Carnival vs. RCCL

[Wrkathomewife]

My husband and I are checking out cruises and I saw on Great Cruises with Samantha Brown that RCCL have a great new ship, Freedom of the Seas. :) We are interested in trying something more adventurous since our anniversary is coming up this summer. We'd be interested in checking out the Western Caribbean.

 

Which is better? What sets which one apart?

 

Ellie

[LHP]

I saw that program and the Freedom of the Seas looked amazing.

 

At this time, Carnival does not have a ship that equals it if that kind of pizzazz is what you are looking for. Carnival ships give some excellent cruises for the dollar. While both cruise lines are fine, I think RCCL has the upper hand in ship design and frills between the two lines in the larger ship class.

 

The only "con" is that some people actually don't like the "mega" ships like the FOS. To many people...embarkation and debarkation hassles and since the ship is so large, you have to be tendered into most ports...which can be a hassle.

 

None of the above would stop me from sailing on her when the price gets right.

 

You are going to find both lines pretty comparable where food, service and cabins are concerned. Price will run a little higher generally on RCCL, especially on this mega ship.

 

Don't get me wrong, I obviously love Carnival... but I do plan to give the ole FOS a spin one of these days.

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic and the wonderful addictive world of cruising!!

[LHP]

I don't know why my computer is being such a pill today.

Posts are not registering???

[taszmom]

Having been a several of each, CCL & RCCL I have these general observations & experiences : Food much better on CCL, rooms are larger, but don't like their decor (rooms or are ok, just don't like the glitzy, dark colors and neon stuff in the public areas on some ships). RC food adequate, decor nicer, rooms smaller and has hot new onboard amenities. Will I use the amenities on RC enough to justify the extra $$??? No. Food matters to me more. I will do RC, but the price has to come way down for me to book it or it has to be an itinerary I can't get on CCL. PLus I am with those that like less people onboard. Upwards of 3200+ pass onboard is too much for me. If you want to see the FOS, go in the fall off-season- less $$, less people.

[taszmom]

Having been a several of each, CCL & RCCL I have these general observations & experiences : Food much better on CCL, rooms are larger, but don't like their decor (rooms or are ok, just don't like the glitzy, dark colors and neon stuff in the public areas on some ships). RC food adequate, decor nicer, rooms smaller and has hot new onboard amenities. Will I use the amenities on RC enough to justify the extra $$??? No. Food matters to me more. I will do RC, but the price has to come way down for me to book it or it has to be an itinerary I can't get on CCL. PLus I am with those that like less people onboard. Upwards of 3200+ pass onboard is too much for me. If you want to see the FOS, go in the fall off-season- less $$, less people.

[luckycruzer]

I saw that program and the Freedom of the Seas looked amazing.

 

At this time, Carnival does not have a ship that equals it if that kind of pizzazz is what you are looking for. Carnival ships give some excellent cruises for the dollar. While both cruise lines are fine, I think RCCL has the upper hand in ship design and frills between the two lines in the larger ship class.

 

The only "con" is that some people actually don't like the "mega" ships like the FOS. To many people...embarkation and debarkation hassles and since the ship is so large, you have to be tendered into most ports...which can be a hassle.

 

None of the above would stop me from sailing on her when the price gets right.

 

You are going to find both lines pretty comparable where food, service and cabins are concerned. Price will run a little higher generally on RCCL, especially on this mega ship.

 

Don't get me wrong, I obviously love Carnival... but I do plan to give the ole FOS a spin one of these days.

 

Welcome to Cruise Critic and the wonderful addictive world of cruising!!

 

Hubby and I were just on BOS..his first, my over a dozen..he did not really enjoy the cruising expierience..and I didnt think the staff was as friendly as CCL, dinRM, and cabin the exception. They made it really nice to sleep n eat! POC, ok, food was nice, but all that glitz did not give me a warm n fuzzy..beds were kinda awful, pillows too. shower very small..clean, new , the OB activities were so many, they ran into each other, and not repeated..or were one time only. Pursers desk needs work. Food was std upper scale restaurant and well presented, but very little WOW..they didnt take special req's..told me shrimp and lobster werent avail til next week, So I said.."gee, they got on board when I did!!!" a shrug...so it did not please hubby when I had told him he could order seafood anytime..NOT..selling merchandise for a hi price out by the pool, when we were going to be able to buy molas later that day, and crew member didnt even know she was selling(whats a ) molas..$25 up for sm..drinks are over $2 more than CCL..those art auction folks were forever in the way of halls/aisles, moving n hauling on lg carts..alllll the time. No real outside deck to walk around. were over 300 kids, but well behaved..didnt like sitting w/5 at my table tho..but got changed to adults..paid about $40 more per day per per on RCL, than CCL..I have money left to cruise some more,...but on CCL

