Carnival vs Princess

[~Christie~]

Ok, well Hubby and I thought we were going to go on CCL Dream for sure then we found out we are able to get a good deal on the Caribbean Princess which would be about the same in cost as the cruise we were planning on the Dream out of NOLA.

 

So, now we are torn! We love Carnival, but would also love to sail Princess as well. We are wanting a nice, romantic, and relaxed cruise for our anniversary. Can anyone please tell me what the differences are between the two? Any advice?

 

thanks!

[rickechambers1@aol.com]

To me they are similar with a few pluses and minuses each...

Princess decorum is much more subdued and no soaring lobby...I like the Carnival wow factor but enjoy both. Food is similar with Carnival being a bit better IMO. If you can get a balcony on Caribe deck they are so nice with half covered and half open and very spacious. I don't care for the minisuites on Aloha as they are completely exposed.

Entertainment on Princess is better, more prevalent, and more polished...but I like the energy on Carnival.

If the itineraries were similar...I would lean toward Princess so you can try it out and it will likely feel more romantic.

Edited November 11, 2013 by rickechambers1@aol.com

[John Reid]

I won't get into a comparison of Carnival vs. Princess. I sail both; I enjoy both. But they are different. I have been on the Caribbean Princess.

 

Based on what you said you are hoping from this cruise, go ahead and try Princess. It's a great line and the CB is a great warm port ship with good outdoor decks and pool areas.

 

My first two cruises were on RCI. The next eight were on Princess, Carnival, HAL, and another RCI. I sail Thursday on RCI. What I can say without doubt is that my cruising experience has been enhanced by experiencing several lines.

[JustCruiseMe]

I've only been on Carnival but I say try Princess. You might not be able to get that deal again but most likely will on Carnival.

[Blk_Amish]

Ok, well Hubby and I thought we were going to go on CCL Dream for sure then we found out we are able to get a good deal on the Caribbean Princess which would be about the same in cost as the cruise we were planning on the Dream out of NOLA.

 

So, now we are torn! We love Carnival, but would also love to sail Princess as well. We are wanting a nice, romantic, and relaxed cruise for our anniversary. Can anyone please tell me what the differences are between the two? Any advice?

 

thanks!

 

Princess without question. The ships are elegantly designed with the feeling of the way cruising was meant to be. Ok, I love the Love Boat. There is a peaceful breath taking view from the aft deck. Afternoon tea is simply delightful. We are cruising Princess next because it's our 20 anniversary and want a ship that says welcome, chill, relax, enjoy the moment. Yes, by day 5 boredom is going to start to set in from all the rest, relaxation, and spa treatment, could be worse.

 

We have done Princess 2x, RCL 8x, and Carnival 4x. I would compare Princess almost to our anniversary at Couples, very classy and elegant. Up until my last cruise on Carnival I preferred the food and beds on Carnival. Ultimately for our anniversary it would be Princess or a land vacation.

 

Pauline

Edited November 11, 2013 by Blk_Amish

[sewut]

We tried Princess last January. It was a great cruise and we enjoyed it very much. I especially enjoyed the Ultimate Balcony Breakfast on my birthday. We decided that we would go on Princess again if the price was right, but we will eat at Horizon Court (buffet) the first night. On the first night we were seated at tables with others which I have no problem with. We enjoy eating with others on Carnival. Our tablemates, however were very snobby, looking at us like we were something they had stepped in. They spent the meal bragging. I was not impressed. Maybe we just got bad tablemates, but it left a bad taste in our mouths.

[Colorado Kat]

Go for a new experience. You won't know how you feel about it till you try.

[guxu]

Most of our cruises were on Princess or Carnival. IMHO, the food on Princess is better than Carnival if you like seafood. Have you ever seen lobster tails in Lido buffet on Carnival ships? We saw that on Caribbean Princess last time (Dec. 2012). On Princess, the waiters in Lido will actually pour drink for you. And the (assistant) chef in Lido will talk to you introducing the dishes. On Carnival, you have drinking machines and you are on your own.

[S.S.Oceanlover]

I can echo Rick's sentiments except for the entertainment. Princess USED to have great entertainment but lately they have cut back like CCL.

