Have you sailed other lines? Opinions please.

[bluesea4me]

Hi everyone!

 

While we have sailed Carnival twice, I must say I wasn't totally impressed, and the last one left alot to be desired. We are NOT drinkers as usually I'll have one or two cocktails and DH may have A beer. We are not prudes and don't think people should drink, just simply saying drinking wasn't the reason we chose Carnival. We thought we'd try cruising to see if we like it. The jury was out after our 1st cruise. After the second on Carnival, a shorter one, we found the people very rude to each other and the staff. We are considering switching our April booking to another line and are debating between NCL and RC. For background, we have kids ranging in age from 12-20.

 

From what I've been reading, Carnival is the party line. What is RC then? I would hope they would still have a Sailaway celebration, and I know that many of their ships offer alot more to do, in some cases, of physical activities. Also, what about NCL? What are the differences, or are they all pretty much the same? Drink, Casino, qwerky games, two shows and a comedy club? Is the smoking as prevelent on the other lines or do they have better ventilation systems? (It really stuffs me up--allergies)

 

I know people will say it depends on us, and that is why I'd like your comments on how you have compared them IF you've sailed on RC or NCL AND Carnival. I'm not asking if you think we'd enjoy one line or the other, just what are the differences are.

 

Thank you, it is appreciated!

 

Hopeful future cruisers with RC! :D

 

PS I am going to start reading some of the reviews to see if that helps me get a better idea of the two other lines as well. ;)

[vermontcruisers]

We tried Princess and Carnival.Liked both and would sail both lines again.We prefer RCI but prices seem a little high lately.I guess you gotta look carefully for the deals.

[silentbob007]

Shorter cruises tend to have more of a party atmosphere on any line ....

[Starry Eyes]

You mention your second Carnival cruise was a short one...that may be part of the issue...short cruises on any line a re more likely to be party cruises that longer ones...Worse on Carnival? I don't know, maybe...

 

I have been on all three lines. Once on Carnival, 13 NCL, 9 RCCL. NCL is the most casual, though you can dress up if you like. It is all "freestyle", meaning open seating when you want to eat, fun, comfortable. Entertain tends to be good quality. Free food is adequate or better, many surcharge restaurants are available. If you want to spring for a full suite, NCL really shines there...lots of perks and services.

 

RCCL offers either open seating or traditional assigned tables. they have formal nights. activities vary by ship, with the newer ships offering more extras...many of those are very popular with the young, active cruisers. I like RCCL's MDR food a little better than NCL's.

 

So either line will offer plenty of food and entertainment. I think carnival has more silly poolside contests than either, but you'll still see some of those. In many ways the lines are more alike than different.

 

Smoking...well no smoking in cabins on either line, but smoking is allowed on balconies. there are smoking areas in public areas on both ships. number of smokers seems similar on both lines. there are lines with more restrictive smoking policies like Celebrity (even the casino is nonsmoking!) I think Princess has a more restrictive policy starting this month.

[curcurt]

I would rate them:

 

1. RCCL

2. NCL

3. Carnival

 

Had fun on all cruises, better than working. We are not big drinkers either, one or two a day, unless we party it up at night. It also depends on when and where you go. I know the ships leaving out of here in New Orleans, there seems to be more of a party atmosphere. We are pretty use to a big party going on all the time. Bars stay open 24 hours a day and open containers in public in the norm. Also depends on who is on the ship with you. Will other family and friends be with you or is this just you and your partner?

 

Have fun and meet some new people. We are going this year on a 16 day RCCL TA with friends we meet on a cruise back in 1985.

 

Big game for us around here tonight, might be some drinking going on around here.

 

!!!!!!GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!

[ChevyCruiser]

I like RCCL and Princess and choose one or the other for the itinerary. That being said, Princess is just a little bit better.

 

With Royal, it seems like every embarkation/disembarkation/port is the first time they've ever been there or done that. They don't know how to manage lines at all. Princess on the other hand anticipates when there is likely to be a line and sets up the portable cattle chutes and staff direct people to the end of the line. I cannot tell you how many times on Royal one gets in what should be a line to find that multiple stairways, elevators, and hallways feed the line, and soon it becomes a mob.

