RC hidden costs compared to Carnival?

[Kurbanfan]

IF you decide to stick with Carnival and want to try rock climbing this place in Ft Lauderdale "rocks" or so I hear (it is NOT for me LOL)

 

 

http://www.coralcliffs.com/

 

Coral Cliffs is your complete climbing gym. Get Vertical on a wide variety of surfaces, from ground level bouldering to top rope and lead climbing.

• 55+ Top Roped Routes

• 25 Lead Routes - From 5.5 - 5.13 (YDS)

• Bouldering V0 - V8

• Slabs, Aretes, Overhangs, Arches & Roofs

• Olympic Benches, Weights & Dumbells

• Gear Sales

If you are already a climber you will appreciate the relaxed atmosphere combined with the constant changing variety and challenge.

If you have never climbed before, Coral Cliffs is your gateway to a whole new world. We offer a well-staffed and equipped facility with instructional classes for all ages and skill levels. Our staff is friendly and knowledgeable, ready to help climbers of all abilities get the most of their time on the wall. For more information on how to begin climbing go to classes page.

Coral Cliffs challenges your mind and body and increases your flexibility, balance, strength and endurance.

 

They even show rock climbing films

 

with the money you save on choosing Carnival you could go here and really rock climb <grin> plus enjoy the beauty of this area

 

Nope I would have to pay for airfare;)

[MrPete]

Perhaps it won't improve our overall health status, but gelatin will give us stronger nails for getting "catty" with one another.:D

Isn't it great that we can enjoy a vacation that is so perfectly wonderful that we can pick at the nutritional value of desserts?

 

So now we know some like juice, while others are happy with belly wash.

Some like fresh hamburgers, some like the round things in the grease.

Some like Prime, and some are happy with Choice.

Some like real ice cream, and some like the gelatinous goo.

 

And some may not mind paying elsewhere when it's free "here".

 

And some just don't know the difference.

[sharecruises]

Right Mr Pete...didn't Shakespeare say something like "One Man's Mead is another Man's Poison"

???

 

and Sly and the Family Stone sang "different strokes for different folks"

 

what is important to one might not be important to others

 

I am a couch potato LOL>> I am not going to rock climb....or flo ride

or get in a boxing ring....so I would prefer to pay less and enjoy carnival

 

HOnestly the thing that DOES appeal to me on RCI is Motown review,

and /or a Temptations tribute group ..now that I would like

 

they have a MOtown cruise in Jan that I would book if the Temptations were on it....the 4 Tops are (I love them too) but apparently the Temptations did not sign on so I am not going to go for it (of course it is more expensive with the talent for the special group cruisers)

 

I love comedy shows and go to them a lot here in south florida...I go to all the comedy shows on board....the "comedy theater" deal on the new Dream sounds wonderful to me

 

so yes, for me comedy is a "deal breaker"...that is why I have never considered the Costa/MSC cruises out of Ft Lauderdale even tho they have drastic low rates for locals ...I hear they have comedy only for multilingual audience...ie the "physical" carrot top/mime/benny hill comedy that I don't like.....no stand up comedians...so that is a deal breaker for me that many might not even think of

 

(see unlike some people who come on a board and don't evn read reviews I do read reviews of other cruise lines and check them out....just so far I prefer Carnival and find it meets my needs more)

[halos]

So now we know some like juice, while others are happy with belly wash.

Some like fresh hamburgers, some like the round things in the grease.

Some like Prime, and some are happy with Choice.

Some like real ice cream, and some like the gelatinous goo.

 

And some may not mind paying elsewhere when it's free "here".

 

And some just don't know the difference.

 

Although I understand what you're saying...espcially considering that my RCCL cruise left a lot to be desired (imo) I have to argue that when I cruise, I don't eat hamburgers or ice cream...so that wouldn't matter to me (personally) when making a choice on a cruise line and I am sure there are others who fall into the same category.

As for dining room beef...well, anything I had in the dining room on RCCL paled in comparison to what I usually get on CCL...but to be honest, CCL isn't offering awesome selections as far as beef goes these days unless you go to the surcharge places. I have noticed they have scaled back some in the main dining room (I am not complaining...I can understand why they need to cut back in this economic environment).

 

Basically, what I'm saying is that I DO know the difference, but food doesn't rule my choice for a cruise...it may influence it some, but not that greatly.

IF food did mean that much to me, I'd likely never sail RCCL again to be honest.

