Royal Carribean vs. Carnival - what to expect

[Mommabear2Five]

Hoping for some insight from cruisers that have sailed both lines. What can I expect to be different on RCI from Carnival? This will be our first non-Carnival cruise. We have never had a bad experience with Carnival, but we couldn't pass up the deal that was being offered from RCI.

 

It's just me and my husband, ages 43 & 38. We generally enjoy trivia, casino, night club and drinks on the lido deck.

 

In comparison, how is:

 

Night entertainment?

Food?

Sail away party?

Embarkation/debarkation process?

Entertainment staff?

 

Thanks in advance!

[ewenix]

In comparison, how is:

 

Night entertainment?

Food?

Sail away party?

Embarkation/debarkation process?

Entertainment staff?

!

 

Personally I find the biggest differences between the two lines is the ships. Since you're asking about the other stuff I'd say you'll find them very similar.

Food is subjective and it also depends on if you'll be eating in the specialty restaurants, or the MDR. I think MDR is about the same. I've had better food on Carnival some trips and better on RCL on others.

 

I think to some extent embarkation/debarkation is the same for both lines, but gets somewhat better as you move up in the RCL loyalty programs especially versus Carnival VIP program.

 

The entertainment staff (like the food) is subjective and varies between ships.

The night entertainment and sail away parties are pretty much the same to me. I do think Carnival tends to have better piano bar experiences.

[luna13]

I've been on both and like both. One thing is the RC ships I've been on do have a "wow" factor as far as how everything looks (such as the Royal Promenade). I did really like the entertainment on RC over carnival. Some folks I cruise with that have been on both think the food on RC is much better, but I honestly didn't notice a difference. And this may sound like a silly difference, but RC is very draconian about allowing you to fill your own water bottle-AIN'T HAPPENIN', lol. That was a bit of a surprise for me the first time on RC, because it is almost a "norm on carnival. HTH! :D

[cb at sea]

I think, aside from the layout of the ship, you will find the 2 lines more similar than different!

 

RCI doesn't make you pay to board early, so that's a plus! Get to the ship around 11-11:30...and you should be on in no time. The cabins won't be ready until around 1, tho, so don't carry on anything you can check...only valuables and stuff you need right away.

 

RCI has trivia, casino (tight, but they all are!), nightclubs and bars abound, so your needs should be met!

 

As far as filling a water bottle...use a cup...don't fill your bottle directly from the water dispenser... If you are filling from your sink, go ahead!!!

Edited August 14, 2015 by cb at sea

[Clarea]

Royal has no permanent grills next to the pools.

 

Royal also does not have anything like Early Saver fare.

[caseymorgan]

Carnival ships have some dead ends and are not laid out as well as RCL. Hopefully you're lucky enough to go on a newer ship with the Royal Prominade.

[Deptacon]

I thought food was a bit better on our Carnival cruise. the Main Dining Rooms on Royal have really taken a nose dive....

 

less of a party atmosphere on Royal but lots of folks still having a good time....

 

I found the people to be better on Royal....overall. Sounds arrogant and snotty but whatever, my Carnival cruise I felt like I was sailing with all the trailer trash and families my parents told me to stay away from growing up. and look, I live in Alabama, not exactly known for high per household income. It could have just been that particular cruise i was on and I know its a generalization of a lot of people, I know it was not everyone.... I don't know, maybe it was the trailer park reunion cruise or something....

 

I've met some classless people on royal before as well so.....

 

As others have mentioned, they are similar lines to each other by price and many other things..... but I find royal to have an edge on carnival in a couple of categories. Everything just seems nicer.....

[luvscruising2007]

We have only sailed on Carnival once and had a good time.

I do prefer RC for 2 reasons: I did not like the Lido buffet at all. The omelet had on the 1st morning had a very odd taste and most of the lunch options were unappealing. I did like the made to order deli sandwiches. My second reason was the show entertainment in the main theater. The shows were blah, whereas on RC they are quite entertaining and very professional. The comedy club had just started and that was quite nice on CC.

I am sure you will have a wonderful cruise on RC, just don't compare constantly while you are on the ship. Compare when you have come home.

[Mommabear2Five]

Thanks for all the info!

 

Our choices for this week as RCI Enchantment or Carnival Sensation - I think we made the right choice!

 

Good tip about water bottles; I take one with me every cruise, so good to know!

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

Thanks for all the info!

 

Our choices for this week as RCI Enchantment or Carnival Sensation - I think we made the right choice!

 

Good tip about water bottles; I take one with me every cruise, so good to know!

 

I think you'll definitely enjoy the Enchantment! Beautiful ship and a huge pool deck!

[annabell08]

Thanks for all the info!

 

Our choices for this week as RCI Enchantment or Carnival Sensation - I think we made the right choice!!

 

I agree that RCI Enchantment is a better choice than Carnival's Fantasy class. Enchantment had the best crew ever. I keep trying to convince my cruise buddies to sail Enchantment again before she moves to Miami.