Carnival vs other cruise lines

[cruisemom67]

I've sailed Carnival, Royal, NCL, Holland, Princess, and MSC next year. Carnival is the worst with the worst food so don't settle on the worst. Try NCL ..... good prices with the youngest ships. You'll get perks when booking unlike Carnival. NCL's freestyle cruising means you eat when you feel like it and no having to dress up ever if you don't want to. Try the NCL Escape .......We loved it.

 

Obvious very subjective. I think NCL is the worst. Their main show are better, but their food and service was not as good as Carnival. Plus the rooms were much smaller.

 

I would guess many think as I do as NCL is giving away a lot of freebies to get you on the cruise, and usually it is priced lower than CCL.

 

BUT for the most part, the budget lines are all pretty similar. There's differences between the ships on each line, but you are really getting about the same product.

[Gloworm2]

Tncrusin02. Thanks!

 

 

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[dacsmom]

I rotate between Carnival, RCI, and Norwegian. I like all three and each is just a bit different. If you are looking not to dress up, try Norwegian. I like the larger ships, Carnival Vista was wonderful, I loved the feature that almost every restaurant had an inside and outside seating area. RCI Oasis/Allure is a must do, they really deliver the WOW on those ships, but you do need to make reservations for many shows and restaurants. Norwegian Epic was fantastic, very relaxed.

[Tatka]

We have 37 cruises since 2005. Seventeen on Carnival. If I had it to do over again, I would sail everyone of them on Carnival. I would have passed by 25th, and would be closing in on my 50th. There is a lot to be said about loyalty. And you keep getting more perks.

And let me say......On Every Ship we have been on, The Staff has been great. We always get the best cabin attendant, the best Wait Staff. On all of them. CRUISE DIRECTORS............some are not good.

 

We are Platinum on Princess. USED to be my favorite. New president. Trivia and other games became Closed Circuit. You watched others play for the most part. The Food became culture immersed. which in the Caribbean was pork. Boiled. Fried. Steamed. Peppers. Corn. Rice. Beans.

 

HAL. Five cruises there. Best Food at Sea. Nothing to do during the day. Casino is not as tight as Carnival. Passengers fine. Older. But we are old. Trivia one a day which we could attend. Always had one during early dining. we ate early. Stupid questions. sort of mocking guests for wanting to play.. Smart a*s Cruise director and activities people.............. TV Fabulous. Satellite. As I was in cabin with my six year old grandchild a lot.......Lots of Top Movies on demand for fREE. Big TV mounted to wall. LOVED that TV,

 

Celebrity One long time ago. It was the Zenith. Old bucket. Elevators did not work. Air Conditioner did not work. had large bused in groups from the Villages. had more fun than I though possible. thought they might have to get a cherry picker to get me off. Suspect it was those wonderful guests. Did not like the food. EXCEPT for the cookies they had for free in Coffee Bar. all sorts. baked fresh. Just wonderful.

NCL. On the Jewel. Had a mini suite. We were newbies. Had a good time. Went three times in late seventies before before our daughter was born. On the Sunward and the Seaward.

 

RCI. Freedom of the Seas. Confusing arrangement. did not find Studio B until next to last day of cruise. Food was bad. Activities were so bad, Trivia players got mad at guy doing it.

we played with some Aussies who were little buggers. They don't take gruff. Staff. Wonderful. Just did not like the ship. Shows were good. They always are. Excursions were good.

 

I always come back to Carnival. I like the activities. I like the CLEAN Ships. I like the Casino even though I never win on carnival. I like the food. I like, I like, I like Carnival. people having a good time. And we don't drink and are in bed by ten. I like the exuberance.

My opinion

 

We get "lured" away from Carnival due to casino offers. And We NEVER get casino offers from Carnival. Go figure. Do not get VIPF offers either. Maybe it is unrequited love.

 

 

 

I am sorry? I found your description of Princess's food to be very strange. We just had a cruise in January and food was varied and great. The best selection of seafood in buffets among all massmarket.

 

Zenith was a wonderful ship, but evaluate Celebrity by her... is like evaluate Carnival by Jubilee or Holiday.

