Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean

[happy flamingo]

We have friends who swear by Royal Caribbean. We've been on 3 Carnival cruises and loved every one of them. Our next Carnival cruise is in 4/08. None of them can explain why we should pay more money to go on Royal Caribbean and to the same ports for the same number of days as on Carnival. Maybe they've never been on CArnival and should try it.

[keyguide]

We have friends who swear by Royal Caribbean. We've been on 3 Carnival cruises and loved every one of them. Our next Carnival cruise is in 4/08. None of them can explain why we should pay more money to go on Royal Caribbean and to the same ports for the same number of days as on Carnival. Maybe they've never been on CArnival and should try it.

Plus, Carnival welcome aboard parties are better, there are not any tiny rooms.

[TennisLover]

There are many threads on this topic here. Everyone likes something different. What is most important to one, isn't as important to another. Good thing we all don't prefer the same cruise line -- can you imagine what the price would be?

[Kurbanfan]

We have friends who swear by Royal Caribbean. We've been on 3 Carnival cruises and loved every one of them. Our next Carnival cruise is in 4/08. None of them can explain why we should pay more money to go on Royal Caribbean and to the same ports for the same number of days as on Carnival. Maybe they've never been on CArnival and should try it.

 

You will never know until you experience a different line for yourself.

[jandjfun]

I really like both lines. But I prefer Royal if the price is even close. Why? Because I have found that there have always been more activities on Royal that I would like to join in on. Also, I like the fact that you only have to do 5 cruises instead of 10 to reach a level you will start seeing discounts and extra amenities. But I have been on Carnival ships more than Royal because of the cost and itinerary available when I can go. Both lines are great in my opinion. Try it yourself, and then you can make up your own mind.

[clairebelle]

I am having the same problem deciding between Carnival and RCCl. We are planning an early April cruise and I am stuck between RCCL Freedom of the Seas and Carnival's Valor or Freedom. My husband and I are in our early 30s and active and fun loving. This will be the honeymoon we never took 8 years ago! We are drawn to Freedom of the Seas because of all of the activities: wave machine, rock wall, ice skating rink, mini golf, etc; however, we can only afford an inside Promenade Room. On the two Carnival cruises we can afford a balcony. All 3 have the same itinerary. I have friends that swear by either line. I think it would be really nice to have a balcony; however, is it really worth the activity trade off. Does Carnival offer good on-board actiivities? I keep reading that Carnival's food is better...any insight or suggestions. If you've had a positive experience on any of the ships I listed I would love to hear about it!

[Cotton]

You could do a 'search' and find many threads on this topic.

 

However, I've been on both and enjoyed both. They are more similar than different. About the same in service, entertainment, but Carnival has my attention because of slightly lower rates, larger cabins, MUCH better food, and many other little things. Also it makes a difference to me that I can my espresso and cappuccino in the dining room complimentary for all meals - definitely not the case ($$) on RCCL.

 

Everyone has their own favorites, and it would be hard to convince your friends unless they experienced a Carnival cruise for themselves.:)

[LEXRO1220]

I've been on both. Carnival Destiny first, then the Freedom of the Seas for RCL. The Freedom is beautiful! Giantic ship, plenty to do. The wave machine took 80% of my time, it was a lot of fun. What I didn't like was that 2am came around and everyone was asleep pretty much.

Carnival cruisers seem to take the "Fun" Ship motto to heart. I've been able to party all night on a Carnival cruise. I also feel like the people on the ship are friendlier, I made a lot more friends on Carnival than on RCCL.

Plus, you're right about the food. 24 hour pizzeria... yuuummmy.:cool:

[MrPete]

Don't knock it till you try it. I found it a breath of fresh air. The element of surprise was back, with an opporunity to seeing and trying something new.

 

I don't neccesarily think that one is better than the other. It's the same, but different.

[clairebelle]

Thanks! That is helpful. We do like to party and we've got too little ones, so we can only do it when we go out of town! I have read on many posts that Carnival's guests seem to be more down to earth...which is us! But, as every post has also said...it is completely based on one's personal experience on that cruise...but your post was quite helpful! THANKS!

[ellenw]

I have sailed RCCL, and am taking my first CCL cruise in May. I think that you will find plenty to do on any ship. But, in my opinion, the balcony cabin wins out over anything else every time! I don't know that I can ever go back to an inside now that I've had a balcony. Don't know what I like better - sitting out there for coffee from room service in the morning, or having a glass of wine for a nightcap!

[txskier]

We like both lines, good luck on figuring it out.....You will have to try it yourself one of the days

[Schlepporello]

We have friends who swear by Royal Caribbean. We've been on 3 Carnival cruises and loved every one of them. Our next Carnival cruise is in 4/08. None of them can explain why we should pay more money to go on Royal Caribbean and to the same ports for the same number of days as on Carnival. Maybe they've never been on CArnival and should try it.

They probably prefer it because they like their food to be served cold even when it was overcooked to begin with.

[ROMPE B.]

U can always send it back no matter what ship or line your in MR. CONOSEWER.

