Quick comparison after RCL this weekend

[clarkrock7]

Just got off the Enchantment of the Seas 3 day to the Bahamas and have some thoughts about the differences I noticed between RCL and Carnival and just some general comments.

 

Previous 5 cruises were all with Carnival, 10 before that all with RCL. Most recently on the Dream this Labor day.

 

The number one main thing that is sticking with me is how much I absolutely despise the Lido deck configuration on all of the newer Carnival ships. I didn't like the setup much on the Valor and on the Dream it was even worse. Consistently felt like I was in some kind of a cage with that sole, lonely pool for all those people. The Enchantment Lido was very open and gave a much different feeling. The Fantasy class ships have much better (imo) pool decks than the newer larger Carnival offerings and I'd like to see Carnival rein in the trend towards enclosed, tiny pool decks.

 

RCL should have 24 hr pizza and ice cream. Most people like both of these things, and I'd think almost everyone likes at least one of them. It's nice to always have an option for a quick snack, no matter what time it is. I definitely missed this on RCL.

 

Carnival should have a 24 hour pool and hot tub. The 'Fun Ships' don't have a hot tub or a pool for post disco relaxing? What? I don't get this at all, if RCL can do it, so can Carnival.

 

Carnival should have Karaoke every night. It is usually pretty popular and when it is always available people participate more consistently. The use of the secondary lounge for the 'comedy club' is the cause of not having karaoke on some ships. I suggest using the main showroom for comedy. It is often so well attended the room is overloaded, put it in the main showroom and that problem is solved.

 

Carnival should have something like the Quest. Again this is a 'fun' issue. If RCL can do it, Carnival can too.

 

I thought that the ship's officers and higher ups were more visible on this RCL than on Carnival. However, I thought that the regular cruise staff were not as energetic.

 

Carnival should get the soda machines.

 

This particular ship's casino was by far the worst layout i've ever encountered. All of the Carnival ships are all pretty good and the Dream is particularly excellent.

 

The variety and frequency of live music seemed better on RCL, even on this short cruise. They had a i believe 4 piece lido band playing tropical stuff, 2 different piano bar players, one only playing, one that also sang, a 3 piece atrium group, and the show band. There might have been one other that I didn't watch but vaguely remember passing by. And this is a 3 night cruise. I think Carnival can do better in this department, although the music that they do have I find to be good most of the time.

 

The show band also played at the past guest party, which was pretty fun.

 

Overall, I'd say that the staff on Carnival are slightly more friendly, but there seems to be less of them.

 

Can't think of anything else at the moment. Really interested to hear what others think about the lido deck on the large Carnival ships in particular.

[JaniceB]

Thanks for the comparision.

 

I totally agree about the pool and or hot tub.

[sheilb4]

I moved over to RCCL and recently have been on them more than CCL, mainly because RCCL offer better "perks" for higher levels..I am now D+ so have many perks including discounts when booking if a balcony etc....I miss that with CCL.

 

I am going on Legend shortly and am interested to see if any improvements. At least as a Platinum you can go to your cabin earlier now, that is very nice!

Wish CCL had some form of a concierge lounge as I do enjoy that on RCCL, especially when I cruise solo.

 

I do recall that for the most part CCL crew were very friendly but having just got off Enchantment I was most impressed with this and the interaction with officers and crew, all seemed most happy and friendly,...love the Enchantment!

But have an open mind as to Legend again since she was my favorite CCL ship in the past so am looking forward to seeing her!

How did you rate the difference in dining....? I actually prefer CCL for that.

And their wonderful Serenity deck.... Love it!

On Enchantment the similar adult area is covered and like a greenhouse.

[Keith1010]

Thanks for taking the time to write and share this.

 

Keith

[clarkrock7]

We ended up eating in the Windjammer every night for dinner, mostly due to the fact that my recent MDR experiences took so long that we would have missed out on activities we wanted to do had we gone to the MDR.

 

I thought the food in the WJ was slightly better than the CCL buffet. It seemed like they treated it more like a real 2nd dinner option than just a buffet. There were staff going around pretty consistently, including a drink cart. The maitre'd was present as well.

 

I like the solarium all right but prefer the open deck serenity area. I can see benefits to each depending on individual preferences.

[Bimmie Girl]

Great job on comparing!!! Agree with everything especially the difference in crew being friendlier on CCL. Like Windjammer better than CCL layout too.

 

I think the décor on RCL is far better and gives more of an elegant feel.

