New to Carnival

[eskiemom]

Hello!

For many years, I have consistently cruised with Princess.  In a few short weeks, I will be on my first Carnival cruise.  What can I expect?  Differences?  What's better or worse??

Thanks!

[Homosassa]

Carnival has a different targeted market demographic than princess.

 

As a result, there are differences in the on board experiences.

 

You may like it, you may not.  Just don't expect Princess level quality and you will  not be surprised.

 

 

Edited November 18, 2021 by Homosassa

[Indytraveler83]

I haven't cruised Princess, but my parents have cruised both. Here's what they said:

 

Princess is slower paced and less exciting.  Furnishings are higher end, the experience is more formal. Princess ships appear a little less crowded to them. 

 

Carnival is less formal, more fun.  They did think the decor was a little less appealing on Carnival. There's more activities on Carnival ships.

 

They found the service and food to be similar, but again Carnival is far less formal, using first names more friendly than "proper."

 

Both lines are owned by the same parent company, so expect a lot of similarities. 

[Cruiser_1977]

I have cruised both. IMO, and to echo what has already been said, Princess was more quiet and "relaxing". Carnival was more of a party atmosphere. For example, on the pool deck on Princess there was no blaring music or pool games. Lots of folks chatting, reading or snoozing. On Carnival, there was loud music and at times pool/deck games. Another example, on Princess no singing by the staff in the dining room. There are little dining room performances on Carnival.

Edited November 18, 2021 by JennyB1977

[Roscoe13]

@eskiemom The biggest differences you will find are much like that time on Seinfeld when Elaine ventured into some sort of bizzaro universe and found a new subset of cronies.  They were much alike, yet different.  They could remind her of each opposing group, but they just weren't the same.

 

For example:

Princess you have, 

Captain Stubing

Doc Bricker

Julie McCoy as your CD

Isaac the bartender

and Gopher as the ships pursor.

 

Carnival you have,

Captain Italiano

Doc maybe is a PA or maybe a PHD

Fun and Energetic as your CD

Alchemy as your bartenders

and Gopher has been replaced by DJ Loud Hop

 

I hope this helps.

[fabby50]

One question before I launch into anything 🙂  Are you cruising in suite?  If so, the experience is completely different.  Don't want to overpost if it doesn't concern you.

 

One thing my less than mobile relatives love about Princess is the International Cafe.  I think it would be hard to find the same experience on another line because of the way its set up.  We have one person who has bad hips and can't really move around much.  She will sit there pretty much all day - entertainment is every changing, she can get wine a the wine bar, breakfast/lunch at the cafe, coffee from the coffee bar and some of the Princess ships have converted part of the wine area into a sit down pizza restaurant.  I can't see her being happy on any other line.

[Eskylady]

Hi. Like you until fairly recently I've been predominantly a Princess fan. Differences? Not bad, just different. Once a day stateroom tidy, towel animals, no chocolate on the pillow, there are still a few things going on after 11, unlike Princess where the sidewalks for the most part are rolled up by 10. There is no International Cafe and food choices late are very limited. Dinner service feels a bit more rushed, not the actual service, but how you order, and getting coffee after dinner can require a bit of stealth and planning. ;o) Carnival is just so much fun - in fact I'd forgotten how much. I have 5 cruises booked on  Carnival and none on Princess. Princess is a bit more reserved and more relaxed, but still fun. Both have beautiful ships, but in different ways. I can have a fantastic time on both. 

[nlktx49]

4 hours ago, eskiemom said:

Hello!

For many years, I have consistently cruised with Princess.  In a few short weeks, I will be on my first Carnival cruise.  What can I expect?  Differences?  What's better or worse??

Thanks!

Only cruised on Princess once, 21 times on Carnival.

 

Princess cruise was a snooze, whole different vibe than Carnival. I'm not a party person, don't go to the night clubs or participant in the group parties on Carnival, but the whole cruise is just more active. Princess seemed quieter, more uptight, more formal. Lot's of older people on Princess, I'm 72 but felt like one of the younger people on the cruise. About 9pm it was like the whole ship closed down. We were in an interior cabin - we won the cruise - and it was smaller than the ones on Carnival. Bathrooms on Carnival are small, but the one on Princess seemed like about half the size!

