help...Carnival or Royal

[rain_bowbrite]

What is OBC that Carnival is offering? I understand the two upgrades but what is the other thing?

 

 

OBC is on broad credit. For most group sailings Carnival and other cruise lines for that matter have a certain number of amenity points that they offer. It is then up to the travel agent booking that group or the group leader (if the TA is willing) to decide how to use those points. The points can be used for OBC, wine, group cocktail parties, casino credit, upgrades, and much more. Some TA's keep the points for themselves and use them to get more commission and/or reduce the price of the cruise fare which are also amenity point options. With my family group we are using the points to get $100 OBC and 2 cat upgrades:) .

[MGilly]

:cool: EVERYONE TO THEIR OWN OPINION BUT YOU'D HAVE TO PAY ME TO GO ON RCCL AGAIN............FOUR BAD EXPERIENCES WAS MORE THAN ENOUGH......

It's so funny that you wrote this! I was thinking the exact same thing, but that you'd have to pay me to sail Carnival again! Our last Carnival cruise was really terrible, from a service, shipboard upkeep, and customer service point of view.

 

The dining room service was unbelievably slow, and it seemed impossible for our waiter to bring hot coffee to our table. It was usually just barely luke warm. Since I was traveling with three avid coffee drinkers, this was a real disappointment for them.

 

The elevators went out midcruise and were not repaired, and neither was the air conditioning in the port side aft of the ship. We had a floor fan in our cabin for half of the cruise.

 

When we left the ship, our Sail and Sign account was actually a negative balance of 2 cents, because we'd been given $100 onboard credit. One month later, however, Carnival billed us on our credit for $49.98. It seems they reneged on half of the OBC. It took six months of phone calls, letters, and faxes to get it straightened out.

 

With all of the aggravation, we don't plan on sailing Carnival again. The only reason I'm on this forum now is because I'd seen the OP's question on the main message board and had also seen it on the RCCL forum. To her, I stand by what I said on the RCCL forum - enjoy your cruise. You will be with your family, and it's the people you are with who will make the best memories for you. Ignore the problems, knowing that they will make for great stories later. But when planning future cruises, think about what happened on your cruise that you really liked or really didn't like. That will help you in planning your next one.

[bthorn1108]

OBC is on broad credit. For most group sailings Carnival and other cruise lines for that matter have a certain number of amenity points that they offer. It is then up to the travel agent booking that group or the group leader (if the TA is willing) to decide how to use those points. The points can be used for OBC, wine, group cocktail parties, casino credit, upgrades, and much more. Some TA's keep the points for themselves and use them to get more commission and/or reduce the price of the cruise fare which are also amenity point options. With my family group we are using the points to get $100 OBC and 2 cat upgrades:) .

 

You talk as if you're a TA or a well versed cruise passenger, very informed.

 

BTW, I just wanted to let you know that if I had to choose between the two ships, I would have gone with the Glory. IMHO, if you are going on a cruise, it should be to cruise. Also, the only time I would want to use all the additional amenities, that are available on the Mariner, are on the sea days. Yeah, me and 3,000 other passengers. I have seen the lines that develop. No thanks, I don't go on vacation to stand in that many lines.

 

The Voyager class ships are beautiful and have tons to offer, but I will wait until I get to the point where I've seen all the ports and I want to cruise to be on the ship. Then I will stay onboard on port days and take advantage of all they have to offer.

 

OK, my rant is over :)

[rain_bowbrite]

You talk as if you're a TA or a well versed cruise passenger, very informed.

 

BTW, I just wanted to let you know that if I had to choose between the two ships, I would have gone with the Glory. IMHO, if you are going on a cruise, it should be to cruise. Also, the only time I would want to use all the additional amenities, that are available on the Mariner, are on the sea days. Yeah, me and 3,000 other passengers. I have seen the lines that develop. No thanks, I don't go on vacation to stand in that many lines.

 

The Voyager class ships are beautiful and have tons to offer, but I will wait until I get to the point where I've seen all the ports and I want to cruise to be on the ship. Then I will stay onboard on port days and take advantage of all they have to offer.

