Carnival vs. Royal

[Steve551]

 

32 minutes ago, rukkian said:

You are spot on for the allure, we absolutely loved it.  We are doing a magic cruise this time, and will be able to see the differences.  

Just on the Allure in December.  I miss eating breakfast sitting outside at Johnny Rockets or in the Solarium. Next cruise coming up soon but its with Princess....

 

Edited February 26, 2019 by Steve551

[AmBear]

7 hours ago, PlanoDebbie said:

I've been on about a dozen Carnival cruises and only one on Royal.  (Allure of the Seas)

 

Entertainment on Royal was AMAZING!  The major musical production was Momma Mia.  Fabulous!  You have to "book" the shows on the Allure.  I have no experience on smaller RCL ships to know if this is fleetwide.  At first, I thought it was rather annoying, especially since I had to put an entire calendar of events together to make sure I didn't book a specialty dinner at the same time as a show.  Your ship card is scanned as you enter each show.  At 10 minutes to showtime, all remaining reservations are cancelled and they let the stand-by folks in.  Once the show starts, you are not allowed to enter the theater.  Love this part!  No more dealing with people crawling over you for the first 30 minutes of a show.  The Diving Show was spectacular as well.  I would give RCCL a 10+ on all of the entertainment, while Carnival is around a 6 or 7.

 

Food.  The MDR experience was fairly similar.  The biggest difference was in the buffet dining and specialty restaurants.  Their buffet dining space was way too small for this size ship.  There were long lines for breakfast and dinner pretty much every day.  They wouldn't let you even in the room unless there were seats available.  I know there are several other dining options that are "included" for breakfast and/or lunch, but with the size of this ship, I didn't feel like scoping out each of them to find a seat.  Most of the other venues didn't seat more than about 60-75 people.  Quality of food was very similar.  Specialty restaurants on RCCL were awesome.  We ate dinner at a different one nearly every night.  All were well worth it.

 

Adult area.  RCCL gets my vote for the adult area on the Allure.  The spas were about the size of the Aft pool on Carnival.  It was nice to relax and not deal with a spa filled with kids or teens.  The Allure also had a very nice pool in the adult area.

 

Cabin.  Rooms were pretty similar.  We booked a balcony guarantee on Royal, knowing that we would probably be given an inside balcony.  We didn't spend more than 15 minutes all week on the balcony.  We felt like peeping Toms because across the center area were all of the other inside facing balconies.  If the curtains were open, you could see into every single cabin.  It made us keep our curtains closed most of the week for that reason.  The TV service was horrible.  Every channel would cut out and make loud noises every few minutes.

 

Size of ship.  The Allure was an absolutely beautiful ship, but it was a LOT of walking for everything.  I was logging 8,000 to 10,000 steps every day on the ship.  It was exhausting.

 

Price.  Gotta give this one to Carnival.

 

 

We're Diamond on RCL, and Platinum on Carnival. The shows you mention are only on the larger ships, we call 'floating indoor malls', and yes they are really good!-)) Our opinion,,, The entertainment on RCL smaller ships isn't as good as Carnival! The buffet is higher quality on Carnival, especially the deserts! We like Carnival's MDR slightly more then RCL's MDR, can't say why, its just a feeling! We also like the 'other' entertainment on Carnival such as the piano bar, comedy club, etc.. Drink prices are less on Carnival for those that drink. The larger RCL ships have a non-smoking casino area that isn't always enforced, but its still a nice thought! Agree the Solarium is a nice area to hang out for adults on RCL. Also would agree, and add the inside balconies on the larger RCL ships are a waste of money for the reasons you stated! The larger RCL ships usually port 3 days instead of 4 on 7 day cruises! So the ship has to be what to want, for us its the ports, so we stick with Freedom class or the Radiance Class our favorite that do 7 day cruises with 4 ports! On Carnival, its a tie for our favorite class, between the Conquest and Dream classes that do 4 ports in 7 days! As far as cruisers, they are both the same, as they draw from the same customer base! Just our opinions, happy cruising!

