difference between carnival and princess

[KKB]

19 hours ago, marie94949 said:

We like Carnival better than Princess but have not taken Princess recently.  I found the cabins on Carnival larger but most importantly the mattresses were more supportive.  I got a good nights sleep..  I found the Princess mattresses just torture - too light and flimsy and sitting on a saggy metal grid  which is why we stopped booking Princess.  We also found the service more joyful on Carnival - especially the singing and dancing in the MDR.

 

I am praying for a firm supportive mattress and maybe even a real boxspring on our 13 day upcoming Majestic cruise.  Last Princess cruise (which was a while ago)  I got off in port, bought an air mattress and slept on the floor.

Request an egg crate topper--GAME CHANGER

[san diego sue]

1 hour ago, KKB said:

Request an egg crate topper--GAME CHANGER

Don't know that they have Egg crate toppers anymore. Once the mattresses got changed, they all were fine. However, on Discovery it was back to feeling like a concrete slab.

Recently on Carnival Panorama and  was the most comfortable mattress we ever slept on cruising.

[KKB]

36 minutes ago, san diego sue said:

Don't know that they have Egg crate toppers anymore. Once the mattresses got changed, they all were fine. However, on Discovery it was back to feeling like a concrete slab.

Recently on Carnival Panorama and  was the most comfortable mattress we ever slept on cruising.

Had them on Caribbean Princess in July & Discovery Princess week before last.

[stevenr597]

We have been cruising for over 25 years.  Started on RCCL, then moved to Princess.  Gave Carnival a chance when the Coral Princess was not yet ready to sail.

We loved Carnival and thought it gave a good value for the money.  Great cruise if you have a family.

But as my children got older we switched back to Princess (which is our favorite) and will also cruise Celebrity.

Big different is that Carnival is more of a party boat.  If you want a more traditional cruise take Princess or Celebrity. 

[NownZen]

22 hours ago, marie94949 said:

We like Carnival better than Princess but have not taken Princess recently.  I found the cabins on Carnival larger but most importantly the mattresses were more supportive.  I got a good nights sleep..  I found the Princess mattresses just torture - too light and flimsy and sitting on a saggy metal grid  which is why we stopped booking Princess.  We also found the service more joyful on Carnival - especially the singing and dancing in the MDR.

 

I am praying for a firm supportive mattress and maybe even a real boxspring on our 13 day upcoming Majestic cruise.  Last Princess cruise (which was a while ago)  I got off in port, bought an air mattress and slept on the floor.

The new Princess mattresses are wonderful. I would like one for home.

[c-boy]

 

Carnival 

 

 

 

 Princess

[Thrak]

Carnival has just announced a new policy.

 

“Any violation of our Code of Conduct may result in a fine of $500 and reimbursement of expenses incurred by Carnival as a result of the detainment or disembarkation,”

 

Hopefully a $500 fine for fighting will "discourage" this type of behavior.

 

[ontheweb]

1 hour ago, Thrak said:

Carnival has just announced a new policy.

 

“Any violation of our Code of Conduct may result in a fine of $500 and reimbursement of expenses incurred by Carnival as a result of the detainment or disembarkation,”

 

Hopefully a $500 fine for fighting will "discourage" this type of behavior.

 

Only will work if they actually enforce it.

[Buckeye10640]

On 9/29/2022 at 11:54 AM, dreaminofcruisin said:

 

The 'cons' on Princess are that Carnival has a much better beer selection, balcony cabins all have a loveseat/couch, more fast food options other than the buffet (thinking of Blue Iguana and the sandwich place in the buffet). Also, I keep hoping Princess will upgrade their music selections to more options that are songs written in my lifetime (and I am in my 60s!)

 

Definitely things I would like to see on Princess that I have  had on Carnival and NCL. And I am 100% with you on that music (also in my 60s)!! But I like where they have gone with 5Skies and Rock Opera....

[marie94949]

On 10/4/2022 at 9:54 AM, san diego sue said:

Don't know that they have Egg crate toppers anymore. Once the mattresses got changed, they all were fine. However, on Discovery it was back to feeling like a concrete slab.

Recently on Carnival Panorama and  was the most comfortable mattress we ever slept on cruising.

There is no mattress that is perfect for everyone.  I live in fear of pillowtops and soft mattresses - not enough support, can't sleep and hurts my back..  Please give me a concrete board!  

[FrugalVoyager]

On 10/2/2022 at 1:25 PM, ldtr said:

Funny thing is this year the Carnival Hawaii cruises are more expensive that the Princess Hawaii cruises out of LA.

What is up with Hawaii cruises being so expensive? It's crazy to me if you look at the cost/day across almost any destination the Hawaii cruises are priced way too high.. how are people affording them?

 

Also why not lower the cost of the Hawaii cruises so more people like my self can go, I know a lot of people who want to go but can't accept the sticker price.. Hawaii cruises are senslessly and not strategically priced, just basic economics would tell you to lower the price so a lot more people can go.

