Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean..your thoughts?

[MsRavenFan]

Hi everyone!

I am interested in your thoughts. My husband and I want to go on another cruise. We went on one two years ago on Carnival. We were on the Celebration which is one of the smaller ships. We are debating between going on a bigger Carnival ship or trying Royal Caribbean. Your thoughts? Do you like one more than the other? Why? We are in our early 30's and are pretty laid back easy going people. Not very picky. We enjoy having a few drinks, enjoying the sun, taking in a few shows and hitting the casino....Thanks for your input!

[yst347]

I think you will find that Carnival is more popular here on the Carnival board and Royal Caribbean is more popular on their board. You can find plenty of revues. Your personal likes and dislikes will be different from others. I only say this because "XXX vs Carnival" threads are so common here but yield precious little good advice. One reason is because the OP doesn't give any preferences. I cannot see any reason not to try RCI or any other cruise line for that matter. I also think you will have a great time on any Carnival ship. We have sailed 6 so far and we enjoyed them all.

[hdawson]

Royal Caribbean's Radiance class ships are the absolute prettiest ships I've seen in 19 cruises. Very, very classy. Seattle's Best coffee throughout the ship. Production shows pretty equal, but RCCL seems to have better feature performers, such as the Platters or the excellent Elton John impresonator, the ladder guy or the gizmo guys. You'll still get the towel animals some nights. I've noticed on Carnival (5 cruises) there is a more likelyhood of a few boistrous guests. Not so much on RCCL. I will never sail on another "Mall of America of the Seas" again. It just wasn't like a cruise with 3200 guests plus 1100 crew, and with an indoor mall. Way tooooo big.

[VentureMan_2000]

Carnival cabins are a lot larger... like 40% larger than on Royal Caribbean.

 

And the prices are more competitive.

 

If you have children... then RCCL is the best place for them.

[MonaCK]

I will be happy to give you a comparison once I get back from my 2/11 cruise on the Valor. :)

[yogimax]

Royal Caribbean's Voyager Class ships are far and away the best!

[kruzerci]

I think that you would really enjoy Royal Caribbean, we always have. We have been on 6 Royal Caribbean cruises with one booked. We tried a Carnival cruise, but went right back to Royal Caribbean. We really love Royal Caribbean, their ships tend to be classier with more things to do and their service is really unbeatable. Carnival's newer ships are probably comparable to Royal Caribbeans, but I would chose RC any day. I recommend a Voyager or Freedom class ship, there is no ship out there that comes close to them as far as activities and things to do and see. Radiance class ships are also great, but they tend to have a different feel to them compared to the ships that sail to the Caribbean year-round like Voyager and Freedom class. Hope you choose Royal Caribbean, they're great.

[hdawson]

Ventureman. If I'm not mistaken, RCCL ships built in the last seven years are only about SIX sq feet smaller than Carnival's. That's only one foot by 6 feet. An insignificant amount. I forgot to mention, that on the RCCL behemouths of 132,000 grt ships, they have ice skating shows and free skating, in-line skate track, mini-golf and rockwall climbing on the entire fleet.

[LRene]

We may be the minority here but we'll stay with Carnival. After 5 CCL cruises we tried RCCL.

 

I would say the newer Carnival ships (i.e. Liberty) are every bit as pretty as the RCCL ships. I do like the design of the outside of their ships better.

 

Drinks were stronger on RCCL and were very good. HOWEVER, we didn't like the fact that we couldn't take our own wine on board. Buying a wine package was expensive, selection limited and it took 20 minutes every night to get a bottle in the dining room.

 

Entertainment - about equal.

 

Staterooms - definately nicer on Carnival. Bedding was absolutely the worst I've ever had on land or sea on RCCL (had not been upgraded yet).

 

Casino - was dead on RCCL. We pretty much had the place to ourselves no matter what time it was.

 

Service - no major differences.

 

Dining room - food about equal. Burgers, pizza, etc. is MUCH better on Carnival.

 

Atmosphere/Clientele - differs on every ship but it was really quiet on our RCCL cruise. We're 40/50's age group, professionals and not looking for a lot of noise but it was eerily Q-U-I-E-T. It was hard to find live music anywhere that lasted more than 30 minutes either.

 

I think both lines have as much alike as they do different but for us, we'll most likely stick with Carnival in the future. Fact is, you'll probably enjoy either one that you decide on. Hope so! :)

[Attack Dog]

Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival are a lot of fun.

