Nightlife on RC ships

[caryatid]

I had a question about how lively the nightlife was on RC cruise ships. My husband and I have gone on two previous cruises, one with Carnival and one with NCL. We found the Carnival ship to be really fun at night, with a lot of indivduals in the lounges, listening to the bands and in the nightclubs. It really did have a "fun ship" atmosphere. We found the exact opposite on our NCL cruise. There was hardly anything going on at night and the most of the lounges and bars were ghost towns. The running joke between hubby and I was "Freestyle is Norwegian for Boring!"

 

We are currently looking to book the AOS in Oct and we were hoping that some RC veterans could enlighten us as to how exciting the ship was at night. We're both in our late 20's and while we aren't looking for a spring break atmosphere, we don't want to be the only people at the disco. :rolleyes:

[cb at sea]

It will really depend upon the other passengers and if they're "night-owls" or not! On the longer cruises, you'll probably find less "partiers" than on some of the shorter ones.

The best way to get others into the disco, is to make friends with them (tablemates make this easy!) and entice them to go with you! I know that when we make friends onboard, we always have a much better time and do a whole lot more than we would on our own! (And don't discount the slightly "older" crowd--they can party with the best of them!)

[zSolarStar]

On Navigator of the Seas, it seemed like the main goal for everyone was to have a good time, no matter how late it went. You saw all age groups going to the sock hop at night, karaoke, latin bar, disco, the deck party, etc. I was pretty surprised, because some of those activities didn't even start until 11:30! Great turnouts at everything :)

[Merion_Mom]

I had a question about how lively the nightlife was on RC cruise ships. My husband and I have gone on two previous cruises, one with Carnival and one with NCL. We found the Carnival ship to be really fun at night, with a lot of indivduals in the lounges, listening to the bands and in the nightclubs. It really did have a "fun ship" atmosphere. We found the exact opposite on our NCL cruise. There was hardly anything going on at night and the most of the lounges and bars were ghost towns. The running joke between hubby and I was "Freestyle is Norwegian for Boring!"

 

We are currently looking to book the AOS in Oct and we were hoping that some RC veterans could enlighten us as to how exciting the ship was at night. We're both in our late 20's and while we aren't looking for a spring break atmosphere, we don't want to be the only people at the disco. :rolleyes:

 

Book any cruise that I am on! We are always up late, hanging out wherever there is entertainment and/or live music, having a blast. I never have a problem finding fun after dark. ;)

 

By the way, I *love* your CC name!

[ebandive]

Well, it could have been just the sailing I was on, but after doing a Carnival cruise, we felt the "ghost town" atmosphere you were talking about on the Grandeur of the Seas. And it was a 4-night quickie. We are in our mid-twenties, and though don't participate in the craziness, we enjoy watching for entertainment's sake. On RCL, there was nothing to watch!!

[vikielynne]

I'm in my mid 30s & am a night owl on vacation. On my last half dozen or so RCL cruises I was in either the disco or Boleros ( latin bar on some of the ships ) until the wee hours of the morning 2:30 or 3:00. I actually tend to start in the Schonner bar, move to Boleros & end in the disco.

[KillaFee]

We definitely participate in the RCI nightlife....teehee. I think that you will find Jesters on the Adventure of the Seas perfect for what you're looking for. Some nights are busier than others, and it doesn't usually start to get really crowded until after 11pm or midnight because for some reason they tend to sometimes play slow or undanceable (that may not be a word) music before then. It's a two story dance club - you will definitely have some fun nights on the AOS, I assure you! :D

Laura

[islanderbob654]

I would definitely recommend that you book a larger ship (Voyager or Freedom class) if you're wanting to ensure that there's nightlife you enjoy (and you have--so good job). We've sailed on Sovereign of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas and found that at night there is much more to choose from on the Mariner. It makes sense, as there are far more passengers to entertain and more lounges/bars (and even a dedicated nightclub to choose from.

