Those who have done Carnival & RC, just booked on RC...

[kctwinmommy]

We've obviously cruised before, as shown in my signature, but almost all Carnival. I asked on the RC page too, so I've gotten a few responses there. But I thought I'd post here too, for those who have maybe done mostly Carnival, but did RC once or twice too. Anyway, if anyone has suggestions for things we might not expect being different between Carnival and RC.

 

I'm just curious if there's things that may be different, and things we're not expecting. I've already been told by several to not miss the ice show. We did the anytime dining too since the cruise we're taking has really long/late days in port. We're going on an 8-night cruise to N. Europe in July. So the 4 port days are truly like 12-14 hours that we're there. So we didn't want the earlier dining, but didn't want to be tied to the later one either. We did the same thing on our Alaska cruise.

 

I did find the roll call for this cruise too, so I can get more specific info there I know. Thanks so much!

[cruzeluver]

We like both lines.

 

I would agree about the ice show, they are terrific! Flow rider is a lot of fun and different. All Royal ships have a rock wall which is also fun and provides an amazing view should you reach the top. First time I did it the guy told me, "don't immediately ring the bell to come down. Turn around and take in the view." So glad I did!

 

The Royal Promenade is a great area and a "hub" of the ship. The cafe and pizzeria are a great alternative to the congested buffet (called "Windjammer on Royal) for lunch on boarding day.

 

Live shows are very good and still feature a live orchestra. Indoor solarium is a great space for quiet away from the kiddos.

 

One of our favorite things on Royal is the salad bar set up in the main dining room. You select the ingredients you want and they make it for you. Fantastic!

[beachbum6264]

We've done a couple of RC cruises and enjoyed them. I think you'll find the two lines more similar than different. Don't miss the parade on the Promenade deck - get there a few minutes early to get a good spot to see everything. I liked the big open inside Promenade deck. I think the food was better on Carnival, shows were better on RC, just my opinion tho. We go on any cruise expecting to have a good time, and we do - even with all the itinerary changes that have been thrown at us through the years.

Edited January 31, 2017 by beachbum6264

[Jakemedic]

We took a cheap RC cruise last minute out of New Orleans a few years ago. It was nice, quaint listening to the guitar solo guy at a bar and the parade was amazing! What we didn't like is that everything appeared to close around 9 pm. On our cruise anyhow it was a much older crowd that didn't socialize and party very late at night. That was a stark difference between RC and carnival. I wouldn't mind checking out other cruise lines but my bride wants to stick with Carnival (at least till we get much older). Don't get me wrong, it still was fun....better than the best day of work! Enjoy your cruise, it definitely is what you make of it.

[noidea389]

We've obviously cruised before, as shown in my signature, but almost all Carnival. I asked on the RC page too, so I've gotten a few responses there. But I thought I'd post here too, for those who have maybe done mostly Carnival, but did RC once or twice too. Anyway, if anyone has suggestions for things we might not expect being different between Carnival and RC.

 

I'm just curious if there's things that may be different, and things we're not expecting. I've already been told by several to not miss the ice show. We did the anytime dining too since the cruise we're taking has really long/late days in port. We're going on an 8-night cruise to N. Europe in July. So the 4 port days are truly like 12-14 hours that we're there. So we didn't want the earlier dining, but didn't want to be tied to the later one either. We did the same thing on our Alaska cruise.

 

I did find the roll call for this cruise too, so I can get more specific info there I know. Thanks so much!

 

We have mostly cruised Carnival as well, but went on RCI this past summer. Check on your anytime dining when you got on the ship. On our Freedom of the Seas cruise, we basically had to make a reservation for every night when we boarded. It wasn't like Carnival's anytime dining. However, I believe this varies ship to ship on RCI.

[kctwinmommy]

We like both lines.

 

I would agree about the ice show, they are terrific! Flow rider is a lot of fun and different. All Royal ships have a rock wall which is also fun and provides an amazing view should you reach the top. First time I did it the guy told me, "don't immediately ring the bell to come down. Turn around and take in the view." So glad I did!