 

My general perception about Carnival is they are more laid back. They have a family friendly party atmosphere. There is a lot of empahasis on the night life. Sometimes I felt like I was sailing in a huge night club. The atmosphere is very festive. I felt that as a company they don't take themselves too seriously. (I don't mean that in a bad way.)

 

Royal Caribbean is more serious but not by much. My impression is that there is a lot ego as driving force for this company. As far as fun they seem to emphasize more adventuorous activities. The ships are more sports oriented than Carnival. The service on Royal Caribbean is slightly better than on Carnival. I used to think that the food on Royal Caribbean was a lot better than Carnival. However, I noticed that line is blurring. Royal Caribean has a very friendly atmosphere.

 

On either cruise line the ships are beatiful but I think that Royal Careibbean's ships are more elegant.

 

When I cruise I base my decision on price and itenerary.

[yogimax]

Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival are a lot of fun.

 

My general perception about Carnival is they are more laid back. They have a family friendly party atmosphere. There is a lot of empahasis on the night life. Sometimes I felt like I was sailing in a huge night club. The atmosphere is very festive. I felt that as a company they don't take themselves too seriously. (I don't mean that in a bad way.)

 

Royal Caribbean is more serious but not by much. My impression is that there is a lot ego as driving force for this company. As far as fun they seem to emphasize more adventuorous activities. The ships are more sports oriented than Carnival. The service on Royal Caribbean is slightly better than on Carnival. I used to think that the food on Royal Caribbean was a lot better than Carnival. However, I noticed that line is blurring. Royal Caribean has a very friendly atmosphere.

 

On either cruise line the ships are beatiful but I think that Royal Careibbean's ships are more elegant.

 

When I cruise I base my decision on price and itenerary.

 

You comments are fair and balanced!

[VentureMan_2000]

Ventureman. If I'm not mistaken, RCCL ships built in the last seven years are only about SIX sq feet smaller than Carnival's. That's only one foot by 6 feet. An insignificant amount. I forgot to mention, that on the RCCL behemouths of 132,000 grt ships, they have ice skating shows and free skating, in-line skate track, mini-golf and rockwall climbing on the entire fleet.

 

 

You are mistaken.

 

You don't really know... do you...?

 

So... RCCL's newest ship, Freedom of the Seas, launched in 2006, ocean view stateroom is 161 sq. ft.

 

Carnival Destiny, an old ship launched in 1996, ocean view stateroom is 220 sq. ft.

 

Now lets do the math... :cool:

 

..220

- 161

====

....59

 

59/161 = 37%

 

So... you are so wrong... Carnival staterooms are 37% larger than RCCL... even RCCL's newest ship.

 

 

Now... if we take ships built around the same year, like Enchantment of the Seas built in 1997, Outside view cabins are 154 sq. ft. and that is where I got the 40% from. But thank you for correcting me... I was wrong. Carnival cabins are actually 43% larger than RCCL's for those shipsr.

 

So... in 10 years... RCCL has only increased cabin size 7 square feet. Oh boy... a whole extra 7 square feet. :cool:

 

Boy... that makes RCCL the pick of cruiselines when it comes to cabin size... :cool:

 

 

So the skinny of it is... do you homework before spouting off... :D

 

 

ps. hope the math wasn't too advanced for you... :D

[CruisinMama7]

VentureMan -

Hey, dude, lighten up please! No need to get so nasty and sarcastic. Anyway, all of this is so trivial. Just think about your next wonderful cruise, no matter which cruise line you sail on. It's all good. :D

 

Peace out!

[micki69]

OK I've been on both. If you book an inside room go with Carnival(cheaper and more room). Food I found just about the same maybe a little better on Carnival. Entertainment was good on both. Drink's prices about the same, service was better on Carnival. Liberty I've sailed twice and is by far nicer than some of Royal's Ships. I've sailed Holland twice and it is by far more up-scale than both Carnival and Royal but you pay more. If you like to party and laugh at yourself stick with Carnival. After 8 cruises with Carnival and I'm in my 50's I wouldn't change to any other line.

[sunlover5]

Done both, in a few weeks will be on RC, next year back to Carnival. Like the beds on Carnival and the rooms. We thought their food was better. Dress was more laid back. At times I felt over dressed.

Haven't had the new bedding on RC and the AOS won't be done when we sail her.

I usually choose for itineary, then decide line and ship. We were suppose to be on Carnival in a few weeks but they dropped Aruba (main reason we booked) so we switched to RC!

