CCL trying out RCI

[xbriannao]

Hey everyone!

 

My husband and I have done a few Carnival cruises, and we're thinking of trying out a Royal Caribbean cruise. I have spent so much time looking into all the intricate details of what is and is not included, what to expect for each cruise, etc. For this cruise, I've begun looking at threads outlining what people liked/disliked about each cruiseline. What can you tell me about how they differ? What things weren't on Carnival that I can expect on RC, and vise versa?

 

Thanks!

Brianna

[Clarea]

Recent threads on the same subject:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2678019

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2625641

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2668595

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2580497

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2660046

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2656064

[OCruisers]

Just saying ... If you like Carnival, you will probably also have a wonderful time on RCCL! :D

[lenquixote66]

Hey everyone!

 

My husband and I have done a few Carnival cruises, and we're thinking of trying out a Royal Caribbean cruise. I have spent so much time looking into all the intricate details of what is and is not included, what to expect for each cruise, etc. For this cruise, I've begun looking at threads outlining what people liked/disliked about each cruiseline. What can you tell me about how they differ? What things weren't on Carnival that I can expect on RC, and vise versa?

 

Thanks!

Brianna

We cruised on Carnival in 1994 and never went back .It was too loud for us and we were mot old .Having said that we have many friends who love cruising on Carnival.

[otgracing17]

I’ve been on one RCCL cruise and two Carnival cruises within the last year and a half.... Booked on Allure at the end of October for this year for my first mega ship. I really didn’t notice a huge difference between the cruise lines. On all three cruises I enjoyed my time and had fun. The food was great on each cruise and the drink service was close enough to not notice a difference. The crowds were similar on each cruise but each ship and sailing always seems to have a different vibe to it between the three. I see people worry about the differences on here all the time but to me they are so small I don’t really notice them. We also pick our cruises on destinations then find the best cruise price for where we are going. This time around I wanted to try a mega ship to see the difference and found an itinerary we hadn’t done (St.Maarten, San Juan, Labadee) and decided to go with it. The end of the day if you go in with an open mind you will enjoy your cruise on whatever line you choose I’d say these two lines are pretty close and both have good quality in my eyes.

[mattb31]

If you enjoy Carnival, you're going to enjoy RCCL.

 

Admittedly, Carnival does have more of a party atmosphere, and there will definitely be things going on later on the ship. Where RCCL really excels is in the activities department. The shows are better, the on-board stuff is better, the ships (most of them) seem more modern than Carnivals.

 

RCCL includes a lot, for example on the Anthem included was:

 

• iFly
  
• Bumper Cars (SeaPlex)
  
• North Star
  
• We Will Rock You (best show I've ever seen at sea)
  
• The 270 Lounge
  
• MDR
  
• Buffet
  
• Escape Room
  
• etc.
  

I'm one of those people that just enjoy's cruising and doesn't really find things to complain about. I've had a great time on Carnival and a great time on RCCL.

[Cinders411]

We only sailed Carnival for awhile and then we tried RCI Freedom of the Seas. Gosh we just fell in love with that ship. Also think the entertainment is a bit better on RCI. I would recommend that size of ship to try out. It's not too big and not too small. Just right! :cool:

[BNBR]

The differences are pretty minor overall as far as general "experience."

 

I would say the differences between RCI and Carnival would be:

 

- Carnival does free food a little bit better with all their concepts like Blue Iguana/Guys Burgers/Pig/etc.

- Royal on their Oasis-class does have a ton of complimentary dining options, anyways, all over the ship, but the smaller Royal ships are more limited

- The bigger Royal ships are FAR superior to what Carnival has sailing. Solariums, promenades, etc. Just light years better.

- Royal has much faster internet if that's important to you

- Entertainment/shows are also far superior on Royal

 

Carnival puts out a great product. And if you are sailing an older/small Royal ship I would almost prefer Carnival. If you are looking to really try something different with Royal and truly see the differences, you need to book their biggest ships. Look at Oasis, Allure, Harmony, or Symphony (Oasis-class) for sure. The ships don't feel anywhere near as big as you think they would and are super easy to navigate with their innovative "neighborhood" concept.

[firefly333]

Shows are my favorite thing and I thought in the past they were much better. I was a music major and my last Carnival cruise the singers also had to dance, and the singing wasnt as good.

 

Ice Skating shows on RCL are good too, not to be missed.

 

Of course ships like Oasis had greaat high diving shows, the shows on Oasis (which Ive done twice) were fabulous but confusing. I hated to book in advance. pain in the neck. that part i didnt prefer.

 

But now I booked Carnival Vista and the threads on Carnival's newer bigger ship seem pretty negative, whereas RCL cruisers dont get all uptight about a few more pay venues and say we prefer the smallest oldest ships where there arent so many pay venues.

 

RCL cruisers are more willing to open their wallets.

 

but to me its the shows, well and repeat cruisers perks that make the difference, though Im cruising with a newbie and cant share the platinum breakfast or the wine (which might not even now be a perk) ... better perks for repeat cruisers.

 

smaller cabins on RCL to offset for the money.

[ryano]

If you are interested in the steakhouse, you may be disappointed on Royal. Carnival steakhouses blows Chops away and it still less expensive even with Carnivals new price hike. I too find the included food options to be better on Carnival. Royal has much nicer ships as as said, superior entertainment. You feel like you are actually on an elegant cruise ship and not some 90s Vegas casino :)

[xbriannao]

Thanks for all the responses! We definitely try to make the best of any vacation. I was just worried about the dining and whatnot. Someone had mentioned that there aren't as many free food spots, which is a bit disappointing to me. We were thinking of Grandeur of the Seas on a 5 day trip to Bermuda. Does anyone have experience with this boat directly to compare it to Carnival? On carnival, we've been on the Fantasy and Destiny class ships.