1st Cruise, Galveston, TX: Carnival vs RC? (bit long, sorry)

[midnightferret]

Hi guys, first post here!

 

I have lots of questions but I will try to keep them organized and in the right places!

 

A friend of mine suggested that we get together for a cruise late this year or Jan 2012. She says if we get 8 couples, we can get a group rate and get to sit with each other at meals, etc. We will be departing out of Galveston.

 

Apparently, Galveston is only host to RC and Carnival (I don't know proper abbreviations yet! NOOB alert!). We are interested in the 6-7 day cruises, and it looks like our options are:

 

• RC Mariner of the Seas (Voyager Class)
  
• Carnival Triumph
  
• Carnival Magic
  

My personal priorities are: food, independent excursions (possibly), and atmosphere.

 

1. Food: I'm abnormally into food. I know it sounds picky and weird, but you put food inside yourself, ya know? I plan to do one night at a specialty restaurant, and probably one food/wine activity, and the rest of the time probably eat the included food, as I have paid for it. Is one line known for its food more than the other?

 

2. Excursions: I love to travel. From reading here, I've learned that independent excursions are the way to go when in port. Is it easier to do this on one of these lines? I've heard that it can be difficult getting on and off the ship and also making it back before the ship sails if you don't do the ship's excursions.

 

3. Atmosphere: This one's a bit abstract. I'm not too picky about our cabin because we'll be in an interior one and I don't have huge expectations in that department. What I'm talking about here is, say, stuff like the recreational deck layout, passenger crowd "flow", finding more quiet (or more rowdy) areas if we choose, that sort of thing. Are any of these ships better in this department?

 

Your help will be much appreciated. My voice is not the only voice in our decision, but I would like to know what I should push for. :D

[cb at sea]

Sounds like Carnival will fit your needs best. Their food (depending on personal tastes, of course) generally gets higher marks. But, they really are more alike than different. And Carnival's interior cabins are larger than RCI's. However, RCI's ships have better "flow"....it's a more "common sense" design.

 

As far as excursions, many things don't even NEED excursions! A guidebook will really help you find out what's available in each country and you'll be able to determine if you NEED a guide to do the things that interest you.

 

Getting on and off the ship at "docked" ports is no big deal...you simply walk off whenever you want. Same with reboarding...come and go all day long, if you want! Tendering is a bit slower...and ship's early excursions do get 'first crack"...but after that, it's still not a logjam!

If you prefer the ease of a ship's excursion (and they are no-brainers....pay for it, the they tell you when and where to meet the group, and all you do is have fun...no worries about time or anything else) You can book in advance (on RCI, you pay when you book) or wait until you're on the ship. If there's an excursion that you consider a "must do", book in advance, just to make sure you get what you want.

 

Check out the Port of Call boards, to see what excursions (ship and private) that others have enjoyed.

[Cuizer2]

Hi guys, first post here!

 

I have lots of questions but I will try to keep them organized and in the right places!

 

A friend of mine suggested that we get together for a cruise late this year or Jan 2012. She says if we get 8 couples, we can get a group rate and get to sit with each other at meals, etc. We will be departing out of Galveston.

 

Apparently, Galveston is only host to RC and Carnival (I don't know proper abbreviations yet! NOOB alert!). We are interested in the 6-7 day cruises, and it looks like our options are:

 

• RC Mariner of the Seas (Voyager Class)
  
• Carnival Triumph
  
• Carnival Magic
  

My personal priorities are: food, independent excursions (possibly), and atmosphere.

 

1. Food: I'm abnormally into food. I know it sounds picky and weird, but you put food inside yourself, ya know? I plan to do one night at a specialty restaurant, and probably one food/wine activity, and the rest of the time probably eat the included food, as I have paid for it. Is one line known for its food more than the other?

 

2. Excursions: I love to travel. From reading here, I've learned that independent excursions are the way to go when in port. Is it easier to do this on one of these lines? I've heard that it can be difficult getting on and off the ship and also making it back before the ship sails if you don't do the ship's excursions.

 

3. Atmosphere: This one's a bit abstract. I'm not too picky about our cabin because we'll be in an interior one and I don't have huge expectations in that department. What I'm talking about here is, say, stuff like the recreational deck layout, passenger crowd "flow", finding more quiet (or more rowdy) areas if we choose, that sort of thing. Are any of these ships better in this department?

