCI.

 

The food on Liberty was good, choices plentiful but I still felt that the service in the dining room and the other outlets on RCI was a step up.

 

The mall on RCI was a fun option for after dinner and party gathering. It felt like a party all the time.

 

Room and suite wise the RCI ships win hands down.

 

Sorry, but Carnival doesn't come near the product of RCI.

 

PhylSam, I am getting the feeling from your post and some others that there will be more activities. It’s making me feel better about spending the extra money. If the additional charged services are to maintain civility then I don't have as problem with that either. I'm gathering that RCCL has things a little more thought out.

[Chief Cruiser]

Actually Carnival are the kings of nickel and diming. Plus they let their ships fall a part without investing any money in them.

 

I have cruised both lines and each of them are very adept at nickel and diming, so that is not something the OP should be concerened about. It's as broad on one line and it is long on another. However, your statement that Carnival lets their ship fall apart without investing any money in them is quite inaccurate.

 

Actually, many of Carnival's ships, like RCL's and other cruise lines, have already been in dry dock and received remodeling and refurbishing. Carnival is in the midst of a $250 million enhancement program upgrading several Fantasy class ships.

 

Do your words taste better than that $3.95 Johnny Rocket's hamburger?

[PhylSam]

In terms of the small difference of prices, you will not be sorry. Carnival did nickel and dimed us to death. I love cruising and being on vacation means spending money so I don't mind paying for services, excursions etc but we felt that Carnival didn't understand the term hospitality nor service.

 

I'll give you an example: On our previous Adventure of the Seas cruise, we wanted to explore Aruba and had done our homework. I went to the excursion desk and asked very specific directions to meeting places. Mind you, we were not purchasing one of RCI's excursions. They provided maps, suggestions etc. During the evening I bumped into one of the crew members who remembered my questions, inquired into my day and hoped that I had had a great time. On the Liberty, I waited on line for the some information as the shore excursions were sold out, they would not give me any information, maps, clues. They just kept on saying "we can not help you with any information". Now I understand that they do not want to have the responsibility of passengers once they are off the boat but this went beyond that. They could have directed us to a map or a shore area where to pick up information but they were extremely dismissive.

 

In terms of nickel and diming you, there isn't anything on the Liberty that didn't cost money. All day long there are announcements trying to sell you auctions, wine and jewelry or the drink of the day.

 

We loved the vast amounts of different areas on the RCI lines for quiet time, party time, kids time. The work out area is great but the best is the kids program. The only thing I wished is if it lasted longer rather then the breaks in the day.

 

Don't worry about the cost of a hamburger. The choices of food from the dining rooms, buffets, room service, mall area, specialty restuarants will fullfill all of your wants and needs.

 

Ice skating, roller blading, rock climbing, swimming, golf activities, games - I wish it were me again

[markandstacie00]

Roller blading and Rock climbing are things I would not pay $1 extra for, much less boxing. I do think the new trend of outdoor theaters is very cool, and I would actually bowl if the ship I was on had lanes. I also do not care at all that Johnny Rockets is on RCCL, I can get better burgers at many places right down the street.

 

As a long time CCL hater (though I never actually sailed on them!!), I always bashed CCL. After my cruise on Liberty I am a big fan. One of the biggest reasons is the bedding, much better than the RCCI and Celebrity ships I've tried. I also found it very lively, with formal dinners that were fun AND formal.

[piercetc4]

the new bedding on rci is wonderful- i wish we could afford to get mattresses like that at home- we might not ever get out of bed..........:)