 

Princess now prohibits smoking on balconies as well as staterooms, so you'll be able to enjoy the salt air on your balcony now without fear of being downwind from a smoker.

 

On Princess embarkation days, they assign staff to run the elevators, so they direct you to an elevator and fill it up before it leaves.

 

Every time we get on a Princess cruise, and we tend to embark early, our stateroom is ready when we are, we never have to wait until 1:00 or 1:30.

 

Princess has multiple entertainment venues and the repeat the shows over a couple of nights so that you can see the production show one evening, the comedian in the lounge the next, etc.. This way the entire ship is not trying to squeeze into the theater on one evening.

 

Princess allows you to bring your own wine on board, and I've been able to resupply with the local wines as we stop in various ports.

 

Don't get me wrong, I still like Royal, but I wish they'd take a few cues from Princess on how to run a cruise ship.

[Aquahound]

Hi everyone!

 

While we have sailed Carnival twice, I must say I wasn't totally impressed, and the last one left alot to be desired. We are NOT drinkers as usually I'll have one or two cocktails and DH may have A beer. We are not prudes and don't think people should drink, just simply saying drinking wasn't the reason we chose Carnival. We thought we'd try cruising to see if we like it. The jury was out after our 1st cruise. After the second on Carnival, a shorter one, we found the people very rude to each other and the staff. We are considering switching our April booking to another line and are debating between NCL and RC. For background, we have kids ranging in age from 12-20.

 

From what I've been reading, Carnival is the party line. What is RC then? I would hope they would still have a Sailaway celebration, and I know that many of their ships offer alot more to do, in some cases, of physical activities. Also, what about NCL? What are the differences, or are they all pretty much the same? Drink, Casino, qwerky games, two shows and a comedy club? Is the smoking as prevelent on the other lines or do they have better ventilation systems? (It really stuffs me up--allergies)

 

I know people will say it depends on us, and that is why I'd like your comments on how you have compared them IF you've sailed on RC or NCL AND Carnival. I'm not asking if you think we'd enjoy one line or the other, just what are the differences are.

 

I'm not going to say it depends on you. I'll say it depends on the ship. RCI's ship classes are very different from one another and the cruises can be very different. For example, some of what ChevyCruiser mentioned in the last post, saying RCI doesn't do, actually does happen on Oasis Class.

 

It sounds like you are interested in the physical activites. What better way to go than Oasis Class? They have a zipline, 2 Flowriders, ice skating rink, 2 rock walls, a sports pool, an adults only pool, 2 cantilevered jacuzzis, comedy club, parades, etc, etc, etc....even a freakn' merry-go-round!

 

In other words, give Oasis or Allure a try. There's no equal.

[Cruisin824]

Hi everyone!

I know people will say it depends on us, and that is why I'd like your comments on how you have compared them IF you've sailed on RC or NCL AND Carnival. I'm not asking if you think we'd enjoy one line or the other, just what are the differences are.

 

Thank you, it is appreciated!

 

Hopeful future cruisers with RC! :D

 

PS I am going to start reading some of the reviews to see if that helps me get a better idea of the two other lines as well. ;)

 

I have sailed both RCCL and Carnival but not NCL although that is in the bucket list for sure.

 

I will try to keep this simple.

 

Food: I thought both were very comparable although I am not a picky eater so I thought food quality was great on both. I will say the wait staff on Carnival is no where close to RCCL. RCCL goes out of their way to entertain and make sure you are taken care of. Carnival...you will get your food eventually which will be good but the waitstaff doesn't have the wow factor.

 

Activities: I would say they are a tie. RCCL has a ton of physical activities as you know and Carnival also does a good job of keeping you active. In this aspect Iw ould say that RCCL wins as my only carnival cruise was a Christmas / NYE cruise so there was a lot going on simply due to that.

 

Night Life: Carnival was definitely more active at night as RCCl tends to shut down earlier. I enjoyed both as after a full day or two of activities the only activity I am looking to do is sleep so I can be ready for the next day:D

 

Layout of ship: I prefer the Voyager and up class for the Royal Promenade. I am spoiled by it and Carnival has nothing to match it. I enjoyed sitting outside Sorrentos and having a slice or some of their ridiculously delicious Crostini Bread. On top of that RCCL seems to have a way of dispursing people throughout the ship so it does not feel crowded. Carnival I always feel like part of a herd.