 

Celebrity offers the best food together with Princess and HAL. Those are premium massmarket lines.

[sparks1093]

My DW and I have cruised with Carnival 5 times and have not cruised any other lines.

 

I don't particularly like change--I like to stay with things I'm familiar with. So I'm wondering how other cruise lines compare, especially thinking of (1) dress codes (for dinner as well as just roaming about the ship), (2) entertainment (including which lines don't do karaoke) (3) anything else that might be starkly different on other cruise lines.

 

Thanks in advance

 

 

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Every cruise line has subtle differences and from what I've read there are no "starkly different" things between one line and the next (although some ships might meet that definition on a stand alone basis). So far I've not read anything that would convince me that one of the other lines is worth considerably more than a Carnival cruise, so as long as Carnival continues to come in at hundreds less than the others we will continue to sail with them.

[rotchill]

I have never been on a Carnival cruise and have two booked in the next year. My best friend has recently taken up cruising and likes Carnival. One reason is we have a friend who is a Carnival cruise specialist and offers some perks and group sailings.

I have cruised once on Celebrity, Princess, and twice on NCL and RCCL. The dress code on a lot of ships is becoming less dressy.

Recently sailed on the NCL Escape which I really liked. Lots to do, love the 24 hour restaurant, Specialty restaurants were great(had the 3night dining as a perk), loved the waterfront deck area to sit.

[nhsails]

Have sailed on over 60 ships, many different lines. Think of them like cars, Ford vs Mercury vs Lincoln, same family but different perspectives and buyers. No difference in cruising. Read reviews, read cruiselines FAQS, ask friends, watch YouTube and most important, be honest about your budget, your expectations, what you want your vacation to be. Worst cruise for me was on Crystal, best Celebrity. My perspective because of meeting my needs for that particular trip. But again, expand your search areas..don't depend on Aunt Sally's next door neighbors' second cousin's dog groomer for what's best for you. Safe journeys

[Tatka]

For me variety is the best thing. We love different lines for their strong points. Celebrity and Princess for their elegance, great food and service. Royal for great sports innovations and entertainment. MSC for beautiful ships and international experience. NCL for great fun atmosphere.

In some reason HAL is still a dark horse for us although it does have a great food and pleasant crowd.

[Gloworm2]

Original poster. With all the comments how are you feeling about trying a new cruise line now?

 

 

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[Aquahound]

My DW and I have cruised with Carnival 5 times and have not cruised any other lines.

 

I don't particularly like change--I like to stay with things I'm familiar with. So I'm wondering how other cruise lines compare, especially thinking of (1) dress codes (for dinner as well as just roaming about the ship), (2) entertainment (including which lines don't do karaoke) (3) anything else that might be starkly different on other cruise lines.

 

Here's my opinion.

 

When it comes to dress codes, I think Carnival is actually one the most strict. On my recent Liberty cruise, I actually saw them turning people away from the Steakhouse for not being dressed appropriately. NCL, Celebrity and HAL have completely done away with formal nights. They still have nights where they suggest dressing up a little, but not formally. Same goes for Princess...at least, on their shorter cruises. In my experience, people tend to dress the nicest on HAL and the worst on NCL.

 

Entertainment - No one beats RCI's newer ships. No one. If you want great off-Broadway entertainment, try a Freedom, Oasis or Quantum Class ship. From what I saw, Carnival isn't even in the same league. Even on RCI's older ships, they still perform before a live band and have multiple singers.

 

I don't know if I've ever been on a line that didn't do karaoke.

 

Other starkly differences.....RCI stands out in ship design. Their ships are just awesome and have a wow factor I've not seen on any other line. HAL is starkly different in that its a much older demographic and their entertainment is the worst I've ever seen. Celebrity is a much more chic, "South Beach" atmosphere. I also think Celebrity has the best free food in mass market cruising. Princess is a nice cruise line, but I don't think they really stand out in any one particular area. Like Carnival, their ships are crowded. NCL is the Spirit Airlines of cruising.

