Princess vs Carnival

[joeyancho]

Carnival ships are whimsically decorated while Princess are classically staid.

Whimsical? You are being kind. They look like 70's Vegas wedding chapel. I call it tacky.

[SantaFeFan]

Carnival ships are whimsically decorated while Princess are classically staid.

Whimsical? You are being kind. They look like 70's Vegas wedding chapel. I call it tacky.

 

Hey, don't insult 70's Vegas wedding chapels. Carnival is much worse that that. I get eyestrain just looking at pictures of Carnival interiors. I can't imagine how painful it must be to be surrounded by such atrocious interior decorating for an entire cruise. :eek:

[mek]

Friends who cruised Carnival for their first (and last) cruise. They will never set foot on a cruise ship again.

 

Well, that's too bad, but cruising isn't for everyone. Princess is my overall favorite line, but I've had some great cruises on Carnival also.

[iceleven]

There was a long thread here on Cruise Critic a couple of years ago discussing which was the worst cruise line. Right out of the gate, NCL and Carnival ran neck in next at the front of the pack. The leader kept switching back and forth between the two for several pages of comments, but both of them were always way ahead of the rest. As the thread finally wound down, one courageous CC member took one for the team and went through ever post and tabulated the score. In the end, Carnival was the winner of the Worst Cruise Line Award, but only by a smidgen. It must have been quite the honor to have won such a prestigious award. ;p

 

If it was created on a Princess thread, with the majority of the cruisers in their 60's-70's, you're not going to get many positive points for Carnival. It's no wonder it was being dumped on so much.

[iceleven]

We've cruised Princess most often (next cruise makes us Elite) but mostly because it is a regular in my home port and we don't have to fly. However, we've cruised Carnival 3-4 times from Florida and never found any of them upsetting or disappointing in any manner. We don't sit at the pools or hang out at bars on any ship so I can say I have never experienced any of the negative comments about heavy partying, heavy drinking, fights, etc.

 

We have enjoyed the Carnival deck parties more as they are more lively and we enjoy current music more. (We are in our 60's but don't desire to live only in the past). Oldies are fun but no need to stay in a rut.

Carnival is called The Fun Ship for a reason. It's more high-energy and caters to high-energy families. I find I nap more on Princess. Nothing wrong with that but if there was something going on more interesting perhaps I would nap less often. The energy on Princess is simply more subdued.

 

Princess may have better hours for continuous food available but again, that's not an issue for us either. We've never cared for the limited room service menu on Princess. HAL has them all beat.

 

Carnival's decor is THEMATIC. Each ship has a different "theme." I think most non-Carnival cruisers are not aware of that. Over the board in decor? Yes, perhaps for many of us. Sure, many may not enjoy the idea of being on a ship with the bold colors but to be honest, most of us are only on the ship (usually) 7 days out of 365. Some of us can get a bit bored with the continuous walls and halls of beige, beige, beige.

 

Carnival has larger cabins and more of their ships have more expansive spa facilities which we always enjoyed. At least the ones we cruised.

 

Princess made more points with us when they discontinued smoking in cabins and balconies. Other ships were slower to do this.

 

I'm all for families enjoying their children on their family vacations but we've found all too often that parents become less responsible on cruises and leave it to the kids clubs to entertain them and when that isn't happening, the kids often just run loose on the ship. Now I've seen this on all the cruise lines we've sailed so we tend to cruise when most kids are still in school.

 

I would NEVER, ever judge someone as "low-class" especially when one doesn't even know them. I saw a man in farmer's overalls and straw hat on a Princess ship, women wearing Daisy Dukes on both ships.

 

We've had both horrible and wonderful meals on both cruise lines. I still believe it is dependent on the Head Chef because he is in charge of quality control and the menu.

[SantaFeFan]

If it was created on a Princess thread, with the majority of the cruisers in their 60's-70's, you're not going to get many positive points for Carnival. It's no wonder it was being dumped on so much.

 

Sorry to burst your bubble, but it was on the Ask A Cruise Question forum. ;)

 

Since you are challenging what I wrote, I did a search for "Worst" in that forum and quickly found the thread I was referring to. It was started in September 2011 and ended in June 2013 with a total of 504 posts.

 

Here is the link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=31117498&postcount=165 Go to post #165 for these results.

 

The thread continued on until it reached #504, where the results were posted again to wrap up the discussion.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1481929&highlight=worst Go to post #504 for the final posting.

