A comparison of CCL and RCCL

[dms_cruisers04]

It's interesting about cruise lines...know a person who she and her family sailed Carnival and have previously sailed RCCL - she said even her teenage boys won't go back to Carnival - they just like RCCL better even if it's more $$ which it is.

And that's perfectly fine. Unless she comes here are starts calling people names and thinking they are a lower class of person just because they enjoy Carnival. Honestly, with some of the amenities that the Voyager class ship offers, I would agree that an active teenager would most likely enjoy RCCL more.

[Carnival Queen]

Great post! I've heard the same thing - especially recently. Met a family in Costa Maya who were on RCCL this time, but had cruised mostly Carnival before - they said the same thing - they and their kids wished they were on Carnival with us! I just keep sticking with Carnival because we know what we're getting - and the people are like us and lots of fun! Can't go wrong . . .:)

[sportsterjohn]

I have been on NCL, CCL and RCCL. Lets compare; all 3 lines had decent food in almost unlimited quantity, all lines had someone cleaning my room for me, all 3 had a casino, all 3 had multiple pools complete with chair hogs and annoying people trying to sell me drinks every 5 min, all 3 played hot hot hot way too often, all 3 had comedians and / or jugglers every night, all 3 had identical questions on the love/marriage game and I got to scuba dive on all 3. So IMHO, there really isn't a whole heck of alot of difference between the mainstream lines. I choose my cruises based on ports / price.

[dms_cruisers04]

I have been on NCL, CCL and RCCL. Lets compare; all 3 lines had decent food in almost unlimited quantity, all lines had someone cleaning my room for me, all 3 had a casino, all 3 had multiple pools complete with chair hogs and annoying people trying to sell me drinks every 5 min, all 3 played hot hot hot way too often, all 3 had comedians and / or jugglers every night, all 3 had identical questions on the love/marriage game and I got to scuba dive on all 3. So IMHO, there really isn't a whole heck of alot of difference between the mainstream lines. I choose my cruises based on ports / price.

[hipquest]

If this were a car thread it would be "A Comparision of Ford and Chevy".

 

I have not yet finished reading this thread but I love this quote!

 

I have "cruised" on 2 lines, CCL and Chilton. For a long (more than 2 days) cruise I MUCH perfer CCL.

 

On CCL I have all of my meals prepared for me, lots of entertainment, a pool, casino (I only watch), cuties serving me cocktails, et al..

 

On the Chilton line (there is only one boat) I am the cook, the entertainment, the bartender, no pool:confused:, and I get to hear "Sweetpea, MOVE!!! the boom is coming over!"

 

As I do not have experience on any other commercial line I cannot add to this post in that way BUT, I think you will find most lines are very good, at what they do. We did our 1st cruise because of my sisters wedding, we did not expect to enjoy it as much as we did.

 

I don't know how to phrase this without sounding arrogant but, DH and I could cruise any top line, in the best suite several times a year (If he did not work so much. DH and I can't imagine a more fun atmosphere than CCL. I love to dress up on a cruise (or anywhere, for that matter) those under-dressed only make me look better:D.

 

BTW, I hate Wally World, they never have enough cashiers, it has nothing to do with who shops there.

 

If you book a cruise, or any other vacation, please go knowing the glass really is half full.:)

 

Happy cruising to all, watch out for that boom.

[big_duck]

I have not yet finished reading this thread but I love this quote!.

 

Wanna know the funny thing ... I drive a Dodge :eek:

[PINEVIEW01]

Thanks for the tip. Plan to meet with TA today. Going to Alaska next May. Was told how great RCCL and Princess are - started not to even check into Carnival. Took a peek anyway - surprised by what they have to offer.

 

We prefer to be in a relaxed atmosphere. Have a teenage son going as well. Think Carnival may be the way to go.

 

Thanks again!

 

Myrtle

I've booked Princess and Carnival for my '06 Alaska Cruise. I found them to be equal but different. Which every one has the best price over the next year wins:)

[hipquest]

I love that quote because of all the "men" in my family. An endless debate over Ford & Chevy, Coke & Pepsi, ***** & "I don't need no help":eek: (just kidding on that last one;))

[big_duck]

I love that quote because of all the "men" in my family. An endless debate over Ford & Chevy, Coke & Pepsi, ***** & "I don't need no help":eek: (just kidding on that last one;))

 

You forgot "I'm not lost" and "manual, I don't need no stinking manual"

[hipquest]

You forgot "I'm not lost" and "manual, I don't need no stinking manual"

 

big_duck, are you a woman?;) You seem VERY well trained for a guy!:D I want to meet the woman behind a guy with such a great sense of humor.

