Carnival RC Comparison anyone?

[gumbypee]

I have not been on either line but I am looking at some 7 day cruises out of Galveston in October/November 2016.

 

Carnival Breeze and Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas have the ports I want.

 

I know Carnival is cheaper but I have heard great things about RC. It will be women in their early 40s-50s. Don't care to drink much or party but like activities and trivia etc and shows to watch.

 

Thank you

[CruzCrazy]

There have been a lot of comparisons on this board and the RC board. It's difficult to compare one cruise line to the other, a little easier to compare one ship from one line to another ship of another line.

 

I've been on Carnival Breeze twice, once last July and once just last month. It's a very nice ship, and most agree that the décor is nice, subtle, and easy on the eyes. Whether or not there is a lot of partying on board will depend on your fellow passengers. That being said, generally speaking, a longer 7- or 8-day cruise will have less of all-out partying or drink fest than a shorter cruise.

 

I haven't been on Liberty of the Seas, but I have been on Oasis of the Seas. Of course, I realize that the Oasis class ships are over the top--so I have no idea if what I'd say about Oasis would have much bearing on Liberty of the Seas, but the entertainment on Oasis was far and away superior to anything I've ever seen on any Carnival ship (I've sailed on lots of Carnival ships). The Breeze is the newest in the fleet right now (until Vista starts sailing very shortly), and although there is nothing wrong with the shows, let's just say they're not Broadway show caliber.

 

We like Carnival. Our grown kids like Carnival. Their kids like Carnival. They just went on their first cruise with us on the Breeze.

 

I actually prefer the main dining room food on Carnival over what we had on Oasis, but the buffet was much better on Oasis. Oasis had more pay restaurants, while the Breeze just has a steakhouse and an Italian restaurant that have up-charges.

 

Each ship had its highlights. After sailing on Oasis, we kind of thought if you could take the best parts about each, it would be the perfect cruise ship...

 

People will say that you get what you pay for, but we got a fantastic deal on Oasis, cheaper than either of our 2 Breeze cruises, so go figure. I like that you can see the ocean on the Breeze from almost any place on the ship, whereas on Oasis you had to be up on deck 15 to see the ocean, with the exception of aft towards the Aquatheater.

 

We personally thought the service was "friendlier" on Carnival--that is, it's more personal. They call you by name and engage in conversation. We like that and missed it on RC Oasis, where the service was fine, just a little more standoffish--like they're not encouraged to engage with the guests as much.

 

We would do either again in a heartbeat, except that we are not going to sail out of Galveston, so it's Carnival Magic for us next, and then probably the Vista, unless we score another fantastic deal on Oasis or Allure.

 

Hopefully, someone who has sailed on both the Liberty OTS and the Breeze can chime in.

 

Good luck and happy cruising!

[ryano]

Been on Freedom of the Seas twice (Liberty's sister ship) and about to leave on Magic in 9 days (Breeze's sister ship). Being that Magic has just gotten all the good stuff Breeze has, these two ships should be very similar to each other now I would think.

 

Give me about 16 or 17 days and I will try my best to come up with a fair, unbiased review/comparison between the two ships. :) I agree that its tough to compare cruise line to cruise line.

 

I dont think you could go wrong with either choice.

Edited April 21, 2016 by ryano

[mrpayroll]

Have been on both. They are both very nice. You won't go wrong picking either one.

[CruisinDawn]

Can't give a fair opinion since as you can see I have been "Loyal to Royal" but honestly they basically give us Diamond Plus people no reason to stay loyal anymore thus why I am on the Carnival Board. :D I have done A LOT of ship comparisons as we plan a couple of Carnival cruises based greatly on price. We do understand you get what you pay for so are going into the first one without many expectations but have the feeling we are going to be pleasantly surprised. In my research this is how I would compare the two even though I have not sailed Carnival yet....

 

Galveston ~ Hopefully you are driving to the port otherwise add $$ for the trip to/from the airport. Hobby is cheaper but not by a lot.

 

Entertainment ~ Seems very different so far. Carnival has shows but not Broadway type shows. Myself I will see them once then that's enough but Carnival's seem to be more guest interactive sing-along type and not the type that will put some to sleep. Both have the Love & Marriage type of game show. Liberty has Saturday Night Fever right now. Liberty also has the parades down the inside Promenade Mall. We are women in our 40's/50's and love to people watch in the Promenade.

 

Included Food ~ Carnival gets my vote, Burgers on Royal's buffet are AWFUL but you have to pay for a good burger at Johnny Rocket's. Carnival Guy's Burgers are included and reviews seem to be great. Wok on Carnival looks like way more options then Royals little Asian section on the Buffet unless things have recently changed doesn't compare at all. Royal charges for late night room service. Liberty has Sabor (mexican) but isn't included where Magic has the cantina which is. BBQ might find some on the buffet on the Liberty but Magic has Guy's Pig & Anchor. Foodies?? Carnival on the Magic wins.