[Warm Breezes]

Although I understand what you're saying...espcially considering that my RCCL cruise left a lot to be desired (imo) I have to argue that when I cruise, I don't eat hamburgers or ice cream...so that wouldn't matter to me (personally) when making a choice on a cruise line and I am sure there are others who fall into the same category.

As for dining room beef...well, anything I had in the dining room on RCCL paled in comparison to what I usually get on CCL...but to be honest, CCL isn't offering awesome selections as far as beef goes these days unless you go to the surcharge places. I have noticed they have scaled back some in the main dining room (I am not complaining...I can understand why they need to cut back in this economic environment).

 

Basically, what I'm saying is that I DO know the difference, but food doesn't rule my choice for a cruise...it may influence it some, but not that greatly.

IF food did mean that much to me, I'd likely never sail RCCL again to be honest.

 

I agree with you. I don't eat or drink any of the things Mr. Pete listed, so having to pay for them would mean absolutely nothing to me. I cruise based on itinerary, price, and who I am traveling with. If a cruise ship has extra pay for items on-board I may or may not pay to have them - but I'm not going to complain about having the extra choice to choose them.

[MrPete]

Although I understand what you're saying...espcially considering that my RCCL cruise left a lot to be desired (imo) I have to argue that when I cruise, I don't eat hamburgers or ice cream...so that wouldn't matter to me (personally) when making a choice on a cruise line and I am sure there are others who fall into the same category.

As for dining room beef...well, anything I had in the dining room on RCCL paled in comparison to what I usually get on CCL...but to be honest, CCL isn't offering awesome selections as far as beef goes these days unless you go to the surcharge places. I have noticed they have scaled back some in the main dining room (I am not complaining...I can understand why they need to cut back in this economic environment).

 

Basically, what I'm saying is that I DO know the difference, but food doesn't rule my choice for a cruise...it may influence it some, but not that greatly.

IF food did mean that much to me, I'd likely never sail RCCL again to be honest.

 

Congrats on your new milestone!

 

My beef with RCCLs beef is that the 14.95 offering is choice meat, not even Prime. I wouldn't even know why someone would PAY for that.

 

Or a silly poll. :D

[SkyMaster]

Actually, Carnival offers both soft serve Ice Cream, and Frozen Yogurt 24X7, when RCI only has it unlocked a couple of hours a day. I personally, don't know which is better, or not for you, but I REALLY like the frozen yogurt. It simply taste much better to me.

 

"SKY"

[halos]

Congrats on your new milestone!

:D

 

 

huh :confused:

[MrPete]

huh :confused:

 

You weren't payin' tench.

 

That post was #15,000.

[halos]

You weren't payin' tench.

 

That post was #15,000.

 

 

:eek:

 

I seriously need to find myself a good hobby.....:rolleyes:

[hazeleyez3]

Hamburgers and fries in dining room or Windjammer is free. Johnny Rockets is 4.95, and I actually thought it was worse then the "free" ones.

 

Cappochino and Espressos (I know they are probably spelled wrong) are always a surcharge

 

Frozen yogurt/ice cream on the pool deck is free until 9pm. Machines are then shut down.

 

Room Service is free from 6am until 11:59pm

 

Cafe Promenade and Sorrentos are free and have pastries, pizza, small sandwiches. Actually Sorrentos also had salad

 

Iced tea, standard coffee and tea, hot chocolate, milk, and lemonade is "free".

 

There is a steak in the dining room that is "free."

 

All the activities (rock climbing, ice skating, flowrider) are free.

[ehfl]

Ice Cream

Orange Juice

Espresso and Cappacino at dinner

A thicker cut of choice steak

Room service between 12 and 5 am

Hamburgers at Johnny Rockets

 

Actually, ice cream/yogurt and cones are free by the pool on RCL.

Orange Juice is free (fresh squeezed is extra).

JR has a cover charge, but it's not for specific items...it's a flat fee, generally waived if you're just getting a milkshake.

Carnival doesn't offer the additional steak, so I'm not sure it's fair to list this as something you get for free on Carninval.

Both RCL and Carnival charge for the coffee shop, for speciality coffees.

[ehfl]

RCCL charges for kids programs as well (yes it is optional)

 

RCL charges if you hire a baby sitter for your cabin. There is no charge for the regular kids program.

[ehfl]

Drinks are twice the price

Hamburger and fries.....you have to pay for them!

 

I've cruised RCC twice and Carnival 4 times.....my personal opinion (and yes, I am entitled to it) is that there is no comparison........Carnival wins hands down!!