We are in our late forties, early fifties--enjoy your cruise!!!

[CoachTerry14]

Since I am a Diamond Member with RCL and a often Carnival Cruiser (10 so far), let's compare the my last two cruises on the Mariner vs. Glory

 

1) RCL has a conceiges lounge

2) Carnival has a waterslide

3) RCL has mini golf, in-line skating, and a rock wall. (Cool if you use it!)

4) RCL had two speciality restaurants (or is it three with Johnny Rockets), Carnival had one.

5) Glory had lots of places to eat outside, Marnier None.

6) Carnival had laundrettes, Marnier nothing.

7) Marniner had RANCH Steak, Carnival had Filet. - Actually this has been fixed since my first Mariner cruise (I have been 3 times)

8) Mariner - Full size basketball, Carnival - Smaller than half court

9) Carnival - More self serve ice cream stations

10) In my opinion, the food is a toss up. But Carnival has more free speciality stuff (Fish & Chips, Deli, etc.)

11) In my opinion, the activities and entertainment go to Carnival.

12) In price comparisons, CCL is generally less expensive. I guess this makes RCL more upscale.

13) Glory left on a Saturday and the Mariner left on a Sunday - Same embarkation port. Could make a difference to some people.

14) The Room service menu on RCI was much nicer than CCL - More Choices!

15) If you gamble the Glory is more spacious and they seem to take better care of their customers.

16) If you cruise often, RCI takes better care of their repeat customers.

17) Option to rebook with an onboard credit with RCI while onboard

18) Library always available on the Mariner -Glory had very limited hours.

19) Often the Mariner stops at a Private Island

 

 

Hope this helps.

[cantwait2cruise]

I like both. I get sick of the whole "Carnival is for partiers" line though. We saw the most partying the first time we went on RCCL Sovereign of the Seas. I would not hesitate to go on either line. We are going on Glory next b/c we are going with family that had already booked the cruise. I do want to for sure try RCCL voyager class at some point though. Any cruise is better than being at work and sitting at home to me.

[reno3]

First I have to admit it has been some time (20 years) since I cruised Carnival. I have in the last 20 years did Disney World, Universal Studios, etc. Disney Cruise and two years ago RC. We were not that impressed with it. I felt for the money I expected more. My son, 10 at the time could not even get down the slide never mind an adult. The food was nothing to write home about. The first night I walked into the dinning room I told my husband I thought I was walking into the Titanic dinning

room, the music was like being on an elevator:confused:

I guess just not my cup of tea:p

We will be on the Legend in April...can't wait:D

[Jsme]

I love RCI!! I have been on three cruises with them and love each ship I was on. Our last cruise was in November and it was with RCI on their new Freedom of the Seas. We adored this ship. My kids loved their offerings. I would go again in a heartbeat if they were a little more reasonable next Thanksgiving.

 

With that being said....I have not been on Carnival. However I have 4 CCL's booked for the next year. We go on the Celebration you mentioned in 10 days. Then the new Freedom at Thanksgiving, Fantasy for NYE and the Pride for next Februray.

 

I am looking forward to cruising with them. My DH and I decided if we like the Celebration we are booking for the summer with our kids.

[Smiling Cruiser]

I love Carnival but enjoy RCCL, too. Host Terry did a good comparison for you. I think you need to book one cruise on each line, then you will be able to make the final decision. Happy sails!:) :)

[Cruising89143]

Have been on both. Carnival 16 times and RCI 8 times. I give RCI the upper hand overall. It all depends on what is important to you. First there is no ship in the Carnival fleet that can compare with a Voyager or Freedom class ship. The Destiny/Conquest class is one of the worst designed ships IMHO. Crowded and a very poor passenger flow.

 

The Radiance class ships are also heads above the Spirit class in design and layout and the Spirit class is the best that Carnival has IMHO.

 

I find them both about even in the food and entertainment departments as each one does some things better and they even out overall. I find that RCI has much better service and the ships are cleaner and overall kept in much better shape than Carnival. RCI also has a much better past guest program. RCI also has better suites.

 

Both are good cruise lines and again it depends on what is important to you as which one to pick.

[oldgram1]

I just returned from the Carnival Inspiration. My last cruise was on Sovereign of the Seas. Personally, I liked RCL better overall but there were things about Carnival that were better. Food was better on RCL, entertainment was better on this Carnival cruise - very top notch. The room size and bathroom size seemed bigger than on RCL.

