Carnival compared to RC

[trishnmike]

Davy you're exactly right about everything. The MDR on both ships is nice. I picked RC because of the reviews & wanted to see what the hype was all about. I was working for animal control and my boss gave me some extra time off for my birthday in March. A special trip since I share a birthday with the hubs. We are lucky enough to have government jobs. Have the holidays & weekends off. Unless on call. So we get away a lot to de stress. He is a CSI so you can imagine. I admitted to being silly about the towel thing earlier. I was referring to the food at lunch. Maybe it's because we booked during spring break and the ship was having a bad time. I'm not stupid - I know that time of the year effects all the ships. But I could play hockey with the burger patties. Very little gets to us when we travel. It is about spending time with each other. Carnival had every thing we like. Especially for the price. It basically boils down to what you like. What you are looking for. OBVIOUSLY some are more passionate about one or the other - I'm just telling you my personal experience. Out of the two I like carnival. But we are looking into going on a cruise in Europe. I would love to try cruising other ships. And plan a family cruise with his family. Cost would be an issue in this incident. We are so close that we would have fun no matter what ship we sailed.

[Mango Mike]

A couple of points to consider.

 

First and foremost - DO NOT (IMO) take the opinions of others on food quality of either line as this is one of the most highly argumentative subjects on these forums. The creme brulee or beef wellington your table-mate hated, you absolutely loved. All personal opinion.

 

Secondly, while I agree with most everything lyndamr says, a couple of clarifications - not all RCCL ships have the ice skating rink or fresh water swimming pools. I believe fresh water pools are only on the Independence of the Seas and the Oasis & Quantum class ships.

[spiritkat090909]

Good post and right on from a comparison perspective, I have never heard of anyone getting a better room after final payment on a popular ship (I am sure it has happened). Our room on Oasis dropped substantially after final pay but no upgrades were available, which is a little head scratching.....

 

Me... I did.

 

I had booked a Cat D1 on the Oasis. After final payment, about 2 weeks before sailing I saw a rate for a suite guarantee for an extra 100pp over what we had paid. So, I changed it. It guaranteed a room at least a JS, Junior Suite, a steal on Oasis class. Add a cherry on top, though... because the following day my room was assigned. A GRAND SUITE!

 

To add to the OP original question...I prefer RC over Carnival overall and agree with almost all of the other posters. If everything price, ship, & itinerary were the same, I'd choose RC. We have started cruising Carnival because of their casino offers. We gamble a lot & a 'free' or low cost upgraded room means we can spend that money doing what we enjoy...RC has Mlife and it doesn't even begin to compare for gamblers.

 

Carnival ships we have sailed are Conquest (never again), Magic, & Breeze. I know I would not like the older ships or see them as a value.

 

You don't say your age, I think? For younger marrieds who haven't started their family, I'd recommend getting a suite on Carnival, on a nicer/newer ship. Why? Because young children (not teens) are better served on Carnival. My granddaughter LOVED the kids program to the point that we couldn't drag her out a couple of times. For older marrieds with blended families (& 12+ year olds)..go with RC. Your frequent cruiser program of the future should be a consideration!

[jimbo5544]

Me... I did.

 

I had booked a Cat D1 on the Oasis. After final payment, about 2 weeks before sailing I saw a rate for a suite guarantee for an extra 100pp over what we had paid. So, I changed it. It guaranteed a room at least a JS, Junior Suite, a steal on Oasis class. Add a cherry on top, though... because the following day my room was assigned. A GRAND SUITE!

 

To add to the OP original question...I prefer RC over Carnival overall and agree with almost all of the other posters. If everything price, ship, & itinerary were the same, I'd choose RC. We have started cruising Carnival because of their casino offers. We gamble a lot & a 'free' or low cost upgraded room means we can spend that money doing what we enjoy...RC has Mlife and it doesn't even begin to compare for gamblers.

 

Carnival ships we have sailed are Conquest (never again), Magic, & Breeze. I know I would not like the older ships or see them as a value.

 

You don't say your age, I think? For younger marrieds who haven't started their family, I'd recommend getting a suite on Carnival, on a nicer/newer ship. Why? Because young children (not teens) are better served on Carnival. My granddaughter LOVED the kids program to the point that we couldn't drag her out a couple of times. For older marrieds with blended families (& 12+ year olds)..go with RC. Your frequent cruiser program of the future should be a consideration!

 

 

Good for you! That makes one.

[aaalynn1]

Thanks for all the info and advice! My Daughter and fiancé booked their honeymoon cruise on The Liberty of the Seas (RC). I'm sure it will be the first of many cruises, once you've had a good experience your hooked!

They aren't much into casinos, and don't have young children, but they will enjoy the activities and entertainment.