[jimbo5544]

7 hours ago, Steve551 said:

 

Just on the Allure in December.  I miss eating breakfast sitting outside at Johnny Rockets or in the Solarium. Next cruise coming up soon but its with Princess....

 

Well, I guess that meal at JR’s is free as opposed to the “seating charge” for other times....

[BNBR]

2 hours ago, AmBear said:

Drink prices are less on Carnival for those that drink.  The larger RCL ships usually port 3 days instead of 4 on 7 day cruises! 

 

Royal Caribbean almost always has the drink package cheaper and if you combine it with internet, it's much cheaper than Carnival drink package + internet (and way better).  But yeah, the actual drink prices for those that don't get a package are a tad cheaper on Carnival.

 

As for 3 ports instead of 4, the Oasis class almost every week has a 4 port western itinerary.  Though a majority of the sailings are 3 ports, it's not challenging to grab a 4 port - it's what we do.  And it's 4 really good ports, too.  Roatan, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and CocoCay.

[sparks1093]

I'm looking forward to finding out but I suspect we'll find more similarities than real differences. Two things that I like about Royal so far is you can use any OBC pre-cruise to book things onboard and they allow you to buy the internet by the day (at least that's what I've gleaned from the boards). We bought the drink package for $46 pp/pd pre-cruise and as I understand it the normal price if purchased onboard is in the $60 pd range.

[Steve551]

2 hours ago, jimbo5544 said:

Well, I guess that meal at JR’s is free as opposed to the “seating charge” for other times....

Breakfast is free

 

[jimbo5544]

22 minutes ago, Steve551 said:

Breakfast is free

 

Got it, that is why I said that.  I find the “seating charge” for JR for non breakfast to be WAY over the top.  They can disguise this gouging by calling it anything they want.  

Edited February 26, 2019 by jimbo5544

[Steve551]

3 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

Got it, that is why I said that.  I find the “seating charge” for JR for non breakfast to be WAY over the top.  They can disguise this gouging by calling it anything they want.  

I've never eaten at JR's, except breakfast, for that reason.

 

[rukkian]

1 minute ago, Steve551 said:

I've never eaten at JR's, except breakfast, for that reason.

 

We ate at JR's once (had 4 free dinners).  The food was decent, but we would not pay that kind of price, especially with so much other food included in the fare.  It did stay fairly busy, so people must see value, it is just not for us.

[BNBR]

I have paid for JR's.  I wouldn't pay for a family of 4 as $40 for lunch seems too much, but for the 2 of us it was $20.  It's NOT Guys or comparable, obviously.  Sit down service with a waiter, great service, appetizers, the burgers so hot almost burned my mouth - tasty, too.  And dessert as well.  For $20 we thought it was not unreasonable.  If JR's were free, there would be a huge line and it would suck.  So you pay for the premium service and experience.  I'm not sure I would refer to $9.95 as gouging.  Same price as a drink on HMC.  Perspective.

Edited February 26, 2019 by BNBR

[sparks1093]

20 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

Got it, that is why I said that.  I find the “seating charge” for JR for non breakfast to be WAY over the top.  They can disguise this gouging by calling it anything they want.  

As I understand it the charge is very close to what you'd pay at a land based JR. We stopped at JR in NY on the way to board Pride last year and since that fulfilled my wish to try it I doubt we'll be partaking onboard. (Now the Hot Dog Shack? I'll be there many times.)

[rukkian]

2 minutes ago, sparks1093 said:

As I understand it the charge is very close to what you'd pay at a land based JR. We stopped at JR in NY on the way to board Pride last year and since that fulfilled my wish to try it I doubt we'll be partaking onboard. (Now the Hot Dog Shack? I'll be there many times.)

I actually liked the Dog Shack, just wish it were open later.