 

OK, my rant is over :)

 

No problem...I rather enjoyed your rant:D

 

Jodie

[crusinmama06]

EVERYONE TO THEIR OWN OPINION BUT YOU'D HAVE TO PAY ME TO GO ON RCCL AGAIN............FOUR BAD EXPERIENCES WAS MORE THAN ENOUGH......HAD PROBLEMS WITH CARNIVAL BUT NEVER BIG ENOUGH TO SPOIL A VACATION ........CAN'T SAY THE SAME FOR RCCL....EVEN THOUGH COCO CAY IS GREAT IT'S NOT WORTH PUTTING UP WITH POOR SERVICE POOR FOOD AND POOR ACCOMODATIONS....BUT AGAIN EVERYONE HAS THEIR OWN PREFERENCES..BASED ON THEIR PAST EXPERIENCES.....;) RAIN I THINK YOU'LL ENJOY GLORY .........WE GO ON 09/29/07......AND ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO ANOTHER GREAT CRUISE WITH CARNIVAL ...PORT CANAVARAL IS ALSO SUCH AN EASY PORT TO USE....ENJOY YOUR CRUISE WITH YOUR FAMILY :D

 

 

I don't know how anyone can have 4 bad cruises. I didn't know it was possible. :eek: ;)

 

And btw, take the caps off your keyboard, it looks like you are screaming and it's poor message board etiquette. :)

[crusinpsychRN]

I know food is a personal observation but the food on Mariner was not nearly as good as Carnival offers. And an adult has to stand in line each and every time a person under age 18 (I believe 18 and not 21) wants to rock climb or skate to sign the release. It wouldn't have been so bad if it were one release for the week for each activity. Seemed like I was waiting in long lines which would form 30 minutes before an activity started. I much prefer to be lounging at the pool! Marnier is a beautiful ship though.

[gtalum]

I don't know how anyone can have 4 bad cruises. I didn't know it was possible. :eek: ;)

 

 

crusinmama, on this we agree. :eek:

 

I couldn't imagine having a bad time on a cruise, regardless of the line. I certainly can't imagine FOUR!

[VIRGINIAKATHY]

IF I HAD HAD YOUR EXPERIENCE MY OPINION WOULD BE LIKE YOURS..........HOWEVER, MY EXPERIENCE WAS LIKE YOURS ONLY WORSE WITH RCCL ON FOUR DIFFERENT TIMES........THIS WAS OVER 5 YEARS AGO........MAYBE I SHOULD GIVE THEM ANOTHER CHANCE TO GET IT RIGHT.........:rolleyes:

It's so funny that you wrote this! I was thinking the exact same thing, but that you'd have to pay me to sail Carnival again! Our last Carnival cruise was really terrible, from a service, shipboard upkeep, and customer service point of view.

 

The dining room service was unbelievably slow, and it seemed impossible for our waiter to bring hot coffee to our table. It was usually just barely luke warm. Since I was traveling with three avid coffee drinkers, this was a real disappointment for them.

 

The elevators went out midcruise and were not repaired, and neither was the air conditioning in the port side aft of the ship. We had a floor fan in our cabin for half of the cruise.

 

When we left the ship, our Sail and Sign account was actually a negative balance of 2 cents, because we'd been given $100 onboard credit. One month later, however, Carnival billed us on our credit for $49.98. It seems they reneged on half of the OBC. It took six months of phone calls, letters, and faxes to get it straightened out.

 

With all of the aggravation, we don't plan on sailing Carnival again. The only reason I'm on this forum now is because I'd seen the OP's question on the main message board and had also seen it on the RCCL forum. To her, I stand by what I said on the RCCL forum - enjoy your cruise. You will be with your family, and it's the people you are with who will make the best memories for you. Ignore the problems, knowing that they will make for great stories later. But when planning future cruises, think about what happened on your cruise that you really liked or really didn't like. That will help you in planning your next one.

[ashefrog]

Rain -

 

I have sailed both and there a pros and cons to each line. I think you will do fine whichever you choose.

 

1 question though - did you get your cruise group rate directly from Carnival or thru TA. Talking about the deposit of $25.00pp. I was just quoted group rate by Carnival and they want $250 pp deposit in 30 days. I called after reading your post and they said they require $250.

 

Just curioius. Personally I would rather put the money up now and have several months to save the rest and spending money.