 

I think the cabins are bigger on CCL but the Balconies are larger on RCL at least the newer CCL ships this is true.

[TheTravelista]

I agree that Carnival should get the Freestyle soda machines. I love them! I've never bought a soda card on Carnival but would jump at the chance to buy one if they introduced these.

 

Carnival does do Quest. I've seen it a couple of times in the Funtimes, don't know how it compares to RCI's though as I've never done either.

 

Yes the aft pool and hot tubs should be 24 hours.

 

Good comparisons.

[LilMermaid75]

Carnival has the Quest - we've seen it on the Victory and Miracle. Both lines are very similar in how they are done.

 

 

Sent using the Cruise Critic forums app

[KillaFee]

OMG THE ENCLOSED LIDO DECK IS HORRRRRRIBBBBBLLLLLLLLE!!!!

 

Just got off of the Carnival Splendor and I was just shocked at how "un-cruise-like" it seems. When I think of a cruise, I think of the long, expansive pool deck. NOT an enclosed room with a little pool in it and all the loungers facing a big screen tv. YUCK.

 

Laura

[OCruisers]

Thanks for the comparison!

 

Certainly agree on the music.

 

LuLu

~~~~

[gapearl]

I agree about the hot tubs. I really wish Carnival would leave one open 24 hours. We had a few 3 am dips on the Navigator last year and I came back to Carnival wishing they would do the same.

[cruise_girl2002]

Just got off the Enchantment of the Seas 3 day to the Bahamas and have some thoughts about the differences I noticed between RCL and Carnival and just some general comments.

 

Previous 5 cruises were all with Carnival, 10 before that all with RCL. Most recently on the Dream this Labor day.

 

The number one main thing that is sticking with me is how much I absolutely despise the Lido deck configuration on all of the newer Carnival ships. I didn't like the setup much on the Valor and on the Dream it was even worse. Consistently felt like I was in some kind of a cage with that sole, lonely pool for all those people. The Enchantment Lido was very open and gave a much different feeling. The Fantasy class ships have much better (imo) pool decks than the newer larger Carnival offerings and I'd like to see Carnival rein in the trend towards enclosed, tiny pool decks.

 

RCL should have 24 hr pizza and ice cream. Most people like both of these things, and I'd think almost everyone likes at least one of them. It's nice to always have an option for a quick snack, no matter what time it is. I definitely missed this on RCL.

 

Carnival should have a 24 hour pool and hot tub. The 'Fun Ships' don't have a hot tub or a pool for post disco relaxing? What? I don't get this at all, if RCL can do it, so can Carnival.

 

Carnival should have Karaoke every night. It is usually pretty popular and when it is always available people participate more consistently. The use of the secondary lounge for the 'comedy club' is the cause of not having karaoke on some ships. I suggest using the main showroom for comedy. It is often so well attended the room is overloaded, put it in the main showroom and that problem is solved.

 

Carnival should have something like the Quest. Again this is a 'fun' issue. If RCL can do it, Carnival can too.

 

I thought that the ship's officers and higher ups were more visible on this RCL than on Carnival. However, I thought that the regular cruise staff were not as energetic.

 

Carnival should get the soda machines.

 

This particular ship's casino was by far the worst layout i've ever encountered. All of the Carnival ships are all pretty good and the Dream is particularly excellent.

 

The variety and frequency of live music seemed better on RCL, even on this short cruise. They had a i believe 4 piece lido band playing tropical stuff, 2 different piano bar players, one only playing, one that also sang, a 3 piece atrium group, and the show band. There might have been one other that I didn't watch but vaguely remember passing by. And this is a 3 night cruise. I think Carnival can do better in this department, although the music that they do have I find to be good most of the time.

 

The show band also played at the past guest party, which was pretty fun.

 

Overall, I'd say that the staff on Carnival are slightly more friendly, but there seems to be less of them.

 

Can't think of anything else at the moment. Really interested to hear what others think about the lido deck on the large Carnival ships in particular.

 

Thanks for the comparison.

 

On my last carnival cruise, they did have karaoke every night. maybe it was just the ship/cruise director you had? don't know.

 

Freedom of the seas on RCL didn't have a pool open 24 hours, also when I went on the enchantment last month they didn't either, is this new?

 

I agree with the ice cream and pizza hours on rcl, I missed that too. Especially when an employee was making your ice cream, he hardly gave you any! I understand not wanting to waste, but DANG, im 30 years old and can make my own ice cream cone!