 

The food was average, the crew members were nice, the service was average. Met some nice people. Maybe the whole Princess experience is what some people prefer. I'd choose Carnival any time. If you want peace and quiet on Carnival, it's easy to find. If you want more fun and activities, that's also easy to find.

 

I hope you enjoy your Carnival cruise, but if not, at least you tried it! Too many people reject Carnival out of hand without having tried it.

[ARcruisin2]

I agree with input above.

 

We prefer the celebratory, fun atmosphere on Carnival.

 

The only thing I would give solid win to Princess on is the walk-in/walk-thru closet connected to the bathroom. 

[jsglow]

I'd echo what's been mentioned.  Other things equal, we probably prefer the Carnival product.  What Princess brings to the table is an enhanced ability to explore the world and in my mind it significantly outperforms Carnival in Alaska because of their many decade head start.

[Ferry_Watcher]

First, let me say that the vast majority of passengers on both these lines are lovely, reasonable folks who just want a memorable vacation.

 

If however, OP you are annoyed, or put off by a small minority who are visibly drunk, loud, augmentative,  believe that since they 'paid a lot' for their cruise that that entitles them to boorish behavior, then I would reconsider Carnival.  Because Carnival considers themselves as the "fun" ship, certain behaviors that one would not see on other cruise lines, are tolerated longer by the crew/security before any action is taken.  

 

I think if you are okay with a 'spring break / frat party atmosphere by a small, but probably unavoidable presence of some Carnival passengers, then I think Carnival could possibly work for you. 

 

If, on the other hand, you are more comfortable with more decorum (but still fun), then Princess might be a better fit.

 

 

Edited November 18, 2021 by Ferry_Watcher

[Denverdonkeys]

1 hour ago, CarelessAndConfused said:

Some thoughts being in a similar situation and having recently been on my first Carnival cruise:

 

-Food is better on Princess IMO but more options on Carnival.

 

-Much louder on Carnival.  What some might call a "fun" atmosphere can be rather "loud and obnoxious" to some others.  Usually it's a minority causing this but it was prevalent throughout my 7 day cruise with several instances of crass behavior witnessed first hand and almost two physical fights about to ensue.  The first caught the attention of dozens in the aft area.  Admittedly, the second was me reacting to another cruiser as well.  Completely his fault for initiation, but admittedly my fault for not looking the other way.

 

-Layout of the ships (and I'm going based on plans as well as my one experience on Panorama) is that it is more closed off and less open than Princess and did not have all the exterior views from the lower decks that Princess ships have.

 

-Smoking areas are extremely poorly designed such that it permeates into areas that I don't think it should have to.  Walking through the casino alone left plenty of smoke smelling on my clothes for awhile.

 

 

So you were involved in one of the almost fights, it was the other person's fault, but that's a reason the OP shouldn't cruise carnival? it seems if it was your first and last carnival cruise, that would be for the best.

[RoperDK]

Positives for Carnival -

     fun atmosphere

     relaxed dress code 

     larger cabins

 

Positives for Princess - 

     more upscale, but not a luxury experience

     24 hour international cafe for a variety of food options!!!!           

     better itineraries and excursions for Alaska and other non traditional destinations

 

Negatives for Carnival -

     some bad behavior shows up sometimes (not always adults, but unsupervised kids)

     there is value here, but not the best quality

     mostly plain vanilla itineraries

 

Negatives for Princess -

     can feel stuffy, older frequent cruisers can resist changes that modernize the experience

     unless in a suite, cabins are small (balcony cabins have no sofa seating)  

     can be boring unless you enjoy activities that cater to  65 and older

 

Both lines are just fine and we enjoy them both.  We haven't found a cruise line that has a perfect fit for us.  Each has positives and negatives.   

