Royal Carribean or Carnival in October? Help me decide!

[cchapman15]

We have only cruised once and it was on NCL - not impressed. We have 2 different cruises that we're looking at in October- both are 4 nights, leaving within a day of eachother. Royal Carribbean is on the Sov. of the Seas - it costs a little more, but is going to Nassau and Cococay vs. Nassau and Freeport (Carnival - Sensation). I have heard that Cococay is fun and there isn't much for kids to do in Freeport. The Sovereign of the Seas is being taken out of the fleet in December, so I am a little worried that the care won't be as good on the ship as normal because it isn't going to be used anymore. The rooms are supposed to be bigger on the Carnival ships (by about 40 sf) - not sure if that is a biggie, but still something to consider.

 

Has anyone gone on either of these trips and could tell me first-hand what they think? We'll be taking our sons with us - ages 7 and 10, and hope they have programs that the boys will enjoy. I just want to be sure I am choosing the better of the two before I put down a deposit.

 

Thank you, oh wise cruising goo-roos! :)

 

Heather

[usacol]

We have only cruised once and it was on NCL - not impressed. We have 2 different cruises that we're looking at in October- both are 4 nights, leaving within a day of eachother. Royal Carribbean is on the Sov. of the Seas - it costs a little more, but is going to Nassau and Cococay vs. Nassau and Freeport (Carnival - Sensation). I have heard that Cococay is fun and there isn't much for kids to do in Freeport. The Sovereign of the Seas is being taken out of the fleet in December, so I am a little worried that the care won't be as good on the ship as normal because it isn't going to be used anymore. The rooms are supposed to be bigger on the Carnival ships (by about 40 sf) - not sure if that is a biggie, but still something to consider.

 

Has anyone gone on either of these trips and could tell me first-hand what they think? We'll be taking our sons with us - ages 7 and 10, and hope they have programs that the boys will enjoy. I just want to be sure I am choosing the better of the two before I put down a deposit.

 

Thank you, oh wise cruising goo-roos! :)

 

Heather

Just returned from the Sovereign of the Seas on Fri. We did like the ship and have been on Carnival and Royal. The rooms on the SOS are small but we Loved Coco cay. I liked it much better than Freeport. If you are going to do 4 to a room on the SOS it will be tight. I prefer Royal and the Coco cay itinerary. Your kids will have a blast there if they love the beach. Freeport will require a taxi ride for 4 so that may figure into your price between the ships where as Coco Cay is free to get there. The SOS was very well maintained and I was worried about her also before we went but it is in great shape.

 

 

Here is a link to some photos for Coco Cay to check it out. I hope the link works

http://gilandpatsy.myphotoalbum.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album21

[cchapman15]

What gorgeous pictures! I know 4 in one room is going to be like a can of sardines but hopefully we'll only be in there to sleep and shower - crossing my fingers that this is a smooth ride and no one gets sea sick. Did you guys feel a lot of movement on your trip?

[bobsfamily]

We have only cruised once and it was on NCL - not impressed. We have 2 different cruises that we're looking at in October- both are 4 nights, leaving within a day of eachother. Royal Carribbean is on the Sov. of the Seas - it costs a little more, but is going to Nassau and Cococay vs. Nassau and Freeport (Carnival - Sensation). I have heard that Cococay is fun and there isn't much for kids to do in Freeport. The Sovereign of the Seas is being taken out of the fleet in December, so I am a little worried that the care won't be as good on the ship as normal because it isn't going to be used anymore. The rooms are supposed to be bigger on the Carnival ships (by about 40 sf) - not sure if that is a biggie, but still something to consider.

 

Has anyone gone on either of these trips and could tell me first-hand what they think? We'll be taking our sons with us - ages 7 and 10, and hope they have programs that the boys will enjoy. I just want to be sure I am choosing the better of the two before I put down a deposit.

 

Thank you, oh wise cruising goo-roos! :)

 

Heather

 

I have been on the Sensation recently and had a blast.. was able to get two rooms cheaper than one - go figure - and it was nice with four adults - children are 15 and 19. Great for dad also because all are women except me!

 

Freeport is wonderful to visit as a destination with several days... not so great for the 5 hour stop. Cococay is nice but remember it is owned by the ships and the only shopping is what they offer or offered by agents accepted by them. Beer/liquor is the same as onboard and all use you card. You are a "hostage" but a well pampered one.

Rooms are smaller on almost all ships compared to Carnival. We did Majesty of the Seas several years ago that did CoCo and it was nice. You do tender in but hard to be left as they know who's off the ship.

 

I would say try the RCL as you can get all your shopping done in Nassau... one thing to remember is if the weather is bad or the winds kick up you will not go to CoCo and will have more time in Nassau... it does happen enough that people complain here about it.

[dkbryan]

We just returned from a 4 night cruise on RCCL's Majesty of the Seas. While the rooms were small (even when compared to other RCCL ships) we didn't really mind as we don't spend much time in the cabin while cruising. The water was mostly calm, but, of course, that can change no matter where you go.

 

We enjoyed our day on CocoCay. It's just a nice beach day. They have a very shallow beach on the right side of the island.

