Need Advice..Carnival Magic or RCCL Freedom.

[slyone14]

SO, I know there are quite a few posts out here about this, but im looking for more pros and cons to each and maybe alittle help from Seasoned cruisers please. I am looking to go on a cruise around Sept of 2016. I have been on 3 other Carnival ships, so I know what to expect here. I have been on the Sensation, Paradise, and most recently Glory. I have never sailed any other line.

 

This year I am debating trying something new and need some help with choosing. Between the two lines what are some of the biggest differences I will notice? What do you like about RCCL? Does anyone know how The freedom of the seas compares to the Magic? I heard also the Magic is getting more "Funship 2.0" Upgrades.

 

The Plan is RCCl FoS is going out Sept 25 to Haiti, Grand cayman, Cozumel, and Jamacia. It is a 7 day cruise.

 

Carnival Magic is a 7 day cruise going to the Western Carribean locations with Cozumel, Belize, etc.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciate and honest/neutral guidance. Thank you again.

[crewsweeper]

So which of these ports have you been to before? Are costs for similar type cabins close between the 2 ships?

 

These would be important factors in my mind for a cruise. I understand that 2 of the RCCL ports, Haiti and Jamaica are at private RCCL resorts, although you could book excursions outside these resorts if you wanted to do so.

 

But read several of the FoS reviews on CC or scan the RCCL boards for information.

I think you'll find the Magic a far different ship in amenities than your prior 3 Carnival ships. All that information is out on the web as are the amenities for FoS. Which has features you'll be most likely to use?

[Cruisegirl6]

Remember, everybody has different opinions and it also depends upon what is important to you.

 

For me its all about the ship and generally Carnival is not our main choice when it comes to cruising, our favorite is RC.

 

Here is how I compare RC FOS to Carnival Magic/Dream (sister ships)

 

Carnival Pros:

Casino is always less tight

If you do not get the Cheers program depending upon your points earned in the casino allows you to get the drinks on us card and goodies sent to your cabin each night

We find the staff on Carnival to be the friendliest, always having wonderful conversations with the crew and especially the bartenders very nice. We enjoy hearing about their families and such and they are happy to talk with us.

Carnivals steakhouse is the best specialty restaurant out of all RC

Love the nightly comedy shows

Carnival continues to have a live band outside the casino every night

24 hour soft ice cream

Sea day brunch is the BEST breakfast and you can go anytime even up until 1pm

 

Carnival Cons:

Entertainment/production shows are just ok/fair nothing special

MDR dinner, the steak is a less quality piece of beef (flat iron) where RC you will get NY Strip and sirloin

The Cheers program has a maximum of 15 alcoholic drinks per day where RC there are no limits (I don't drink beer but if you do it may not be worth getting)

Pools salt water and smaller where RC have larger pools and fresh water

 

Freedom of Seas Pros:

Balconies are larger

More than one specialty restaurant

If you do not get a balcony cabin the Viking Crown lounge is a wonderful place to get a 180 degree view

The Bull and Bear Pub has a guitarist playing and singing songs many people go here

The Ice Show is not to be missed ever

Shows much better quality

RC offers you selection/varity of food to eat past 11pm besides the pizza that Carnival only offers....they have the cafe promenade offering salads, sandwiches of all types, cookies, muffins, pastries.

Shower door in bathroom

Service is better overall

 

 

Freedom of Seas Cons:

Don't have any

 

 

Honestly if you were to say you were choosing a Fantasy class ship then I would say in a heartbeat FOS but the Carnival Dream (sister ship to the Magic) is our favorite Carnival ship so far and you can see below we are also booked on the Magic for April. The Dream/Magic does offer more lunch options than the smaller class of ship. Both the FOS and Magic will be in dry dock next year. The Magic will also be getting a Guys burgers along with a few other upgrades of the 2.0. Both offer comfortable bedding and sufficient storage space.

 

If I didn't go a few times on the FOS/LOS I would of chosen RC over the Magic but honestly either way you go its very similar.

[Cruisegirl6]

Haiti is Labadee their out island...ok

Grand Cayman love the beach/water, very safe, many fun things to do both on water and land, must tender

Cozumel and Jamaica never get off, boring.....and Jamaica can be unsafe but its nice to hire your own cab tour guide who will show you around the island

 

Routan island off of Costa Rica nice complimentary chaise/chairs and good beach area, assortment of shore excursions to choose from, tender

 

Costa Maya we just go to have a mexican meal not much to do there and to us not pretty when it comes to beaches.