[ryano]

Despite what some losers here say that have nothing better to do in life but troll the Carnival forum spewing their anti Carnival drivel, Carnival is a great cruiseline. I only have experience with Carnival and Royal Caribbean but the ONLY TWO things Royal has over Carnival is better, less crowded ships and entertainment. Carnival excels in everything else in my honest opinion.

 

If you are gonna give Royal a try, go on a Freedom class or Oasis class ship. Be prepared to pay out the wazoo for drinks and have mediocre to pretty much terrible food though.

[EBFURR]

We are Diamond Royal and just completed our first Carnival cruise on the Sunshine. Weather was horrible but we had a good time anyway which speaks to the ship and crew. We agree that there are more similarities than differences between Carnival and Royal. The newer RCI ships are very "inward facing" and tend to close off sea views from the public areas. We don't like that. We found entertainment to be about the same and the main dining about the same. Both are going down hill. the Sunshine blew away Royal with the dining options (at least the no extra cost ones). We found the staff on Sunshine not to be as friendly as Royal. There were exceptions, but very few smiles and greetings from the crew. We were surprised by this, but we do acknowledge that this can vary from ship to ship and even week to week and the staff rotates. The bars seemed to be understaffed at peak times, probably so they do not serve as many drinks under the Cheers program. This made the staff overworked and probably contributed to the attitude. The group activities were great, but cannot say that they were better than Royal across that board. Certainly as good and maybe a little better. We will use Carnival again. Positives greatly outweigh any negatives. The negatives we felt were the same creeping ones we see at Royal and are mostly due to cost cutting and the changing on board experience which seems to be fairly universal in mainstream cruising. As long time Royal loyalists we are sorry we did not branch out sooner but the loyalty programs tend to "trap" you into staying with the same line, but that is the point I suppose. We would recommend trying different lines just to spice things up. We are finally doing that after nearly 25 years.

[ryano]

Ha Ha! :D We can refute that undisputedly. It is a fact of life as they struggle to keep the ships full with low fares and protect revenue. We will continue to cruise both (and probably other lines) until we think we are not getting our money's worth. That is still not the case even with the cutbacks though. Happy sails!

 

Agreed 100%! Happy cruising ! :)

[Aquahound]

We will continue to cruise both (and probably other lines) until we think we are not getting our money's worth. That is still not the case even with the cutbacks though. Happy sails!

 

Not that this is a CCL vs RCI thread (despite some trying so hard to make it that way), but I do agree with you.

 

People gripe and moan about cutbacks, but don't recognize what was gained from those cutbacks. So RCI doesn't put chocolates on pillows anymore, and they only do towel animals on formal nights, and drinks cost a little more. Wah! :loudcry: The trade-off has been a serious upgrade in entertainment and ship designs that are awe-inspiring.

 

Same goes for NCL. They've cut back on a lot and they nickel and dime the heck out of people, but their new "Away" class ships are pretty awesome, and their entertainment is second only to RCI.

 

I haven't been cruising HAL, Princess or CCL long enough to notice significant cutbacks, but I have a feeling the same can be said for them.

 

That's the problem when people stick to only one or 2 lines. They tend to only notice the negative changes, and then come on these board and state their opinions as facts. That's when it's time to freshen things up and try a new line.

[ryano]

When a Bloody Mary goes from around 10 bucks with grat included to $14.16 in what seems like overnight, I call that more than just "a little more" but hey, at least Im not over there trolling the RC forum complaining about it every.single.day like some losers do here when it comes to Carnival. If Carnival can sell an even better Bloody Mary four dollars cheaper, why cant Royal? Oh thats right, they have to pay for those new monstrosities someway :) Ive seen nothing improved on RCI over the last 5 years as I dont sail on brand new ships. Ive seen a lot of cutbacks in food quality and other services though. Yes, that is MY opinion of which I will voice from time to time especially when there are anti Carnival trolls here trying to blow smoke up my ass on all things Royal Caribbean. The reason my posts are Carnival vs Royal is because thats the only two I have experience with. My apologies if there is a problem with that.

[Sailor_Sally]

It really does not matter who serves better food or has better entertainment . It matters which line you are comfortable with . You need to enjoy your fellow passengers . I have cruised Carnival, RCL, NCL , Celebrity and Costa and right now RCL is where I feel most comfortable .