[Steve551]

8 minutes ago, rukkian said:

I actually liked the Dog Shack, just wish it were open later.

Made too many visits to the Dog House on our last cruise on the Allure LOL

[BNBR]

35 minutes ago, sparks1093 said:

As I understand it the charge is very close to what you'd pay at a land based JR. We stopped at JR in NY on the way to board Pride last year and since that fulfilled my wish to try it I doubt we'll be partaking onboard. (Now the Hot Dog Shack? I'll be there many times.)

 

Cheaper on the ship than on land.  Just the burgers cost $10 at the JR's near us.  Add in fries, shake, tots, onion rings, etc.  Plus tax and tip, It's probably about half the price on board vs on land for JR.

[sparks1093]

5 minutes ago, BNBR said:

 

Cheaper on the ship than on land.  Just the burgers cost $10 at the JR's near us.  Add in fries, shake, tots, onion rings, etc.  Plus tax and tip, It's probably about half the price on board vs on land for JR.

True, I was thinking of the burger only price. Still, I've satisfied my curiosity and that's enough.

[sparks1093]

40 minutes ago, rukkian said:

I actually liked the Dog Shack, just wish it were open later.

I see us only using it for lunch but it would be nice as a late snack option.

[AmBear]

9 hours ago, BNBR said:

 

Royal Caribbean almost always has the drink package cheaper and if you combine it with internet, it's much cheaper than Carnival drink package + internet (and way better).  But yeah, the actual drink prices for those that don't get a package are a tad cheaper on Carnival.

 

As for 3 ports instead of 4, the Oasis class almost every week has a 4 port western itinerary.  Though a majority of the sailings are 3 ports, it's not challenging to grab a 4 port - it's what we do.  And it's 4 really good ports, too.  Roatan, Cozumel, Costa Maya, and CocoCay.

Our experience is RCL's normal drink pkge price is slightly higher then Carnivals. Can't be more accurate then that as Diamond gives us each a few free drinks at night which is more then enough for us. 

As far as ports, we agree most of the Oasis cruises are 3 ports.

The 2- 4 port west cruises they offer out of Miami are decent ports, but you missed our comment that we don't like the Oasis class because we feel they are 'floating indoor malls'! We prefer the Radiance Class when they offer good itineraries!

 

[Spicey477]

Great thread.  I was going to come on to see the comparisons myself.  I've been on 4 Carnival sailings in 2 years (from the Fantasy to the Vista) and I have been thoroughly impressed with all aspects (before kids sailed on 2 Princess and with kids Disney).  I have to say I am kind of sick of the MDR offerings on Carnival since I have been so often lately and would consider trying RCI or Disney again but I'm having sticker shock and worried we will miss the fun and Guys and Blue Iguana.  As an aside we are WDW passholders so we are used to paying $$ for Disney fun but I'd rather go on 2 cruises on Carnival than 1 on Disney if you know what I mean.  Tough decisions and of course being on the sea on any ship is better than no trip at all but you want to make the right decision for your family and my kids LOVE Guys/Waterworks/Camp Ocean.  

[BNBR]

4 minutes ago, Spicey477 said:

Great thread.  I was going to come on to see the comparisons myself.  I've been on 4 Carnival sailings in 2 years (from the Fantasy to the Vista) and I have been thoroughly impressed with all aspects (before kids sailed on 2 Princess and with kids Disney).  I have to say I am kind of sick of the MDR offerings on Carnival since I have been so often lately and would consider trying RCI or Disney again but I'm having sticker shock and worried we will miss the fun and Guys and Blue Iguana.  As an aside we are WDW passholders so we are used to paying $$ for Disney fun but I'd rather go on 2 cruises on Carnival than 1 on Disney if you know what I mean.  Tough decisions and of course being on the sea on any ship is better than no trip at all but you want to make the right decision for your family and my kids LOVE Guys/Waterworks/Camp Ocean.  