     

      

 

                   

[IntrepidFromDC]

8 hours ago, JennyB1977 said:

I have cruised both. IMO, and to echo what has already been said, Princess was more quiet and "relaxing". Carnival was more of a party atmosphere. For example, on the pool deck on Princess there was no blaring music or pool games. Lots of folks chatting, reading or snoozing. On Carnival, there was loud music and at times pool/deck games. Another example, on Princess no singing by the staff in the dining room. There are little dining room performances on Carnival.

I agree with this.  To me another way of perceiving it is the Carnival crowd is both younger, but the older people are also younger at heart.  Family Feud anyone?  Another way to see it is Carnival offers more choices - plenty of games, trivia, pool deck parties, but also plenty of quiet spaces.  If I want quiet at the pool, I just go to Serenity Deck.  But when I'm walking around I love all the activities going on.

Edited November 18, 2021 by IntrepidFromDC

[cruisingberger]

We have done both recently. Carnival dining room food is not as good, although we enjoyed their "fast food" options like Blue Iguana and Guy's burgers better then the pool side options of Princess .I think Princess does better pizza though. I enjoyed the entertainment better on Carnival, which was a surprise. Carnival is super casual. They were both very clean, and the staff on both were very good. The lines seemed shorter on Princess, but that being said, Carnival was not awful on lines, probably because they are not at 100% capacity. There are plenty of fun options on both of them. Lot's of Trivia Games on Carnival. We loved the Seaday brunch on Carnival. The adult area is nice too for relaxing.

[IntrepidFromDC]

9 hours ago, eskiemom said:

Hello!

For many years, I have consistently cruised with Princess.  In a few short weeks, I will be on my first Carnival cruise.  What can I expect?  Differences?  What's better or worse??

Thanks!

We're on The Legend 11/28, will we be shipmates?

[OCruisers]

9 hours ago, Homosassa said:

Carnival has a different targeted market demographic than princess.

 

As a result, there are differences in the on board experiences.

 

You may like it, you may not.  Just don't expect Princess level quality and you will  not be surprised.

 

 

Glad you're trying Carnival to see for yourself.  

Just because I much prefer Princess,  doesn't mean you will. 

[RoperDK]

9 minutes ago, CarelessAndConfused said:

 

10 minutes ago, CarelessAndConfused said:

 

I think that is a fair synopsis of the cruise lines.  And while I think my preference for Princess is probably obvious, I don't want to remotely suggest that Carnival is not worth cruising for anyone.  I've no doubt that in my 20s or in my fraternity days, I would have MUCH preferred Carnival as it is now over Princess.  But over two decades later, it's just not what I'm looking for.  

 

Honestly, I feel we are at a crossroads.  We are retired, 65 plus demographic.  We are fortunate to be able to only cruise in suites.  My heart lights up when I see a fun Mardi Gras or Dr. Seuss parade winding through the ship.  Love the Groove for St. Jude atmosphere.  On other upscale cruise lines, we enjoy the upgraded dining options.   We love good, quality food.  However, we don't like to dress to the nines anymore.  A first world problem for sure.  Definitely feel that post covid cruising is not a normal experience. Time will tell.   

[nlktx49]

4 hours ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

First, let me say that the vast majority of passengers on both these lines are lovely, reasonable folks who just want a memorable vacation.

 

If however, OP you are annoyed, or put off by a small minority who are visibly drunk, loud, augmentative,  believe that since they 'paid a lot' for their cruise that that entitles them to boorish behavior, then I would reconsider Carnival.  Because Carnival considers themselves as the "fun" ship, certain behaviors that one would not see on other cruise lines, are tolerated longer by the crew/security before any action is taken.  

 

I think if you are okay with a 'spring break / frat party atmosphere by a small, but probably unavoidable presence of some Carnival passengers, then I think Carnival could possibly work for you. 

 

If, on the other hand, you are more comfortable with more decorum (but still fun), then Princess might be a better fit.