 

The Royal Promenade is a great area and a "hub" of the ship. The cafe and pizzeria are a great alternative to the congested buffet (called "Windjammer on Royal) for lunch on boarding day.

 

Live shows are very good and still feature a live orchestra. Indoor solarium is a great space for quiet away from the kiddos.

 

One of our favorite things on Royal is the salad bar set up in the main dining room. You select the ingredients you want and they make it for you. Fantastic!

 

Cool! Thanks for the info! I want to try the wall climbing for sure. And yeah, the Promenade area looks neat. And good to know about other options for lunch too.

[kctwinmommy]

We took a cheap RC cruise last minute out of New Orleans a few years ago. It was nice, quaint listening to the guitar solo guy at a bar and the parade was amazing! What we didn't like is that everything appeared to close around 9 pm. On our cruise anyhow it was a much older crowd that didn't socialize and party very late at night. That was a stark difference between RC and carnival. I wouldn't mind checking out other cruise lines but my bride wants to stick with Carnival (at least till we get much older). Don't get me wrong, it still was fun....better than the best day of work! Enjoy your cruise, it definitely is what you make of it.

 

Thanks for the info. We're "older" LOL! Not really, 40's & 50's, but we don't do the bars and parties. We like sitting on the deck watching the movies and such, but we don't need much of a nightlife vibe. But it's good to know that things wind down a little earlier. Our 13 year old son (well he'll be almost 14 then! :eek:) is usually out at the kids club later than we're out! LOL!

[kctwinmommy]

We've done a couple of RC cruises and enjoyed them. I think you'll find the two lines more similar than different. Don't miss the parade on the Promenade deck - get there a few minutes early to get a good spot to see everything. I liked the big open inside Promenade deck. I think the food was better on Carnival, shows were better on RC, just my opinion tho. We go on any cruise expecting to have a good time, and we do - even with all the itinerary changes that have been thrown at us through the years.

 

Thanks! Yeah, the reason we chose this is to see these places. That's the most important part to us. We're not big on needing fancy dinners, just good food. A little entertainment is nice too.

 

When do they do this parade you're talking about?

[kctwinmommy]

We have mostly cruised Carnival as well, but went on RCI this past summer. Check on your anytime dining when you got on the ship. On our Freedom of the Seas cruise, we basically had to make a reservation for every night when we boarded. It wasn't like Carnival's anytime dining. However, I believe this varies ship to ship on RCI.

 

I did see something about making a reservation, which is fine too. I just didn't want to be locked in to a specific time every night. Thanks!

[Hotdog 52]

Just off the Liberty of the Seas out of Galveston. Great cruise and great ship. Plenty of time in the ports. Ice show was great, Saturday Night Fever was great, Comics were so so. The other show was great also, Flying High. They had a 10 piece band playing. Very nice.

 

Food was good, even had boiled shrimp and lobster tails the last night in the Windjammer restaurant. Never had that on Carnival.

 

All of the staff was friendly and right there if you needed anything.:)

[ryano]

Freedom class ships are very nice! There is a true "wow" factor to them the minute you step onboard, especially if youve never seen it in person. Pics cannot do them justice.

 

Everything else is pretty equal in my book. They are more alike than different to me. I like Royals ships better but Carnivals food better. Carnivals drinks are a lot cheaper too. Service is a draw.

Edited January 31, 2017 by ryano

[cruise pup]

We like both lines.

 

I would agree about the ice show, they are terrific! Flow rider is a lot of fun and different. All Royal ships have a rock wall which is also fun and provides an amazing view should you reach the top. First time I did it the guy told me, "don't immediately ring the bell to come down. Turn around and take in the view." So glad I did!

 

The Royal Promenade is a great area and a "hub" of the ship. The cafe and pizzeria are a great alternative to the congested buffet (called "Windjammer on Royal) for lunch on boarding day.

 

Live shows are very good and still feature a live orchestra. Indoor solarium is a great space for quiet away from the kiddos.

 

One of our favorite things on Royal is the salad bar set up in the main dining room. You select the ingredients you want and they make it for you. Fantastic!