 

Your help will be much appreciated. My voice is not the only voice in our decision, but I would like to know what I should push for. :D

 

I've been on six Carnival cruises and six Royal Caribbean cruises. I've been on the Carnival Victory (a sister of the Carnival Triumph) and the Mariner of the Seas.

 

1) In general I think the food on Carnival is a little better than the food on Royal Caribbean. The Triumph does not have a specialty restaurant. I've eaten at three of Carnival's steakhouses and both specialty restaurants on the Mariner of the Seas. I was not that impressed with the Italian restaurant on the Mariner, both the steakhouse on the Mariner and all the steakhouses on Carnival have been excellent.

 

2) If you are going to go independent then it will not matter which cruise line you are with. However, the ports will matter. Ports were you are docked (like Cozumel) are much easier for independent excursions that port where you tender (like Grand Cayman).

 

3) Well in general I would take a Carnival interior cabin over a Royal Caribbean interior cabin for two reasons. One, the cabin is bigger and two the shower is bigger.

 

I have not been on the Magic or the Carnival Dream (a sister to the Magic) so I cannot speak to the recreation deck layout of the Magic. However, I would give the edge to the Mariner over the Triumph. That said, there are a few things to know. Carnival has a water slide an adult can use but no rock climbing wall, or ice rink. The Mariner has no water slide, but does have a rock climbing wall and an ice rink. One of Carnival's pools is covered by a slide roof (open in good weather, closed in bad weather). The Mariner has no covered pools.

 

As far as atmosphere I would say both are more alike than different.

[midnightferret]

This is great stuff, guys, thanks! I was worried I was asking stupid questions, but I'm so happy I posted! :)

[Cuizer2]

This is great stuff, guys, thanks! I was worried I was asking stupid questions, but I'm so happy I posted! :)

 

Stupid is the person who doesn't ask any questions, goes on Disney, then wants to know where the casino is.

[Jimnbigd]

If the ship stop in Cozumel, you might want to book Nachi Cocom, and independent place (you take a taxi) -- all you can drink and a full lunch by the beach. I used Island Marketting to book it -- just google it. You have to book in advance, like 3 months or more. It is around $50 per person plus tip.

 

Triumph is only 4 or 5 days. Still it if it like the Ecstasy, you'll have a good time on a 5-day cruise. I do prefer the 7-day cruises. Either the Mariner OTS or the Magic will be fine, so I'd go more by price and destinations. The Magic looks like it has more time in Cozumel than the Mariner -- especially if you get the 10am-6pm time. That would work great for Nachi Cocom (which closes at 5pm). Plus it is a brand new ship, if that matters to you.

 

Do drive in the day before. It is too risky trying to drive down the day of the departure. You could stay in Galveston, or any hotel between Hobby airport and Galveston. If you can't leave your cars at the hotel, I suggest EZ Cruise parking in Galveston.

[firefly333]

Looks like Im the lone voice of dissent. I can book Mariner cheaper than Magic. If they are the same or Magic is higher priced .. I would pick Mariner OTS and thats which one I personally picked.

 

Triumph isnt bad, but I looked at the ES prices, with all their little rules, no names changes, nonrefundable deposit etc. and I would not book Triumph at the prices Im seeing either. Im betting Triumph prices will drop like this did this winter.

 

The only one of those three I have booked is mariner at current prices.. and living in TX, I have combed thru the prices very carefully. Magic is a brand new ship, and you will pay extra to be on a brand new ship. Wait a year and the prices will drop.

[Jimnbigd]

Looks like Im the lone voice of dissent. I can book Mariner cheaper than Magic.

 

No longer the lone voice. I agree with you. I prefer RCCL over Carnival. There is something more elegant about RCCL to me.

 

Oh, if you do get several couples, I suggest fixed time dining, and not the my-time dining, if you want to eat together as a group at dinner. With my-time dining, you would have to all agree to meet somewhere before dinner (outside the MDR is not a good place -- often there photographers set up there), wait for the last person to finally show up, then go as a group and possibly wait a whille for a table. With fixed time, you have a table waiting and everyone knows when and where they have to be. Plus, if someone is late, at least you have a nice place to wait. Suggestion-- the first night tell the waiter you want the cheese & fruit tray on the table each night (no extra charge for this). That way you'll have something to munch on waiting for you when you sit down.