 

I wasn't impressed with our room steward at all on Carnival. She never asked us if we needed anything, never introduced herself and was quite aloof. We rarely saw her at all. On my first Carnival Cruise many years ago our cabin steward was top notch. He made suggestions to us that were helpful, told us about life on the ship and his life and family in Jamaica, talked to us every day about how things were going, etc. He was like a friend to us and made our trip extra special.

 

I'm going on another Carnival Cruise later this month and it will be interesting to see how it differs from the Inspiration.

 

Gail

[soocruise]

I just got off my first Carnival, the 3 previous were RCL. I don't believe there are too many major differences.

 

I didn't dress up for dinner everyday quite so much on Carnival, Formal nights were the same though.

 

I saw more partying on RCL, the Lido deck was dead on the triumph last week. It all depends on the crowd on the ship I think.

 

My daughter had a blast in Camp Carnival when she was there. There were many activities she missed and didn't seem to care. On the Voyager on RCL she was frantic at missing so many things to do. To do everything on Voyager you had to go non stop all the time. The Triumph did seem more laid back to me, probably cause it was a smaller ship.

 

It's pretty hard to go wrong with either line, I believe it more depends on your fellow passengers of the week and the activity crew.

[Cruising89143]

You are mistaken.

 

You don't really know... do you...?

 

So... RCCL's newest ship, Freedom of the Seas, launched in 2006, ocean view stateroom is 161 sq. ft.

 

Carnival Destiny, an old ship launched in 1996, ocean view stateroom is 220 sq. ft.

 

Now lets do the math... :cool:

 

..220

- 161

====

....59

 

59/161 = 37%

 

So... you are so wrong... Carnival staterooms are 37% larger than RCCL... even RCCL's newest ship.

 

 

Now... if we take ships built around the same year, like Enchantment of the Seas built in 1997, Outside view cabins are 154 sq. ft. and that is where I got the 40% from. But thank you for correcting me... I was wrong. Carnival cabins are actually 43% larger than RCCL's for those shipsr.

 

So... in 10 years... RCCL has only increased cabin size 7 square feet. Oh boy... a whole extra 7 square feet. :cool:

 

Boy... that makes RCCL the pick of cruiselines when it comes to cabin size... :cool:

 

 

So the skinny of it is... do you homework before spouting off... :D

 

 

ps. hope the math wasn't too advanced for you... :D

 

Let's compare apples to apples here. RCI and Carnival comparison on staterooms on each lines newest and largest ships that in are currently in service. Carnival Liberty and Freedom of the Seas. Also RCI offers many other cabin choices than the ones listed below for inside, families and suites. The biggest difference that I see is only on the standard inside cabins.

 

Outside cabins

 

Carnival Liberty 5A porthole outside stateroom = 185 square feet

Freedom OTS - outside stateroom = 161 square feet.

Carnival Liberty 6A - standard outside stateroom = 185 square feet

Freedom OTS - Large outside stateroom = 200 square feet

Freedom OTS - Family outside staterooom = 290 square feet

 

Balcony cabins

 

Carnival Liberty 8A - Standard balcony stateroom = 220 square feet of which the cabin is 185 square feet and the balcony is 35 square feet.

Freedom OTS - Standard Balcony stateroom = 251 square feet of which the cabin is 177 square feet and the balcony is 74 square feet.

 

Interior Staterooms

 

Carnival Liberty Category 4 = 185 square feet

Freedom Standard Inside = 152 square feet.

 

Suites

 

Carnival Liberty Category 11 = 330 square feet of which the cabin is 245 square feet plus 85 square feet for the balcony.

Freedom OTS Junior Suite = 388 square feet of which cabin is 287 square feet and balcony is 101 square feet.

Carnival Liberty Catergory 12 = 415 square feet of which the cabin is 300 square feet plus 115 square feet.

Freedom of the Seas Grand Suite = 513 square feet of which the cabin is 387 square feet and the balcony is 126 square feet.

 

This information was collected at Cruisedeckplans.com for the Carnival cabins and RCI's website for the RCI cabin information. I think that this should clear up the stateroom sizes on RCI. I will admit that on the older RCI ships the cabins are smaller but this is something that Carnival no longer owns when comparing the newer ships. The size difference between the two is not that big.

[markandstacie00]

After mentioning that there are good things about both lines, you seem to really favor RCI. What do you really prefer about Carnival?