 

I have copied the final score for your convenience so you won't have to look for it.

 

I decided to take a break from preparing my end-of-the-month books and have some fun with this topic, so I took the time to count every person's pick of the worst (I know, I must have too much time on my hands!!:D)

 

What I found was fascinating. And that you have a point that I'm glad you made about NCL getting quite a few votes. What was very interesting was that NCE and Carnival ended up with almost a tie - CAR = 35; NCL = 33. As I counted, one would take the lead, then the other rallied and took back the lead, which changed over a dozen times. I would say that both are equally disliked.

 

For those of you who might be interested, here are the totals as the worst cruise lines based on the answers on this thread:

 

CARNIVAL = 35

NCL = 33

ROYAL CARIBBEAN = 11

MSC = 6

HAL = 5

CELEBRITY = 1

DISNEY = 1

PRINCESS = 1

 

Other lines were mentioned, but these I didn't consider to be the mass market lines most of us cruise on, so they weren't counted. Besides, none not listed here totaled more than two votes each.

Edited June 11, 2017 by SantaFeFan

[Skai]

• Never seen an obnoxious drunk on Princess
  
• Never heard the "F" word on Princess
  
• Not many tattoos on Princess
  
• Older crowd on Princess
  
• No loud color scheme on Princess
  
• No stupid "Hairy Chest" type of activities on Princess
  

 

Ever been on a Carnival cruise? If you haven't, I'm not sure that you would be qualified to make a fair comparison here in lieu of stating hearsay.

 

That stated, On Princess: I've seen people 'tossed' before, I've witnessed vulgar language and have also witnessed plenty of tattoos on board.

 

Princess also has 'pool competitions' as well as blaring MUTS concerts that may disrupt the serenity in the main Lido pool area(s) at times during the day. We've found that the Aft and Lotus spa (Adult-only) pool areas on Princess to be more to our liking for this reason.

 

However, Princess does generally skew older, and yes, the decor is more subdued than the cheap Vegas casino-style set-up on most Carnival vessels.

 

You're right. I do see less pax schlepping off their own luggage at debarkation on Princess. Maybe you meant schlubs? But don't see too many sloppy pax on either line. Have seen a few more putz's on Carnival but more kvetches on Princess. Kvellars on both lines.

 

But what's the ratio of shmucks to shlemiels to shmendriks between the lines?

[satxdiver]

I have sailed on both cruiselines. Princess and CCL appeal to different pax. CCL competes with NCL while Princess is more competitive with Celebrity. On CCL there is the constant announcements about bingo, art auctions, silly pool games etc. It seems that the only safe place to avoid the noise pollution is in your stateroom. CCL is into silly pool games ad nauseum. I have seen women dancing on the tables on CCL but not on Princess as well as the heavy drinking (I have only sailed on 7 day CCL cruises to the Caribbean). I would agree with Thrak on his assessment and have seen/heard those things only on CCL. As many have stated before it is the difference with being with the walmart crowd versus the target group. On my last CCL cruise I was looking at how the pax dressed and behaved and it did fit a bit with the many stories about walmart people. I like to people watch.

[SadieN]

Ever been on a Carnival cruise? If you haven't, I'm not sure that you would be qualified to make a fair comparison here in lieu of stating hearsay.

 

That stated, On Princess: I've seen people 'tossed' before, I've witnessed vulgar language and have also witnessed plenty of tattoos on board.

 

Princess also has 'pool competitions' as well as blaring MUTS concerts that may disrupt the serenity in the main Lido pool area(s) at times during the day. We've found that the Aft and Lotus spa (Adult-only) pool areas on Princess to be more to our liking for this reason.

 

However, Princess does generally skew older, and yes, the decor is more subdued than the cheap Vegas casino-style set-up on most Carnival vessels.

 

 

 

But what's the ratio of shmucks to shlemiels to shmendriks between the lines?

 

 

 

Lol

 

 

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[lolane1]

I have done only one Carnival Cruise 18 years ago and never again.

Besides horrible food and tacky decor, I was turned off by the stupid pool games especially after the men put on their wives bras, among other things. But the cruise was cheap. I suppose you get what you pay for.

 

My assessment of some cruise lines is that the people coming off the Pirate ship excursion drunk, loud and disorderly are Carnival people. Norwegian cruisers generally ignore them and shake their heads and the Princess and Celebrity cruisers are genuinely appalled by the spectacle.