[YoureMoving]

I'm getting ready to sail on the Miracle on 6/19/05, and I have to say that I'm really interested in seeing the difference between a short Carnival cruise and a 7 day. DH and I did our first cruise on the Ectasy for 3 days, and were mixed about how we felt about it. Overall, I would have to say that there is no comparison between Carnival and RCCL when it comes to food. Carnival wins HANDS DOWN! :) Last years cruise on Soveirgn of the Seas we liked the atmosphere better for a short cruise, but the food left alot to be desired. I'm wondering if we'll see more "just fun folks" on our 7 day cruise than we saw "just drunk folks" on our 3 day. Personally, I'm there for the food, so as long as that's great, I'm a happy camper! I think both lines have their pros and cons - we thoroughly enjoyed both cruises, just for different reasons. Wouldn't hesitate to sail either line.

 

Gina

[Cruising89143]

I'm getting ready to sail on the Miracle on 6/19/05, and I have to say that I'm really interested in seeing the difference between a short Carnival cruise and a 7 day. DH and I did our first cruise on the Ectasy for 3 days, and were mixed about how we felt about it. Overall, I would have to say that there is no comparison between Carnival and RCCL when it comes to food. Carnival wins HANDS DOWN! :) Last years cruise on Soveirgn of the Seas we liked the atmosphere better for a short cruise, but the food left alot to be desired. I'm wondering if we'll see more "just fun folks" on our 7 day cruise than we saw "just drunk folks" on our 3 day. Personally, I'm there for the food, so as long as that's great, I'm a happy camper! I think both lines have their pros and cons - we thoroughly enjoyed both cruises, just for different reasons. Wouldn't hesitate to sail either line.

 

Gina

 

IMHO one should never judge a cruise line by a three or four day cruise. Cruise lines use older ships and it can be more of a party atmosphere. Cruise lines also use the older ships for training purposes so you will "usually" find a higher ratio of new crew members on board.

 

I think that you are going to be quite happy with the Miracle as that class of ship is my favorite. Also the longer cruises seem a little more relaxed as you are not trying to put everything in a few days. You're going to find many more choices on this cruise for casual dining over the Ecstasy. Again a nice plus.

[dms_cruisers04]

IMHO one should never judge a cruise line by a three or four day cruise. Cruise lines use older ships and it can be more of a party atmosphere. Cruise lines also use the older ships for training purposes so you will "usually" find a higher ratio of new crew members on board.

 

I think that you are going to be quite happy with the Miracle as that class of ship is my favorite. Also the longer cruises seem a little more relaxed as you are not trying to put everything in a few days. You're going to find many more choices on this cruise for casual dining over the Ecstasy. Again a nice plus.

Gotta agree with Gordon on this one (again :rolleyes: :D ). Our Sovereign cruise in April was just okay. And as you said Gina, we too didn't think the food was all that great. But on our Sensation cruise, a 5-day, everything was just okay. Food, service, staff, nearly the whole package. And as Gordon said, it seemed there were a lot of new staff that just didn't have it together yet.

I, too, think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much more you're going to enjoy your 7 day.

[hipquest]

I'm getting ready to sail on the Miracle on 6/19/05, and I have to say that I'm really interested in seeing the difference between a short Carnival cruise and a 7 day. DH and I did our first cruise on the Ectasy for 3 days, and were mixed about how we felt about it. Overall, I would have to say that there is no comparison between Carnival and RCCL when it comes to food. Carnival wins HANDS DOWN! :) Last years cruise on Soveirgn of the Seas we liked the atmosphere better for a short cruise, but the food left alot to be desired. I'm wondering if we'll see more "just fun folks" on our 7 day cruise than we saw "just drunk folks" on our 3 day. Personally, I'm there for the food, so as long as that's great, I'm a happy camper! I think both lines have their pros and cons - we thoroughly enjoyed both cruises, just for different reasons. Wouldn't hesitate to sail either line.

 

Gina

 

I must say on our 1st cruise we got see A LOT on a 7 day cruise. 1) We were on a "Spring Break" week (never again for me, they don't seem to realize if they leave the cabin door open, we REALLY can hear everything) 2) I got to see a Dallas football player as "Maid Marion" in the talent show; one of the FUNNIEST things I have ever seen in my life! The boobs popping are priceless! (I have it on tape, hee, hee) 3) My DH became a spa 'ho. He always loved massage but became ADDICTED to mani/pedi and reflexology!!!:eek: My manly man loves (gasp!!!) girly stuff.:)

 

My dog sitter and very dear friend (20 yo) tells me she and her friends book the shorter cruises ('cause they're cheaper).

