Royal “allures” carnival girl: A comparison story.

[JaniceB]

Welcome back and yes CC has made a few changes since you last posted.  Enjoying your comparision review.

[KKB]

LOVING your comparison! 

We have sailed RCCL twice--Mariner to MX Riviera (least fav cruise) & Allure to Caribbean (FAV cruise), with Anthem booked this NYE. 

Never have done Carnival & have been told it would be a shock after DCL, Princess, Celebrity & RCCL cruises under our belts...so far we have been able to find better deals on other lines.

We had interiors on Mariner & found plenty of closet space...but ships can certainly differ (had balcony on Allure)

[readyk]

glad u back

[createmem]

On 10/18/2018 at 1:37 PM, amsred2 said:

RCL really wants to sell you their dining packages and I heard a lot of rumble about them intentionally declining their dining room quality in order to up the specialty dining revenue.  We did not experience this at all.  I found the food to be hot, well presented and tasty.  About half the menu is the same every night and the other half changes daily.   

Interesting that you mention this and the comment about drink packages as well.  I went on a CCL cruise in February and had posted in the CCL forums about would carnival be having a sale.  I felt flamed by everybody for even suggesting a discount in CCL's products.  I was told quite specifically that CCL didn't need to lower their prices on a drink package because it was already such a good value.  I don't ever get the drink package on RCI so I didn't know what the pricing comparison was.  It seems as it is quite similar and really drink pricing on the ships is similar.  

 

Enjoying your review!  We cruise on Allure in February!

[mom2tcdx2]

10 minutes ago, createmem said:

Interesting that you mention this and the comment about drink packages as well.  I went on a CCL cruise in February and had posted in the CCL forums about would carnival be having a sale.  I felt flamed by everybody for even suggesting a discount in CCL's products.  I was told quite specifically that CCL didn't need to lower their prices on a drink package because it was already such a good value.  I don't ever get the drink package on RCI so I didn't know what the pricing comparison was.  It seems as it is quite similar and really drink pricing on the ships is similar.  

 

 

 

I am one who thinks the drink package is a bit high on Carnival - if you prebook it is $51.95 a day plus gratuity, while we were able to book the Allura drink package for $42 a day plus gratuity.  Though I do also believe the drinks may be a hair cheaper on Carnival - I believe a martini at the Alchemy bar is around $11 while they seemed closer to $13 on Royal (or the Allure anyway).  So I have found I will do much better buying the package on Allure than on our upcoming Carnival cruise.  

Edited October 22, 2018 by mom2tcdx2

[createmem]

Interesting comparison.  I haven't bought the drink package since we became diamond on Royal.  We do most of our drinking before or during dinner, so we just use diamond lounge or our 3 drinks for that.  If I have a day drink its usually a frozen concoction and I wouldn't make it up on the drink package.

[amsred2]

Hi Everyone who is still dragging along.  After a grueling two weeks back at work, with only one day off, I finally have two blissful days of R&R in a row.  Hopefully I can finish up my review as I plan on having two very relaxing, stay in my pajamas, relaxing on the couch, writing days. 

 

NEXT UP: Really feeling like ROYALTY:  The dining experience!

[amsred2]

Really feeling like ROYALTY:  The dining experience!

 

After our tour of the dining room, we were seated at a table for six.  By this time, dinner service had been in full swing for twenty minutes, yet the table was empty.   Well so much for meeting new lifelong friends.   Our servers appeared immediately and introduced themselves as Anton (waiter) and Ajay (assistant).   I explained that this was my first time on RCL and was looking for suggestions on what to eat.   Anton recommended the mushroom soup, prime rib and Royal cheesecake for desert.  I love prime rib but was a little hesitant as CCL rarely seems to get prime rib right, but I took Anton up on his suggestions anyway.  I was surprised when only a few minutes later our appetizers appeared fresh and piping hot.   I thought that maybe since we were so late being seated, that we should expect delays but our food arrived quickly, and hot, for every meal.   

 

As I was enjoying my super yummy soup and fresh crusty rolls, another headwaiter, Miriam, arrived and introduced himself.  This really confused me as he didn't actually do any of the serving, ordering etc.   We deduced that the headwaiters really just oversee each section acting as a kind of assistant Matre' d.   

 

The prim rib was exquisite and the cheesecake was divine. Gabriel, our tour guide from earlier, stopped by to see how we were doing and I was still raving about the delicious croquettes served alongside the beef.  He vowed to have them made special for me every night!  I thought "wow" he's not even technically on our team and he's going out of his way to take extra care of us.  We noticed that no matter how busy they were, all staff would go out of their way to help out.  The actual Matre' d, Gabriel and Miriam, and even other headwaiters, stopped by our table throughout the week to check on us.  Whenever we had a request, they would attend to it themselves instead of pawning it off on one of the assistants. 