 

 

Look at Symphony or Harmony of the Seas.  If you are going to consider Royal, do the biggest and best.  It's such a departure from anything Carnival offers.  Carnival can't compete with it.  If you don't prefer it, you'll still love it - worst case scenario.  Your kids will love the ice skating shows, aqua shows, flowrider, rock climbing wall, even a carousel.  Plus a much bigger better version of Camp Ocean and bigger/better waterworks, too.  Parades, etc.  Lots and lots of stuff for them.  No Guys but there are other venues to enjoy all the same.  I wouldn't pay a ton more for it, but it's worth a premium over Carnival.  And note we are doing Carnival this summer as the Oasis-class sailings were just too pricey for the whole family.  Both are great, but we do absolutely sail Oasis-class when priced reasonably.

[rukkian]

5 minutes ago, BNBR said:

 

 

Look at Symphony or Harmony of the Seas.  If you are going to consider Royal, do the biggest and best.  It's such a departure from anything Carnival offers.  Carnival can't compete with it.  If you don't prefer it, you'll still love it - worst case scenario.  Your kids will love the ice skating shows, aqua shows, flowrider, rock climbing wall, even a carousel.  Plus a much bigger better version of Camp Ocean and bigger/better waterworks, too.  Parades, etc.  Lots and lots of stuff for them.  No Guys but there are other venues to enjoy all the same.  I wouldn't pay a ton more for it, but it's worth a premium over Carnival.  And note we are doing Carnival this summer as the Oasis-class sailings were just too pricey for the whole family.  Both are great, but we do absolutely sail Oasis-class when priced reasonably.

If you are wanting to try Oasis class, and price is a concern, then Allure (or maybe even Oasis) might be better because they will be quite a bit cheaper, and are still very nice ships.  My family loved Allure last year.  Oasis should be going into drydock this year I believe, and should be nicely refreshed.  

[BNBR]

Just now, rukkian said:

If you are wanting to try Oasis class, and price is a concern, then Allure (or maybe even Oasis) might be better because they will be quite a bit cheaper, and are still very nice ships.  My family loved Allure last year.  Oasis should be going into drydock this year I believe, and should be nicely refreshed.  

 

The reason I suggested Harmony and Symphony is the poster mentioned water works being a big deal to the kids.  No slides on Oasis/Allure yet.

[Spicey477]

I am a supreme Googler, but since we are talking, do all Oasis ships have a decent amount of waterslides/water activities for kids?  I believe some of the older ships of RCI seem to not have as much as the Carnival Waterworks if IIRC.

[rukkian]

1 minute ago, Spicey477 said:

I am a supreme Googler, but since we are talking, do all Oasis ships have a decent amount of waterslides/water activities for kids?  I believe some of the older ships of RCI seem to not have as much as the Carnival Waterworks if IIRC.

BNBR made a good point about that, Allure and Oasis do not currently, but may get them this year and next during drydock.  They do all have 2 flowriders.

Edited February 27, 2019 by rukkian

[Spicey477]

Thanks!  I think BNBR and I were posting at the same time! 🙂

[jbethel11]

1 minute ago, rukkian said:

BNBR made a good point about that, Allure and Oasis do not currently, but may get them this year and next during drydock.  They do all have 2 flowriders.

 

3 minutes ago, Spicey477 said:

I am a supreme Googler, but since we are talking, do all Oasis ships have a decent amount of waterslides/water activities for kids?  I believe some of the older ships of RCI seem to not have as much as the Carnival Waterworks if IIRC.

 

3 minutes ago, BNBR said:

 

The reason I suggested Harmony and Symphony is the poster mentioned water works being a big deal to the kids.  No slides on Oasis/Allure yet.

As a younger member of the forums, I can attest that WaterWorks is a big deal for us kids. My family had planned a cruise, for the first time on Royal Caribbean. I did not like it as much as CCL Horizon, though it was better in terms of slides since there were wet and dry slides. Allure and Oasis would have been boring to me as they lack some of the features kids love.