This assessment is painted with a broad brush, so no offense to anyone not fitting the profile.

I do admit that much might have changed over the years, but I think I'll stick with Princess and Celebrity.

[iceleven]

You are quite the sensitive one aren't you? You did not say which forum it was on and I did say "IF" it was on Princess....There is no bubble burst nor was I challenging you. You can relax now.

 

 

Sorry to burst your bubble, but it was on the Ask A Cruise Question forum. ;)

 

Since you are challenging what I wrote, I did a search for "Worst" in that forum and quickly found the thread I was referring to. It was started in September 2011 and ended in June 2013 with a total of 504 posts.

 

Here is the link:

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=31117498&postcount=165 Go to post #165 for these results.

 

The thread continued on until it reached #504, where the results were posted again to wrap up the discussion.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1481929&highlight=worst Go to post #504 for the final posting.

 

I have copied the final score for your convenience so you won't have to look for it.

 

I decided to take a break from preparing my end-of-the-month books and have some fun with this topic, so I took the time to count every person's pick of the worst (I know, I must have too much time on my hands!!:D)

 

What I found was fascinating. And that you have a point that I'm glad you made about NCL getting quite a few votes. What was very interesting was that NCE and Carnival ended up with almost a tie - CAR = 35; NCL = 33. As I counted, one would take the lead, then the other rallied and took back the lead, which changed over a dozen times. I would say that both are equally disliked.

 

For those of you who might be interested, here are the totals as the worst cruise lines based on the answers on this thread:

 

CARNIVAL = 35

NCL = 33

ROYAL CARIBBEAN = 11

MSC = 6

HAL = 5

CELEBRITY = 1

DISNEY = 1

PRINCESS = 1

 

Other lines were mentioned, but these I didn't consider to be the mass market lines most of us cruise on, so they weren't counted. Besides, none not listed here totaled more than two votes each.

[GUT2407]

Princess is Casual, Elegant, and Traditional. A massive upgrade from Carnival all around. Princess is also a much more quiet and relaxing atmosphere.

Sounds right to me

[sandy999]

We have booked another Carnival later this year. 2 sea days this time. I am looking forward to the itinerary, the food (the beef was fantastic) and a generally relaxed atmosphere. I think all the cruise lines have their own selling points. I love the ships with solariums, movies under the stars, chocolate buffets and good coffee! I should say we don't sunbathe or use the pools on-board, so didn't come across any pool competitions etc...

[SantaFeFan]

You are quite the sensitive one aren't you? You did not say which forum it was on and I did say "IF" it was on Princess....There is no bubble burst nor was I challenging you. You can relax now.

 

Jeeze, it was in humor. Notice the "wink" emoji ( ;) )? My gawd, the Princess forum is populated by some of the most humorless people on CC. :rolleyes:

[Thoth]

For those who despise Carnival...how many Carnival cruises have you been on in the last 10-20 years ? ( 10 here with another booked )

 

At one time it did have the reputation of young adults drinking all night, but I feel that the "Fun Ships" have matured over the years. To me the old Fantasy class ships did look like Fremont Street in Las Vegas. The newer & bigger ships are a bit more tasteful in decor. With the exception of vulgar midnight comedy, Carnival now seems to cater to families.

[Scotto97]

Personally I think Carnival puts out a great product for their target demographic. I prefer Carnival's buffet over Princess due to a larger variety of more common foods, But overwhelmingly like Princess MDR. As another post mentioned, Carnival is much more fun and has better energy which we prefer on warm weather cruises. There's more live music topside and DJ's play upbeat and modern music while the band takes a break.

 

We like the fun of silly pool games when it's 90 degrees in the Caribbean, and enjoy the people watching - it's entertaining.

 

But we also enjoy the more sophisticated Princess crowd and atmosphere on longer, cool weather cruises. A nice string quartet in the Piazza, knowledgeable piano bar entertainer playing classic Broadway numbers, great wine tasting events - all of these are wonderful in that setting.

[BEFdoc]

How about fridge in the cabins? Princess yup, carnival has on some ships but, many don't.