[Casino Player]

My husband and I are checking out cruises and I saw on Great Cruises with Samantha Brown that RCCL have a great new ship, Freedom of the Seas. :) We are interested in trying something more adventurous since our anniversary is coming up this summer. We'd be interested in checking out the Western Caribbean.

 

Which is better? What sets which one apart?

 

Ellie

 

I have been on both cruise lines. CCL is the better cruise. Freedom of the Seas has over 3,200 passengers. I was on Voyager of the Seas. Slightly less people and the service was awful. It can only be worse on a larger ship with more people. The food was terrible on RCCL.

Carnival has better food and better service. An added plus, CCL generally charge less than RCCL. That's competition for you. If you want room service that doesn't come then RCCL might be your cruise. RCCL employees tend to be on the rude side toward passengers.

[hdawson]

Luckycruzer. What line have you been on that offers lobster every night? ? ? All the lines I've been on lobster is one night only per week.

Always on Royal Caribbean I've been able to have shrimp cocktail every night.

To me, out of 19 cruises, Brilliance is the absolute prettiest ship I've seen. I could even get escargot if I ordered it the night before. The availability of escargot might have been on Celebrity. Now I'm not sure. In December I paid $50 per day to cruise solo on Carnival. I certainly did not expect a lobster every night. However, I did have lobster and prime rib ONE night.

[nealstuber]

..so be advised of a Carnival bias.

 

We've done RCCLs and Carnival's biggest ships (except Freedom) and the smaller rooms are not an issue on the Freedom, Voyager, or Radiance class vessels.

 

Carnival get our nod on food, but part of the total dining experience is the dining room decor, and service. On the new RCCL ships the dining rooms are knockouts and we've found the service to be (marginally) better. Also, if you're planning to spring for specialty diining one night or two - you will get more bang for your buck on Freedom.

 

Found RCCL to treat their repeaters much better (better parties, and gifts) and we've enjoyed things like the promanade parades and Ice shows - things Carnival can't touch. The main shows on RCCL have four singers vs CCL's 2 - and you don't have to sit through bingo to see them (cruise comics are a nice touch)

 

The RCCL ships continue to be a step out two ahead of Carnival in terms of technology and decor. The Standard Balconies on ships from the Navigator OTS on are better than Carnival's.

 

Still, we generally find a better party on Carnival, but that's a lot more about the people than anything either line does or does not do.

[hdawson]

Actually, RCCL's Voyager and Radiance class ships have two specialty restaurants. Both are outstanding.

[LHP]

..so be advised of a Carnival bias.

 

We've done RCCLs and Carnival's biggest ships (except Freedom) and the smaller rooms are not an issue on the Freedom, Voyager, or Radiance class vessels.

 

Carnival get our nod on food, but part of the total dining experience is the dining room decor, and service. On the new RCCL ships the dining rooms are knockouts and we've found the service to be (marginally) better. Also, if you're planning to spring for specialty diining one night or two - you will get more bang for your buck on Freedom.

 

Found RCCL to treat their repeaters much better (better parties, and gifts) and we've enjoyed things like the promanade parades and Ice shows - things Carnival can't touch. The main shows on RCCL have four singers vs CCL's 2 - and you don't have to sit through bingo to see them (cruise comics are a nice touch)

 

The RCCL ships continue to be a step out two ahead of Carnival in terms of technology and decor. The Standard Balconies on ships from the Navigator OTS on are better than Carnival's.

 

Still, we generally find a better party on Carnival, but that's a lot more about the people than anything either line does or does not do.

 

 

Hey neighbor. We have not tried RCCL, but plan to do so by next year.

As you can see...all we have done is Carnival.. but we look forward to hitting all the mass lines before we "go the Beale Street"!! :)

[wrp96]

Luckycruzer. What line have you been on that offers lobster every night? ? ? All the lines I've been on lobster is one night only per week.

Always on Royal Caribbean I've been able to have shrimp cocktail every night.