 

This would be the way it would go all week.  Anton's recommendations for me were as if he pulled the ideas from my own mind.  I only had one dish that wasn't to my liking and he cheerfully brought me a second item to drool over.  Ajay never let our drink glasses get empty and was quick to fill any needs we had.  

 

I mentioned earlier about drink service in CCL's dining room being slow.  I have to tell you that Ajay never let hubby's beer get empty.  Hubby is hard to impress but this nearly floored him. 

 

On day three we were finally joined by two sisters (also first time on RCL) who were there to photograph a wedding and they were pleasant company for a few days.  After witnessing the parade of people fulfilling our every need and checking on our well-being, they actually asked "Are you royalty or something?  They seem to be treating us extra special."

 

So you can guess who wins the dining room face-off.   Dinner is almost always a highlight of any cruise we take and although we still enjoy CCL dining, this one is a no-brainier. Full diner service, elegant surroundings, royal treatment and really tasty food puts RCL as a clear front-runner.  

 

 

Tallys; 

• Dining Room- RCL +2 (just have to give extra for our service

Cruise Totals:  CCL-2 :   RCL-5  To tough to call-1

Next UP:  We didn't exactly go hungry the rest of the time either. 

 

 

 

[amsred2]

After reading my last post I have to make an adjustment to my tally. 

 

I liked the cheesecake a lot and somewhat enjoyed a couple other deserts on RCL.  However, they made a sad attempt at a chocolate lava cake.  I shouldn't have even bothered hoping that it would make up for missing my favorite all-time desert. 

 

Oh how I missed Carnivals Warm Chocolate Melting Cake!!!

 

 

Tallys; 

• Dining Room- RCL +2 (just have to give extra for our service)
• WCMC Carnival +1

Cruise Totals:  CCL-4 :   RCL-5  To tough to call-1

 

 

Edited October 24, 2018 by amsred2
Mistype

[BobNoxious]

Counts still off... you had CCL-3 after the room size on page 5.

[amsred2]

6 minutes ago, BobNoxious said:

Counts still off... you had CCL-3 after the room size on page 5.

 You are right...corrected.   I lost track a little after being away a week. 

[amsred2]

We didn't exactly go hungry the rest of the time either. 

 

I had plans to check out all of the free eating venues on the ship.   Believe me, there are plenty of free places on the ship and no one will ever go hungry.    As seasoned cruisers, we've learned not to spend countless hours getting our "money's worth" in calories.  

 

In my research I had learned that we should experience Johnny Rockets earlier in the cruise before everyone learns of the free breakfast option.  On day two it was already crowded.   We crammed into the bar area and ordered an all-American breakfast of eggs, bacon and pancakes (and of course more fresh squeezed OJ).  It took quite awhile for us to get our breakfast and, while it was decent, it was nothing to write home about.   

 

The crowding seemed to be the theme throughout the week.   We never tried pizza or cafe promenade as every time we went there was a long line and didn't want to spend any more time in lines than we had to.   We only tried the windjammer once and it was so crowded with inconsiderate and pushy people trying to heap every dish on their plate, that we decided to skip it the rest of the week.   Also, while the stations they have set up for different style foods are nice, we felt it interrupted the line flow and made the area a bit overwhelming. We skipped the buffet the rest of the time.   I mentioned the solarium buffet food being tasty on the first day so we did grab a bite there a couple times for breakfast. 

 

We tried the MDR once for lunch and once for breakfast.   A beautifully arranged buffet is available or you could order off a limited menu.   The lines were pretty long both times but we got through faster by agreeing to sit with others as we like to do anyway.   Once seated, many table mates left to the buffet making for awkward conversation and disrupting the table's orders as the buffet-goers often wanted to add a menu selection also.   I believe this is what led the service to be so slow.   The buffet did indeed look appetizing but in lieu of my fantastic dinner experience I elected to order off the menu and take the waiter's suggestion.   These waiters were not Anton! They fumbled with half hearted suggestions from the very limited menu as they scrambled to get everyone's order.    It's not really RCLs fault but the grilled cheese with a pile of leeks inside just wasn't for me!  I can't even remember what I had for the breakfast we went,  but know it wan't anything special. 