 

They will have the same shows in the main theater on 2 consecutive nights and the same comedian with the same jokes in the lounge on consecutive nights so if you are like us we went to the show in the main showroom and caught the comedian right after that.

 

The next night we didn't have any entertainment options except for the casino, or bars which we don't do.

 

I would still do Princess again but now I know to space out my entertainment.:)

 

Bill

[~Christie~]

Thank you all for your thoughts and advice! It has been up and down trying to plan this anniversary trip - lol! We have looked into a all-inclusive land vacay vs a cruise. We decided we would stick to cruise b/c we know what to expect. Then just as we were getting ready to book the Dream, this offer for Princess came up and I have always wanted to sail on Princess too! So.... looks like we will be sailing the Caribbean Princess in March! Just got to finish that booking with my travel agent.

[OCruisers]

So.... looks like we will be sailing the Caribbean Princess in March! Just got to finish that booking with my travel agent.

 

Good for you! We love cruising on Princess! :)

 

You'll really enjoy not hearing constant announcements like on Carnival.

 

LuLu

~~~~~

[miataman19]

Thank you all for your thoughts and advice! It has been up and down trying to plan this anniversary trip - lol! We have looked into a all-inclusive land vacay vs a cruise. We decided we would stick to cruise b/c we know what to expect. Then just as we were getting ready to book the Dream, this offer for Princess came up and I have always wanted to sail on Princess too! So.... looks like we will be sailing the Caribbean Princess in March! Just got to finish that booking with my travel agent.

 

Good call. My DW and I are Elite with Princess and always love the ships and crew. Just did Ruby last year and Caribbean Princess in 2007. You are going to love that ship. You will also love the food. IMHO they are #3 on my list of cruise lines and food/wine. Tie for #1 Cunard and Celebrity. Enjoy you cruise. :)

[scottydog123]

We have sailed the Caribbean Princess Twice. The only problem I found is that the Theater is too small for the number of cruisers. But The pools are great and fresh water. They also are larger than the Carnival pools We ended up only eating in the dining room once as the buffet features the same menu as the dining room. With that said we have cruised with Carnival 11 times and keep coming back for the price, but I'm game for sailing on any line if the price and itineries are right for the value. Our next cruise is in January and will be a 5 day on the Ruby Princess, with the price it can't be beat. Im sure you will love Princess.

[Goldmoon]

Thank you all for your thoughts and advice! It has been up and down trying to plan this anniversary trip - lol! We have looked into a all-inclusive land vacay vs a cruise. We decided we would stick to cruise b/c we know what to expect. Then just as we were getting ready to book the Dream, this offer for Princess came up and I have always wanted to sail on Princess too! So.... looks like we will be sailing the Caribbean Princess in March! Just got to finish that booking with my travel agent.

 

 

I think you will like it. It is a little dressier in the evenings, making it more romantic. There was a swimming pool in the serenity area for the adults which I wish carnival had. When I went room service was not 24 hr, but the buffet was, a more limited selection but all night. Loved going for fresh fruit and coffee. Happy Anniversary and have fun.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

We sailed many times on Carnival (3 times on the Dream) and once on Princess (Caribbean Princess).

 

Princess advantages (just a couple come to mind):

> They'll cook a hamburger RARE in the dining room if you desire. :D

> They have actual perks for sailing in a suite.

> Try the UBD (Ultimate Balcony Dining/Dinner) - especially if your balcony has the elbow room.

 

Princess disadvantages (things that came as a surprise to us):

> Order a mixed drink with Sprite Zero as a mixer, and you get to pay for the can of soda ON TOP of the mixed drink price - since they don't have Sprite Zero in their soda gun. A definite WTH moment (not just at one or two bars/venues)!

> Order bottled water at the specialty restaurant (Crown Grill) and expect to be hit up for your ship card to pay for it... before you even order your meal !!

 

All in all, we had a very good cruise - just couldn't figure out why they were sweating the extra soda cost (I've never seen that anywhere else) and the "pay upfront" bottled water thing at the Crown Grill.

 

HERE'S a link to my lengthy review of the Caribbean Princess.

 

Tom

[S.S.Oceanlover]