 

Outdoor activities ~ Most Royal ships have an adult only pool but the Magic has a Serenity Pool. Royal is adding a slide to the ship but not sure when but that being said I read a bunch about how some adults have to scoot on the slides. Royal has the Flowrider which is fun but don't see many 40/50's women on them but lots of aging men. :D

 

I agree that Royal tends to be a bit standoffish anymore. After watching videos on you tube of dining room experiences on Carnival I can't wait to have dinner and swing a napkin or be entertained again. I may be disappointed but get nothing on Royal lately. Royal has main dining rooms on several floors and if you are not on the right floor anymore you miss any entertainment but lately there is little to none. Royal will have table cloths and the proper amount of silverware for the entire meal but I am looking forward to a bit more casual experience.

 

Like I said I am not Carnival expert, heck not even a novice yet but I have been trying to compare before our cruise on the Miracle. I know, no comparison with the Magic but we picked it for the ports & fun.

 

Happy Planning,

Dawna

[BenjiRodney]

Prefer Carnival to Royal. Just what we like. Been on Carnival 13 times, Royal 3 times with the next 4 cruises booked all on Carnival. 1 booked on Royal in 2018 if I keep it.

 

To us there is no comparison as to which is better. Just our opinion.

[Sitzmark]

I've never been on a carnival cruise but we did go on Oasis of the seas a few weeks ago. Based on that experience I have no intention of going on another Royal Caribbean cruise. The shows were mostly good. The flowrider was fun. The food was not good, I did actually skip meals to avoid it. The stateroom was so small we had to turn sideways to leave. Our room attendant was horrible, by the end of the week we were simply doing his job for him rather than continue calling to request service. There were many other issues, suffice it to say it wasn't worth the cost.

[mbrownferrier]

Both are enjoyable. I am a 50 year old female and absolutely loved the flow rider and was better than my 13 year old son!

 

The staff on the Freedom of the Seas made the cruise even better. Our room attendant was very sweet and our waiters anticipated every need and made a teenage boy enjoy the dining experience. They even cut his steak for him!

 

The food was evenly matched imho. It all depends on personal taste. Both had the traditional foods but also the opportunity to try new things. They were equal when it came to their chocolate desserts! Yummy!!

 

You will enjoy either one.

[gumbypee]

Wow, thank you all so much for the feedback! It is greatly appreciated. Sounds like either one will be pretty much a good time - heck it is a cruise, right?!

 

Thank you again and any more feedback is welcome too.

[nealstuber]

Been on the Magic, Breezes sister, counting down 45 days to Liberty. Have also done several of the slightly smaller but mostly similar ships of the Voyager class.

 

For even money, or slightly more, we'll choose RCCL, mainly because we feel the ships are nicer and the shows and other entertainment is better. Also like their offering of beverage packages better.

 

Like the Carnival casino better, and would have to agree with those who say the food is better.

 

We will probably do a Breeze Cruise sometime before she leaves Galveston. - if we do, it will most definitely be in a Cove Balcony. Those unique cabins are the one thing you can't get anywhere else but on a Dream Class ship (and vista when she comes out).

[hirent]

Oasis had more pay restaurants, while the Breeze just has a steakhouse and an Italian restaurant that have up-charges.

 

This is actually a positive for Carnival.

They have by far more free/included eating options than RCCL.

Edited April 22, 2016 by hirent

[ryano]

Been on the Magic, Breezes sister, counting down 45 days to Liberty. Have also done several of the slightly smaller but mostly similar ships of the Voyager class.

 

For even money, or slightly more, we'll choose RCCL, mainly because we feel the ships are nicer and the shows and other entertainment is better. Also like their offering of beverage packages better.

 

Like the Carnival casino better, and would have to agree with those who say the food is better.

 

We will probably do a Breeze Cruise sometime before she leaves Galveston. - if we do, it will most definitely be in a Cove Balcony. Those unique cabins are the one thing you can't get anywhere else but on a Dream Class ship (and vista when she comes out).

 

I know its subjective but so glad to hear the food is better on Carnival. The food on my first Carnival cruise was better than any Ive had on any RC ship BUT thats been 8 years ago.

 

I do like that Royal doesnt make all adults in the same cabin buy the drink package and they offer more packages than Carnival.

 

My problem is Royal has gotten crazy with their prices. Especially in times of such adversity and the problems they are having. I got a Lido deck 4J cabin with window on Magic for 7 days for what a inside on a 5 night on a much smaller and older ship costs on RC. Royal isnt THAT much better. Cant be! I will likely be sticking with Carnival a while. Loving that Magic is in PC and Mobile AL is opening back up

 

Their ships are beautiful though. Even the oldest ones

Edited April 22, 2016 by ryano

[ryano]

I've never been on a carnival cruise but we did go on Oasis of the seas a few weeks ago. Based on that experience I have no intention of going on another Royal Caribbean cruise. The shows were mostly good. The flowrider was fun. The food was not good, I did actually skip meals to avoid it. The stateroom was so small we had to turn sideways to leave. Our room attendant was horrible, by the end of the week we were simply doing his job for him rather than continue calling to request service. There were many other issues, suffice it to say it wasn't worth the cost.