[midnightferret]

That's some good advice. We were already planning to do the fixed time late seating, because that was what most couples seem to prefer.

 

I have been trying to get my friends to get on CC.com but they aren't as focused with planning in advance as I am. :) Meanwhile, I'm busily making notes and what-not. Thanks for all the suggestions!

 

No longer the lone voice. I agree with you. I prefer RCCL over Carnival. There is something more elegant about RCCL to me.

 

. . . I suggest fixed time dining, and not the my-time dining,. . . . Suggestion-- the first night tell the waiter you want the cheese & fruit tray on the table each night (no extra charge for this). That way you'll have something to munch on waiting for you when you sit down.

[midnightferret]

Ok, I hate to bump my own thread, but it's only been a couple of weeks.

 

Because we decided on a 7 day cruise, it looks like my favorites are:

 

RCCL Mariner

Western Carribean: Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico

Sea/Sea/ Docked 8-5 Tendered 8-5 Docked 8-5 /Sea

 

Carnival Magic

Western Carribean: Montego Bay, Jamaica; Grand Cayman;Cozumel, Mexico

Sea/Sea 9-6 7-4 10-6 /Sea

 

Eastern Carribean: Key West, FL; Freeport, Bahamas; Nassau, Bahamas

Sea/ 10-6 8-5 7-5 /Sea/Sea

 

I can't find whether you are tendered or docked on Carnival's website. I used multiple dates in my search, but not sure if the itineraries are the same for each cruise on multiple dates?

 

I am going to have a good think about these, but would anyone like to tell me his/her experiences? Either with the class of ship, or ports, etc? Jimnbigd, I took your advice into account: I didn't pick RCCL's other West Caribbean cruise as a fave because I wanted to do the Cozumel (Nachi Cocom) excursion near the end of the cruise -- like a "day at the beach" so you don't need a vacation from your vacation!

[GORDONCHICK]

Ok, I hate to bump my own thread, but it's only been a couple of weeks.

 

Because we decided on a 7 day cruise, it looks like my favorites are:

 

RCCL Mariner

Western Carribean: Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico

Sea/Sea/ Docked 8-5 Tendered 8-5 Docked 8-5 /Sea

 

Carnival Magic

Western Carribean: Montego Bay, Jamaica; Grand Cayman;Cozumel, Mexico

Sea/Sea 9-6 7-4 10-6 /Sea

 

Eastern Carribean: Key West, FL; Freeport, Bahamas; Nassau, Bahamas

Sea/ 10-6 8-5 7-5 /Sea/Sea

 

I can't find whether you are tendered or docked on Carnival's website. I used multiple dates in my search, but not sure if the itineraries are the same for each cruise on multiple dates?

 

I am going to have a good think about these, but would anyone like to tell me his/her experiences? Either with the class of ship, or ports, etc? Jimnbigd, I took your advice into account: I didn't pick RCCL's other West Caribbean cruise as a fave because I wanted to do the Cozumel (Nachi Cocom) excursion near the end of the cruise -- like a "day at the beach" so you don't need a vacation from your vacation!

 

 

Based on itineraries, I would vote for Mariner. We are not fans of Jamaica at all, while we love Belize and are hoping to make it to Roatan at some point.

[regjr13]

Weighing in, I am a bit torn. I have been on the Mariner OTS and absolutely loved it. I've also been on Carnival Valor which is also in line with the Conquest and too loved that ship. I will agree with one of the other reviews that Carnival's food is a bit better, but further agreed with someone else's post that the elegance of RCCL is far greater than Carnival. After experiencing Holland this past year, I thought I would never go on another Carnival ship again and I was so adamant about that, I booked an NCL and Princess, but when I saw the Carnival Magic Europe 9-day itinerary, all that changed.

I would book for the itinerary, first. With regard to people who say you never spend time in your room, that isn’t exactly true. After all, you have to sleep, shower and rest there.

Good Luck.

