Royal vs Carnival differences

[craigtompkins]

I read in another post that indicated that RC does not allow you to order multiple entrees in the MDR. Is that true?

 

Also with the soda package, on CCL, you get a sticker on your card and get a glass of soda filled from a can at any bar. Is that the same on RCCL?

[Clarea]

I read in another post that indicated that RC does not allow you to order multiple entrees in the MDR. Is that true?

 

Also with the soda package, on CCL, you get a sticker on your card and get a glass of soda filled from a can at any bar. Is that the same on RCCL?

You can still order multiple entrees in the MDR. However, they will charge extra if you order multiple entrees in a specialty restaurant.

 

Same with Royal with regard to the sticker on your card for the soda package.

[Moonarino]

After 7 CCL and 2 RCI (I can only compare Oasis class except for what I read about other RCI ships), I still find that a lot depends on the specific ship and crew. I count CCL Breeze in my top 3, right beside Oasis, Triumph and Allure. But in the same class as Breeze, Dream was a flop the second time around (aside from having a 230 sq' room with 2 baths). Oasis, I thought the staff did a fine job. Allure, not nearly so much.

 

1. Carnival has Guys for Free, RC has JR for a cost. (free vs cost)

2. Carnival has comedy clubs and RC only has 1 or 2 comedy shows per cruise

3. Carnival does "showtime" in the dinning room where RC does not.

4. Carnival allows you to bring on one 12 pack of soda per person, RC does not allow any.

 

1. JR has an actual menu (which includes great 'shakes) and I think the $5 cover charge is more than worth the experience.

(Beyond that, I'm thoroughly in love with the 25+ dining/munching choices on the bigger RCI ships, and many of them are free.)

 

2. My favorite ships for shows (of any kind) have been Triumph (in 2008) and Oasis (2011). Both were equally (and thoroughly) enjoyable.

 

3. Agree.

 

4. As others have said and will say, I've cheated a bit on both lines and never a word was said. It's a bit like those emails we get (from both lines) about our boarding times - the ones I've never once paid attention to or abided by.

 

CCL has bigger Balcony and OV rooms. RCI generally has a lot more food choices (and usually better coffee).

 

For me it's a toss-up. It almost wholly depends on which of my favorite ships has the best deal at the right time. I do want to try more RCI ships, but that's the only real edge that Royal has for me right now.

Edited April 7, 2016 by Moonarino

[happy cruiser1234]

I read in another post that indicated that RC does not allow you to order multiple entrees in the MDR. Is that true?

 

Also with the soda package, on CCL, you get a sticker on your card and get a glass of soda filled from a can at any bar. Is that the same on RCCL?

 

You can order as many entrees as you like in the MDR

 

It seems to me you are focusing on all the negative points instead of the positive points. If you truly want to have a good time on Adventure it might help to look into all the great things Royal has to offer. Perhaps you are having a bit of buyers remorse on booking the Royal Caribbean cruise since all you know is Carnival. But trust me, go with a positive attitude and you will have a great cruise.:)

Edited April 7, 2016 by happy cruiser1234

[craigtompkins]

You can order as many entrees as you like in the MDR

 

It seems to me you are focusing on all the negative points instead of the positive points. If you truly want to have a good time on Adventure it might help to look into all the great things Royal has to offer. Perhaps you are having a bit of buyers remorse on booking the Royal Caribbean cruise since all you know is Carnival. But trust me, go with a positive attitude and you will have a great cruise.:)

 

Oh, no, not at all. I'm very excited to try RC! I've wanted to for years with only cost keeping me away. Please tell me about the positive points, I don't know what they are, so I can't focus on them. I'm sure that after all is said and done they will both have pros and cons in my mind. I'm just trying to find out what to expect. For example, I wear golf shorts and shirts in the MDR on CCL for casual nights and just read that shorts are not allowed in the MDR on RCCL. That's not a negative to me, it's just a difference. Had I not known that ahead of time I may not have brought enough long pants with me.

[ryano]

For example, I wear golf shorts and shirts in the MDR on CCL for casual nights and just read that shorts are not allowed in the MDR on RCCL.