 

Thanks,

[JeffHatfield]

I thought they said they wanted to leave from as close to North Carolina as possible?:confused:

 

Bill

 

My bad, thought it said NYC.

[Travelitis]

First I have to say that the private islands are our favorite ports. We look for itins with that stop. We get to snorkel and beach it with food right there, and it doesn't cost us a cent. What a bargain!

 

Secondly, while $150 pp doesn't sound like alot (my first thought), if you have a family of 5 like mine, that's $750 which is a big price difference. With that many family going, there have to be at least a couple of families where the $150 pp really adds up. If price were equal, I'd say take the Mariner, but it isn't. Carnival offers an excellent value, and our kids had a blast on the Elation. The 24 hr. pizza and ice cream was a hit, and having a variety of complimentary beverages at the buffet drink stations was another very nice perk. Our kids didn't need the soda card. We packed some root beer, and they drank maybe half of it because of the juices at the Windjammer.

[rain_bowbrite]

Rain -

 

I was just quoted group rate by Carnival and they want $250 pp deposit in 30 days. I called after reading your post and they said they require $250.

 

Thanks,

 

Hmmm...

 

Well I am the TA booking my families group. Carnival could have told you that for a few different reasons.

 

1. The cruise you are booking is already within the penalty period.

2. You are booking into an existing group and the original 30 day deposit/option date has passed and the date you have been given is actually the second deposit/option date.

3. You are booking triple and quad cabins.

4. You are booking suites which require the full deposit upfront regardless of the deposit/option date.

 

If your scenario does not fit one of the reasons above then I am not sure why Carnival would want the full deposits:confused:

 

Jodie

[rain_bowbrite]

First I have to say that the private islands are our favorite ports. We look for itins with that stop. We get to snorkel and beach it with food right there, and it doesn't cost us a cent. What a bargain!

 

Secondly, while $150 pp doesn't sound like alot (my first thought), if you have a family of 5 like mine, that's $750 which is a big price difference. With that many family going, there have to be at least a couple of families where the $150 pp really adds up. If price were equal, I'd say take the Mariner, but it isn't. Carnival offers an excellent value, and our kids had a blast on the Elation. The 24 hr. pizza and ice cream was a hit, and having a variety of complimentary beverages at the buffet drink stations was another very nice perk. Our kids didn't need the soda card. We packed some root beer, and they drank maybe half of it because of the juices at the Windjammer.

 

I absolutely loved HMC!! Price was a big deciding factor though but everybody is so excited to go on the Glory. Now the hard part is going to be the long year and 1/2 wait to actually go on the cruise:( .

 

Good thing a I have few tucked into my schedule to get me through! I don't know how the rest of my family will survive the wait though!

 

Jodie

[Travelitis]

I just got off the phone with my TA who sails both Carnival and RCI and just was on the RCI Freedom (Mariner + H20 Zone and Flowrider). She said she sails RCI when it's just her husband and her and Carnival when they take the kids. She thinks Carnival has more to do for kids and has a more relaxed atmosphere. RCI is worth the extra money when it's just the 2 of them but not when their teens are going. She picks Carnival for the whole family not just because of price but because she thinks her kids will have more fun. We're probably changing our LOS booking to Carnival and saving $$$, because rock climbing, ice skating, flowrider, and the mini water park are costing us $1500 more.

[ashefrog]

Hmmm...

 

Well I am the TA booking my families group. Carnival could have told you that for a few different reasons.

 

1. The cruise you are booking is already within the penalty period.

2. You are booking into an existing group and the original 30 day deposit/option date has passed and the date you have been given is actually the second deposit/option date.

3. You are booking triple and quad cabins.

4. You are booking suites which require the full deposit upfront regardless of the deposit/option date.

 

If your scenario does not fit one of the reasons above then I am not sure why Carnival would want the full deposits:confused:

 

Jodie

 

Jodie:

 

Cruise is for 08/10/08

 

I called carnival twice on this and both times (different csr) and they said TA may be different but when you book group cruise direct they require $250 deposit. Am I doing something wrong?

 

I think I am going to have a hard time selling this group (which consists of family and friends) because of deposit due 8/18/07 which they said they could possibly extend another month but that is all they offered.

[Aquahound]

....and you don't have to pay for some of the activities like you do on the Mariner.