 

The Solarium is outdoors on the Independence.

[choirgal23]

We sailed Sovereign of theSeas for our honeymoon due to date restrictions. It was nice, but definitely missed the sail away party on Carnival! While docked in the Bahamas we thought they were finally playing some music and getting the party started...then we realized it was the carnival ship next to us!!!

 

 

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[beachbum6264]

Thanks! Yeah, the reason we chose this is to see these places. That's the most important part to us. We're not big on needing fancy dinners, just good food. A little entertainment is nice too.

 

When do they do this parade you're talking about?

 

They'll post the time in the newsletter (forget what RC calls theirs). There were 2 parades on our 7 day cruise. We were 1 deck above for one of them and got a different view, but I liked being on the same deck better.

[kctwinmommy]

They'll post the time in the newsletter (forget what RC calls theirs). There were 2 parades on our 7 day cruise. We were 1 deck above for one of them and got a different view, but I liked being on the same deck better.

 

Cool! Thanks!

[ryano]

They'll post the time in the newsletter (forget what RC calls theirs). .

 

Cruise Compass :D

[kctwinmommy]

Freedom class ships are very nice! There is a true "wow" factor to them the minute you step onboard, especially if youve never seen it in person. Pics cannot do them justice.

 

Everything else is pretty equal in my book. They are more alike than different to me. I like Royals ships better but Carnivals food better. Carnivals drinks are a lot cheaper too. Service is a draw.

 

Yeah, looking forward to seeing one in person. It is the 10th largest ship in the world right now! :eek: I remember we went on a cruise in 2005 on the Carnival Fantasy and we spent a day in Port Canaveral afterwards, taking a small boat cruise there in the channels. We saw the Mariner of Seas that time and couldn't get over how huge it was! And now, it's #22 on the list! LOL!

[saharaga]

The biggest difference between RCI and Carnival to us is that...

 

-there is no 24 hour froyo

-the buffet has odd hours and they close it when it's not open so you can't go in there and just sit.

-depending on what ship you're on, the pizza shop is a part of the promenade cafe, which is like a snack bar with mini-sandwiches, pizza, light desserts, tea, water, coffee, and the specialty coffee shop all in one place. I don't think there's a separate deli either.

- on the RC ships we have sailed on, the promenade cafe is the only food available 24 hours.

- there is a charge for room service after a certain hour

- drinks cost more

- more specialty dining options

- better selection of shops

- more traditional decor

 

 

This really cracked me up! :D. I have noticed that as well. Carnival tends to have livelier music.

 

We sailed Sovereign of theSeas for our honeymoon due to date restrictions. It was nice, but definitely missed the sail away party on Carnival! While docked in the Bahamas we thought they were finally playing some music and getting the party started...then we realized it was the carnival ship next to us!!!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Edited January 31, 2017 by saharaga

[mikayla73]

We've cruised on the Jewel. We enjoyed the cruise, but found things that we missed from CCL.

 

We missed 24 hour froyo. We don't eat it every night, but it's nice to have as a snack if you want it. It's only open for short periods of time. Their 24 hour food offerings were lacking. Food overall was OK though.

 

We didn't like that they closed the Windjammer and you couldn't even walk through there. This made getting to the water/ice a pain as it is behind the Windjammer. We had to go up one deck, then back down to get water. Or you could get water from the solarium or from the area right next to the Windjammer (by the ping pong tables), but they were dispensers that had to be refilled by hand. So when they were empty, you had to find someone still. Might not be an issue on bigger ships.

 

The drinks were more expensive and not very good (but that varies bartender to bartender of course).

 

I loved the glass elevators looking out at the water. The weather wasn't great for swimming, but I enjoyed sitting on deck 4 reading.

 

The staff were great, with the exception of some of the bar staff.

 

Overall we had a great cruise, but we just missed some of the smaller things that we are used to on CCL (and DCL for that matter).

[kctwinmommy]

The biggest difference between RCI and Carnival to us is that...

