My Opinion on Carnival vs Princess

[hbrote]

We just returned from a trip to Europe in which we cruised on the new “Carnival Vista” the first week and then on the “Royal Princess”, which was our first cruise on Princess Cruise Line. We have cruised many time on Carnival and our both Platinum which gives us some additional benefits such as priority boarding, wash and fold laundry, all of which we appreciated and used to the fullest.

 

 

After spending four days in Barcelona we were ready to board Carnival Vista and were at the pier about 10:30AM. We proceeded quickly through security and were escorted to the “Priority Lounge” to await boarding. This was a very easy and relaxing process as most boarding is on Carnival. At about 11:30AM we were escorted to the gangway for boarding and as we had a Havana Suite which we headed for. The lobby on the Vista does not have the same WOW factor that other Carnival ships have but that is not a big thing.

 

 

 

 

The Havana section is located on deck five which has most additional dining spots along with the Pixels Photo area. We didn't stop at any of these spots because of our excitement of our Havana Suite. We found the entry of the Havana section with little problem and went directly to our cabin.

 

 

We found the suite nice but storage, compared to an Ocean Suite was not very good. The three closets were next to the bed and made it difficult when changing. Our Bath was very nice and the shower with the “Rain Shower Head” along with the hand held shower was wonderful. Warning: Make sure to run hot water over the seat in the shower prior to sitting. I can still hear my wife's yell when she sat the first time. One other funny thing is the hair dryer is located in the desk draw next to the slider to the lani. Not very practical for use but I guess that's the only place they had to put it. I can say we never used the couch one time and did not add anything as far as I am concerned. I believe an Ocean Suite is much better in layout and if staying in the Havana section again I would choose a “Havana Cabana” over the suite. The Havana section itself was great and we did enjoy it until it was opened to the rest of the ship. When we first booked the Havana Section was going to be only for the use of Havana guests and I would hope they would return to this policy. After getting settled we went up to the lido deck for a quick bit of lunch. There were plenty of folks already here and we finally found a table. Now time for a “Funship Special”, but no servers could be found. I went to the bar and purchased two and brought them back to the table. This was a general problem all over the Vista, no servers or so very few you had to go to the bar yourself. Carnival has cut back with servers and its not a great thing if you would like a drink. We visited Guys Burgers for lunch and I ordered a burger and fries and headed back to the table. Now I know this is Europe and I have eaten many delicious burgers and fries but I left the burger with one bite out of it and the fries were terrible. Hopefully they will straighten this out once in the Caribbean. We explored the ship after this lunch and took in all the new things aboard. After the sail away we got ready for dinner and had elected to have “Anytime” dinning. We went to the dinning room and were seated almost immediately. Carnival has gone to the “American Table Menu” and we have not cared for it since the first time we had it. I had never not found something I would like for dinner but with the new menu, choices were limited and I found times when nothing even appealed to me. The service in the MDR was very slow at times and other times find but no consistency. One thing I thought was great was the addition of a bar in the dinning room. We decided to visit this bar one evening prior to eating. The hostess welcomed us and directed us to the bar but there was no bartender and after waiting fifteen minutes we left and asked for a table. I watched the bar from our table and not one bartender went behind this bar. Once again I think that Carnival has cut back here also. We tried the 555 Steakhouse and just like the rest of the fleet the food was very good. Still the help had been cut back on here and the service suffered. An example of this was the Champagne I purchased was put into a stand on the other side of the room. I thought this was strange but when my glass was empty I had to ask it be filled. Again not enough staff to provide the service. I know people will say “Oh, that table cloth thing again” but the lack of a table cloth on Elegant Night in the steakhouse was not to my liking.

 

 

So to sum up the food on Carnival, I can say it has gone down hill a bunch. The service has also gone down and is noticeable threw out the ship. This was not what I expected on a new ship and we were disappointed.

 

 

After the Vista cruise we immediately walked down the pier to board the Royal Princess.