[danyelle]

I had a question about how lively the nightlife was on RC cruise ships. My husband and I have gone on two previous cruises, one with Carnival and one with NCL. We found the Carnival ship to be really fun at night, with a lot of indivduals in the lounges, listening to the bands and in the nightclubs. It really did have a "fun ship" atmosphere. We found the exact opposite on our NCL cruise. There was hardly anything going on at night and the most of the lounges and bars were ghost towns. The running joke between hubby and I was "Freestyle is Norwegian for Boring!"

 

We are currently looking to book the AOS in Oct and we were hoping that some RC veterans could enlighten us as to how exciting the ship was at night. We're both in our late 20's and while we aren't looking for a spring break atmosphere, we don't want to be the only people at the disco. :rolleyes:

 

 

I say you book the 9/28 sailing of AOS and come party with me and my boyfriend :)

From what I hear about AOS the 'disco' will be packed.

[uksimonusa]

Did 2 AOS cruises last year, enjoyed the first one so much, we had to book a 2nd to celebrate DW's 40th.

 

Jesters was always very busy, as was the Duck and Dog on the RP. In fact every bay etc that we walked by was busy with everyone having a good time.

 

If you should happen to see Yadira or Shelly Ann, serving in one of the bars, tell them Simon and Heather say Hi. They were the best bar servers ever:D

[Dr_DNA]

If you're looking for nightlife, don't book a Canada/New England cruise. I think that everyone onboard was asleep by 9:00 pm. Well, just about everyone as we were still up enjoying the hot tubs all to ourselves. :rolleyes:

[Gonzo70]

There was active nightlife on AOS when I sailed on them. As people mentioned, Jester's Nightclub and Duck and Dog (an English style pub that often has a guitar player/singer performing in the evenings) were pretty busy most nights.

[mickeyny31]

Listen - This is an RCCL forum. Most people are going to tell you positive remarks. I enjoy RCCL as I also enjoy Carnival for two different purposes. I travel RCCl with kids and Carnival with no Kids. Carnival's nightlife kills RCCL. You will be again disappointed with the turnout of patrons in the disco on RCCL. Its great for kids though. Carnival is one non-stop party. I myself like a nightlife and get depressed on RCCL and I'm talkin about the larger ships too. Midnight is closing time on RCCL and don't believe anyone else. Look at how many cruises I have taken. If your lookin for 1am action, better go to your room.

[TigerLady]

I had a question about how lively the nightlife was on RC cruise ships. My husband and I have gone on two previous cruises, one with Carnival and one with NCL. We found the Carnival ship to be really fun at night, with a lot of indivduals in the lounges, listening to the bands and in the nightclubs. It really did have a "fun ship" atmosphere. We found the exact opposite on our NCL cruise. There was hardly anything going on at night and the most of the lounges and bars were ghost towns. The running joke between hubby and I was "Freestyle is Norwegian for Boring!"

 

We are currently looking to book the AOS in Oct and we were hoping that some RC veterans could enlighten us as to how exciting the ship was at night. We're both in our late 20's and while we aren't looking for a spring break atmosphere, we don't want to be the only people at the disco. :rolleyes:

 

My husband and I are in our mid 40's and found more to do than we had time for. Shows, clubs, casino, spending time on the deck. Don't worry. You'll be as busy as you want to be..We fell into bed each night..Exhausted.

[uksimonusa]

Listen - This is an RCCL forum. Most people are going to tell you positive remarks. I enjoy RCCL as I also enjoy Carnival for two different purposes. I travel RCCl with kids and Carnival with no Kids. Carnival's nightlife kills RCCL. You will be again disappointed with the turnout of patrons in the disco on RCCL. Its great for kids though. Carnival is one non-stop party. I myself like a nightlife and get depressed on RCCL and I'm talkin about the larger ships too. Midnight is closing time on RCCL and don't believe anyone else. Look at how many cruises I have taken. If your lookin for 1am action, better go to your room.