[shealea]

I have sailed several cruises on NCL's Pearl and Jewel ships. I have sailed one time on Holland America. I can tell you what we have experienced. They are not huge mega-ships, but smaller, or I guess probably considered mid-sized.

 

Our cabins on NCL were a bit smaller than our Ocean view on Holland America. But we had no problem with the cabins. Enough room for two of us just fine. Lots of storage.

 

We liked NCL over Holland America in many areas. The entertainment we experienced on NCL was far better than Holland America. On Holland America, the main shows were not anywhere near as good as NCL. NCL had pretty lively karaoke going on. So much fun!!

 

On Holland America, later night entertainment was just not there like on NCL. NCL has fun, active dancing and music. Lots of folks boogie-ing late into the night. We dance or just sit and enjoy watching the fun! NCL has the white hot party! They have some kind of wilder, zany later night entertainers and audience participant activities. So, so much fun!!

 

I liked the buffet better on NCL. To me, the main dining room food was about the same on both. I enjoy most any food though.

 

NCL is really relaxed with their dress code. Dining is Anytime Dining; no specific seating time. We never once had to wait to be seated.

 

I felt we had excellent service on both cruise lines. Our room stewards were very good on both.

 

Holland America has many computer classes offered. I went to a couple to learn the new operating system and what it has to offer. I went to one class on using the new Pictures program and all it does.

 

Holland America had many cooking demos offered. They had cooking classes for a fee.

 

I felt Holland America was good, but we prefer NCL. I would cruise Holland America again if the price was right, but I will try to stick with NCL. It fits our style.

[JimAOk1945]

Choose a cruise that will take you where you want to go within your budget. Compare different cruise lines that offer the itinerary you want. Then book it! Cruising is a wonderful way to travel!

[K.T.B.]

I've sailed both Carnival and Celebrity and I love them both for a variety of reasons. MY reasons for sailing probably differ than many others: I go for relaxation. I'm not there to party by the pool or anything like that. Bother cruise lines offer a great product. The food on both is great, though I've had issues with it on both lines on a couple of occasions. (Nothing so serious that I won't sail on either again.)

 

For me, I pick a specific line for the ports. If I get a good deal, that's who I go with. IMO, I think Carnival and Celebrity are fairly similar, with Celebrity being a little more "high end" in some minor ways. (Their Aqua Class is the main difference in the two.)

[AmberTeka]

I am sorry? I found your description of Princess's food to be very strange. We just had a cruise in January and food was varied and great. The best selection of seafood in buffets among all massmarket.

 

Zenith was a wonderful ship, but evaluate Celebrity by her... is like evaluate Carnival by Jubilee or Holiday.

 

Celebrity offers the best food together with Princess and HAL. Those are premium massmarket lines.

 

I am glad you had a great cruise. And food choices are always subjective. The cruise we took on Princess had a Caribbean immersion theme in MDR. That included a pork dish every night. Sometimes too. Goat dishes. I know those are food staples in Caribbean. Our cruise was on Princess Regal in March of 2016.

I did like their Harvest Buffet on the Lido Deck.

But I did not enjoy the MDR Food.

We had been on 5 previous Carnival Cruises before that.........and I had found the food to be delicious. I think they had just hired a New Head Chef.

 

That was my experience. Not everyone's. And I was honest.

[skiingj]

12 Carnival cruises (93 days) and I think the Steakhouse is the best, love family style Italian, and Carnival has the best pizza & burgers. With all the Carnival cutbacks and poor loyalty program I’ve decided to switch brands.

 

2 Royal cruises under my belt and I think they have a better product for me. Better shows, better origination and slightly better MDR/Buffet food and much more choices. I will still sail Carnival from time to time and have one booked in January.

 

After 5 HAL cruises they have the best food and service overall. After 13 years of cruising HAL I’m starting to fit in as I near my fifties. :0 We have a B2B Alaska and Pacific Coastal booked and I look forward to just relaxing and don't care if there is no nightlife. I'm hoping they add walker races to lido. Now that would be fun. JK LOL

 

Did not like Princess or Costa. Would like to try Celebrity as I hear so many good things, plus Royal and Celebrity loyalty programs cross over.