[CruizinSusan70]

24 minutes ago, FrugalVoyager said:

What is up with Hawaii cruises being so expensive? It's crazy to me if you look at the cost/day across almost any destination the Hawaii cruises are priced way too high.. how are people affording them?

 

Also why not lower the cost of the Hawaii cruises so more people like my self can go, I know a lot of people who want to go but can't accept the sticker price.. Hawaii cruises are senslessly and not strategically priced, just basic economics would tell you to lower the price so a lot more people can go.

If the bean counters were not getting enough people on the cruises to Hawaii, they would certainly adjust the rates.  If you think the occasion cruise that Princess or Carnival go to Hawaii is expensive, check out the price on the Pride of America on NCL for real sticker shock.

[FrugalVoyager]

16 minutes ago, CruizinSusan70 said:

If the bean counters were not getting enough people on the cruises to Hawaii, they would certainly adjust the rates.  If you think the occasion cruise that Princess or Carnival go to Hawaii is expensive, check out the price on the Pride of America on NCL for real sticker shock.

 

I am telling you these boats must be sailing at 30% or less capacity. No one has the type of coin you need for the Hawaii prices.. like who can afford that? Listen, why charge so much for Hawaii?

 

The Hawaii cruises cost 2x Alaska cruises and 3x Carribean itineraries day/per rate.. why? Makes 0 sense.. like I really want to go to Hawaii but I need the cruise prices to be more in line with Alaska or Carribean routes Hawaii shouldn't be so expensive how can I make this point more clear?

[sloopsailor]

1 hour ago, FrugalVoyager said:

 

The Hawaii cruises cost 2x Alaska cruises and 3x Carribean itineraries day/per rate.. why? Makes 0 sense.. like I really want to go to Hawaii but I need the cruise prices to be more in line with Alaska or Carribean routes Hawaii shouldn't be so expensive how can I make this point more clear?

 

After reading what you wrote I checked the prices of an Alaska cruise against my Hawaii cruise next year. Both cruises that I compared are at the height of the season for both destinations. The Alaska cruise is 7 days, Inside Gateway Seattle to Vancouver. The Hawaii cruise is 15 days, San Francisco round trip. Both are on the larger Royal class ships.

 

For the same cabin on both cruises, each a lowest priced mini-suite with the Princess Plus package and all port fees and taxes included, the Alaska cruise is $4,114 for two people and the Hawaii cruise is $9,302. Considering that the Hawaii cruise is 8 days longer with a much higher percentage of sea days than the Alaska cruise (more sea days increases the cost to operate the ship since people need to be fed and entertained more often than on a port intensive cruise), the prices are not that much different.

 

Averaged over the length of each cruise, the Alaska cruise is $587.71 per day for double occupancy, while the Hawaii cruise is $620.13 per day for double occupancy. 

 

That makes the Hawaii cruise just 6% more expensive per day than the Alaska cruise. Not "2x", or 100%, more as has been claimed. 

 

 

Edited October 6, 2022 by sloopsailor

[ontheweb]

5 hours ago, sloopsailor said:

 

After reading what you wrote I checked the prices of an Alaska cruise against my Hawaii cruise next year. Both cruises that I compared are at the height of the season for both destinations. The Alaska cruise is 7 days, Inside Gateway Seattle to Vancouver. The Hawaii cruise is 15 days, San Francisco round trip. Both are on the larger Royal class ships.

 

For the same cabin on both cruises, each a lowest priced mini-suite with the Princess Plus package and all port fees and taxes included, the Alaska cruise is $4,114 for two people and the Hawaii cruise is $9,302. Considering that the Hawaii cruise is 8 days longer with a much higher percentage of sea days than the Alaska cruise (more sea days increases the cost to operate the ship since people need to be fed and entertained more often than on a port intensive cruise), the prices are not that much different.

 

Averaged over the length of each cruise, the Alaska cruise is $587.71 per day for double occupancy, while the Hawaii cruise is $620.13 per day for double occupancy. 

 

That makes the Hawaii cruise just 6% more expensive per day than the Alaska cruise. Not "2x", or 100%, more as has been claimed. 

 

 

On the one hand, you make the point that there are extra costs to the cruise line for those extra sea days, but isn't there also enhanced revenue? For instance, the casino is open during those sea days. And the shops are also open. And I would imagine that the spa gets more bookings.

[cruzsnooze]

I found the décor on Carnival quite gaudy

[sloopsailor]

3 hours ago, ontheweb said:

On the one hand, you make the point that there are extra costs to the cruise line for those extra sea days, but isn't there also enhanced revenue? For instance, the casino is open during those sea days. And the shops are also open. And I would imagine that the spa gets more bookings.

 

With 70% of the cruisers choosing Princess Plus, they miss out on much of the drink revenue on those days. But you do have a point about the casino, shops and spa. However, the shops and spa are run by contractors, so Princess would only receive a percentage of those revenues, with part of it probably going to the contractor. 