 

If Carnival Magic satisfies me the way I think she will, I will likely cancel my Oasis cruise and Ive yet to go on one of those ships. Ive wanted to but their prices are nuts. Oasis class is amazing but the truth is, I just need a clean ship with good food and service.

[nealstuber]

If Carnival Magic satisfies me the way I think she will, I will likely cancel my Oasis cruise and Ive yet to go on one of those ships. Ive wanted to but their prices are nuts. Oasis class is amazing but the truth is, I just need a clean ship with good food and service.

 

 

Been on both. Enjoyed Magic, LOVED Oasis. There are good deals out there for Oasis, Allure, and Harmony. If those deals don't work for the time you'd have in mind, then I'd do the Magic and save Oasis for when you find the right deal.

[nealstuber]

My problem is Royal has gotten crazy with their prices. Especially in times of such adversity and the problems they are having. I got a Lido deck 4J cabin with window on Magic for 7 days for what a inside on a 5 night on a much smaller and older ship costs on RC. Royal isnt THAT much better. Cant be! I will likely be sticking with Carnival a while. Loving that Magic is in PC and Mobile AL is opening back up

 

Their ships are beautiful though. Even the oldest ones

 

 

When I booked our Liberty Cruise a month ago for the 2nd week of summer vacation in TX, it was by far the cheapest 7 day Balcony out of Galveston on any ship - plus included tips and specialty dinner for two. Ended up upgraded to a Junior Suite as it was still less than the Cove I would have booked on the Dream.

 

But - looking at the inside prices for June, I guess I see what you're talking about.

Edited April 22, 2016 by nealstuber

[Jenhem31]

I've been on both ships. Breeze twice, Liberty OTS once. We prefer RC ships, but Carnival atmosphere. You can't go wrong with either. I love Royal's Freedom class.

[spiritkat090909]

Demographic: Female just about to hit 50 & hubby 61, Diamond on Royal, Gold on Carnival, Elite w/Celebrity

 

The majority of our cruises have been on Royal and if all things PRICE-Category-wise are equal, I choose Royal. Hubby's fave ship is the Voyager, mine the Allure.

 

Now... in the last 2 years we have been on Celebrity Silhouette (LOVED it, smoke-free casino, warm cloth hand towels in bathroom, excellent food), and Carnival Magic twice, Breeze, and once upon a time the Conquest (hated it, food & ship appearance.) We have another Carnival planned in Sept. Reason: we gamble & they keep PAYING us to go. Sorta. My next cruise will end up costing a total of $57 after deducting the things they are giving us to go, gambling expense aside. If anyone gambles, Carnival is the line you want to go on. We had initially booked a good deal on the Oasis but Carnival sent us the BBD. Bigger, better, deal.

 

Some other things Carnival does BETTER than Royal are the Guy's burgers (lunch everyday) and the comedy shows.

 

Royal has a better past passenger program (you pay more on avg for identical cruises), suite benefits, standard shows (Oasis class excellent), room layout (no shower curtain) & nicer looking ships.

[cruisinpips]

We have been on both. Breeze 3 times, Magic(sister ship) 3 times, Liberty of the Seas 4 times and Freedom of the Seas twice. We had LOS booked for December, and decided because of school schedules to switch to Breeze the first week of January. We currently prefer the Breeze or Magic and here's why:

 

1. Food - many more free options on Carnival. I would rate the MDR's the same. Guy's Burgers, much better than RCI product. Carnival's Blue Iguana Cantina, no comparable venue on RCI. Cucina del Capitano, free at lunch, and better than new Italian pay restaurant on RCI. (Portifinos I think) Steakhouse on Breeze or Magic, far superior to Chops new menus on RCI. (Plus a free bottle of wine on first or second night). Red Frog Pub has great finger foods(small charge), great drinks and live music in the evenings. Don't forget the Tandoor, delicious! Not offered on RCI.

 

2. Activities - Carnival - seems like more things going on if you like poolside entertainment, although they all are a little cheesy, they are fun to watch. Water park is superior, ropes course is fun, and generally more entertaining.

RCI - we like Flowrider, but hours are spotty, and lines are kinda long. They have ice skating, if you wish to do that, but we haven't found that very alluring in the past. We haven't been on LOS since the new slides were added, but I am sure they are fun. Poolside activities are fairly boring to us.

 

3. Entertainment- Carnival - shows are tolerable at best, Hasbro show is boring to us, and Comedy shows are generally good. (Get there early) Piano bar is good later at night, and karaoke is must see for us, mostly to see the people who think they can sing, but clearly cannot!

RCI - shows are a little better, but repetitive. No comedy shows that I have seen, Boleros is a good Latin music club for late night, and Schooner has live music nightly also. Karaoke is harder to find, and the Ice show is not to be missed.

 

4. Overall - Both have a great product, RCI has a better loyalty program, and Carnival typically has a better price point. Suite amenities are superior on RCI, drinks are better on Carnival. Drink package is better on RCI (no limit like Carnival)

 

You cannot go wrong on either, so book one and have a great time. Only you can decide what type of vacation you are looking for. Happy Cruising!!:D:D