Edited December 3, 2015 by lyndamr

[slyone14]

So which of these ports have you been to before? Are costs for similar type cabins close between the 2 ships?

 

These would be important factors in my mind for a cruise. I understand that 2 of the RCCL ports, Haiti and Jamaica are at private RCCL resorts, although you could book excursions outside these resorts if you wanted to do so.

 

But read several of the FoS reviews on CC or scan the RCCL boards for information.

I think you'll find the Magic a far different ship in amenities than your prior 3 Carnival ships. All that information is out on the web as are the amenities for FoS. Which has features you'll be most likely to use?

 

Well, I have been to Cozumel (though I only made it past Senor frogs, so I didn't see anything, big mistake), Grand Cayman, but I do love it and could go back. Have not been to Jamaica or Haiti yet. As far as the Magic I have not been to any of those yet.

 

As far as cost, it is $1325 for the RCCL one and only $1025 for the magic one, so cost is a big difference to me. Whats important to me is I do enjoy options for food/entertainment/bars. I love the casino and am a late night partier, but I also enjoy the ports also.

 

Would I find the Magic a big difference to the Glory or are they similar?

 

IM hesitant to move away from Carnival, but I keep hearing how amazing RCCL is. But the cost is scaring me alittle TBH.

[DebJ14]

Haiti is Labadee their out island...ok

Grand Cayman love the beach/water, very safe, many fun things to do both on water and land, must tender

Cozumel and Jamaica never get off, boring.....and Jamaica can be unsafe but its nice to hire your own cab tour guide who will show you around the island

 

Routan island off of Costa Rica nice complimentary chaise/chairs and good beach area, assortment of shore excursions to choose from, tender

 

Costa Maya we just go to have a mexican meal not much to do there and to us not pretty when it comes to beaches.

 

Sorry, but lyndamr gave misleading information for sure.

 

1. There is plenty to do in Cozumel and the beach clubs are great place to spend the day if you do not want to visit ruins, explore the island or shop. Or you can visit the mainland via the ferry.

 

2. Roatan is an island off of the coast of Honduras, not Costa Rica. We have been there many, many times and have never had to tender. Carnival docks at Mahogany Bay where there is shopping and a beach area. Royal Caribbean docks in Coxen Hole. There is a nice shopping area at that pier too. There are great beaches on the west side of the island with beach clubs. There is also an iguana farm and a monkey farm on the island. You can also do the dolphin encounter at Anthony's Key Resort. We use Victor Bodden Tours in Roatan.

 

3. Costa Maya is a favorite port of mine. If you just want to stay at the pier you can swim, shop and eat. But there are tours to some fabulous Mayan ruins that are not available from any other port. There are also beach clubs like Maya Chan with great food and beaches or you can go book an all inclusive day at Alma Plena, which has great food and one of the best beaches in the area. Something there for everyone if you bother to do your homework. You can also hire a taxi to take you to the spectacular Lake Bacalar.

 

4. Jamaica is a beautiful country, but can be unsafe, so it is better to take an excursion with a group there. If docking at Falmouth with RCCL, the new pier is beautiful with loads of shopping and a Margaritaville. There are beaches nearby or you can head to either Ocho Rios or Montego Bay giving you loads of options.

Edited December 3, 2015 by DebJ14

[jh2360]

Sorry, but lyndamr gave misleading information for

 

Wouldn't be the first time ;)

[DebJ14]

Well, I have been to Cozumel (though I only made it past Senor frogs, so I didn't see anything, big mistake), Grand Cayman, but I do love it and could go back. Have not been to Jamaica or Haiti yet. As far as the Magic I have not been to any of those yet.

 

As far as cost, it is $1325 for the RCCL one and only $1025 for the magic one, so cost is a big difference to me. Whats important to me is I do enjoy options for food/entertainment/bars. I love the casino and am a late night partier, but I also enjoy the ports also.

 

Would I find the Magic a big difference to the Glory or are they similar?

 

IM hesitant to move away from Carnival, but I keep hearing how amazing RCCL is. But the cost is scaring me alittle TBH.

 

You get what you pay for! RCCL has a great product and the ships are beautiful compared to Carnival. The entertainment on RCCL is far superior to Carnival's. The Freedom of the Seas has a flow rider, rock climbing wall, ice skating, mini golf, water park and if you have kids the Dreamworks experience. There are also 3 specialty restaurants (for a fee) Mexican, Italian and Chops Steakhouse. The ice shows are amazing. There is so much more live music all around the ship in the evenings too. We are Diamond on both lines, and we are more than willing to pay more for RCCL. And RCCL has promenade rooms, which are considered an interior, but have large windows overlooking the promenade.