 

Well that's strange, because the pub singer on Voyager and Freedom class ships is scheduled to sing until 1am and 1:30 on some nights, I guess he just sings to himself:rolleyes:

[nstr]

I am cruising from Tampa during Floridas spring break week - even though people say the GOS is dead @ night - I hope I picked the right week when its crowded and people like to hang late . And even if everyone goes to bed early then I guess we will have the ship and service to ourselves :D

[KillaFee]

Listen - This is an RCCL forum. Most people are going to tell you positive remarks. I enjoy RCCL as I also enjoy Carnival for two different purposes. I travel RCCl with kids and Carnival with no Kids. Carnival's nightlife kills RCCL. You will be again disappointed with the turnout of patrons in the disco on RCCL. Its great for kids though. Carnival is one non-stop party. I myself like a nightlife and get depressed on RCCL and I'm talkin about the larger ships too. Midnight is closing time on RCCL and don't believe anyone else. Look at how many cruises I have taken. If your lookin for 1am action, better go to your room.

 

Riiiiiight. We're all lying. If RCI had no nightlife I definitely wouldn't cruise on their ships. I'm never in bed before 3 or 4am and I'm sure not partying all by myself. :p Maybe you just didn't know where to go on the few Royal Caribbean cruises you went on.

Laura

[GeorgiaGuys]

How late will the casinos stay open? What time do the crowds in them usually start to thin out?

 

Thanks.

[Vacationschedule]

Listen - This is an RCCL forum. Most people are going to tell you positive remarks. I enjoy RCCL as I also enjoy Carnival for two different purposes. I travel RCCl with kids and Carnival with no Kids. Carnival's nightlife kills RCCL. You will be again disappointed with the turnout of patrons in the disco on RCCL. Its great for kids though. Carnival is one non-stop party. I myself like a nightlife and get depressed on RCCL and I'm talkin about the larger ships too. Midnight is closing time on RCCL and don't believe anyone else. Look at how many cruises I have taken. If your lookin for 1am action, better go to your room.

 

If Royal Caribbean made you depressed about their night life then why cruise them? Is Carnival not good enough for kids? Too many drunks on board for a family atmosphere? Have been on both and the night life will vary depending on the passengers. Also this "don't believe anyone else" comment says a lot about you. Personally I wouldn't believe anything you have to say.:rolleyes: Please go back to Carnivore.

[Mlkkc]

It really depends on the age group of people sailing.We love rccl but to be honest you can't beat carnival's nite life.Yes I am sticking with rccl because it has so much more to offer than carnival. I haven't abandon carnival because I love both lines,so if I were you I would give rccl a try it may surprise you.Oh by the way you may want to try her during spring break for a wilder time.

[cruisinisforme]

A lot definitely depends on the people you have on your cruise and the time of year you cruise. I have been on ships that have been packed in the disco and others where no one was there. I agree with what someone said earlier though, I often make friends all over the ship and make a point to say...are you coming to the disco later? And usually quite a lot of them show up lol!

 

I have also been on carnival ships where the discos were empty at night too, so its not all about the cruise line, it just depends on the sailing and age group on that particular sailing. I am a disco person and usually there most nights quite late. Often times they tend to fill up after midnight so if you are walking in and seeing no one and leaving you are missing the fun.

[Bethwte]

I was too young to be out and about late at night on my first RCCL cruise (Vision of the Seas, Mexican Riviera), but my father was not. He said that most of the bars were ghost towns. He was very disappointed by this, but he did end up making friends with a lot of the bartenders since he often had their undivided attention.

 

On my second cruise (Jewel of the Seas, Western Carib.) I was 18 (and could drink wine and beer onboard at that point with a waiver) so I did spend time out in the bars. The Schooner bar was never packed but there was a good crowd nightly, and the disco was usually fairly lively at night.

 

I know 2 cruises on RCCL doesn't make me an expert, but at least I can share a little. I did notice on the first cruise the crowd was older, and so perhaps that contributed to the late night emptiness. I think the nightlife can be hit or miss depending on who the pax happen to be the week you go. In my experience, this includes all three cruise lines I have been on, the larger the ship, the younger crowd, and this translated into a more lively nightlife scene. The caribbean itineraries also tended to have a better nightlife as well.

[escayna]

Is there a better nightlife on the cruises in the Caribbean than the ones in the Mediterranean? I was on a cruise in the Mediterranean last year, and the bars were almost empty around 11 p.m. I guess that could be due to the fact that there was no disco onboard, though.