[BarbarianPaul]

Sailed out of Los Angeles to Mexico for a ten day cruise on the Star Princess in April. The entertainment was great but my wife and I will never sail on the line again for several reasons:

1. We both got sick from being served fish which had gone bad in the buffet two days before disembarkation.

2. The toilets stopped functioning twice for several hours, and then overflowed. Twice.

3. We love to find a quiet, shady place on the upper decks to read and relax. But there was none. Just what seemed like acres and acres of no frill deck chairs baking in the sun amidst a blaring soundtrack. We had no choice but to use an area near the front of the ship called The Sanctuary, which cost us $80 every time we went.

4. Our verandah cabin was old and dated and looked like it hadn't been updated in years.

5. The food in the main dining room was below average.

 

To be fair, the captain and staff were wonderful. This was our first and last time on Princess.

 

 

 

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[sandy999]

Hi, It's a shame you had a bad experience. I too have had a couple of issues sailing Princess, but overall enjoyed the experience. Caribbean and Sapphire - loved the ships, food etc.. Regal, I thought was just too big and I prefer smaller ships.

I think the experience (food, service, trips, port stops) does vary ship to ship - I wonder if this is to do with the Captain and Officers?

 

Sailed out of Los Angeles to Mexico for a ten day cruise on the Star Princess in April. The entertainment was great but my wife and I will never sail on the line again for several reasons:

1. We both got sick from being served fish which had gone bad in the buffet two days before disembarkation.

2. The toilets stopped functioning twice for several hours, and then overflowed. Twice.

3. We love to find a quiet, shady place on the upper decks to read and relax. But there was none. Just what seemed like acres and acres of no frill deck chairs baking in the sun amidst a blaring soundtrack. We had no choice but to use an area near the front of the ship called The Sanctuary, which cost us $80 every time we went.

4. Our verandah cabin was old and dated and looked like it hadn't been updated in years.

5. The food in the main dining room was below average.

 

To be fair, the captain and staff were wonderful. This was our first and last time on Princess.

 

 

 

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[BarbarianPaul]

The captain and officers are always so important, and we loved the captain, cruise director staff and crew. But our overall impression was of an old low rent ship that offered a low end cruise experience.

From our experience, I'm not sure why Princess is considered upscale. We do love Celebrity, which offers a monumentally better experience, and in our opinion a better value for the money. And with various promotions always popping up, I'm not sure that they're any pricier.

Maybe it was just the old ship, which doesn't appear to have seen a considerable upgrade in years.

 

 

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[klfhngr]

I've cruised on Carnival and Princess, along with X and Royal....

 

I'd say that Princess is closer to X than it is to Carnival.

 

Like I tell my friends, if you want to party, go on Carnival and even Royal. If you want to be pampered, eat decent food and want some quiet time/romantic time, go on X or Princess.....

[Meanee]

About 3 years back, I took a cruise on Carnival Dream. Never again.

 

Confusing as hell ship layout. Buffet that closes right when people come back from shore. Only food source for returning passengers was pizza bar, with a line snaking around the ship. Packs of wild kids running around with nobody giving a crap. One kid got hurt at the pool, and it took 45 minutes of paging entire ship to find his parents. The mysterious pasta bar seemed to be open at odd hours, after you do a rain dance and sacrifice a goat under full moon. Cruiseline automatically assumes you will steal towels, and puts up a ton of notices threatening to charge you gazillion dollars for each towel you dare to touch. Decor that makes you wanna gouge your eyes out.

 

My next cruise was on Royal Princess. It was night and day.

 

Beer on Carnival was pretty good though, the one they allegedly brew themselves.

[ashley@cruisecritic]

I've done four sailings with Carnival and just took my first Princess cruise in January on Grand Princess. I don't necessarily think it's fair to say one of the lines is universally "better" than the other, especially considering it's not an apples-to-apples comparison. Cruising is extremely subjective, and the line(s) you prefer will depend on what your enjoy and what's important to you, which obviously could be totally different from what's ideal for someone else.

 

That said, here's an article that might help with practical comparisons between things like dining, cabins, pricing, activities, family options, etc.: http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=1934. Hope it's useful!

[rp23g7]

Carnival is the Greyhound bus, Princess is the charter.

 

More kids on Carnival, even on non holiday/school in session times.

Never been bored on a princess cruise, the two times I have been on Carnival, even if they are billed as the FUN ships, surprisingly not a whole lot to do

[Thoth]

The mysterious pasta bar seemed to be open at odd hours, after you do a rain dance and sacrifice a goat under full moon. .

oh my ! ;p LOL