Royal vs Carnival: an honest opinion

[Velvetwater]

We just got back from trying Royal for the first time!We were on the Indy for 7 days going to Gijon and Bilbao in Spain and Cherbourg and Le Havre in France with 2 sea days.

 

We usually love Carnival but were very keen to try Royal especially as we tried Celebrity sister line and wasn't too keen on how sedate it was but liked other things.

 

Although we have 25 days with Carnival and only 7 with Royal (and different times of year) I will try and be as unbiased and honest as I can in case people are wondering whether to try either line.

 

Like in my Celebrity vs Carnival review I will be doing comparing 8+ different categories.

 

Onwards....

[bigeagle12]

Following [emoji3]

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[atnolan94]

Interested to hear

[Sjb0704]

Following...have cruised Carnival in the past and we are cruising RCI in July

[Clarea]

Always interesting to read the comparison reviews.

[densol]

Ive been on DCL, NCL and loads of Carnival cruises. Trying RC in August - very excited, so will be following this thread :)

[Artemus]

Always good to get an honest opinion.

[Velvetwater]

The ship (Decor, features, ratio etc)

 

The only Carnival ship we have sailed is the Legend (Vista coming up) so will be comparing her the Independence. First thing about Royal was we really loved the Promenade due to its central hubness and party location and we also loved the grand 3 story dining room. We were also impressed with the pools being deep and the spacing out between the them as well and I think this is where Royal beat Carnival as well as the decor being more understated. However we were not a fan of the closed in back of the ship windjammer that didn't seem to encourage outdoor dining and felt small for the size of the ship...Carnival ships seem to have Lido in the middle to offer a more open feel. The Indy also seemed to have less space for the amount of people onboard as there was a lot of waiting everywhere (could be big ship syndrome though). Another thing I though was a bit odd was the speciality restaurants were near the Windjammer with an overflow in the middle. It was also a bit hard to get to Sorrentos/Cafe on Party nights if you needed a snack so felt that although the Promenade was amazing it affected the layout a little of other venues and made the ship feel inside based rather than out on deck based. Summarising we loved both but each had smallish faults. Royal gets it by a hair.

 

Carnival: 0 Royal 1

 

 

Food

 

I am going to start out by saying the food was very comparable overall on both lines. Very similar quality and presentation even to the point we figured they had similar suppliers. Both lines would name a dish something that it wasn't (Carnival's glass noodles that were spagetti and Royal calling Roast potatoes fondant potatoes but oh well!) and have cooking disasters (hard chicken on Carnival and undercooked pasty on Royal). We were quite surprised to see there wasn't lots of for free dining spots on Royal for the size of its ships (including Harmony) compared to Carnival (which has many). Indy also had only 3 pay for restaurants for its size and we tried Johnny Rockets which was tasty and we loved the waiters...however Guys is free on Carnival. We don't often do additional dining venues but also did Bonsai Sushi on Carnival which was just soso but Sushi is hard to do right. Royal's Brasserie lunch was great and I had the best dessert of the cruise there. I similarly like Carnival's sea day brunch with its comforting dishes especially the Mexican eggs. I was however shocked to have no Lobster on formal night with Royal even though we were a 7 day sailing. We like room service on both too with generally good selections. Carnival's buffet was better than Royal's purely for how in changed its offerings all the time for lunch/breakfast and dinner where as Royal's stayed the same for breakfast and changed some stations for lunch and dinner. Carnival win due to options and variety.

 

Carnival 1: Royal: 1

[cb at sea]

RCI doesn't generally do lobster tail on it's European sailings.

[Velvetwater]

RCI doesn't generally do lobster tail on it's European sailings.

 

Shocking, we are nations of seafood eaters.

[Captain Funtime]

We have sailed both lines this year. Many things similar but I give the nod to RCCL. Sailing MSC next (1st time) and then going back to Celebrity (our favorite):D

[Velvetwater]

Drinks

 

It goes without saying that Royal's drinks are pricier than Carnivals but both had a similar selection of cocktails, speciality cocktails and spirits. Carnival had more beach/resort type drinks while Royal tended to specialise in twists on classics...both delicious on the cocktail front. Royal had a much better range of beers (sampled them all on the select package) but Carnival has its own beer which looks delicious...hubby and I love craft beer! We liked the fact Royal had sugar free drink options rather than ice tea/lemonade on Carnival. Something we have never understood about Carnival is they have no tiered alcohol packages just an 'all in' whereas Royal has tiers that are most cost effective. Royal wins it due to packages and larger range of beers.

 

Carnival: 1 Royal: 2

 

Cabins

 

We have done the great pseudo insides on Carnival (obstructed french doors that let light and fresh air in) and a true high deck inside on Royal. I am going to use my experience of my friends' insides on Carnival to do a true comparison. We first found that Royal insides were smaller than Carnival ones but wardrobe storage was about the same. Royal has more little hidey holes behind mirrors and things which are handy to put your stuff. I really disliked the overuse of mirrors in the Royal insides as when your cruise you are eating and sweating and whatnot and you don't want to catch a glimpse! I also noticed that the Indy's rooms looked really dated with fabric on the walls and 90s patterned curtains whereas Carnival's while orangey have aged better (Legend is 2002 ship and indy is 2008) due to design. Royal had proper shower doors instead of Carnival's sticky curtains though. Carnival wins due to space and design.