 

 

 

 

This is our first cruise with Princess cruise lines. My mind wandered back to our first cruise on Carnival and waiting in the main hall with number six on our boarding pass. As we arrived at the terminal very early I expected to wait a long time to enter the terminal but we checked our luggage and went into the terminal with no problem. We went through check in which was very fast and were directed to zone one boarding. After about one hour we were shown to the boarding area and on the ship by 11:00 AM. Pretty good so far.... As we entered the ship in a lobby that was very impressive we were directed by crew members to the correct elevators for our cabin, which was ready for us. We booked a balcony and not a suite on Princess.

 

 

 

 

The room is comparable to a balcony on Carnival and just a bit different layout and the décor also different. After meeting our steward we headed up to the lido deck. We found a table, very easily, and were visited by a server before we sat down. Not any specialty drinks offered by what every else you would like Our order placed we went to the grill and had a burger and fries in a few short minutes. The food was excellent and served right off the grill. From here ventured into the Horizon Court Buffet. What a difference compared to Carnival. When you found a seat, a server immediately welcomed you took your beverage order. The buffet itself was so much more upscale from Carnival it was unbelievable to us. The food stations and selections were different and wonderful. So far the food was far above Carnival. We explored the ship which is very much different from the Vista. As the Vista has a much more subdued décor from other ships in the fleet it is kind of bland. Princess is very much more elegant and welcoming. After we explored and sail away was over we changed for our first dinner. After enjoying a cocktail in the Wheelhouse bar we ventured down to the Main Dinning Room. We were greeted by the maître d and shown to our table by our waiter. I can already tell there are more servers than in the Carnival MDR. We examined the menu and were impressed by the choices available. All of the food we had in the MDR were well above the food on Carnival. Presentation, and speed of service was fantastic and I can honestly say everything served was hot. Something that was not to said of Carnival. Princess has much better food in both the buffet and the MDR. One item Princess offers is the “Balcony Dinner” which is to good to be missed. As we usually visit the Steakhouse on Carnival and would have on Princess we instead chose the Balcony Dinner over the steakhouse. For $100, you will be served dinner on the balcony by two waiters. Unbelievable and very romantic is my best description. You start with a photographer visiting and taking a bunch of pictures of which you could chose one. Next you were served your choice of cocktail along with an appetizer which you chose. Next up was split of champagne served along with a salad so big it was worth mentioning. After this was the main course which was two lobster tails and a very large filet along with a vegetable melody. Wonderful..... Desert followed along with coffee and finally a tray of delectable cookies. The entire time the two waiters anticipated your every need while being far enough removed as to not bother you. If I can say anything it would be if you every cruise on Princess make sure to include a “Balcony Dinner” both you and your wife will love it.

 

 

All in all I have to say Princess is a large step up when it comes to food over Carnival. The service is well above Carnival and the entire crew is as friendly. Perhaps I am just tired of Carnival, finding some of the “Normal” things on board a little old, I'm not sure. I do find Princess a refreshing change. I find it not only better than Carnival but also Celebrity. Maybe it is just on European itineraries, I'm not sure but will find out in a few weeks as we board the Royal again.

 

 

I hope this helps some folks who are trying to decide on a different cruise line.

[cynbar]

Thanks for taking the time to do such a comprehensive comparison. I haven't sailed Carnival in quite a few years and have wondered how the two lines compare now. I'm always looking around for new and more interesting itineraries, so the chance might come up in the future.

[shredie]

Very pretty room on Carnival. I have always preferred Carnival's buffet (and burgers) to Princess, but I haven't sailed the Royal class yet with its well-reviewed buffet, so I guess I'll reserve judgement now. The Vista looks good. Don't know when I'll sail her, though.

[Rosethorn40]

I read with interest your comments as we just got off the Royal about a week and a half ago, and will be sailing on the Vista come December. We will have a Havana Cabana Suite in December. I have heard that once they start sailing the Caribbean itineraries, the Havana pool will be opened only to those with Havana cabins. We will see.