[jlocole]

It would be any easy decision for me: Carnival Magic

$300 is a good savings for a very similar experience.

[Cruisegirl6]

DebJ14 if you call that even a half decent beach I am amazed....its not as nice as the beaches in Grand Cayman, St. Maaten, St. Thomas etc. The beach/sand area is rocky in most places. I agree to everything you mentioned about Rc.

 

OP,Sorry, I meant Honduras my mistake. I enjoy Roatan, wow I made another mistake you don't tender in Roatan I meant Belitz, guess I was too much in a rush busy trying to pack for saturdays cruise sorry.

 

 

JH2360 I am so happy to hear your perfect and you never made mistakes or errors are you a computer or something because ALL humans make errors in one way or another unintentional. By the way, perhaps you prefer to block me it be a wise choice.

 

You get what you pay for .....everything that is better and more upscale (whether its food, service overall, activities and such) is always more costly, RC is so worth that extra money but then again, if you have a limited budget it sure can go towards something else.

Edited December 3, 2015 by lyndamr

[jh2360]

 

JH2360 I am so happy to hear your perfect and you never made mistakes or errors are you a computer or something because ALL humans make errors in one way or another unintentional. By the way, perhaps you prefer to block me it be a wise choice.

 

Does not compute

[Cruisegirl6]

Jh2360 dry joke but funny.

[Jenhem31]

I've sailed Breeze and Liberty of the Seas, both sister ships to Magic and Freedom OTS. I'd chose Freedom OTS hands down. While we've enjoyed 2 cruises on Breeze, it doesn't compare to Freedom class on RC. One of our favorite features is the adult only area (like Serenity, called the Solarium) has a pool. In addition, there are always hot tubs open, our favorite ones hang off the side of the ship.

 

We also like the Promenade on the RC ships. Food is about the same, they've got Johnny Rockets for a fee and a Flowrider if you're into that kind of thing.

 

We like both cruise lines for different reasons. RC just has a different feel and I don't think you'll be disappointed if you're open to other lines.

[jh2360]

Jh2360 dry joke but funny.

 

It's actually raining here.

[broberts]

You get what you pay for! RCCL has a great product and the ships are beautiful compared to Carnival. The entertainment on RCCL is far superior to Carnival's. The Freedom of the Seas has a flow rider, rock climbing wall, ice skating, mini golf, water park and if you have kids the Dreamworks experience. There are also 3 specialty restaurants (for a fee) Mexican, Italian and Chops Steakhouse. The ice shows are amazing. There is so much more live music all around the ship in the evenings too. We are Diamond on both lines, and we are more than willing to pay more for RCCL. And RCCL has promenade rooms, which are considered an interior, but have large windows overlooking the promenade.

 

I simply cannot agree with the first sentence. Yes RCI offers a very good product, but so does Carnival. Unless one has serious issues with Carnival decor and passenger profiles or one greatly values shows, I would not think an RCI voyage is worth 30% more.

 

RCI ships are indeed quite beautiful. The interior design is more understated than Carnival. In fact many would characterize Carnival interiors as garish.

 

Magic interior, ocean view, and most balcony cabins are typically larger than those on Freedom. But, as already noted Freedom balconies are generally a bit larger.

 

RCI is amazing if you are not thrilled with Carnival. It is simply good but different if you like Carnival.

 

I like trying different experiences and have sailed Carnival and RCI. I would not hesitate to sail either one in the future. But there are many who vastly prefer one line or the other.

[Bigorange&crimsoncruiser]

Freedom my favorite ship of all

 

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

[NotTheBatesMotel]

I would sail on FOS. I love the Royal Promenade and layout of RC's Freedom class ships. The ice show is great, the flowrider is fun (even if you don't want to participate it's fun to see the wipe-outs!) and the adults-only area is fantastic. We had a great time on Carnival too, but (in my opinion) trying out the Freedom class is worth the $300 difference.

[Cruisegirl6]

Usually RC ships cost at least $500 or more than Carnival....$300 difference is a very good rate for RC!

[slyone14]

Well, I put my deposit down on Rc Freedom today and decided I'll just make $125 payments each month and push to make it happen. I also received a $150 on board credit for the cruise, which I can use for fun. Second, I'll put a little away each paycheck for excusions. I have till July to pay it off.

 

It came down to the positive comments about rccl I kept reading here. I'm excited to try the flowrid r r and just a totally new experience. Finally, if by some chance I'm a little ways off, I can switch back to Carnival or as the rccl rep says a cheaper cruise on Navigator.