 

Rooms: I say both are comparable. I don't spend a ton of time in the room so I usually go for an oceanview or a standard balcony room.

 

Dress: Both Carnival and RCCL have formal nights so you will need some dress outfits unless you plan to dine in the Buffets those evenings. I have read that NCL does not have formal nights as they are more geared towards the freestyle experience. (Imagine that no one will toss you overboard for not wearing a suit to eat dinner..how civilized:D)

 

Either way you will be on vacation with whatever line you choose to go on and the vacation is what you make of it. I personally don't see how I could have a bad time on a cruise ship since I am not working while on vacation.

[gooselover]

Everyone has their own experience and opinion and I will share ours. DH and I have been on three cruises - 2 Carnival and 1 RCCL Liberty of the Seas.

 

Liberty of the Seas is a beautiful ship and has more amenities than Carnival does such as the ice skating rink (we NEVER found it open to the public), more shops, and the FlowRider and Rock climbing wall (never did these but interesting to watch). While Carnival does not have the above, their ships are still beautiful.

 

FYI, we are a couple now in our mid 50's.

 

We found Carnival much better in their service and food and cabins compared to RCCL. Now again, that is just our opinion. On RCCL, we went to both Chops and Portofino and neither one compared to the Reservation Steakhouse on Carnival Glory. We did the MTD on Liberty of the Seas and while we like being able to dine when we want, most times you do not get the "relationship" with your wait staff compared to having traditional dining. With that said, I know we enjoyed our dining experience more on Carnival with the traditional.

 

Again, our opinion...food - Carnival wins hands down.

 

Would we ever sail on RCCL again? Of COURSE we would. It is common knowledge however that RCCL is much pricey than Carnival and I think saving $$ is on everyone agenda.

 

We have not tried NCL. Some of the reviews I have read do concern me, but again, you just have to go to see what you like...so, maybe 2013 we will go no NCL.

 

All cruise lines have their plus and minus....heck, try them all to see what YOU like!

[Former Goalie]

We have not sailed Carnival, but have sailed NCL. We had a customer service issue because of which we won't plan on sailing NCL again.

For kids/young adults, I can't imagine a better line than RCI. Flowriders, zip lines, ice rinks, rock walls, the recreational amenities (on most RCI ships) are exceptional. To us, RCI ships, particularly Voyager class and up, certainly are big on the "Wow!" factor.

Our 17 year old has sailed with us on RCI multiple times and NCL once, and RCI wins hands down in her book. She's looking forward to an Oasis OS cruise in the future.

[Big_G]

My rating:

1. RCCL

2. Celebrity

3. Princess

4. Carnival

 

Wife's Rating:

1. Celebrity

2. RCCL

3. Princess

4. Carnival

 

They're all very very close. The biggest difference between RCCL and Celebrity was activity and attentiveness of crew. Celebrity was slower on sea days but the staff just seemed interact more with the passengers. Princess was a lot similar to Celebrity but their staff seemed a little less attentive. Carnival was comparable to RCCL but their ship designs seemed to have issues of bottlenecks during high passenger movement more so than any other ships. While Carnival had more liquor tastings and seemed to promote it more, we never felt as thought the drinking was anymore excessive than RCCL. You cannot beat RCCL for ship design. They have something for everyone.

[Virtopia]

I've been on NCL and RCCL and unless it was the Epic or the new Breakaway, I wouldn't go on NCL again. After going on the Liberty and Majesty, the ship I went on (NCL Sky) was a HUGE letdown; yea, I enjoyed myself, but not as much as my other cruises.

 

I would like to try a Carnival sailing in the future, as they tend to be cheaper, but for the most part, I'll be sticking with RCCL and their affiliates.

[struther1]

We have only sailed one other line and found NCL to be very comparable to RCI.

[lrn2cruise]

Gosh! I would say that RC caters to families of all ages and think all your kids would have a fantastic time. Even the 20 yr old, with the climbing wall and flow rider.

 

The little ones have Madagascar. With my 11 yr old this summer, we got to see Kung foo Panda in 3d on a sea day.

 

The kids pool area is amazing!