[jasmith52]

I haven't been on a Carnival ship in a number of years, but wouldn't have any problem sailing with them again. I did a few Mexican Riviera cruises with Carnival over the years. The food and service on carnival back then were good to very good. Certainly better than anything I get at home.

 

What I really liked about Carnival though was the energy onboard. Sometimes upscale cruises have this subdued/dead atmosphere onboard. Carnival had the perpetual summer party going on in the rear pool.

 

It's not my favorite line but I enjoyed every Carnival cruise that I took. Oh to be young again !

[Micahs Grandad]

Horizon court far superior to Lido. Night and day

[pablo222]

 

 

Now I know where the guy who used to design HoJo is working!

Same orange stools!

[tml1230]

thanks for a very informative comparison...i found it very helpful.

 

to us, the lido buffet setup and food quality on the royal p. are the best we have experienced. ...with princess we always find crew members to be outstanding at their jobs.

Edited October 5, 2016 by tml1230

[Cruzinbabe06]

Thank you for your review,

 

We just booked the Dec. 11 sailing on the Regal Princess. This will be our first time on this cruise line.

 

I'm also Platinum on Carnival and looking forward to booking the Vista next year.

 

So looking forward to this cruise. You have me thinking about the Balcony Dinner. However, I'm reading the Regal balconies are small.

 

How was the size of your balcony for the dinner? Was it comfortable or a tight squeeze?

 

Thanks in advance.:)

[hbrote]

I read with interest your comments as we just got off the Royal about a week and a half ago, and will be sailing on the Vista come December. We will have a Havana Cabana Suite in December. I have heard that once they start sailing the Caribbean itineraries, the Havana pool will be opened only to those with Havana cabins. We will see.

 

I hope you will come back and do a comparison of both ships. The Havana section is great and I would compare it to MSC Yacht Club. When they make its use by Havana Guests exclusive it will be fantastic. If they still open this venue up to all guests, I can foresee many, many problems based on Carnival demographics.

[hbrote]

Thank you for your review,

I'm also Platinum on Carnival and looking forward to booking the Vista next year. So looking forward to this cruise. You have me thinking about the Balcony Dinner. However, I'm reading the Regal balconies are small.

 

How was the size of your balcony for the dinner? Was it comfortable or a tight squeeze?

 

Thanks in advance.:)

 

The balcony is the same size as Carnival and they have a table made for this meal. We had no problems with feeling like we were squeezed in. Here is a picture which should give you an idea of the space.

 

 

I really hope you experience this Fantastic Deal offered by Princess.

[cruiseintoheaven]

Thanks for your comparison/review. Our first two cruises were on Carnival with our children. A long time ago now, but we're just not into the party all night scene - never really were in retrospect. I vividly remember the large numbers of teens and young twenties just out of control, loud, drunk, running up and down corridors at 3:00 am banging on cabin doors, etc (and it wasn't spring break)! Just not a good fit for us, regardless of price. Glad you enjoyed your first Princess cruise [emoji4]

 

 

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[lovevacadays]

Thank you for your review. It's nice to see there s another happy Princess cruiser.

[geoherb]

Thanks for posting your comparison.

[easyboy]

Thanks for your comparative review. Nice to see the difference in photos.

 

 

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[hightownCO]

I'm platinum on Princess and near a platinum on Carnival. Unless you are on a shorter cruise or when school is out, the demographic on Carnival is similar to Princess. Have had great cruises on both. Would urge folks to not be so quick to write off Carnival as being 'party boats'.

 

There are some things that Carnival gets right (IMO). First, OV cabins and above have a sofa. I hate sitting on a bed all the time. Second, very good internet packages. Ie on a 7 night cruise $60 gets you unlimited internet. Great for keeping in touch and managing personal business while away. A smaller package gets you social media. I think that's $20. Finally, I really like that Carnival carries the three network TV stations. No, I'm not cruising to watch tv but it's nice to catch a show or US news sometimes.

 

Bottom line, a cruise is what you make it. Happy sailings everyone!