 

The only place we could always get a quick bite, was Park Cafe.   Most mornings we ended up getting a quick pre-fab breakfast sandwich, lattes and fresh OJ.  Because they were included in the drink package, and it was so close to our cabin, I would go grab a latte and/or OJ every chance I could.   They always had tasty roast beef sandwiches and soup which ended up asre my go-to most the week when the other places were crowded. 

 

I really missed the quick food options on Carnival.  Greasy Guy's Burgers to soak up the alcohol overindulgence, Blue Iguana breakfast burritos and fresh lunchtime street tacos,  fresh-made sandwiches and pizza are always close at hand on the Lido deck of a Carnival ship.  While there were similar ( IMHO less tasty) options on the Allure, you had to hike a mile (not exaggerating) and fight the elevator mob to get to them. 

 

Lastly, I love Carnival's sea-day brunch menu.   Steak and eggs, Huevos Rancheros, spicy tomato soup and caramel banana cream pie were just a few that I missed on this cruise. Also, whereas my experience with RCL so far beats CCL in dinner elegance and service, CCL's port-day breakfast and sea-day brunch appear to provide better options and service. 

 

Tallys; 

• Quick eateries- CCL +1 (I realize that not everyone enjoys a greasy Guy's Burger...but I missed it.)
• Day time MDR- CCL +1

Cruise Totals:  CCL-6 :   RCL-5  To tough to call-1

 

NEXT UP:  Let them entertain me!

Edited October 24, 2018 by amsred2
Forgot sentence

[amsred2]

Let them entertain me!

We booked Ice Games, Mama Mia, Oceanaria, Blue Planet and one comedy show in advance.  

 

The Ice Games show blew us away.  I didn't think it would be much more than a few fancy costumed actors skating around but they performed tricks, twists and jumps that I thought impossible on a small rink in the middle of the ocean. 

 

Blue Planet compares to many of the current CCL production shows with vibrant costumes, sets, costumes and dancing.  It was a nice way to spend 45 minutes before dinner. 

 

What can I say about Mama Mia?  Well I imagine it is a wonderful production of a Broadway show.  However, I had made the mistake of watching the movie only a week before.   Fifteen minutes into the show I started nodding off as it followed pretty much the same story as the movie and I already knew what was coming next and how it ended.   Next time I go, I won't watch the movie at all so that I can give a better viewpoint/review of the production. 

 

There were hot and cold aspects of the comedy show.  Having booked in advance, I liked not having to wait in a long line to get in, just hoping for a seat.  The comedians were funny but ran the same set for each show.  On CCl the comedians' acts change from night to night and we usually pop in for some laughs each evening. Also, the venue was quite small and crowded compared to CCL's and had limited (or none as we didn't see any servers) drink service.  

 

Oceanaria got canceled the first night and then the second and then each night after due to rough seas.  RCL takes care of their divers and performers and we were not at all upset that they had to keep rescheduling.  Finally, on the last night of the cruise they gave the performance of a lifetime.   This one show was the absolute highlight of the cruise.   The acrobatics, water dancing and diving (from a flabbergasting 17 meters high) made for the most unique show I have ever seen on land or sea. 

 

There were character parades and flash mobs and dance parties constantly occurring throughout the ship all week.   We stopped to watch a couple times as they were well coordinated stunning productions, but the throngs of people at these events insured that we didn't stay for long.

 

Pre-cruise I had pondered whether how I felt about booking/scheduling all my shows in advance.  I still have a love/hate thing going on with this aspect of the cruise.  We arrived before the 15 minute pre-show cutoff and got decent seats at all shows right away, but with there always seemed to be plenty of seats remaining for those that just showed up without reservations.  Too many times on CCL cruises,  I had planed to go to the shows but somehow got distracted and never made it.   Having them planned and booked in advance somehow insured that I attended the shows instead of getting sidetracked by the addicting sights and sounds of the casino. 

 

Tallys; 

• Overall quality of the shows- RCL +1
  • In days of old,  CCL still had full live orchestras that magically appeared through the showroom floors filling the theater with a heavenly sound never rivaled by even the best surround sound system.   If CCL still had the big live bands, this area would be a tie.  "Canned" music vs, high flying/diving, acrobatics and ice dancing/spinning/flipping...not a tough one to call. 
• Scheduling of the shows- RCL +1 I am going to give it to RCL after all.   I reserve the right to change my mind on this after going on more RCL cruises
• Comedy-  CCL really goes all out on the Comedy Club scene.   The bar/venue is bigger and more featured as part of their entertainment line-up. +1

Cruise Totals:  CCL-7 :   RCL-7  To tough to call-1

 

NEXT UP: The addicting sights and sounds of the casino!