To me, out of 19 cruises, Brilliance is the absolute prettiest ship I've seen. I could even get escargot if I ordered it the night before. The availability of escargot might have been on Celebrity. Now I'm not sure.

 

My tablemates had escargot every night on my Brilliance cruise. They also had shrimp cocktails several nights.

[hdawson]

wrp. I think that's the first post I've read complaining about TOO MANY activities.

[luckycruzer]

Luckycruzer. What line have you been on that offers lobster every night? ? ? All the lines I've been on lobster is one night only per week.

Always on Royal Caribbean I've been able to have shrimp cocktail every night.

To me, out of 19 cruises, Brilliance is the absolute prettiest ship I've seen. I could even get escargot if I ordered it the night before. The availability of escargot might have been on Celebrity. Now I'm not sure. In December I paid $50 per day to cruise solo on Carnival. I certainly did not expect a lobster every night. However, I did have lobster and prime rib ONE night.

 

Was ordered by a table on one of my last 4 CCL's ..just did my 20th, w/ 21 in 19 days, and 22 4/23. Just like steak that is not on menu, you can have one each night..lobsters are not frozen, but iced with other fresh seafood (so 5 day is no prob) Go to a Galley tour if offered and get a new respect, and perspective on the food service. one of these last cruises is about $46 a day even w/my s/s..and the Escargot is greatly improved since the demise of the green mint foam..yuk! you might just ck w/ Maitre de, 1st day or day b4 you want a special req for off the menu selections..smile sweetly, bat your lovely lashes, or a nice hand shake, and a tip if you feel like it. Also chocolate melting cake, shrimp cocktails are now on the right side of the menu every night..a new twist since my Nov cruise. I just like smaller boats as that was what i cut my "sea teeth" on.

[honeywell]

I think Carnival gives me more value for less money invested. I travel with family and we can book two connecting cabins for a LOT less than it would cost on RCCL, plus the cabins are larger square footage to begin with. The food on RCCL seemed better, but I don't expect fine dining on a cruise when it also provides a free camp for my children! :) For value I'll stay with Carnival.

[luckycruzer]

wrp. I think that's the first post I've read complaining about TOO MANY activities.

 

let me re-word...yes quite a few...Actually couldnt decide, as my selections overlapped so had to choose, and werent repeated, or some were same o same o like the spa talks (spent $$ there) Not enuff "GUY" oriented..he dosent golf, rock climb, or want a makeover. and 3x of camera talks, his 1st cruise, and I imagine last..so i will hold up my end and go solo.. just MHO

[Guienevere_Arianette]

My husband and I are checking out cruises and I saw on Great Cruises with Samantha Brown that RCCL have a great new ship, Freedom of the Seas. :) We are interested in trying something more adventurous since our anniversary is coming up this summer. We'd be interested in checking out the Western Caribbean.

 

Which is better? What sets which one apart?

 

Ellie

 

Based on what I've read/heard, RCI offers more phsyical activities: ice skating rink, rock wall, waverider, etc. Since I am not really into these types of activities, RCI doesn't really tempt me. From what I've heard, Carnival food is better, and from what I've read, Carnival standard rooms are bigger and bedding is better!

[luckycruzer]

My tablemates had escargot every night on my Brilliance cruise. They also had shrimp cocktails several nights.

 

I reiterate...not til it's on the menu!..

[luckycruzer]

wrp. I think that's the first post I've read complaining about TOO MANY activities.

 

Re-read..sooo many, not toooo many..sorry you have the wrong idea of my post..thanx for reading

[Florida Gator]

Here is my review of Carnival vs RC

The original thread is:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=365743

 

Several good responses, a good read. Hope this helps!

 

 

We just completed out first Royal Caribbean cruise after many Carnival cruises. We did not know what to expect, we had always had a great time on Carnival but wanted to see what else was out there. I hesitate to give honest opinions on these boards as everyone seems so sensitive to any critism of whichever line is their favorite. Let me say, I have NEVER had a bad cruise on either and ANY critism is on minor details and just my opinion. If I say something negative about Carnival or RCI, IT’S O.K., the world WILL NOT END and it is O.K. if we disagree!

 

This is mainly a comparison of my experience on the Mariner of the Sea to the Carnival Glory, Pride and Miracle.