[Fuzzyape]

We just returned from a trip to Europe in which we cruised on the new “Carnival Vista” the first week and then on the “Royal Princess”, which was our first cruise on Princess Cruise Line.

 

...What I really liked about Carnival though was the energy onboard. Sometimes upscale cruises have this subdued/dead atmosphere onboard. Carnival had the perpetual summer party going on in the rear pool.

 

It's not my favorite line but I enjoyed every Carnival cruise that I took. Oh to be young again !

 

Thanks for the review, and the additional info for others. I haven't sailed Carnival. I do enjoy Princess. Have sailed Celebrity, and that was fine. Who knows maybe one day I'll get to a Carnival ship.

 

But for now I'm a Princess guy.

Counting down the days!

[Micahs Grandad]

I'm platinum on Princess and near a platinum on Carnival. Unless you are on a shorter cruise or when school is out, the demographic on Carnival is similar to Princess. Have had great cruises on both. Would urge folks to not be so quick to write off Carnival as being 'party boats'.

 

There are some things that Carnival gets right (IMO). First, OV cabins and above have a sofa. I hate sitting on a bed all the time. Second, very good internet packages. Ie on a 7 night cruise $60 gets you unlimited internet. Great for keeping in touch and managing personal business while away. A smaller package gets you social media. I think that's $20. Finally, I really like that Carnival carries the three network TV stations. No, I'm not cruising to watch tv but it's nice to catch a show or US news sometimes.

 

Bottom line, a cruise is what you make it. Happy sailings everyone!

 

Wish princess had same internet plan as

Carnival. Last cruise on Regal cost $ 159 for 400 minutes. Internet very slow but according to CD due to so many people getting free internet ties up bandwith

[Cruzinbabe06]

The balcony is the same size as Carnival and they have a table made for this meal. We had no problems with feeling like we were squeezed in. Here is a picture which should give you an idea of the space.

 

 

I really hope you experience this Fantastic Deal offered by Princess.

 

Very Nice!

 

Thank you so much:D

[muggo11]

We are doing two Caribbean cruises in March. Regal princess and Carnival vista! I will have to post a comparison, too! Thanks.

 

 

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[WupperAV]

We prefer Princess to NCL and RCL. Food, service and overall cleanliness. Buffet on RCL was good, lots of different foods and always hot. MDR food was cold. NCL is just Mcdonalds compared to Princess. It's geared toward more kids, lots of HB FFs and Hot Dogs. My BIL prefers HAL so we may try it.

[caribill]

 

There are some things that Carnival gets right (IMO). First, OV cabins and above have a sofa. I hate sitting on a bed all the time. Second, very good internet packages. Ie on a 7 night cruise $60 gets you unlimited internet. Great for keeping in touch and managing personal business while away. A smaller package gets you social media. I think that's $20.

 

a) We had an inside cabin on a Carnival cruise and also had a sofa.

 

b) Please note that the $60 package gets you about the same speed as when you use Internet on Princess, but at least it is not costing you for each minute. This package allows normal web browsing and regular E-mail, but not higher speed web sites such as for streaming movies. A higher priced package will allow unlimited access to the higher speed web sites and at a speed faster than the $60 package.

[Lucky TGO]

Very nice review and happy you like Princess as much as my wife and I.

Tony

[ksm77]

Your review is spot on as far as we are concerned. We used to cruise Carnival a lot we are platinum with them. We are elite on Princess. We now only cruise Princess & HAL. We stopped cruising Carnival when the food quality & service took a nose dive. We enjoyed our earlier cruises on Carnival but the last few we could really tell the difference. Our last was in 2012 and we have not gone back. The MDR is a big enjoyment for us. The MDR experience is so reduced on Carnival, just not what we want. We prefer the way Princess and HAL's attention to detail is so much better. Our last Princess cruise (Coral 3/16) the MDR food & service was the best we have experienced out of 35 cruises. We will be on the Regal over New Years this year. Looking forward to another great cruise.

Edited October 6, 2016 by ksm77