Thank you all for your thoughts and advice! It has been up and down trying to plan this anniversary trip - lol! We have looked into a all-inclusive land vacay vs a cruise. We decided we would stick to cruise b/c we know what to expect. Then just as we were getting ready to book the Dream, this offer for Princess came up and I have always wanted to sail on Princess too! So.... looks like we will be sailing the Caribbean Princess in March! Just got to finish that booking with my travel agent.

 

Congratulations. I think it will be the perfect fit for what you are looking for.

 

We have been on the Caribbean Princess 3 times.

 

Enjoy!

 

Bill

[billie5]

Our tablemates, however were very snobby, looking at us like we were something they had stepped in. They spent the meal bragging. I was not impressed. Maybe we just got bad tablemates, but ............

 

You think ?????

 

I hesitate to figure out what you consider as other likely alternative, based on one Princess dinner !

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

You think ?????

 

I hesitate to figure out what you consider as other likely alternative, based on one Princess dinner !

 

We've encountered similar bragging table mates on a 3 night Carnival cruise as well. It was following that incident many years ago that we decided that our dinners would only be at our own table!

 

Sure, that's passing up the chance of meeting some wonderful people - but it assures us we won't have to endure those rare few who we'd rather not share a meal with.

 

Tom

[~Christie~]

thanks again to everyone! I am excited! I am taking notes!

[~Christie~]

We sailed many times on Carnival (3 times on the Dream) and once on Princess (Caribbean Princess).

 

Princess advantages (just a couple come to mind):

> They'll cook a hamburger RARE in the dining room if you desire. :D

> They have actual perks for sailing in a suite.

> Try the UBD (Ultimate Balcony Dining/Dinner) - especially if your balcony has the elbow room.

 

Princess disadvantages (things that came as a surprise to us):

> Order a mixed drink with Sprite Zero as a mixer, and you get to pay for the can of soda ON TOP of the mixed drink price - since they don't have Sprite Zero in their soda gun. A definite WTH moment (not just at one or two bars/venues)!

> Order bottled water at the specialty restaurant (Crown Grill) and expect to be hit up for your ship card to pay for it... before you even order your meal !!

 

All in all, we had a very good cruise - just couldn't figure out why they were sweating the extra soda cost (I've never seen that anywhere else) and the "pay upfront" bottled water thing at the Crown Grill.

 

HERE'S a link to my lengthy review of the Caribbean Princess.

 

Tom

 

 

thanks - going to read right now!

[~Christie~]

I think you will like it. It is a little dressier in the evenings, making it more romantic. There was a swimming pool in the serenity area for the adults which I wish carnival had. When I went room service was not 24 hr, but the buffet was, a more limited selection but all night. Loved going for fresh fruit and coffee. Happy Anniversary and have fun.

 

 

Thanks!

[golfadj]

After 20 something cruiaes with Carnival we will be doing our first Princess next year.

 

based on what I am hearing from our new roll call friends expecting an awesome time.

[Blk_Amish]

After 20 something cruiaes with Carnival we will be doing our first Princess next year.

 

based on what I am hearing from our new roll call friends expecting an awesome time.

 

Its a really nice change as was going from Princess to Carnival and now back to Princess. Change is good:)

 

Pauline

[richstowe]

Its a really nice change as was going from Princess to Carnival and now back to Princess. Change is good:)

 

Pauline

Agreed. I don't understand blind brand loyalty. Even though Carnival & NCL often have the "best deals',

it's a mistake to count on this always being true. I have paid less for Celebrity and RC cruises then the equivalent

Carnival cruise (at the time of booking).

 

There is also the issue of OBC and other incentives which Carnival banned until very recently.

My upcoming Celebrity cruise includes a drink package making it much cheaper then the Carnival offerings.:)

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

...

My upcoming Celebrity cruise includes a drink package making it much cheaper then the Carnival offerings.:)

 

YEP - our 1/11/14 Reflection sailing included the Classic Beverage Package as part of the booking. For all of (something like) $10/day we're upgrading to the Premium package.... SCORE !!

 

Celebrity's beverage package is superior, IMO, to Carnival's - most who have experience with (or at least knowledge of) both would likely agree.

 

Tom