[arm2msm]

i prefer Royal. i have been on 2 of each. had more fun on Royal that Carnival. the staff seem to be nicer, food better, and i know that people talk about the price on Royal being more but i tried Royal because the price was cheaper. went on Fantasy in april was the worst cruise we had been on. still good because it was a cruise. but just not as good as the other cruises we have taken. going on carnival in october (MIL's choice not ours) so maybe this will be a better cruise. But everyone has different opinions and like different things in a cruise. I hope to try other lines as well. i am sure they all have pros and cons

[firefly333]

I am having the same problem deciding between Carnival and RCCl. We are planning an early April cruise and I am stuck between RCCL Freedom of the Seas and Carnival's Valor or Freedom. My husband and I are in our early 30s and active and fun loving. This will be the honeymoon we never took 8 years ago! We are drawn to Freedom of the Seas because of all of the activities: wave machine, rock wall, ice skating rink, mini golf, etc; however, we can only afford an inside Promenade Room. On the two Carnival cruises we can afford a balcony. All 3 have the same itinerary. I have friends that swear by either line. I think it would be really nice to have a balcony; however, is it really worth the activity trade off. Does Carnival offer good on-board actiivities? I keep reading that Carnival's food is better...any insight or suggestions. If you've had a positive experience on any of the ships I listed I would love to hear about it!

 

If you like people watching, you might love a PR cabin. I really want one next time. One advantage to the PR cabins is they are on higher decks, closer to activities.

 

A balcony would be fun on Carnival too, but dont dismiss a PR cabin, they are a lot of fun because you can watch the parades and people watch from the window seat.

 

It depends if you want to watch the ocean or people, both are fun.

 

I loved Voyager which has the PR cabins. Its a really beautifully designed class of ship.

 

Nothing against Carnival, they have better beds, both are good for different reasons.

 

Im glad I can do both and dont have to choose.

[ROMPE B.]

All lines provide their own level of enjoyment and activities to match ,I will never change a CARNIVAL FUNSHIP for activities that are easy to find at your local mall or aquatic park like a rock wall or a wave machine. just me!

[Jolimont]

I look forward to trying RCCL, they are a bit pricier, but I hear good things. Now you won't catch me on Princess any time soon, zzzzzzz....

[matj2000]

Its always funny to post this question on the RC threads. You can really watch the sparks fly.

[ilovethesun]

I am having the same problem deciding between Carnival and RCCl. We are planning an early April cruise and I am stuck between RCCL Freedom of the Seas and Carnival's Valor or Freedom. My husband and I are in our early 30s and active and fun loving. This will be the honeymoon we never took 8 years ago! We are drawn to Freedom of the Seas because of all of the activities: wave machine, rock wall, ice skating rink, mini golf, etc; however, we can only afford an inside Promenade Room. On the two Carnival cruises we can afford a balcony. All 3 have the same itinerary. I have friends that swear by either line. I think it would be really nice to have a balcony; however, is it really worth the activity trade off. Does Carnival offer good on-board actiivities? I keep reading that Carnival's food is better...any insight or suggestions. If you've had a positive experience on any of the ships I listed I would love to hear about it!

 

We started on Carnival, went to RCCL and then back to Carnival. Loved our trip on RCCL and the activities were fun but honestly only took about an hour of our entire trip! The promenade was beautiful but also inside so we didn't spend much time there. Actually, after we got off that trip, I assumed we'd do RCCL again but then when I started to research, I just couldn't justify the price difference. For me, the balcony is SO worth it. That just defines a cruise!

 

My honest opinion though is you can't go wrong. Both lines are great. You'll never know unless you try though! :)

[vah]

Our first cruise was on the Carnival Conquest, then the next time we wanted to go somewhere different, so we took RCC Rhapsody of the Seas. Other than size I really couldnt tell much difference between the two, loved them both. Our next two cruises are booked on the Conquest simply because Voyager is only in Texas for the winter months. Of course RCC is usually more expensive, unless you can catch a sale. I would sail on RCC again if they brought a ship in year round.

[delluser]

I booked my second Carnival cruise last week. I really wanted to try RCCL but when I called their vacation planners I received poor service and what I felt were not appropriate prices for similar intinerary ($899 for lowest inside cabin during Sept. hurricane season-I don't think so!). My Carnival PVP is so awesome that I'd call him just to chat if I could...he is just that good. Customer service is a major factor in my decision and RCCL has not been able to demonstrate to me that they want my business. The other factor for me was sea days...which I love. RCCL itineraries were nearly packed with port after port. The vacation planner told me I was odd for wanting sea days:eek: Carnival Miracle here I come!

[GTO-Girl]

We've done 3 on Carnival and 1 this past April on Royal. Honestly there are things I like better on each line:

 

Royal was better for:

Adult pool area: Very nice, great views and no children around even in the hot tubs.

Views: The way the ships are designed the views from the 14th floor lounges were breathtaking and very enjoyable.

Guest Party: Held on the Royal Promonade and the champane was flowing and it wasn't that bad tasting kind either!!! :D :D

Service: Everyone was very friendly and helpful

 

Carnival was better for:

Rooms: Were bigger.....

Food: Was better......

Shows: Were A LOT better (we walked out on 2 on Royal)

People watching: love the couches outside the Casino for this!

Prices: Would have been about $300-$400 cheaper for the 2 of us if we had done Carnival

Service: have always had great service on Carnival!!

 

I have found that a lot of people are fiercely loyal to one line and that's great...but for us we will sail where we can get the best deal, to the ports we want to travel.

 

But to be honest if the prices were the same I would go back to Carnival.

 

Dianne

[freebsmom]

We've only been on Carnival and just returned from the Freedom in March. By far our favorite ship! I wouldn't hesitate to try RCCL if the price was right (and we LOVE CARNIVAL) but I can't justify $300-400 more PER PERSON. Why not try Carnival? The balcony is awesome and definitely worth it. Enjoy!

[kidless]

A girlfriend and I were just looking for a cheap 3 day cruise for just us girls we didn't care which cruise line. RCCI came in $60 cheaper per person, same type cabin, same weekend basically same itinerary, this isn't the first time I have seen RCCI with a lower price you just have to check.