 

I can GUARANTEE you will see people wearing shorts in the MDR for dinner on Royal Caribbean especially if you are on a Caribbean cruise. Even on formal night. I generally dont pay attention and could not care less what people wear but there hasnt been a cruise Ive been on yet that I didnt see shorts in the MDR. Last cruise, on the first formal night, we had two 8 top tables right next to us. All of them wearing shorts. That is no lie

 

A lot of what you hear about Royal like no drinks carried on, no shorts in the MDR etc is not true at all. It might be an official policy but they hardly enforce anything.

Edited April 7, 2016 by ryano

[KG1924]

For me, I feel RC just does better on crowd control (at least on the bigger ships....the Adventure is the smallest RC ship I've been on) I really like the promenade on their ships as well so that it's more of a usable space vs. a few hallways worth of shops. Here's my pros for both:

 

Pro's for RC:

-Seems less crowded to me vs. Carnival (depends on ship and time of year)

-Balconies themselves seem larger compared to Dream class (room seems same to me, have read that Carnivals are actually larger)

-Pools have been better on every class on RC in my opinion as far as size and crowding.

-Drink packages aren't limited to 15/day like Carnival(sad that we've hit that on Carnival...multiple times :eek:)

-Entertainment is better for me-we seem to find ourselves bored at night on our last few Carnival cruises. We don't do many shows and while we like that there are multiple comedy shows on Carnival, the line to get in was always insane. In that case I'd rather see just one show in the week and not stand like sardines in an elevator area. RC always seems to have more live music options.

 

Pro's for Carnival:

-Loved the burritos and my husband loved Guys...I don't find anything really comparable on RC (not that food is lacking on RC...but I could eat a breakfast burrito every morning! They were so good!)

-Price-most of the time Carnival ends up being less expensive. We tend to cruise with our family and my sisters all have kids. For us being just a couple, the price isn't all that different, but those 3rd and 4th rates can be killer. We FINALLY talked them in to going back on RC this year after finding an ok rate for the Allure.

-Red Frog Pub on the Magic and the Breeze-I love that there's outdoor seating with cute games to play without having to be up on the pool deck. I don't believe RC has anything similar, at least the ships I've been on. I think it was the Dream that didn't have it on deck 5 (ish) and it made a huge difference to us. *I apologize in advance if I've mixed those all up...they tend to blend together lol!

 

Overall, we just prefer the ships RC has. They seem to flow better and feel nicer to me...and I have no idea why that is! I just get a different feeling when walking onto an RC ship....odd, I know.

 

Food is very subjective and you will not go hungry on either line. While RC's larger ships have a lot of pay restaurants, there are a TON of free options.

 

My husband has somewhat sworn off Carnival...but for no real particular reason. I guess he feels that if we are going to spend thousands of dollars on a trip, it better be what we like. While we may save a few hundred on Carnival, he doesn't feel it's worth it for the small differences that we do notice. Now, we haven't been on RC in 4 1/2 years...we will see how we feel after this trip.

[happy cruiser1234]

I love that Royal doesn't charge a wine corkage fee. We like to bring a bottle of wine to the dining room with us.

 

Only one person needs to buy the drink package if the other doesn't want to. When they say both people have to buy it, it's like saying we don't trust you.

 

Entertainment and Ice show are fantastic on Royal.

 

You can check in for boarding when you want to instead of the staggered check in process that Carnival is very strict about.

 

The deposit is fully refundable up until final payment, allowing you to price match to a lower price if it becomes available. I believe Carnival will price match but you must book the early saver program (non refundable deposit).....We booked the Canadian Resident fare with Carnival which is fully refundable, but if the price drops then we are not eligible for the lower price.

 

I think both cruise lines will have their pros and cons. Also depends on the ship you choose. Adventure does have one of the best Itineraries IMO for the caribbean.

 

Have a great cruise:)

[ryano]

Being confined to a wheelchair, I do love the fact that Royal has a lift for at least one pool and hot tub on every ship. Carnival offers nothing of the sort.

Edited April 7, 2016 by ryano

[meatloafsfan]

I have been sailing Carnival for 13 years now and enjoy it. I've only sailed Carnival and sail more for itinerary than the ship. We've booked our first RC cruise, Adventure of the Seas, for March of next year because of itinerary.

 

I'm trying to research what the real differences are between the 2 lines. I've read about 30 threads talking about this, but I keep seeing the same thing over and over - opinions. 20 people say RC has better food and another 20 say Carnival has better food...things like that. What I'm looking for are definitive differences.