[PattyG12]

If you get 8 cabins you should also get some OBC (on board credit) for being part of a group. Either way, enjoy your cruise. Oh, and I'm also a big fan of Royal Caribbean so I won't add my 2 cents to what ship to pick.

[Cruzaholic41]

I would choose the Mariner, not only because it's a superior ship design (IMO), but because the itinerary is much better.

 

As others have stated, I also think the food is slightly better on CCL, but that doesn't mean RC's food is bad. That said, I think Mariner's specialty restaurants are better, and less expensive. Chops is a must for both the food and the atmosphere.

 

Atmosphere is much better on Mariner. I have been on Magic's sister, the Dream, and it was the most crowded cruise ship I have ever been on. Mariner allows for much more personal space and elbow room. Plus, there are plenty of areas to escape it all. The views from up in the Viking Crown Lounge are the best. Also, if you choose Mariner, don't miss the ice show.

 

You mentioned wanting an interior room and it was stated the interiors on the CCL ships are bigger. I want to point out Mariner has Promenade interiors. These are rooms with large bay windows that overlook the interior Royal Promenade. There is a bench seat in the window for people watching. This is a good option for interior rooms.

[midnightferret]

Thanks, y'all!

 

We're probably going to book based on destinations, and I've been reading up on them.

 

I have always wanted to go to Jamaica, but I have also always wanted to go to the Bahamas, AND Honduras, AND the Caymans, AND Belize. Yeah, I'll pretty much go anywhere once, but I was concerned about cruise destinations being sort of overrun with touristy cheese, and not in a fun way.

 

THANK Y'ALL again for the info and opinions: they're really helping me. What's even funnier about this is that we are trying to include our very dear friends who are in their 70s. They've been on the Queen Mary II. They've done the Alaska cruises and a lot of luxury cruise lines. Unless I understand wrong, this could be like taking them from the Waldorf to a Motel 6. Of course, hubby and I are still in the Motel 6 phase of our lives ;). That may be one reason to lean toward Mariner.

 

I know they will put up with almost anything for us, because they love us, but, well, you get the idea. I want them to be able to enjoy themselves while we are increasing our likelihood of cancer at the beach or swimming with crocodiles or whatever. That being said, our other (30s-40s) cruising couple seemed to enjoy the hokey little "contests" and what-not on Carnival (I think it was). It will be impossible to please everyone, but I do feel like everyone could at least have a nice time. :)

[operafan]

Stupid is the person who doesn't ask any questions, goes on Disney, then wants to know where the casino is.

 

Or why there are so many children onboard...........

[Cuizer2]

Or why there are so many children onboard...........

 

Incredibly there are cruisers who are surprised at the number of children on a Disney cruise. Here is one example ...

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=78852

 

we knew it was Disney..... but there were so many kids!

[PlanoTim]

Christine, since you mentioned you are really into food, you might be interested in a dining option that Carnival has available. It's called The Chef’s Table. There are plenty of posts on the Carnival board here on Cruise Critic saying it is well worth the $75/person fee. Here is some info from Carnival's web site:

 

The Chef’s Table

 

Carnival is introducing an exciting new fine dining option for our guests – The Chef’s Table.

 

This one-of-a-kind culinary experience includes an exquisite multi-course dinner hosted by one of the line’s master chefs along with a private champagne reception and a personalized tour of the galley.

 

With The Chef’s Table, a select group of 12 guests enjoy champagne and hors d’ouevres hosted by the ship’s chef de cuisine. The chef then takes the group on a personalized tour to see the galley in operation, providing participants with a unique perspective on Carnival’s extensive food and beverage operations.

 

The evening concludes with a sumptuous full-service dinner with delicious appetizers, entrees and desserts created by the line’s master chefs. Depending on the vessel, the meal takes place in non-traditional dining venues throughout the ship – the galley, library, conference center, etc.

 

The Chef’s Table program is currently available fleet-wide.

 

The program can be booked on board at the Guest Service Desk. The cost is $75 per person.

 

Hope that helps some.

Tim

[Jimnbigd]

When comparing prices, be sure it is "apples to apples". Carnival has an early saver (ES) rate that is about $50 per person cheaper, but is non-refundable. RCCL currently only has the refundable rate. Carnival also has a refundable rate. Just make sure you are comparing the same type of rate.