Edited October 6, 2022 by sloopsailor

[bassmk]

Carnival is very good for families with young kids and/or teenagers, not only because the atmosphere might be more fun for them, but also because 4 or 5 cruise fares on Carnival is much easier on the wallet than on Princess. Carnival is very good if you're on a budget or planning a quick getaway and don't want to spend a lot of money.

 

But to me, the biggest difference in atmosphere and clientele is the "party boat" experience. Carnival is branded as "The Fun Ships" and they definitely try to create a fun, party, carefree atmosphere. Take from that what you will. Sometimes it's harmless fun, sometimes it's people overindulging and creating a ruckus. 

[ontheweb]

1 hour ago, bassmk said:

Carnival is very good for families with young kids and/or teenagers, not only because the atmosphere might be more fun for them, but also because 4 or 5 cruise fares on Carnival is much easier on the wallet than on Princess. Carnival is very good if you're on a budget or planning a quick getaway and don't want to spend a lot of money.

 

But to me, the biggest difference in atmosphere and clientele is the "party boat" experience. Carnival is branded as "The Fun Ships" and they definitely try to create a fun, party, carefree atmosphere. Take from that what you will. Sometimes it's harmless fun, sometimes it's people overindulging and creating a ruckus. 

Yes, there is a reason that the assistant cruise directors on Carnival are called  "the Fund Squad.

[c-boy]

On 10/4/2022 at 2:38 PM, ontheweb said:

Only will work if they actually enforce it.

speaking of enforcing it. Has anyone heard from MissP22 ? 🙁

[Kay S]

15 hours ago, FrugalVoyager said:

 

I am telling you these boats must be sailing at 30% or less capacity. No one has the type of coin you need for the Hawaii prices.. like who can afford that? Listen, why charge so much for Hawaii?

 

The Hawaii cruises cost 2x Alaska cruises and 3x Carribean itineraries day/per rate.. why? Makes 0 sense.. like I really want to go to Hawaii but I need the cruise prices to be more in line with Alaska or Carribean routes Hawaii shouldn't be so expensive how can I make this point more clear?

I guess somebody has the coin, or Princess would not be sailing there.  The famous bean counters work in mysterious ways and they seem to think this pricing works.  I hope you do get to Hawaii someday because it's really a wonderful cruise and beautiful destination.

[CruizinSusan70]

12 hours ago, cruzsnooze said:

I found the décor on Carnival quite gaudy

Obviously you did not sail on one of the six most recently built ships.  Prior to them Joe Farcus was the designer who was in charge of the Pepto Bismol color scheme.

If you like smaller ships, try the Breeze.  If you like larger ships, try the upcoming Celebration.  If you don't care, move on.

[Kay S]

On 10/6/2022 at 12:50 PM, Kay S said:

I guess somebody has the coin, or Princess would not be sailing there.  The famous bean counters work in mysterious ways and they seem to think this pricing works.  I hope you do get to Hawaii someday because it's really a wonderful cruise and beautiful destination.

Here's moi saying kind words to FrugalVoyager  after reading posts #96 and #98.

[caribill]

On 10/6/2022 at 9:37 AM, sloopsailor said:

 

With 70% of the cruisers choosing Princess Plus, they miss out on much of the drink revenue on those days.

 

Princess finds the money from the Plus and Premier packages results in higher onboard revenue than than before these packages were available.

 

The income from both packages is counted as onboard revenue and CCL Corp reports higher on board revenue across its brands with these type packages. I do not know how much of the amount paid for Plus/Premier packages is allocated to the beverage department, but it is significant.

 

Since Princess recently increased the cost of the Plus packager by $10/day. Since tips and Internet pricing have remained the same, I assume the entire $10 goes into the beverage part of the ledger.

 

Princess expects 50% of its passengers to get the Plus package. On a ship with 3000 passengers, that would be about 1500 with the Plus package (and 25% more having the Premier package).

 

For 1500 passengers at $10/day more for a 7 day cruise, the extra revenue for Princess with this $10 increase is $105,000.

[dreaminofcruisin]

On 10/5/2022 at 11:40 PM, FrugalVoyager said:

 

I am telling you these boats must be sailing at 30% or less capacity. No one has the type of coin you need for the Hawaii prices.. like who can afford that? Listen, why charge so much for Hawaii?

 

The Hawaii cruises cost 2x Alaska cruises and 3x Carribean itineraries day/per rate.. why? Makes 0 sense.. like I really want to go to Hawaii but I need the cruise prices to be more in line with Alaska or Carribean routes Hawaii shouldn't be so expensive how can I make this point more clear?

 

It's always surprising that there actually are lots of people who apparantly can afford it--or think they can. Just off the Ruby and she was headed for Hawaii. Our California coastal cruise last week was 50% full. We heard Hawaii this week was going to be at capacity. So....the bean counters win.