 

We also enjoyed Nassau. We ventured into the Straw Market and were able to buy Coach "knock-offs" for our girls for about $35 each. They also sell Prade and Kate Spade purses there for similar prices. It's quite an experience, but can be worth it if you don't mind doing a little dickering. (I think the price on the purses started at around $60 and we kept working them down.)

[cruiser from georgia]

Did SOS June, year before last. Just got back from Sensation last week. Both itineraries you are looking at.

 

Cruised 8 times, 1 RC, 2 Disney & 5 Carnival. We prefer Carnival to RC.

 

RC: Rooms are smaller. Didn't seem to be as many activities going on, not that we do most of them, but I like to know they are there. Coco is nice and you know it's a cheap day b/c you aren't paying for anything, totally agree. Beautiful island, Coco Loco's are yummy. (even though we get no alcohol ones, frozen drinks are still yummy) Surprised by lack of photo taking on board, again not that we bought all of them, just an observation. Staff in dining room didn't "entertain" each night like they did on Carnival. One midnight buffet that was dessert only, people were acting like crazy people though, stacking HUGE plates and taking them to their rooms. Taking enough to feed an army, not a thing left when we got up there and we weren't too far back in line. Wierd, never seen it before. No lobster night, again only time we've experienced that on any ship.

 

Carnival: Rooms are bigger. It's an older ship, but maintained very well. I think the staff is friendlier and more outgoing to please. Freeport is fantastic now that we've found how much we love Lucaya and it's such a nice, clean, fun, laid back little town. We are dying to go back already, loved it so much. It was fairly cheap to take a taxi and do the beach. ($5 taxi, $15 beach day) 1 Midnight Buffet and it was Mexican, done on the outside grille area. Good food, more activities.

 

Both are close to the same size, never felt too much movement on either. Most movement is around Florida area, always. Coming & Going mainly. Enough to make you walk crazy, but never made us sick, thankfully. That doesn't depend on ship as much as weather I'm thinking though. We've never cruised in October, but have in September several times and November once. Great in September, November was SUPER windy and close to miserable 2 days in port. (All water excursions cancelled, almost didn't dock)

 

You'll have fun on either one for sure!! We'd do either again, but would choose Carnival trip 1st choice

[libra22]

I'm a Carnival Fan! I'm getting ready to book my next one. I like the atmosphere alot better that RC.

[cruiseapril]

Hi- We were on the Sovereign in 2006- had a larger cabin-the Superior Ocean View- good amount of space in those cabins- there are a limited number.

 

CocoCay is great for beach people-which we are-it is a lovely island IMO.

However, if you want a selection of activities-Grand Bahama would be better.

 

We were on the Carnival Elation- sister ship to Sensation- like the Fantasy class ships.

[dkbryan]

I guess that it just goes to show that what cruiseline you like best depends on what you like to do. For example, I'm sure that some really enjoy the freestyle cruising while my DW and I really enjoy sitting at the same table each night, having the same waiters, and the formal nights during the cruise.

 

In the end, who really cares? A bad day on a cruise is better than a good day at work!

[JJJSM]

Both Ships Will Be Fine.. The Sos Will Have Smaller Cabins.. I Have Been On The Sovereign Twice.. The First Time We Stopped At Coco Cay.. Were There Only Like 20 Min & Had To Go Back To The Ship Because The Water Was Getting Rough.. The 2nd Time We Could Not Even Stop Here.! That Was Disappointing.. But We Still Had A Great Day.. I Have Never Been To Freeport (going Here In November) So I Can Not Really Help You There!

[crusinmama06]

I've done Sovereign twice, Sensation (the latest) and Elation (last year)

 

I wouldn't step foot back on Sensation, no way. :eek:

 

Sensation had so many negatives, I can't even begin to list them. Yes I did post a review...lol.

 

To Georgia who liked Carnival better than RCCL, try a newer RCCL ship. There is no comparison.

[NCTribeFan]

Perhaps, but the question here is regarding two older ships.

 

Every time I look for a comparable RCI cruise to what I can book on Carnival, I'm put off by the size of those inside cabins. And I don't really even care about the ship! I sail for the ports!

 

But some of those are just miniscule!

 

I love the Fantasy-class ships and can't wait to return to one after having sailed the Miracle and the Glory within the past 6 months.

 

No, Sensation won't be elegant or glamorous or anything remotely like that. But I barely notice decor. And on a short cruise to the Bahamas? I'm going to be in port doing stuff, outside by the pool relaxing, in the casino, eating or sleeping. Who cares if there's a lovely atrium?

 

OK, obviously some people DO care, but I don't! :p

 

I just visited Freeport for the 2nd time. There are things to do (as there are in every port). For $5 pp each way, you can get a taxi to the Lucaya area where you can shop, eat, gamble, or go to the free public beach.

 

Here's another option...

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=542895

 

But if CocoCay is anything like Half Moon Cay (which is my favorite place ever), I'd be tempted to do the RCI just to go there.

[cruiser from georgia]

We enjoyed the bigger Carnival Glory, we just went on it 3Xs in the last 2 years. It was great to be back on a smaller more intimate ship though, just like our first cruise. I enjoy what bigger ships offer if it's a long trip, but am just as happy on the smaller shorter trips. Sometimes I start to wonder, how big is too big? To each, their own. The companies offer tons of selections for sure. I'm just a Carnival girl at heart I guess.