 

On RCI you will overpay for everything you get!!!

 

I'm curious......What do you think you have to pay extra for on Mariner?

[crusinmama06]

I just got off the phone with my TA who sails both Carnival and RCI and just was on the RCI Freedom (Mariner + H20 Zone and Flowrider). She said she sails RCI when it's just her husband and her and Carnival when they take the kids. She thinks Carnival has more to do for kids and has a more relaxed atmosphere. RCI is worth the extra money when it's just the 2 of them but not when their teens are going. She picks Carnival for the whole family not just because of price but because she thinks her kids will have more fun. We're probably changing our LOS booking to Carnival and saving $$$, because rock climbing, ice skating, flowrider, and the mini water park are costing us $1500 more.

 

I would REALLY reconsider changing your booking. The Freedom of the Seas was the BEST cruise we have ever taken and the BEST service anywhere (and we travel ALOT)

 

Read the reviews. Ask on the RCCL board. If money is all you are worried about then cancel the booking. But I can't tell you how incredible the FOS/LOS is.

 

I don't rock climb, use the flowrider, never saw the ice skating rink but I am telling you...there is NOTHING like the Freedom class on RCCL. It was exceptional!

 

And I have to say that what your TA said is the EXACT opposite of what most people say. Most people can recognize the Freedom class ships as what it is, the biggest family friendly ship on the seas and WHY she wouldn't take her kids is a mystery to me.

 

I can't look at my pictures from that ship and find another comparable ship, except the LOS, with as much WOW factor. But to some people WOW is not enough and that's your choice.

 

ADULT ONLY SOLARIUM...find one that looks like THIS on a Carnival ship

 

 

 

 

 

[rain_bowbrite]

Jodie:

 

Cruise is for 08/10/08

 

I called carnival twice on this and both times (different csr) and they said TA may be different but when you book group cruise direct they require $250 deposit. Am I doing something wrong?

 

I think I am going to have a hard time selling this group (which consists of family and friends) because of deposit due 8/18/07 which they said they could possibly extend another month but that is all they offered.

 

ashefrog I am not sure since the only groups I have booked through Carnival have been directly through the group department as a TA. It sounds like they have a different policy for groups not booked through a TA. Hopefully the csr is giving you the amenity points to use at least? Most 7 night cruises for August, 08 should have around 6 amenity points.

 

If you think all your family members can come up with the deposit then I would keep it the way you have it. If you think it is going to be a big problem you may want to cancel your existing group and rebook it through a TA. That way you will have the reduced $25 deposit and the full deposit of $225 per person would not be due until around late Feb. or early March 08.

 

Good luck. Jodie

[Buster27]

Michelle

 

In all fairness, in looking at the cruises you've been on....you sailed on two really old Carnival ships. Do you think it's fair to compare them with RC Freedom of the Seas, a brand new mega ship? The Glory is a very nice ship and probaby does have everything the OP is looking for including price, which RC can not match.

 

My sister sailed the Freedom this past March....loved the cruise and the ship, but she did say it was extremely crowded and the lines were super long everywhere....almost too big for a ship. Just her opinion.

[Disneycruisers]

I agree with those who choose Carnival. We just sailed what we think will be our last cruise on RCCL. (Adventure of the Seas.) The service in the dining room was so bad that we'd thought about going to Johnny Rockets every night after the third night. Room service also no showed one day while we stayed in port. I can't comment about the on-board activities though, as this was a port intensive cruise. We did enjoy the Explorer of the Seas last year though, but still had an overall better experience on the Glory. (Better food and service.)

 

That said, a cruise is still a cruise. I think (as another poster stated) the experience with family and friends are what helps to make a cruise great. Also, we like to cruise mainly for the itinerary and excursions. We still had a good time.

[crusinmama06]

Michelle

 

In all fairness, in looking at the cruises you've been on....you sailed on two really old Carnival ships. Do you think it's fair to compare them with RC Freedom of the Seas, a brand new mega ship? The Glory is a very nice ship and probaby does have everything the OP is looking for including price, which RC can not match.

 

My sister sailed the Freedom this past March....loved the cruise and the ship, but she did say it was extremely crowded and the lines were super long everywhere....almost too big for a ship. Just her opinion.