 

Carnival: 2 Royal: 2

[cincicruisers]

Enjoying your review.

[fredflint]

Interesting comparison for me I was on Carnival in 1982, it was not a good experience and I know they have changed since then but still cannot get the cruise out of my mind. Like having a a bad experience with a new car once and just never buying that brand again.

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

Always good to get an honest opinion.

 

True...

 

Though I believe that everyone's OPINION is honest. Thread titles like this one always seem like the OP is implying that others aren't being honest in their opinions. She may not be, but that usually is the implication whenever "honest" is used.

 

But yes - always interesting to read comparisons. Even if it is a comparison a line I have zero desire to ever cruise (Carnival). :)

Edited June 5, 2016 by WrittenOnYourHeart

[Artemus]

Quote by me....."Always good to get an honest opinion."

 

 

True...

 

Though I believe that everyone's OPINION is honest. Thread titles like this one always seem like the OP is implying that others aren't being honest in their opinions. She may not be, but that usually is the implication whenever "honest" is used.

 

But yes - always interesting to read comparisons. Even if it is a comparison a line I have zero desire to ever cruise (Carnival). :)

I made the little joke...

Edited June 5, 2016 by Artemus

[loubetti]

 

Like in my Celebrity vs Carnival review I will be doing comparing 8+ different categories.

 

Onwards....

 

You actually did a Celebrity vs Carnival review? No offense, but what was the point of that? Did you really think =X= would be anything like CCL?

 

Why not do a Cunard vs Carnival review?

 

I, personally, love Celebrity because it IS "sedate", same for Cunard. Everyone has different tastes.

 

Compare apples to apples, and that is what you are doing now- good thing! :)

[WrittenOnYourHeart]

Quote by me....."Always good to get an honest opinion."

 

 

 

I made the little joke...

 

:D Gotcha. Sorry.

[Velvetwater]

Entertainment

 

I expected that Royal would wow me with their entertainment and I was not wrong. I had always predicted that this was Royal's card to play and we made sure we tried almost everything out or observed it. We loved Royal's ice show, rock wall, flow rider and also found the quality of the production shows (with an orchestra yay!)as well as the sets themselves were great (not west end great but good for ships). It seemed like every night there was a carefully selected act (although we personally didn't care for the voice contestant or the close up magic guy that kept doing the same trick). Once the main show was over we were fully involved with the parade parties and the quest gameshow etc. Really impressed with the amount of night activities. Royal did fall down however on day activities as there didn't seem much to do (especially trivia) during the day and it felt like they relied on the ship for the entertainment. Carnival wins points with its own comedy club that was almost nightly and better day time activities but we always felt Carnival shows (even with the band) were a little lacking and guest acts were often hit or miss. Royal wins this one by a way.

 

Carnival: 2 Royal: 3

 

 

Staff

 

Again, most staff were friendly and helpful on both lines with the hello and smile everywhere you go. The waiters and bar staff on both lines have been amazing and would give points to both! We found the cabin stewards were more visable and quick to come and help on Carnival but Royal's were unseen and more efficient but did not clean your room unless the 'make up my room card' was in which would have been hard if you didn't see them. Even though it was close we found the entertainment staff friendlier and more entertaining on Carnival as well as being visable on Captain's night...we found this the same with the officers. We saw Royal's officers ignoring guests and found the entertainment staff would come late and leave for activities without working the room...don't get me wrong they were nice enough but didn't seem as in to it. The cruise directors on both lines are great (Eli Sharplin and Brent Mitchell on Carnival and Joff Eaton on Royal) and points for Joff getting into every show. When it came to guest relations/shore excursions staff Royal's were mostly abrupt and didn't seem to care whereas Carnival guest staff were excellent. We are Brits and don't expect over the top friendliness but we do expect a degree of care in customer service. Carnival wins this one.

 

Carnival: 3 Royal: 3

[Velvetwater]

True...

 

Though I believe that everyone's OPINION is honest. Thread titles like this one always seem like the OP is implying that others aren't being honest in their opinions. She may not be, but that usually is the implication whenever "honest" is used.

 

But yes - always interesting to read comparisons. Even if it is a comparison a line I have zero desire to ever cruise (Carnival). :)

 

My 'honest' remark is merely a reference about trying to be as unbiased as I can despite me being a Carnival supporter going into the cruise.

 

No need to really read much into it.

[Velvetwater]

You actually did a Celebrity vs Carnival review? No offense, but what was the point of that? Did you really think =X= would be anything like CCL?

 

 

If you actually read it you would see the point of why I did it and the interesting comparisons made...they may surprise/shock/delight the cruisers of the more supposedly upscale mainstream lines.