 

Happy sailing!

[Cruising89143]

Gotta agree with Gordon on this one (again :rolleyes: :D ). .

 

Must be something in the water again!!!!!;) :)

[big_duck]

Gotta agree with Gordon on this one

 

Hold your breath me too. Not stopping us from going again on the Sensation. It is a five day but I think the same mostly applies.

[YoureMoving]

Thanks, everyone. Yes, we're really looking forward to the 7-day and figure that it will be an entirely new experience for us as compared to the two three day cruises that we've been on before, regardless of the line. I'm still trying to drop 5 pounds, cause I figure I'll gain at least 10 and that way hopefully my pants will still fit when we get back to Tampa! ;)

 

Gina

[bkw67]

I can't comment on CCL (yet), but I am giving Carnival a chance next year.

 

 

Our first cruise was on Celebrity, and we just loved it!!!! We went on Royal Caribbean this year... and though we had a very, very good time... there were a few things that each did better/worse. I liked having the balcony on the RCI, (the X - Century has almost none), and so we had an OV cabin. I enjoyed the Rock wall on CRI, and the towel animals were cool. I also really enjoyed the Captain on the RCI (Serenade of the Seas). He went out of his way (literally) to show and explain the history and beauty of many Islands (some of which we did not dock at!).

 

 

However, I found the food better on X (except the one night we at the RCI specially restaurant). We also found the overall service better on X. For instance, when we boarded on X on the first day, the cruise director and crew were passing out Champagne and Mimosas in glass Champaign flutes; On RCI, they had punch in the building prior to boarding in plastic cups.

 

 

On X, at dinner we had our head waiter an assistant waiter, a bar waiter (for drinks) and a sommelier. On RCI, we had a head waiter, assistant waiter and sometimes a bar waiter who also did wine (received very poor service on drinks in the dinning room).

 

 

Though I am not one to like being asked do I want a drink every 2 minutes, on the RCI, I only remember ONCE being asked on the Lido deck if I wanted a drink... and that was at sail-away!

 

 

The upcoming CCL cruise is the first one we are taking the kids on . That said, not sure the kids 5 & 9 would enjoy X.

 

 

I must admit I was a little apprehensive on going on a CCL cruise...but the more I read and talk to past CCL cruisers I feel more confident that I and my family will have an enjoyable experience on CCL.

 

[ilionite65]

bkw.... Good Luck!

[Bsan1221]

I can't comment on CCL (yet), but I am giving Carnival a chance next year.

 

 

Our first cruise was on Celebrity, and we just loved it!!!! We went on Royal Caribbean this year... and though we had a very, very good time... there were a few things that each did better/worse. I liked having the balcony on the RCI, (the X - Century has almost none), and so we had an OV cabin. I enjoyed the Rock wall on CRI, and the towel animals were cool. I also really enjoyed the Captain on the RCI (Serenade of the Seas). He went out of his way (literally) to show and explain the history and beauty of many Islands (some of which we did not dock at!).

 

 

However, I found the food better on X (except the one night we at the RCI specially restaurant). We also found the overall service better on X. For instance, when we boarded on X on the first day, the cruise director and crew were passing out Champagne and Mimosas in glass Champaign flutes; On RCI, they had punch in the building prior to boarding in plastic cups.

 

 

On X, at dinner we had our head waiter an assistant waiter, a bar waiter (for drinks) and a sommelier. On RCI, we had a head waiter, assistant waiter and sometimes a bar waiter who also did wine (received very poor service on drinks in the dinning room).

 

 

Though I am not one to like being asked do I want a drink every 2 minutes, on the RCI, I only remember ONCE being asked on the Lido deck if I wanted a drink... and that was at sail-away!

 

 

The upcoming CCL cruise is the first one we are taking the kids on . That said, not sure the kids 5 & 9 would enjoy X.

 

 

I must admit I was a little apprehensive on going on a CCL cruise...but the more I read and talk to past CCL cruisers I feel more confident that I and my family will have an enjoyable experience on CCL.

 

 

 

I am sure you will have a great time and so will your kids. ...

 

Carnival is very family oriented and has a great kids program onboard of all their ships...

 

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