Edited October 24, 2018 by amsred2
forgot sentence

[amsred2]

The addicting sights and sounds of the casino!

 

Disclaimer:  If you are a non-smoker, non-drinker, non-gambling non-heathen, then you might just want to skip to the next post.   For those Geminis (people who are total heathens on cruise but normal on land)  like me, read on and enjoy!

 

We do spend a lot of time in the Casino on every cruise.   For hubby it;s a great place to hang out at the bar and make friends (his bestie is usually the bartender).  For me, it's my happy place, kind of like Disneyland.  I can spend countless hours, and dollars, mindlessly plugging away at a slot machine, cigarette in one hand and frosty drink nearby.   Hubby calls this my "zen zone".   It's like all the world's troubles just melt away with those flashy lights and exciting bells.  

 

This casino is different than CCL's venues in that is is split directly in half between non-smoking and smoking.  On CCL you might have one back of machines that is non-smoking but directly behind them is another where six people are happily puffing away.  The divide is clear on RCL. I get that the foul smoky smell drifts all around the surrounding area which is still a nuisance for non-smokers, but at least you wont have a grizzly voiced, chain smoker wafting their cigarette around your chair and blowing smoke in your face.   

 

There are a variety and abundance of machines on both sides of this large Casino. There was seldom a time when I couldn't get on a machine I liked.  However, if you are a table player, this casino seemed to be lacking options or maybe just seemed that way due to being split.  

 

The casino host was pretty non-existent.  I had to seek her out to find out where I was on points.  CCL's hosts usually roam the casino, talking to guests and explaining what will be happening throughout the week.   

 

Club Royale, the loyalty program on RCL, totally beats out Casinos at Sea run by carnival.   It is clearly posted what you need for certain perks such as cashback, free drinks and free cruises.   CCL post the points needed for drinks but getting other comps is a mystery more shrouded then the Roswell UFOs. 

 

On a side note:  You could not charge your sail and sign to deposit money at the machines.   I have not decided if this is a good thing or a bad.   On one hand, you had to give up your machine to go get more cash.  On the other, this may lead to less money spent since it's not just a simple pin entry to add more money without realizing how big your sail and sign bill is getting. 

 

The bartenders and service seemed to be comparable to the better experiences we have had on Carnival.   Our experience with service is that it can change depending on the ship or even sailing date.  We have gone on a rowdy weekend cruise with lousy service,  then continued on the next sailing and had the most superb experience. 

 

I mentioned smoking in the Casino but I feel the need to add a bit about the smoking areas on RCL as, well, I'm not sure where to put this info in the rest of the review but feel that it's important to some people. 

 

It's a touchy subject and  I think there is a hard line in the sand between non-smokers and smokers. but I feel this ship really nailed down how to please both sides.   Besides splitting the Casino, they also split the upper decks.   On CCL they have narrowed the smoking areas to tiny little corner spaces that too many people crowd into.  These areas are uncomfortable, crowded and usually not conveniently located near anything.  

 

On the Allure, the smoking areas on deck 15 & 16 are pretty sectioned off from the rest of the decks and across the ship from the children's pool (smart). This assures that, unless you get lost and wind up there by accident, non-smokers can avoid these areas all-together.  For those of us who like to watch the world go by with a dink and a smoke, there is spacious comfortable seating areas and great bartenders/waiters always cheerfully serving drinks while close enough to hear the sounds of the steel drums and every rendition of"Hot, Hot, Hot".

 

 

Tallys; 

 

• Overall Casino- This one is to close to call.  Casinos are similar in what service they provide.  CCL has better hosts and RCL has a clear cut loyalty program. 
• Smoking Areas-  RCL gets this one both from a smoker (better locations and more comfortable) and non-smoker standpoint (being able to mostly avoid these areas with some planning)
• Cruise Totals:  CCL-7 :   RCL-8  To tough to call-2

Next Up:  Next time we take a scooter!

 

 

 

 

[janetmojo]

Oh wow somehow  I missed that you had started your review back up, can't wait to read the final tally.  We adored our trip but it's hard to compare Star class in that Suite to anything else!!

[kcwiak]

On 9/13/2018 at 8:35 PM, amsred2 said:

CHAPTER 2: The year that changed my mind and my life.

 

Warning: This part of the story does not carry with it my usual satire and you may even need a tissue. Feel free to skip to the live review starting September 29. However, it is important to me to tell this part of the story. I promise it will be the only part of this voyage that isn’t filled with fun facts, fabulous information, happy memories and possibly/probably a few drunken tall tales once the cruise begins.