 

 

I think the time of year you cruise on Carnival makes a big difference. We only cruise when schools are in session. Made the mistake of going on one the end of May, lots of college age kids acting their age! Perhaps in the past there was more bad behavior, but no more. Drinks are tracked, you can't get more than 15, although I think that's about 5 too many! When we started cruising in 2008 it was pretty common to see security escorting a drunk to their cabin, or breaking up a possible fight. Security was obvious and heavy at night. I haven't seen a security person in a white uniform in years! Maybe now they wear shorts and Hawaiian shirts. No attempt was made to limit the number of drinks a passenger could buy, which contributed to the bad behavior. I know - some of my family members are perfectly nice people until they over-imbibe!!

[crazyank]

18 hours ago, eskiemom said:

Hello!

For many years, I have consistently cruised with Princess.  In a few short weeks, I will be on my first Carnival cruise.  What can I expect?  Differences?  What's better or worse??

Thanks!

what can you expect?  Serious disappointment and a feeling that you wasted your money.

[RWolver672]

One thing I haven't seen mentioned in the above postings is the amount of days for the cruise.  The three and four day cruises attract a lot of the younger crowd.  The seven and above day cruises attract an older crowd that is less likely to cause fights or loud partying.  

 

We have noticed that on one eight day cruise, they played a lot of oldies on the Lido deck.  I think there were more people out there dancing than what you would see on a shorter cruise.

 

Just go with an open mind and make your own decisions.  Things that have been brought up here you may not have even noticed them had you not been looking for them because of what you read here.

[bucfan2]

What a great time to give ccl a try.  Absolute worst case at these giveaway prices, you’re only out your time (as opposed to being out time & $$).  Experience it during this mask crisis; prices are bound to increase when restrictions are removed. 

[Homosassa]

14 hours ago, OCruisers said:

Glad you're trying Carnival to see for yourself.  

Just because I much prefer Princess,  doesn't mean you will. 

I have sailed Carnival.

 

It lived down to my expectations.

 

It started with the drunk next door to us beating the cabin wall while a child screamed and a woman sobbed (had to cut the line at Guest Services to have security and medical sent ASAP as there is no number for security on the cabin phone and Guest Services does not answer their phone).

 

The loud raucous noise everywhere on the ship (I know -FUN!!!!!).

 

The awful food in the buffet and barely edible food in the MDR (I don't drink enough or smoke so that my taste buds are numb).

 

Trivia  and other games that on the level for those on drink 10 at 11AM in the morning.

 

The garish decor throughout the ship (they spared no expense in the use of plastic).

 

The use of a female dancer in a scanty Las Vegas show girl outfit as a photo op for men to ogle and paw during a photo shoot by a ship's photographer (two security guards were present - Carnival knows their passengers....)

 

Just saying as someone who does shop in Walmart, I don't expect the same shopping experience as when I shop in Dillard's.  Carnival is not Dillard's. Princess is not Walmart.

[jsglow]

I'm not going to comment on any individual's post but this reminds me of classic 'all the food was inedible' things I've seen on cruise critic.  I've been on both lines as well as others.  Have I heard kids running down the hall?  Sure.  Have I seen the rare over-served person? Yes. Is it Sodom and Gomorrah?  ABSOLUTELY not.  And I've been onboard more than most here.  Agree with the notion of avoiding summer (mostly to avoid extreme crowds) but we have sailed Spring Break 7-day itineraries when our kids were HS age and it was 'fine'.  3-day Bahamas College Spring Break would likely different and I wouldn't consider that.

 

Heck, we just got off the 14 day Pride repo and I teased my PVP that I thought she had accidentally booked us on HAL! 

[staceyglow]

1 minute ago, CarelessAndConfused said:

 

That might be true in normal times.  But when they're selling 7 day cruises regularly for less than they would normally sell 3/4 day cruises, I'm not sure there's much of a difference in the cruiser profile.  It was rowdy and obnoxious on my 7 day experience on the Panorama.  

 

And I have sailed on 2 cruises that are 7 days or less post-pandemic and that was not my experience at all.  What do you consider rowdy and obnoxious? Did you trying moving to the Serenity area (outdoors) or the Alchemy Bar (indoors) when that was happening?