I'll start with a few I've found

1. Carnival has Guys for Free, RC has JR for a cost. (free vs cost)

2. Carnival has comedy clubs and RC only has 1 or 2 comedy shows per cruise

3. Carnival does "showtime" in the dinning room where RC does not.

4. Carnival allows you to bring on one 12 pack of soda per person, RC does not allow any.

 

Thanks in advance for all the help filling out this list.

 

5. Adult pools on Royal have steps into them; Carnival pools have only the ladders.

6. If your Royal ship has the Freestyle coke machine, you have 99 beverage choices if you include all of the flavour combinations; Carnival only serves the "normal" sodas.

7. Carnival has great beds, bedding and pillows; Royals beds (in my experience) are thinner, with thinner pillows and lesser bedding.

8. Royal offers multiple levels of drink packages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic); Carnival offers only Cheers and the bottomless bubbles.

9. You can pre-order water bottles for your cabin for a very reasonable price on Carnival ($3.99 a 12 pk); Royal has Evian and it's on the expensive side (plus they are 1 litre bottles - more difficult to carry around).

10. Royal has the Tutti Salad bar in the MDR at lunch along with the regular, separate breakfast and lunch menu; Carnival has the Seaday brunch menu which features filet mignon and eggs, cereal crusted French toast, the Hey Pork Chop, and Hen alla diavola (personal favourite) on sea days.

11. Carnival casinos have natural light as they are placed where the large, round windows are and tables and slot machines are spread out; Royal casinos tend to be darker, no natural light and the spacing on the tables and slot machines seem to be less with them more tightly packed together.

12. Carnival has waterslides on all ships; Royal has different activities and sometimes multiple activities like an ice skating rink, flow rider, rock wall, iFly, etc. but it is very ship dependant.

 

Just a few I can think of. Good and bad on each side.

[cruisinwithmaandpa]

Just came back from a Carnival cruise, (took this cruise because I had specific dates and Royal didn't have a cruise that fit the perimeters) here is my opinion:

 

1. I agree Royal's ships are easier to move around, ie passenger flow, layout etc. and getting from one floor to the next.

 

2. I like Royal's drink packages better. Carnival limits the number of drinks per day.

 

3. Carnival's price per drink without a package is cheaper.

 

4. We were in an inside stateroom, Carnival's was larger.

 

5. Food on Carnival is served hotter than Royal in the MDR, and I think it is actually better. It may be because I am tired of the same food from Royal, Carnival had some very good and different appetizers as well as main courses.

 

6. Of course overall I still prefer Royal.

[serene56]

Food is subjective no matter what cruise lines you sail.

 

We are carnival junkies but sail with whatever is cheapest for when we want to go.

 

For us I found them to be almost the same in terms of food and service.

Royal has many more pay for venues vs carnival.

 

LOVE Guys and cant see paying for burgers at Johnny Rockets.

I like grilled burgers and the ones at the buffet on royal cant cut it-- (heated by lamps)

 

I feel the dining rooms on royal are superior vs Carnival. Royal looks more formal.

 

I like carnival room service but to be fair I never really tried Royal room service. I like carnival PIRATE pizza. Not a fan of Royal pizza (which is not opened 24 hours) nor is their soft serve ice cream available 24 hours.

 

I prefer Carnival comedy club since I can do 4 different comedians in my one sailing

[nealstuber]

I have been sailing Carnival for 13 years now and enjoy it. I've only sailed Carnival and sail more for itinerary than the ship. We've booked our first RC cruise, Adventure of the Seas, for March of next year because of itinerary.

 

I'm trying to research what the real differences are between the 2 lines. I've read about 30 threads talking about this, but I keep seeing the same thing over and over - opinions. 20 people say RC has better food and another 20 say Carnival has better food...things like that. What I'm looking for are definitive differences.

I'll start with a few I've found

1. Carnival has Guys for Free, RC has JR for a cost. (free vs cost)

2. Carnival has comedy clubs and RC only has 1 or 2 comedy shows per cruise

3. Carnival does "showtime" in the dinning room where RC does not.

4. Carnival allows you to bring on one 12 pack of soda per person, RC does not allow any.

 

Thanks in advance for all the help filling out this list.

 

On Adventure (As well as all Voyager Class and newer), there is an Ice show that will certainly be more memorable than any comedy show. Also in Studio B, the Quest and Battle of the Sexes.