 

I never felt the need to take any grand adventures or big risks. After all, we were a military family and every move, every new duty station, was already more of an adventure than I was comfortable with. By nature, I am not a risk taker and do not like to do things outside of my comfort zone. Although initially excited, that first cruise was a big step for me and of course it BOMBED!

 

After the cruise from Hell, I recovered and went on with daily life, cemented on the idea that I was meant to stay, not only on dry land, but also in my nice cozy, safe lifestyle.

 

Really there isn’t much to tell in the ten years that followed. We changed duty stations every couple of years, our kids turned into teenagers, hubby grew in his career and I held down the fort while he was deployed. We enjoyed all the necessities, and a few luxuries, but never another real vacation. I was to scared to spend the money on another catastrophe.

 

In the meantime, my parents had discovered a new zest for life and a new hobby: cruising. Most of my adult life I lived far away from my parents but I regularly spent hours on the phone with my mom. Once she found a love for the sea, she wanted to share it with everyone…all the time. Pretty much every conversation was how great the food is, how you get “one stop” for entertainment, gambling and shopping. She would coo over how relaxing a cruise is and how it made my parents feel like kids again. I would roll my eyes as she droned on about how I should give it another shot and how I can’t judge a whole industry on one incident that was “pretty much your own doing”. Mom never nagged me to make her a grandparent (maybe cuz I made her one at 44 and by this time she had 13 grandkids) but now I kind of know how those childless children feel. She nagged me relentlessly to take a cruise with her. I always mumbled a “No. It cost too much” or “The Seasickness” or “Too much time away from the kids” (who were old enough to take care of themselves).

 

During one of our visits home, I sat facing her at the table were she implored me to go on this fancy ship with a fancy cabin and a… BUTLER! Her face was radiant as she lamented how great it would be for her and I to get pampered while my dad and hubby went scuba diving (like me, mom was not adventurous and scuba was not our idea of a good time). She would pay for everything; flights, scuba qualifications for hubby, cabin, tips, spa treatments and even a night at the steakhouse (this made me begin to crack a little).

 

Seeing the look on her face as she practically begged me to go…I caved. I gave hubby the look that said “be quiet, it’s done!” and it was decided that we would cruise with them in five months’ time. She was so over the moon that within five minutes (not exaggerating) mom had booked flights, cruise, pre-cruise scuba certifications and hotel.

 

Now all our conversations would be about upcoming tours, ports, spa packages and pre/post cruise fun. I loved doing all the dreaming and scheming with her during the time “in-between”. A few months later, hubby was scuba certified and my parents were off to a “pre-cruise” cruise.

 

She wasn’t feeling great during that cruise and did not come back bragging about how wonderful it was. We new something was wrong and finally convinced her to go to the doctor, but it wasn’t good news.

 

Her first thoughts after hearing her devastating diagnosis were about our cruise together. She demanded that we NOT cancel and made us promise to continue the voyage…no matter what! We cried “nonsense” and insisted that she would make the cruise just three months away.

 

Six weeks later mom was gone!

 

As a tribute to her, we went on the cruise that she had so excitedly booked. As promised, we embarked the ship with heavy hearts. But as the smell of the salty air and the crackle of sail-away excitement overtook me, it was as if I was seeing it all though her eyes and my love for the sea was forever rooted in my soul.

 

It will always haunt me that we never got to share those precious memories together, but now I take her in my heart, and feel her with, me on every voyage.

 

Next Up:

Happier times and how I got to be a Carnival girl!

 

Oh this just breaks my heart. I have lost both my parents and my mom loved to cruise. I didn’t get “the cruise bug” until she was gone as well. I wish we had the opportunity to go on one together as well. I am just reading this review and can not wait to continue reading in a bit!

 

❤️❤️❤️

 

Keri

[pacruise804]

Loving your review 🙂

 

If you are ever back on Carnival here are 2 dining suggestions:

-small side of peanut butter to go with the warm chocolate melting cake

-Blue Iguana also does huevos rancheros in the morning and I like theirs even better than Sea Day Brunch

[azbaby8062]

Looks like you ended your story in the middle. Inquiring minds are interested in the rest.

[Kokomo_Man]

It isn't likely that AMSRED2 will be posting anything soon. She is a supervisor in a large retail store. During this time of year she barely gets to see daylight. That will continue through next week with all the returns.

Then she goes into the recovery mode till the middle of next month. (Recovery mode usually means a trip to Vegas or some such.)