 

I have not been on Carnival, as of yet. The Magic is several hours away from me. I live in Texas. I am waiting for reviews before we spend the money.

 

My dh and I were on NCL in 1998 out of Houston. Back then, it stunk but I think it is different now.

I see that there is a Nicleodeon crusie going out of New Orleans in 2013. So we may try that next summer.

 

We look for family cruises at this point in our life with our son. The Carnival Magic is a family crusie. Carnival just makes me a bit nervous

[efields2]

It really depends on the ship you choose within each line and what you are looking for. I still cruise based on the itinerary but consider the ship as well.

 

RCCL is always my #1 preference but I've been on Princess and NCL. I thought Princess had FANTASTIC food, much better than anything I've had on RCCL but I hated the ship (Grand Princess). Choose NCL simply that it did Boston to Bermuda for 7 days and was convenient since I'm from the Boston area. Otherwise, nothing really impressed me with NCL.

 

I found that when we had 2 sea days in a row on the Grandeur a few years back out of NO we were a little bored - there wasn't as much going on as the Voyager-class and above, which we prefer. But the service we got was much more personal being a smaller ship.

[jonbgd]

Having sailed USN,CCL,Princess,HAL,Celebrity,RCCL and NCL in order

Ive seen the most drinkers in the Navy and the least on HAL :D

 

 

Ive only done one NCL and that was Hawaii So I thiink that would be an unfair comparison till I do the Carribean on NCL So Im going to concentrate on CCL and RCCL

 

I do think there is more binge drinking on CCL but RCCL has some professional drinkers as well. The shorter the cruise, the age drops and the more drinking. The longer the cruise the age goes up and less drinkers. If you do the weekend cruise on any cruiseline to the Bahamas that is a booze cruise

 

 

I havnt been on CCL for 3 years as we have been exploring the ships of RCCL but I miss CCL steakhouse prime meats, the midnight pizza, the freshly grilled burgers for lunch, lox and bagels for breakfast room service. Also the maine lobster tails with melting chocolate cake for desert in the MDR on the first formal night. I especially miss the Carnival comfort beds. RCCL has curved beds so one of your feet always ends up hanging off the bed

 

While the Voyager class and above might have the WOW factor on RCCL I dont cruise to be WOW'd. I want a good meal, good service and be able to relax. I want to wake up in the morning walk out on my balcony have a cup of coffee and see something I dont see @ home. I can do that on any cruiseline

While I think food is better on CCL, I think cutomer service is better on RCCl. I like my Balcony cabin on CCL better but RCCL junior suites are my favorite cabin on any cruiseline and better than a full suite on Ccl

 

I would definatly recommend cruising with Royal but do other cruiselines as well

[lrn2cruise]

As far as Carnival being cheaper than RCI? Not when it come to Carnival Magic out of Galveston. If we went on Magic this summer, the price is the same as FOS this past summer. The location is easier to get to for us. That would be the only benefit

[cruzsnooze]

I found NCL and RCL to be comparable. I find Princess a bit more formal with less children. From what you describe I'd think NCL or RCL would be a family cruise option. I do love the freestyle on NCL with no formal nights which makes for lighter packing.

[CarefreeCruising]

Our first cruise was on Carnival, the next two were on RC. We enjoyed both lines. As others have said, I find the atmosphere more dictated by the time of year, itinerary and ship. When we sailed Carnival, it was a 7 day cruise in September after most schools were in session. It was a very laid back cruise and we loved it. Our first RC cruise was a 5 night cruise to Mexico during college spring break - it was definitely a "party cruise"! Was that because we were sailing on RC? NO. It had to do with the shorter itinerary, destination and time of year (college spring break!). We have grown to enjoy both cruise lines. We prefer the food on Carnival but the ship design and layout on RC. We also prefer the more active options (rock climbing, ice skating, etc) on RC. We would gladly sail on either cruise line but we do tend to lean towards RC more lately.