 

On the Royal Promenade, two Parades that more than make up for any crew driven festivities in the MDR. Also still a captain's reception at this wonderful venue.

 

I know you said you didn't want opinions on this thread, but the fact that you reviewed 30 threads and then started a list with 4 things that Carnival has that RCCL does not, kinda let's us know where you're coming from.

 

There are pro's and cons to both lines. At the end of the day RCCL is able to sell their product for a little more $$ than Carnival (on average). So, the big picture is that the market says an RCCL cruise is a more valuable product than a CCL cruise. When, I'm cruise shopping and the comparable RCCL cruise is cheaper than the CCL cruise, its a no-brainer.

Edited April 7, 2016 by nealstuber

[fragilek]

On Adventure (As well as all Voyager Class and newer), there is an Ice show that will certainly be more memorable than any comedy show. Also in Studio B, the Quest and Battle of the Sexes.

 

On the Royal Promenade, two Parades that more than make up for any crew driven festivities in the MDR. Also still a captain's reception at this wonderful venue.

 

I know you said you didn't want opinions on this thread, but the fact that you reviewed 30 threads and then started a list with 4 things that Carnival has that RCCL does not, kinda let's us know where you're coming from.

 

There are pro's and cons to both lines. At the end of the day RCCL is able to sell their product for a little more $$ than Carnival (on average). So, the big picture is that the market says an RCCL cruise is a better product than a CCL cruise. When, I'm cruise shopping and the comparable RCCL cruise is cheaper than the CCL cruise, its a no-brainer.

 

 

Strangely in EU carnival is more expensive than Royal -price in accending order

 

msc /costa then ncl then royal then holland/ p&o/ Carnival,then Celeberity/ Princess and upwards to the lines I do not look at pricing. So I am not sure that price indicates quality just demand for different products.

[NightOne]

There are pro's and cons to both lines. At the end of the day RCCL is able to sell their product for a little more $$ than Carnival (on average). So, the big picture is that the market says an RCCL cruise is a better product than a CCL cruise. When, I'm cruise shopping and the comparable RCCL cruise is cheaper than the CCL cruise, its a no-brainer.

 

You make a decent argument about price making something a better product and while I generally agree with you ("you get what you pay for") unfortunately that is just not true. :)

 

Example: Why a $10 Casio Keeps Better Time Than a $10,000 Rolex

[SosaCruising]

- RC has no issues with me taking a CPAP. Carnival check-in took 25 minutes and required the attention of 4 different people. I was stopped again prior to boarding because of it when they scanned my sail & sign. For some reason being flagged for carrying a CPAP required me to present my Passport.

 

Very odd. Maybe just bad luck with some clueless port personnel. Granted, I've only been on a few cruises, but I've not had any issues with my CPAP on Carnival. Really surprising security was giving you a hard time. A lot of people use them.

Edited April 7, 2016 by SosaCruising

[nealstuber]

Strangely in EU carnival is more expensive than Royal -price in accending order

 

msc /costa then ncl then royal then holland/ p&o/ Carnival,then Celeberity/ Princess and upwards to the lines I do not look at pricing. So I am not sure that price indicates quality just demand for different products.

 

Demand for a product is an indication of its value, which is not the same thing as quality.

 

You make a decent argument about price making something a better product and while I generally agree with you ("you get what you pay for") unfortunately that is just not true. :)

 

Example: Why a $10 Casio Keeps Better Time Than a $10,000 Rolex

 

My argument was just the reverse. Creating a more valuable product leads to a higher price. BTW if I offered to give you a free $10 Casio or a $10,000 Rolex, which would you choose?

[craigtompkins]

On Adventure (As well as all Voyager Class and newer), there is an Ice show that will certainly be more memorable than any comedy show. Also in Studio B, the Quest and Battle of the Sexes.

 

On the Royal Promenade, two Parades that more than make up for any crew driven festivities in the MDR. Also still a captain's reception at this wonderful venue.

 

I know you said you didn't want opinions on this thread, but the fact that you reviewed 30 threads and then started a list with 4 things that Carnival has that RCCL does not, kinda let's us know where you're coming from.