 

I found drinks to be comparably priced. You pay a flat charge for Johnny Rockets, but burgers elsewhere are included.

[ehfl]

Felt the buffet lacked variety. Sandwiches were pre-made, rather than ordered deli style on Carnival. Royal did have a good room service menu.

 

The sandwiches may be premade at the buffet, but you can order custom sandwiches at the deli on RCL (no extra charge).

[ehfl]

HUH?????

 

Carnival has no fee for dining in any restaurant or venue.... Only the reservations-only supper clubs have a charge....

 

Carnival doesn't charge for room service....24/7

 

Carnival has lower prices and bigger cabins.

 

Oasis of the Seas will charge for......are you ready......CUPCAKES. and' date=' so far, 12 of the 24 dining venues have a charge.

 

Carnival has NO charge for steak in the MDR.

 

Carnival - free ice cream[/quote']

 

"Carnival has NO FEE for dining in ANY restaurant or venue...only the...supper clubs have a charge"....so Carnival never has any charge....except when they do....brilliant!

 

How many people really eat between midnight and 5 am?...it's really only a handful of people that pay, and the idea is to be able to close most of the kitchen, and give the staff some time off.

 

Carnival does not have lower prices....check around on routes, such as MIA to Bahamas, Carnival is consistently higher than RCL or NCL. I switched from a RCL cruise last June that was about $60/night/person to a Carnival cruise that was nearly $100/night/person for a similar route, and cabin.

 

Larger cabins mean smaller public spaces. I really enjoy Carnival, but their public spaces are very cramped. We kept bumping chairs in the dining room with the tables next to us. All the tables had the same problem. The promenade was impassable in the evenings when they had the band playing there.

 

Carnival also charges for pastries at the coffee shop...no difference there.

 

RCL also has no-charge steakes in the MDR.

 

RCL also has free ice cream/yogurt in cones.

 

The claim is that there are HUGE differences between the lines. The reality is that they are really quite similar. You should enjoy both.

[ehfl]

For me it would not be the "extras" on RCI..it is the initial price

 

just always so much higher unless you get a short trip ..which they have the Majesty that has really really tiny rooms and none of the bells and whistles that people love on RCI (ie, no ice rink etc)

 

on their short cruises they don't have lobster either...which I love

I know people who have been on both Majesty and on Imagination and they far prefer Imagination...bigger cabins, lobster, and better food

 

 

Yes, there are some deals on Royal but really not much on the really new ships...and none on Oasis...

 

IF I went on RCI I would want to go on the Oasis (which will be ported here in Fort Lauderdale)

 

 

Carnival is often higher, even on 7 night trips. Last June, we switched from a $60/night/person RCL cruise to a $100/night/person Carnival ship...similiar route and cabin. Carnival was quite a bit more expensive. I really enjoyed the cruise, but we didn't save any money with Carnival, and had to pay quite a bit more.

 

Yes, RCL cabins are generally smaller...which means larger public spaces and less crowding. On the Carnival ship, you could barely walk through the dining room. The promenade was impassable when they had the bands playing...you had to go through the casino to get aft.

 

On the short Majesty trips, you don't need an ice rink, when you have CocoCay. The Imagination just stops in Nassau...no private island (which is no extra charge on RCL).

 

Eating frozen lobster on the ship makes no sense when you are in the Bahamas, and can get fresh lobster at many of the local restaurants. Living in Florida, I'm sure you know that fresh lobster available at many restaurants during lobster season, is no match for some frozen lobster served in a mass produced banquet setting.

 

There are some great deals, even on Oasis, I just booked a balcony for $914 on the Oasis for Jan. 30. Carnival is charging $999 for a similar cabin in late Jan. with a similar route.

 

I love both cruise lines...but the HUGE differences between the two that people see, are mostly in their heads. The reality simply does not match the fantasy. Both are nice cruise lines, with similar prices and ammennities. Smart travelers will enjoy a vacation on either.

[ehfl]

Actually, Carnival offers both soft serve Ice Cream, and Frozen Yogurt 24X7, when RCI only has it unlocked a couple of hours a day. I personally, don't know which is better, or not for you, but I REALLY like the frozen yogurt. It simply taste much better to me.

 

"SKY"

 

The soft-serve machines on the RCL ships I've been on have always been open. Sometimes, they run out of cones, but they are usually pretty good about refilling them within a few minutes. No big deal, really.