 

I wasn't comparing Freedom to Glory. The post I was referring to when I posted the pictures was talking to someone who wants to CANCEL her Liberty of the Seas cruise because a TA told her Carnival was comparable.

 

There is no way any Carnival ship is comparable to a Freedom class ship.

 

I am TRYING to find one that is. Believe me....I WANT to go to Turks/Caicos. RCCL doesn't go there as much as Carnival. So I am trying to convince myself that going on Carnival Freedom or Liberty would be fine and I won't be disappointed.

 

But then I look at the new Carnival ships and they just can't compare.

 

And I would never try to compare Sensation/Elation as a representative of Carnival. They are the oldest ships and the cheapest and those are the cruises that I can go on with my friends who are more budget conscious than I am. ;)

 

But look at those that are saying they wouldn't do RCCL again. They sailed on Sovereign, Majesty or Monarch...REALLY not a good representation of RCCL. Those are the oldest ships in RCCL's fleet.

 

So no...I don't compare my Carnival experience with Glory but I CAN compare my FOS experience with someone who wants to cancel LOS.

[Cruzaholic41]

I'm curious......What do you think you have to pay extra for on Mariner?

 

I'd like to know this also. I hope the Op wasn't given bad information.

 

We just sailed what we think will be our last cruise on RCCL. (Adventure of the Seas.) The service in the dining room was so bad that we'd thought about going to Johnny Rockets every night after the third night. Room service also no showed one day while we stayed in port.

 

These comments always make me wonder. In dozens of cruises, I have yet to experience this sort of poor service on RCI or Carnival. This tells me it's either embellished, or the author doesn't realize you can't have 1000 employees with out a bad seed. Either way, certainly not a reason to ban a whole cruise line. But to each his/her own.....

 

As for the Op, I think you will be happy on the Glory. Personally, I don't know what I would have done because I'm not in your shoes. Mariner is most definitely the better ship. But Glory will save you some money. The only thing bad I can say about Carnival's ships is the gaudy decor and weird floorplans. Otherwise, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

[Sandi149]

Actually there is NO ship out there that can compare with those amenities of the FOS/LOS. Not just Carnival....but all of them. Not HAL, not NCL, not Disney, Celebrity, Cunard, not any of them. I have only been on Carnival and the now defunct Premier line. I loved my 2 Carnival cruises. Can I have a great time on RCCL, HAL, Celebrity, NCL, etc? Absolutely. I can have a great time anywhere I am when I am on vacation. I am not loyal to any line and in my lifetime, which I hope will be a long one :D, I plan to try all the lines. Everyone has different tastes and different wants and needs. Does that make one line better than the other? No it doesn't. It's like saying which is better steak or lobster? If you like steak but don't like lobster than obviously steak is better FOR YOU but that doesn't mean that lobster is bad. We all know what we like. I personally like BOTH steak AND lobster. I am very happy in a 5 star hotel and also happy in a Holiday Inn. The most important thing to me is that I am with the ones I love because without them, nothing matters.

 

There are many cruiselines for many different people in this world. The most important thing that matters is that all of us CAN travel because so many people can't. Just something to think about. ;)

[rain_bowbrite]

I'm curious......What do you think you have to pay extra for on Mariner?

 

Aqua...I was mainly thinking of Johny Rockets (which is a small amount I know) but for some reason I had it stuck in my mind that you have to pay a fee for the rock climbing, and I was thinking of the things that I did on my Explorer cruise like the wine tastings,etc. but now I realize that I was mistaken about the rock wall.

 

This has been an interesting thread. I posted my question on the Carnival and Royal Caribbean board. I have had more people on the Carnival board try to sway me towards the Mariner while more people on the RCCL board recommended the Glory. Very funny.

[Aquahound]

Aqua...I was mainly thinking of Johny Rockets (which is a small amount I know) but for some reason I had it stuck in my mind that you have to pay a fee for the rock climbing, and I was thinking of the things that I did on my Explorer cruise like the wine tastings,etc. but now I realize that I was mistaken about the rock wall.

 

Johnny Rockets is a $3.95 cover charge. But remember, it's an alternative dining option. And if you're a Crown and Anchor member, you get coupons to eat there for free. As you stated, the rock wall, etc is all free.

 

Have fun on the Glory. I'm sure it will be a great cruise.