 

I'd go RCCL. RCCL is in Galveston only part of the year (late November through late April/early May). You could always go Carnival again from Galveston when RCCL is not there. Note that if you do ever go RCCL to Jamaica, RCCL is using a new port in Falmouth. It just opened. We'll see how it goes there when it is fully complete in a few months; right now it is not fully complete but is usable. I think Carnival still docks in Montego Bay.

[midnightferret]

PlanoTim, I was looking at that. That part and the fact that you can't (legally) bring beer or wine aboard RCCL may tip us toward Carnival.

 

However, I'm still waffling: I never thought narrowing to "Top 2" from "Top 3" would be so difficult. Hee hee!

 

Speaking of which, when's the latest we should book? I mean, it's already March 16th, and I'm getting antsy. I bet we need to book soon for Dec-Jan, but I also need to save up another person's worth of cruise, and drinks/extras. (I've got one of us there because the crazy budget lady who lives in our apartment is ruthless. Oh wait, that's me.)

[Luv2CruiseRCL2]

PlanoTim, I was looking at that. That part and the fact that you can't (legally) bring beer or wine aboard RCCL may tip us toward Carnival.

 

However, I'm still waffling: I never thought narrowing to "Top 2" from "Top 3" would be so difficult. Hee hee!

 

Speaking of which, when's the latest we should book? I mean, it's already March 16th, and I'm getting antsy. I bet we need to book soon for Dec-Jan, but I also need to save up another person's worth of cruise, and drinks/extras. (I've got one of us there because the crazy budget lady who lives in our apartment is ruthless. Oh wait, that's me.)

 

Carnival will not let you bring beer onboard either. You are allowed to bring on one bottle of wine. This is from CCL's website:

 

Are there restrictions on what we can bring aboard?

 

RESTRICTED ITEMS – SAFETY AND SECURITY POLICY

In order to maintain a safe and secure environment, Carnival prohibits bringing certain items onboard. Additionally, we reserve the right to confiscate (and destroy) any articles that in our discretion are considered dangerous or pose a risk or inconvenience to the safety and security of the ship, or our guests, and no compensation will be provided.

Confiscated Items

• Alcohol (hard liquor)/sealed, unopened bottles

• Beer/sealed, unopened bottles/cans

• Wine or champagne/sealed, unopened bottles - beyond the allowable limit of one bottle (750 ml. size) per adult 21 years of age (brought on at embarkation time only)

[racey02]

Its a no brainer... Royal Caribbean hands down.

 

 

Mariner is awesome ship and Royal Caribbean's service is 2nd to none.

[midnightferret]

Carnival will not let you bring beer onboard either. You are allowed to bring on one bottle of wine. This is from CCL's website:

 

Are there restrictions on what we can bring aboard?

 

RESTRICTED ITEMS – SAFETY AND SECURITY POLICY

In order to maintain a safe and secure environment, Carnival prohibits bringing certain items onboard. Additionally, we reserve the right to confiscate (and destroy) any articles that in our discretion are considered dangerous or pose a risk or inconvenience to the safety and security of the ship, or our guests, and no compensation will be provided.

Confiscated Items

• Alcohol (hard liquor)/sealed, unopened bottles

• Beer/sealed, unopened bottles/cans

• Wine or champagne/sealed, unopened bottles - beyond the allowable limit of one bottle (750 ml. size) per adult 21 years of age (brought on at embarkation time only)

 

Ok, thanks, that will come in handy. But what about my original question about when to book?

[firefly333]

I have a booking with Mariner already locking in the price for Jan 2012. Never is too soon if you see a price you like or can live with.

[midnightferret]

Awesome, firefly333! Thanks!

 

I will attempt to light a fire under my group. My older friends are not coming: they don't like the itinerary on RCCL out of Galveston, and they don't want to sail Carnival.

 

I have put my first two choices to the group as being Mariner E Caribbean and Magic W Caribbean.

 

Also, when you book, can you put a deposit, or are you expected to pay in full? (If it's only a deposit, I can get my people to book faster! I've saved up to 1.5 people on the average prices I see on typical TA websites. So I just have to get the other half of my husband saved up for, and then we can start saving for excursions and extras!)