[Fluffy Terry]

I agree with most of your posts - I was spoiled by RCCL but last cruise my BFF convinced us to try Princess - the embarkation and disembarkation was better - friendly and they knew how to handle the people boarding with no problems or no long lineups and wow our rooms were ready when we got on board- Loved the idea that you could bring pop, beer and wine on board without being treated like a criminal

 

Found the Emerald Princess a bit disorganized with their daily paper though, half the things that were going on on the ship were not advertised and we just happened to stumble upon them

 

I also love the more open concept on RCCL - Princess seemed too closed in for me

 

I think RCCL is better if you want lots to do when on the ship compared to Princess (found Princess a bit boring, but would take a cruise with them again if we had a hectic year and just wanted to kick back)

 

Loved also the little things Princess did for you - cool towels and cold water when getting back on board after a hard day shopping at ports of call

 

This might sound silly but really missed the little things that RCCL has - like the day of the week being on the elevator floor.

 

I also found Princess really disorganized in the buffet area and overly crowded and was always looking for a seat, and small compared to RCCL

 

But if the itinerary was what I wanted and the price was right would definately cruise with them again

 

I like RCCL and Princess and choose one or the other for the itinerary. That being said, Princess is just a little bit better.

 

With Royal, it seems like every embarkation/disembarkation/port is the first time they've ever been there or done that. They don't know how to manage lines at all. Princess on the other hand anticipates when there is likely to be a line and sets up the portable cattle chutes and staff direct people to the end of the line. I cannot tell you how many times on Royal one gets in what should be a line to find that multiple stairways, elevators, and hallways feed the line, and soon it becomes a mob.

 

Princess now prohibits smoking on balconies as well as staterooms, so you'll be able to enjoy the salt air on your balcony now without fear of being downwind from a smoker.

 

On Princess embarkation days, they assign staff to run the elevators, so they direct you to an elevator and fill it up before it leaves.

 

Every time we get on a Princess cruise, and we tend to embark early, our stateroom is ready when we are, we never have to wait until 1:00 or 1:30.

 

Princess has multiple entertainment venues and the repeat the shows over a couple of nights so that you can see the production show one evening, the comedian in the lounge the next, etc.. This way the entire ship is not trying to squeeze into the theater on one evening.

 

Princess allows you to bring your own wine on board, and I've been able to resupply with the local wines as we stop in various ports.

 

Don't get me wrong, I still like Royal, but I wish they'd take a few cues from Princess on how to run a cruise ship.

[Realblonde474]

I didn't know there were other lines than RCI..

 

:D I have sailed NCL, Princess, Celebrity and of course RCI.

 

I didn't care for NCL or Princess

 

Celebrity was wonderful and I love RCI.

 

Looking forward to trying Crystal and some of the upscale lines next...

 

Research is a good thing!

[Havingfun2010]

I have been on both RCCL and Carnival, and my overall experience I prefer RCCL. The ships are better laid out, the crowd controls are better on the ship, it is easier to get around. Each ship has good and bad for food, but not excellent. As far as evening entertaiment (as far as the bars and nightclubs), casino's etc, I would say about the same also

 

RCCL has much better entertainment shows on the bigger ships.

 

From a teenager point of view, which you have one, RCCL is packed with more activities for their age. My son does not want to spend a week on a Carnival ship.

[emilygrace]

Just my quick rating of the lines I have sailed with:

1. RCCL

2. Celebrity

3. Holland America

4. Cunard

5. Princess

6. NCL

 

We have sailed the most with RCCL and always come back to them because it is like coming "home" and we feel very comfortable there. Good food, the type of activities that we like and nice cabin layouts.

 

That said, unless RCCL has a good itinerary for us (we don't do the Caribbean) we look elsewhere. Especially since we live on the West Coast and the other lines do seasonal repositioning cruises here.

[Jenna109]

This will be our first cruise on RCCL and so it was nice to see that so many of you put it first on your list. We leave in 10 days and are a little apprehensive about our first cruise with them. No drinks, etc. seems very mean to me - as someone said they seem to treat guests as criminals.

Our choice of best cruise lines we have travelled with - for our personal needs - would be

1.Celebrity

2.Princess

3.Cunard

[KeywestK]

We are long time RCCL cruisers. We sailed on the Carnival Pride in Oct. '10. DH's final comment when we got off that ship: "Please don't ever book me on a Carnival ship again." Guess that pretty much says it all. BTW, we are booked on our first Celebrity cruise next year. We're not worried in the least....;):)