 

-there is no 24 hour froyo

-the buffet has odd hours and they close it when it's not open so you can't go in there and just sit.

-depending on what ship you're on, the pizza shop is a part of the promenade cafe, which is like a snack bar with mini-sandwiches, pizza, light desserts, tea, water, coffee, and the specialty coffee shop all in one place. I don't think there's a separate deli either.

- on the RC ships we have sailed on, the promenade cafe is the only food available 24 hours.

- there is a charge for room service after a certain hour

- drinks cost more

- more specialty dining options

- better selection of shops

- more traditional decor

 

Perfect! Thanks for the info! My son was like "Aww.... :(" When I told him no 24 hour ice cream though! LOL! We don't do room service usually except for breakfast when we need to get moving early. Sounds like the Promenade is the happening place!

[kctwinmommy]

We've cruised on the Jewel. We enjoyed the cruise, but found things that we missed from CCL.

 

We missed 24 hour froyo. We don't eat it every night, but it's nice to have as a snack if you want it. It's only open for short periods of time. Their 24 hour food offerings were lacking. Food overall was OK though.

 

We didn't like that they closed the Windjammer and you couldn't even walk through there. This made getting to the water/ice a pain as it is behind the Windjammer. We had to go up one deck, then back down to get water. Or you could get water from the solarium or from the area right next to the Windjammer (by the ping pong tables), but they were dispensers that had to be refilled by hand. So when they were empty, you had to find someone still. Might not be an issue on bigger ships.

 

The drinks were more expensive and not very good (but that varies bartender to bartender of course).

 

I loved the glass elevators looking out at the water. The weather wasn't great for swimming, but I enjoyed sitting on deck 4 reading.

 

The staff were great, with the exception of some of the bar staff.

 

Overall we had a great cruise, but we just missed some of the smaller things that we are used to on CCL (and DCL for that matter).

 

Thanks for the info! It's good to know these little things before cruising, just so we're a little prepared. And I agree, sometimes, walking around, I'd grab a cup of ice cream just as a little pick me up!

 

I don't drink alcohol, so that's not a problem for me.

[wanderlust0713]

Make reservations for every single thing you can online beforehand. IF you don't get a spot for a show you want ask where the entertainment booth is right when you board and you can make reservations then. Reserve your anytime dining times for every night online as soon as you can. The good times fill up and the line for those with no reservation each night is ridiculously long. It's ok if you don't show up to something you reserved.

[kctwinmommy]

Make reservations for every single thing you can online beforehand. IF you don't get a spot for a show you want ask where the entertainment booth is right when you board and you can make reservations then. Reserve your anytime dining times for every night online as soon as you can. The good times fill up and the line for those with no reservation each night is ridiculously long. It's ok if you don't show up to something you reserved.

 

So you have to make a reservation to go to the shows??

[wanderlust0713]

So you have to make a reservation to go to the shows??

 

Idk what ship you're on but on the Oasis class ones you do. Quantum too I believe and maybe some others

[westview1]

We have mostly cruised Carnival as well, but went on RCI this past summer. Check on your anytime dining when you got on the ship. On our Freedom of the Seas cruise, we basically had to make a reservation for every night when we boarded. It wasn't like Carnival's anytime dining. However, I believe this varies ship to ship on RCI.

 

I did see something about making a reservation, which is fine too. I just didn't want to be locked in to a specific time every night. Thanks!

 

We got off the Independence of the Seas 3 days ago and we had My Time Dining. The 1st night we went down to the dining room at 6:30 and were told that they were full and to come back at 8:00 pm. When we tried to make reservations for 6:00 we were told that the 6:00 slot was full for the remainder of the cruise, so we made reservations for 8:00. The next night we showed up at 5:45 to see if we could get in without a reservation, we had no issue getting a table. Basically, we were told that the reservations are held for 15 minutes and then marked as a no show, which then opens up the table. They will give out the pagers when needed.

 

We loved the ice show and Grease. We didn't need reservations for the shows, we would get there at least 15 minutes early, usually 30 minutes though. We thought that the entertainment and food was better than Carnival.