 

Thats just what Celebrity,Carnival et al are....mainstream lines.

 

If I did sail Cunard I may compare it to Carnival or Celebrity.Who knows? Most likely to sail NCL next because of my age. Then it will be a 3 way review with these two lines.

[loubetti]

If you actually read it you would see the point of why I did it and the interesting comparisons made...they may surprise/shock/delight the cruisers of the more supposedly upscale mainstream lines.

 

Thats just what Celebrity,Carnival et al are....mainstream lines.

 

If I did sail Cunard I may compare it to Carnival or Celebrity.Who knows? Most likely to sail NCL next because of my age. Then it will be a 3 way review with these two lines.

 

Fair point, but I would not consider either =X= or Cunard to be that much mainstream or mass market cruise lines. Actually I consider =X= to be RCI's version of Cunard, with the latter, obviously having a very British twist, not to mention a 176 year history.

 

Otherwise I am enjoying your apples to apples comparison. It is really no different than comparing a Ford to a Vauxhaul, or a BMW to a Mercedes. However, what is the point of comparing a Vauxhaul to an Aston Martin? Would people not surmise there is going to be a dramatic difference between the two?

 

Granted, this is just my opinion, and I prefer apples to apples comparisons.

[Velvetwater]

Atmosphere

 

Again, I am going to say we were generally happy with the atmosphere on both lines but for different reasons! We have always liked the community and friendly atmosphere on Carnival and the general buzz of the ship that would carry on into most venues you went to. The ship would always be hopping into the night even on our 12 day port intensive Baltic cruise and the Lido parties. On Royal we loved the atmosphere of the Promenade at every time of day butespecially when it was 70s/Brit Parties etc as it really made the ship feel alive although the spacious pool decks lacked the Carnival feel (maybe the weather did not help). We really liked watching and being around the flowrider/rock wall when the weather cheered up. Shows were alive and well attended on both cruises and the night life would continue past midnight (although Royal's nightclub was a bit emptier. Its a tie folks!

 

Carnival: 4 Royal: 4

 

Admin/Port Organisation and information

 

We really liked how Royal gave you lots of information on ports as well as the shore excursion lecture (only thing Carnival did). However we seemed to get so much selling stuff in our cabin wasting so much paper and we were not happy about how Royal managed my time dining. Royal had overbooked My time dining so it was impossible to eat between 6-8.30 if you hadn't booked very far in advance...not my time dining at all. There were queues even when you booked and generally speaking there was a lot more queuing on our Royal cruise especially as they didn't book enough shuttles in ports and made you pay for them anyway. I will be prepared to give Royal another go though as I think big ship syndrome played a part. Carnival gave you less information about things but there was less paper sales and less queues. Carnival wins this one.

 

Carnival: 5 Royal: 4

Fellow passengers

 

I would have liked to review this one but I dont think it would be fair on Royal. Our Royal cruise was 70% British and a short cruise and Our Carnival cruises have been over 60% US and longer cruises. Most passengers have been lovely on both but there were some really rude Brits on our Royal cruise and some serious lack of parenting skills as well as a quieter bunch. I think 7 day cruises probably do have a rep both sides of the Atlantic as sometimes having some questionable folk on board. Since I have never done a short Carnival cruise I cannot comment.

 

N/A

[indychristine]

Ive been on DCL, NCL and loads of Carnival cruises. Trying RC in August - very excited, so will be following this thread :)

 

 

 

Like you, we have been on DCL, NCL, and Carnival (mostly DCL) and even one RCI (older smaller ship) a few years ago. But are now going to try RCI Oasis in March!

So I will be interested in this review! :)

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Edited June 5, 2016 by indychristine

[Velvetwater]

Fair point, but I would not consider either =X= or Cunard to be that much mainstream or mass market cruise lines. Actually I consider =X= to be RCI's version of Cunard, with the latter, obviously having a very British twist, not to mention a 176 year history.

 

Otherwise I am enjoying your apples to apples comparison. It is really no different than comparing a Ford to a Vauxhaul, or a BMW to a Mercedes. However, what is the point of comparing a Vauxhaul to an Aston Martin? Would people not surmise there is going to be a dramatic difference between the two?

 

Granted, this is just my opinion, and I prefer apples to apples comparisons.

 

I generally put NCL,Royal and Carnival in the Family mainstream. I then put Princess, Celebrity together as the slightly upscale mainstream. Then MSC,Costa,P&O, Thompson, Aida etc as targeted nationality mainstream lines. Cunard I am undecided about due to their history and overall presentation. I recently saw a lot of their history at the Seacity museum Ocean liners exhibition after this cruise in Southampton....wonderful stuff for any Cunard/White star/cruise history fan.

 

Your car comparison is actually apt. Cruises all have the same basic product and features but present them differently. What I like discussing is how different they really are when you get down to it. Are some lines just really 'all fur coat and no knickers'? as we say over here.