 

OVERALL SHIP FACALITIES

 

As I tend to be a newer, bigger, is better cruiser, I loved the public areas on the Mariner, the Royal Promenade was unbelievable! I have seen nothing remotely like this on the Carnival ships I have sailed. Big, open and inviting. The windjammer and main dining areas were extraordinary. Loved them. The Casino was large and well planned. Our stateroom (9622) was smaller than we had on Carnival. I kept hearing about the large balconies on the “hump” and must say I was disappointed. The balcony and room were smaller. The room (although smaller) was set up nicely and well planned, very similar to Carnival. Royal Caribbean is the winner overall (mainly due to my, new, bigger is better preference).

 

FOOD QUALITY

 

The food in the main dining room was close, almost a tie with Carnival (maybe) edging out RCI. The casual dining area was not even close. While I liked the casual dining areas on Royal much better, I did not like the food, either in quality or selection. It seems very little planning went into grouping or selection of items. Now take a DEEP BREATH, hold it, hold it, now let it out. Remember, this is just MY OPNION, I am sure a lot of people LOVED it, maybe MOST people, but we were not impressed. We could ALWAYS find something we liked on Carnival. RCI pizza vs. Carnival, come on, a whole different league. Johnny Rockets was GREAT, enjoyed the food, enjoyed the show. Carnival edges out RCI on the food.

 

SERVICE

 

Both Carnival and Royal had great service. I occasionally read people talk about poor service on both lines, but we have NEVER experienced it. From the dining room staff to our stateroom staff, we have nothing but praises. This one is a tie.

 

COST

 

Before I booked on Mariner, I posted a question regarding Carnival vs. RCI, mainly because of the $1,000 price difference for a (slightly) smaller room ($250 x 4). On the Royal boards most people seems to not accept this big of difference thinking instead that I must be misinformed. I am a shopper. I look and compare and know what I am getting BEFORE I make my decision. I talked directly with Carnival and RCI as well as my travel agent, the difference was there. Let me say, it’s hard to overcome a $1,000 premium. Carnival takes this one.

 

ENTERTAINMENT

 

The main production shows on both were good. RCI had better shows some of the other nights. With all the things to do on the Mariner from rock climbing to ice skating, RCI seems to have covered all the bases. If, however, you are into the nightlife (we are not), the Mariner has a hard time competing to all the clubs Carnival has to offer. Much more laid back, that can be good or bad depending on what you like. What I DID LIKE about the Mariner (that ALMOST makes up for the $1000 premium) is the lack of smoke. Royal has cut way back on smoking areas and it shows! We were even able to find places in the casino with little smoke. I am sure ship design played a part in this also. How does this fit into entertainment? If you HATE to be around smokers and you are forced to be, you are a lot less likely to be entertained, even if you are doing something you like. A big thank you goes to RCI for being sensitive to their non-smoking guests. In a close contest, sometimes the (seemingly) small things make the difference. Winner in a close one, Royal.

 

CONCLUSION

 

As I stated at the beginning, I have never had a bad cruise! I had a GREAT time on the Mariner last week and had a GREAT time on my Glory, Pride and Miracle cruises! These two cruise lines have a lot more in common than most cruisers would like to believe and you really cannot go wrong choosing either. Having said that, I was a little surprised when I took a poll of my family on which line to take next year. Everyone said the same thing, LOVED the Mariner of the Seas, but wanted Carnival next year. I am sure that we will be traveling with both Carnival and RCI many more times, both are great companies!

__________________

[Florida Gator]

Here is my review of Carnival vs RC

The original thread is:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=365743

 

Several good responses, a good read. Hope this helps!

 

 

We just completed out first Royal Caribbean cruise after many Carnival cruises. We did not know what to expect, we had always had a great time on Carnival but wanted to see what else was out there. I hesitate to give honest opinions on these boards as everyone seems so sensitive to any critism of whichever line is their favorite. Let me say, I have NEVER had a bad cruise on either and ANY critism is on minor details and just my opinion. If I say something negative about Carnival or RCI, IT’S O.K., the world WILL NOT END and it is O.K. if we disagree!

 

This is mainly a comparison of my experience on the Mariner of the Sea to the Carnival Glory, Pride and Miracle.