 

There are pro's and cons to both lines. At the end of the day RCCL is able to sell their product for a little more $$ than Carnival (on average). So, the big picture is that the market says an RCCL cruise is a more valuable product than a CCL cruise. When, I'm cruise shopping and the comparable RCCL cruise is cheaper than the CCL cruise, its a no-brainer.

 

I'm excited to see the ice shows, definitely something different from what I'm used to.

 

Where I'm coming from is Carnival knowledge. If I was comparing to Disney I'd have to list no Casino, but also that soda is included. I just don't know what Royal has that Carnival doesn't and that's what I'm trying to find out. The reason I didn't want opinions is because I have found 30 threads where people argue back and forth on who's food is better, who has easier to navigate ships, who's beds are more comfortable, who's ships look nicer. To all of that I say "To each their own". What I'm trying to find is stuff that even as an experienced cruiser I would not know is different on RCCL vs CCL.

 

I found out today that Royal does not have a Faster to the Fun option. I consider that a plus. I'm platinum on CCL and like to think I earned the perks that FTTF sells. Others might think being able to buy FTTF would be a pro in the CCL list. Again, different opinions but that's a difference I didn't know about.

 

Someone mentioned Coke Freestyle and I did a search and it looks like they only work if you buy the soda package with the refillable bottle. That's different and on the surface I think that's a huge Pro for RCCL...now if someone says there is only 1 machine on board, it has an hour line all day long and constantly runs out of product that would change my mind. Please tell me that's now how it is :)

[sammee]

Very odd. Maybe just bad luck with some clueless port personnel. Granted, I've only been on a few cruises, but I've not had any issues with my CPAP on Carnival. Really surprising security was giving you a hard time. A lot of people use them.

 

That is definitely odd, been on 1 rcc and 4 carnivals, no problems whatsoever with hubby's CPAP. We always packed an extension cord with it and never had a problem with that either.

[NightOne]

Demand for a product is an indication of its value, which is not the same thing as quality.

 

I guess that is why methamphetamine is valuable. :)

 

My argument was just the reverse. Creating a more valuable product leads to a higher price. BTW if I offered to give you a free $10 Casio or a $10,000 Rolex, which would you choose?

 

Depends. Is the accuracy of its timekeeping important? :)

[Sitzmark]

I'm excited to see the ice shows, definitely something different from what I'm used to.

 

 

 

 

Someone mentioned Coke Freestyle and I did a search and it looks like they only work if you buy the soda package with the refillable bottle. That's different and on the surface I think that's a huge Pro for RCCL...now if someone says there is only 1 machine on board, it has an hour line all day long and constantly runs out of product that would change my mind. Please tell me that's now how it is :)

 

It probably depends on the boat, on Oasis there were 4 machines in the windjammer, two in promenade and two in the arcade. Lines never more than a couple people.

[NightOne]

I found out today that Royal does not have a Faster to the Fun option. I consider that a plus. I'm platinum on CCL and like to think I earned the perks that FTTF sells. Others might think being able to buy FTTF would be a pro in the CCL list. Again, different opinions but that's a difference I didn't know about.

 

If that is the way you feel about FTTF then you will fit right in on Royal. In fact you very well may like it more than Carnival. :)

 

Here are a couple to add to your list:

 

5. Carnival people don't talk about their loyalty "status" every 5 minutes. On Royal you will hear the word "Diamond" more times in one week than you think is humanly possible.

 

6. Carnival doesn't have special little rooms available all cruise long for people who have cruised as little as 6 previous times on Royal. Although Carnival does throw a past guest party for a couple of hours only for those who have sailed 11 times before on Carnival. (both these example assume 7 nights cruises)

[Illmaxict]

listen Craig, I've only sailed on Royal, so I can tell you, unequivocally, that Royal is better.

 

...so easy to ruffle feathers on here... but in all seriousness, you sound like me, trying to gauge based on comparisons, but while you may like Carnival better still after your Royal cruise, you still can't go wrong with RC, you'll enjoy it, that I am quite sure of.

Edited April 7, 2016 by Illmaxict

[nealstuber]

I guess that is why methamphetamine is valuable. :)

 

 

 

Depends. Is the accuracy of its timekeeping important? :)

 

That's my question for you. What makes the Rolex more valuable?

[NightOne]

That's my question for you. What makes the Rolex more valuable?

 

I don't know. Maybe the same thing that makes the Kardashians so popular. LOL