[ilionite65]

sharecruises

 

What are you getting on carnival that you can't get at home? Based on your statements about having everything that Royal has available to you where you live you shouldn't need to cruise on any ship! I enjoy all the amenities on Royal, but I do not cruise for ice cream, cup cakes, rock climbing walls etc. they are on the fringes of my cruising experiences. I cruise Royal for the exceptional service, beautiful ships and varied ports. So, enjoy your beach, the same beach day after day after day! It may not be po-dunk (sp?) But it sounds boring to me.

[sharecruises]

sharecruises

 

What are you getting on carnival that you can't get at home? Based on your statements about having everything that Royal has available to you where you live you shouldn't need to cruise on any ship! I enjoy all the amenities on Royal, but I do not cruise for ice cream, cup cakes, rock climbing walls etc. they are on the fringes of my cruising experiences. I cruise Royal for the exceptional service, beautiful ships and varied ports. So, enjoy your beach, the same beach day after day after day! It may not be po-dunk (sp?) But it sounds boring to me.

 

I love to be out on the ocean, on a ship...love getting up early for a coffee and looking at the sea...I enjoy the ability to run around and do what I please

 

I like varied ports..which I really don't see much on RCI

 

as I said..Carnival is cheaper...I would never use all that other stuff

 

Carnival is better for single people also....most single cruises on are on Carnival cause they give us better deals....I don't care about balconies

 

same beach day after day?? gee that beats looking at the same dingy town day after day...

 

are you really saying that people who live on beaches wherever get bored with their own beaches LOL?? I would really get bored looking at a field in Kansas...or a landlocked grey city like where I come from..

or any number of scenarios

 

I simply get amazed when people rave about Johnny Rockets

[joevoter]

Man, What a lively thread!! We love both, but we have booked our first Celebrity 'Mercury' to transit the Panama Canal. Those boards are pretty stuffy, and we are real laid back folks. Can you get me input about this ship? We always try to cruise from Galveston and absolutely love it and the people we meet. Will we be disappointed on Celebrity?

[ilionite65]

sharecruises,

 

I didn't rave about jonny rockets. It's a shame that you are so short sighted that you can't see the beauty that is to be found all around our country! Why do you assume that others can't be as happy with their surroundings as you are with yours? Also, you said that Carnival is cheaper, remember, you get what you pay for! Have you ever sailed Royal?

[sharecruises]

sharecruises,

 

I didn't rave about jonny rockets. It's a shame that you are so short sighted that you can't see the beauty that is to be found all around our country! Why do you assume that others can't be as happy with their surroundings as you are with yours? Also, you said that Carnival is cheaper, remember, you get what you pay for! Have you ever sailed Royal?

 

 

No and I really don't have much desire to

 

I cruise with friends and get better deals on Carnival

 

I didn't say that YOU rave about Johnny rockets...but in general people say the food is better on Carnival...I have seen people rave about Johnny Rockets in reviews

 

I think the food and service on Carnival is great

I am single and I think Carnival is better for singles

 

 

I also don't go over to the Royal Board and try to get them to sail Carnival (frankly Carnival doesn't pay me so why should I care?)

 

Why are you on the Carnival board?? I think it is sad that Royal actually was paying some of it's most vocal and enthusiastic regulars to make posts on message boards...pretty creepy

[ilionite65]

sharecruiser

 

I'm on the carnival board because I've sailed carnival in the past, Conquest out of New Orleans. I try not to be so close-minded that I can't see the good in other things. I read the carnival boards to see if anything is posted that would make me interested enough to research sailing them again! Where did you hear that Royal paid people to post on the

message boards? If you believe that you are really very niave, or you are trying to start a new rumor on your own. I just finished reading the post from the man from Texas asking about Carnival and the party atmospher reputation that it has. As did all the other posters there, I found your replies to be very rude. You have a tendency to think that no-one elses opinion matters, especially if it differs from yours! Try being a bit more open minded, maybe you won't be single forever!

[MMCS Cruiser]

sharecruises,

 

I didn't rave about jonny rockets. It's a shame that you are so short sighted that you can't see the beauty that is to be found all around our country! Why do you assume that others can't be as happy with their surroundings as you are with yours? Also, you said that Carnival is cheaper, remember, you get what you pay for! Have you ever sailed Royal?

 

4 on RCI

3 on Carvival

 

Your right, you get what you pay for and Carnival is a much better value and least for folks sailing out of California.

 

Among other things Carnival has a lot more live entertainment then RCI.