[Jenhem31]

Well, I put my deposit down on Rc Freedom today and decided I'll just make $125 payments each month and push to make it happen. I also received a $150 on board credit for the cruise, which I can use for fun. Second, I'll put a little away each paycheck for excusions. I have till July to pay it off.

 

 

 

It came down to the positive comments about rccl I kept reading here. I'm excited to try the flowrid r r and just a totally new experience. Finally, if by some chance I'm a little ways off, I can switch back to Carnival or as the rccl rep says a cheaper cruise on Navigator.

 

 

Enjoy your cruise! You'll love Freedom class.

[Cruisegirl6]

You are going to love the cruise line and the ship! And I just can bet that when you get back your going to say you love RC.

[slyone14]

I am really looking forward to it. I really need someone to explain RC pricing though, it really doesn't make sense to me. So when I booked it was 586 pp. The sale was buy one get one half off. SO it should be; $586 cruise fare + 127 in taxes, is $713 dollars for me. Then, my gf is going, so half of that is $356. SO my total SHOULD be $1069.

 

But, on my total break down on my Bill is this; Guest #1= $785 + $127 for taxes is, $912. Guest #2. $487, plus +127 taxes, = $519. So for both of us is $1,431.

 

How anywhere close to my online booking is this? This seems way off. WHen I called RCCL, they said after 30 min of going back and forth that's the way the pricing is for BOGO, We raise the rate when we have BOGO and when we do not have BOGO, that is when you will pay the $586. The $786 rate is the BOGO rate. Can someone explain this system to me and I really do feel ripped off here. THank you again, hopefully I didn't confuse you

[misstiffany]

I think FOTS is a perfect ship to try outside of Carnival. It's definitely nice enough that you'll notice a difference between the two cruise lines. The older RCCL ships are still prettier than Carnival ships (in my opinion) but the size and layout aren't THAT different than Carnival....only on the Freedom classes and larger seem worth paying a few hundred more for, if it's still within budget.

 

Not sure what cabin type you're going for, but I picked a corner aft balcony on my FOTS trip and it was GIANT. I tried to attach a picture of it, which doesn't include the three loungers that were also on our balcony...so yeah, lots of room. I was actually able to book the cabin only a few months before the cruise and I've noticed that corner afts on Carnival seem to sell out much quicker....

[slyone14]

I think FOTS is a perfect ship to try outside of Carnival. It's definitely nice enough that you'll notice a difference between the two cruise lines. The older RCCL ships are still prettier than Carnival ships (in my opinion) but the size and layout aren't THAT different than Carnival....only on the Freedom classes and larger seem worth paying a few hundred more for, if it's still within budget.

 

Not sure what cabin type you're going for, but I picked a corner aft balcony on my FOTS trip and it was GIANT. I tried to attach a picture of it, which doesn't include the three loungers that were also on our balcony...so yeah, lots of room. I was actually able to book the cabin only a few months before the cruise and I've noticed that corner afts on Carnival seem to sell out much quicker....

 

Ohhh I should have stated that in the breakdown above, the $1,401 is for both of us in a inside cabin with no view. The $1,088 on Carnival after taxes is a inside also for both of us.

[broberts]

I am really looking forward to it. I really need someone to explain RC pricing though, it really doesn't make sense to me. So when I booked it was 586 pp. The sale was buy one get one half off. SO it should be; $586 cruise fare + 127 in taxes, is $713 dollars for me. Then, my gf is going, so half of that is $356. SO my total SHOULD be $1069.

 

But, on my total break down on my Bill is this; Guest #1= $785 + $127 for taxes is, $912. Guest #2. $487, plus +127 taxes, = $519. So for both of us is $1,431.

 

How anywhere close to my online booking is this? This seems way off. WHen I called RCCL, they said after 30 min of going back and forth that's the way the pricing is for BOGO, We raise the rate when we have BOGO and when we do not have BOGO, that is when you will pay the $586. The $786 rate is the BOGO rate. Can someone explain this system to me and I really do feel ripped off here. THank you again, hopefully I didn't confuse you

 

Call and ask for an explanation. Your math certainly seems correct. So I suspect that what you consider the "cruise fare" is not what RCI uses in its calculations.

 

I recall running into something like this a few years ago with another line. They calculated discounts on something called "non-discountable fare". An amount somewhat less than the "fare" advertised.

 

I'm sure you will have a great cruise. You may even decide RCI is more to your taste than Carnival. Have fun.

Edited December 4, 2015 by broberts