If not NCL - RCCL or Carnival?

[nycruiser1975]

I already know about NCL, thanks to all my friends, but can you help me. If I don't sail on NCL what should be my second choice (RCCL or Carnival). Along with me will be my DH (36) and DS(6). We are a family who likes to have fun. DS and I obviously from NYC love to dance and party at our old age and LOVE TO HAVE FUN, as well as our son. Which ship should we sail for our first cruise to have fun. HELPPPPPP!!!!:confused: :confused: :confused: :( :(

[CruisinMatt]

I would pick Carnival if you are into fun.

[judyf]

I agree Carnival, It's my second choice after NCL.

[nycruiser1975]

Can you explain. I was looking at RCCL and I like the golf and the flat screen and Johnny Rockets and the Freedom ships seem fun. Just a little explaination please and if Carnival which ship. Sorry for the trouble

[Host CMLA]

nycruiser1975...I changed your thread title so you would get more responses. "Help before I die" didn't tell anyone what you were asking.

[nycruiser1975]

nycruiser1975...I changed your thread title so you would get more responses. "Help before I die" didn't tell anyone what you were asking.

 

Thank you, you are a life saver, can you give me your input

[SAYHEYRENEE]

I have sailed both and they are similiar (and sailing both again this year).

It depends on what your looking for in the ship itself. Do you want a lot of people or small amount?

 

these are my opinions:

RCCL has the nicer ships.

Carnival has better food.

 

 

Both have great shows and entertainment.

Both have great kids clubs.

 

I say pick where you want to go by ports and then look at the two of the lines that go there. Read about each ship and make your choice from there.

[nycruiser1975]

The amount of people does not matter, I was more interested in the fun, and games for my family together and apart. and the night life and casinos. I love food. Does Carnival have an all night buffet or something or a place for my sweet tooth. What about the age of the crowd. We are in our 30's and how is the kids program? do they get a backpack like NCL. I will take all knowledge from experienced cruisers

[Ronath]

Carnival has 24 hour pizza and room service. Carnival has pool games (hairy chest, survivor, etc.), but most other lines do too. Honestly, you'll find alot to do on either Carnival or RCI.

[ce2000]

You will have a great time with Carnival or RCCL. Both offer a lot of activites for kids and adults. The food may be a little better on Carnival, but RCCL has very good food also. My kids preferred Carnival because of the 24 hour Pizzaria, and the any time free soft serve ice cream.

[jmcdon7230]

Both Carnival and RCCL make you eat at either 6PM or 8PM totally destroying any and all fun. :)

[SAYHEYRENEE]

They both have a buffet that you can eat anytime. Carving stations, etc.

RCCL actually puts linens on the tables etc.

 

RCCL has room service from the dinner menu, Carnival does not.

 

Carnival has a 24 hour pizza and ice cream. They have a deli and chinese food area. Carnival has a grill by the pool every day for lunch with hot dogs, pizza, frys, beans, salads etc. They also have sushi everyday too.

 

RCCL on the Voyager class and up has its own teen club and hang out seperate from the other kids. On Carnival the teens use the adult club until 9:30pm. They do not get a backpack.

Carnival did have a sleep over until 2am a few nights for young ones.

 

By the way me and hubby are both 35 and son 16. Son has been sailing since he was 12.

[nycruiser1975]

I think I should go on Carnival for the first one, which ship. want one with the best of best and everything. I never thought cruising would be so hard. Sorry for all the trouble.

[scperk]

Carnival would be the best choice...There's always something going on and great kids program....We just booked the Pearl for a change and the 9 day itinerary.....Dennis

[NowVoyager908]

I think I should go on Carnival for the first one, which ship. want one with the best of best and everything. I never thought cruising would be so hard. Sorry for all the trouble.

 

Since you're from New York, why not think about the Miracle which is doing an 8-night from NY. I think its the same class of ship as the Legend, which was doing the same cruise up until this year. I sailed on the Legend about three years ago, and had a great time.

 

There were no young kids in our group, so can't comment on the kids programs, but the ship itself had plenty of stuff going on. And from what I remember, the food was great.

[SAYHEYRENEE]

Out of Carnival ships-I would look at the newer ships like the Conquest Class.

 

Valor, Glory, Conquest. The Liberty and Freedom too. I believe Freedom is still in Europe though. Depends on where you want to go too.

 

Agree about the Miracle too-I was on the Legend-same class. I like the set up.

[ce2000]

I was on the Valor earlier this month, May 13-20. Had a great time on this ship and the food and service was very good. I will be on the Glory Sept. 29, really looking forward to it.

[Andy99]

My vote would be for RCCL!

[nycruiser1975]

My vote would be for RCCL!

 

There's the wrench in my thoughts. and I love Mickey Mouse

[Host CMLA]

Thank you, you are a life saver, can you give me your input

Well, I've never cruised Carnival and we're Diamond members with RCCL so I recommend RCCL because their past guest program is fantastic and we love the promenade rooms they have on some ships. As for which ship specifically...I don't know which ship is doing which itinerary. Good luck.

[PDAZ]

I think of RCCL and NCL as very comparable, with Carnival at the bottom, but I cruised on an older Carnival ship on a booze cruise, so I didn't experience the best they have to offer. I will say, though, that Carnival has the best pizza at sea! I skipped meals and hung out at the pizza kitchen, waiting for the next gourmet pizza to come out of the oven -- yum!

[ShedQueen77]

If cost is also a factor for you, Carnival tends to have lower pricing than RCCL. Not always, but most of the time.

 

I love Mickey Mouse too, but not enough to pay what Disney wants for their cruises! LOL :D

[gloryb2god]

I've never been on Carnival - Only Royal Caribbean. But RCCL has a lot of activities. From the belly flop contest and best legs by the pool, to the bingo, karaoke, art auctions, the casino, dance lessons, "the Quest" game, theme parties, The not so newlywed game. And the newer ships with the ice rink and rock climbing wall and wave pool and petting zoo. I may have made that last one up. I know food can be had around the clock. 3 words: midnight chocolate buffet! I was discouraged from trying Carnival my first cruise. I was told its a lot younger crowd with a lot of partying. (I'm 38 - these would have to be college kids to be classified "younger crowd" as far as I'm concerned!) Thats how I've done a couple of RCCL and a Celebrity. If Carnival is known for more partying than Royal Caribbean it should be called the booze cruise cause there's a whole lot of party goin' on at RCCL. I'm not opposed to a Carnival Cruise - I'll eventually try one. I've just picked my cruises based on itinerary, cost and time up til now. You sound like you'd have fun no matter what cruise you take. I don't know about your kids, but mine will just hang out with their new friends the whole time no matter what ship we're on. :D

[Hatsoff389]

I already know about NCL, thanks to all my friends, but can you help me. If I don't sail on NCL what should be my second choice (RCCL or Carnival). Along with me will be my DH (36) and DS(6). We are a family who likes to have fun. DS and I obviously from NYC love to dance and party at our old age and LOVE TO HAVE FUN, as well as our son. Which ship should we sail for our first cruise to have fun. HELPPPPPP!!!!:confused: :confused: :confused: :( :(

 

Heck, I would go with RCI and do the Explorer of the Seas right out of Bayonne. Its alternating 5 and 9 day cruises right now to Bermuda and the Caribbean. There are a ton of things to do on RCI ships. Your son will love the Adventure Ocean program. You also get ice skating, a rock climbing wall, a mini golf course and a Johnny Rockets. My wife and I are doing our third RCI ship in July and can't wait! Have fun, whichever cruise line you choose.

[MrPete]

If for the FUN and the experience, Carnival.

 

If for the ship, RCCL.