 

OVERALL SHIP FACALITIES

 

As I tend to be a newer, bigger, is better cruiser, I loved the public areas on the Mariner, the Royal Promenade was unbelievable! I have seen nothing remotely like this on the Carnival ships I have sailed. Big, open and inviting. The windjammer and main dining areas were extraordinary. Loved them. The Casino was large and well planned. Our stateroom (9622) was smaller than we had on Carnival. I kept hearing about the large balconies on the “hump” and must say I was disappointed. The balcony and room were smaller. The room (although smaller) was set up nicely and well planned, very similar to Carnival. Royal Caribbean is the winner overall (mainly due to my, new, bigger is better preference).

 

FOOD QUALITY

 

The food in the main dining room was close, almost a tie with Carnival (maybe) edging out RCI. The casual dining area was not even close. While I liked the casual dining areas on Royal much better, I did not like the food, either in quality or selection. It seems very little planning went into grouping or selection of items. Now take a DEEP BREATH, hold it, hold it, now let it out. Remember, this is just MY OPNION, I am sure a lot of people LOVED it, maybe MOST people, but we were not impressed. We could ALWAYS find something we liked on Carnival. RCI pizza vs. Carnival, come on, a whole different league. Johnny Rockets was GREAT, enjoyed the food, enjoyed the show. Carnival edges out RCI on the food.

 

SERVICE

 

Both Carnival and Royal had great service. I occasionally read people talk about poor service on both lines, but we have NEVER experienced it. From the dining room staff to our stateroom staff, we have nothing but praises. This one is a tie.

 

COST

 

Before I booked on Mariner, I posted a question regarding Carnival vs. RCI, mainly because of the $1,000 price difference for a (slightly) smaller room ($250 x 4). On the Royal boards most people seems to not accept this big of difference thinking instead that I must be misinformed. I am a shopper. I look and compare and know what I am getting BEFORE I make my decision. I talked directly with Carnival and RCI as well as my travel agent, the difference was there. Let me say, it’s hard to overcome a $1,000 premium. Carnival takes this one.

 

ENTERTAINMENT

 

The main production shows on both were good. RCI had better shows some of the other nights. With all the things to do on the Mariner from rock climbing to ice skating, RCI seems to have covered all the bases. If, however, you are into the nightlife (we are not), the Mariner has a hard time competing to all the clubs Carnival has to offer. Much more laid back, that can be good or bad depending on what you like. What I DID LIKE about the Mariner (that ALMOST makes up for the $1000 premium) is the lack of smoke. Royal has cut way back on smoking areas and it shows! We were even able to find places in the casino with little smoke. I am sure ship design played a part in this also. How does this fit into entertainment? If you HATE to be around smokers and you are forced to be, you are a lot less likely to be entertained, even if you are doing something you like. A big thank you goes to RCI for being sensitive to their non-smoking guests. In a close contest, sometimes the (seemingly) small things make the difference. Winner in a close one, Royal.

 

CONCLUSION

 

As I stated at the beginning, I have never had a bad cruise! I had a GREAT time on the Mariner last week and had a GREAT time on my Glory, Pride and Miracle cruises! These two cruise lines have a lot more in common than most cruisers would like to believe and you really cannot go wrong choosing either. Having said that, I was a little surprised when I took a poll of my family on which line to take next year. Everyone said the same thing, LOVED the Mariner of the Seas, but wanted Carnival next year. I am sure that we will be traveling with both Carnival and RCI many more times, both are great companies!

__________________

[MAO]

my solution to this debate is to rotate lines....Royal then Carnival then Royal then Carnival then Royal then....ok you get the picture:D

 

I think there are pros and cons with each line and you never know what you'll get once on the ship, could be all kids, could be all grumpy people or....well you name it, gotta make it the best you can;) (just my 2cents)

 

Happy Cruiseng everyone!

MAO

[Ellanora]

I have only sailed twice, both times with Carnival, but after MUCH research and thought, there is only one RCCL ship I am interested in, and that is Freedom of the Seas (or sister ship Liberty of the Seas). The reason is the waterpark area. I have a 10 year old son who would absolutely love to play there. I know other RCCL ships have the cool-looking Promenade and ice skating shows, but only Freedom/Liberty have the waterpark, so that's the one I want to try.

 

Other than that, I think Carnival has fantastic looking ships and itineraries (next year's Carnival Liberty itinerary looks great and it is a newer ship), and I don't see anything on the other RCCL ships that would top them. Also, in regards to smaller ships, I see nothing about the older RCCL ships that could possibly top the experience we had on the Sensation last year.

 

To each his own, obviously. I just wish Carnival would copy that waterpark area! :)