[Tatka]

Despite what some losers here say that have nothing better to do in life but troll the Carnival forum spewing their anti Carnival drivel, Carnival is a great cruiseline. I only have experience with Carnival and Royal Caribbean but the ONLY TWO things Royal has over Carnival is better, less crowded ships and entertainment. Carnival excels in everything else in my honest opinion.

 

If you are gonna give Royal a try, go on a Freedom class or Oasis class ship. Be prepared to pay out the wazoo for drinks and have mediocre to pretty much terrible food though.

Well, none of these two lines are exactly known for great food. As well as MSC or NCL.

I cannot say that Carnival's food better than RCCLs.

[Tatka]

I am glad you had a great cruise. And food choices are always subjective. The cruise we took on Princess had a Caribbean immersion theme in MDR. That included a pork dish every night. Sometimes too. Goat dishes. I know those are food staples in Caribbean. Our cruise was on Princess Regal in March of 2016.

I did like their Harvest Buffet on the Lido Deck.

But I did not enjoy the MDR Food.

We had been on 5 previous Carnival Cruises before that.........and I had found the food to be delicious. I think they had just hired a New Head Chef.

 

That was my experience. Not everyone's. And I was honest.

Well, you cannot base your opinion on one ship/cruise. Otherwise I'd say, that Carnival is only serving iron steak. :)

Even on the same ship chefs change and quality changes.

In my experience of 6 Princess cruises food exceeded in quality and variety all cruise lines with an exception of Celebrity (but there were more seafood choices)

[Tatka]

12 Carnival cruises (93 days) and I think the Steakhouse is the best, love family style Italian, and Carnival has the best pizza & burgers. With all the Carnival cutbacks and poor loyalty program I’ve decided to switch brands.

 

2 Royal cruises under my belt and I think they have a better product for me. Better shows, better origination and slightly better MDR/Buffet food and much more choices. I will still sail Carnival from time to time and have one booked in January.

 

After 5 HAL cruises they have the best food and service overall. After 13 years of cruising HAL I’m starting to fit in as I near my fifties. :0 We have a B2B Alaska and Pacific Coastal booked and I look forward to just relaxing and don't care if there is no nightlife. I'm hoping they add walker races to lido. Now that would be fun. JK LOL

 

Did not like Princess or Costa. Would like to try Celebrity as I hear so many good things, plus Royal and Celebrity loyalty programs cross over.

You should try Celebrity.. just check pool setup with all padded loungers with towels. Food is also great as well as service for the most part.

[FLSteve11]

Not that this is a CCL vs RCI thread (despite some trying so hard to make it that way), but I do agree with you.

 

People gripe and moan about cutbacks, but don't recognize what was gained from those cutbacks. So RCI doesn't put chocolates on pillows anymore, and they only do towel animals on formal nights, and drinks cost a little more. Wah! :loudcry: The trade-off has been a serious upgrade in entertainment and ship designs that are awe-inspiring.

 

Same goes for NCL. They've cut back on a lot and they nickel and dime the heck out of people, but their new "Away" class ships are pretty awesome, and their entertainment is second only to RCI.

 

I haven't been cruising HAL, Princess or CCL long enough to notice significant cutbacks, but I have a feeling the same can be said for them.

 

That's the problem when people stick to only one or 2 lines. They tend to only notice the negative changes, and then come on these board and state their opinions as facts. That's when it's time to freshen things up and try a new line.

 

There is one more trade off that people also ignore. The base price of cruising is lower then it used to be. Even with the increase in pricing lately (mainly more a re-adjustment of the ultra-low prices the cruise lines were forced to go with after the last recession), it's still cheaper to go on a cruise now then it did 10 years ago. And during that time it was with smaller ship with lesser entertainment options.

 

People will always complain about cutbacks, or the nickel-and-diming. But in the end they usually show they want cheaper over better quality. That is why the airlines are they way they are now as well. What the cruise lines have now done though is allow those who want cheap to get it (base price and not pay for options) and those who want better quality will be able to pay the extra for that too (specialty restaurants, extras, etc)