Opinions Needed: RC vs. Carnival

[n4runner]

We sailed our first cruise on RC's Rhapsody back in November, 2003. Fell in LOVE with the cruising experience and are looking to book again a mere six months later. Will book on Carnival's Sensation 4 nighter out of Tampa for June.

Has anyone sailed these classes of ships on both these lines? If so, would love opinions, pros, cons, etc.

TIA - N

[fireguy091]

If so, would love opinions, pros, cons, etc.
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You came to the right place. This place has plenty of opinions, Oh yeah you might want to ask the same question on the carnival board and compare, lol


Serenade 10/30/03
Destiny 6/02
Monarch 5/99
Holiday 4/98
Tropical 6/95
Asure Seas 3/93
Asure Seas 5/91
Holiday 3/88
Ms Southward 5/85

[arosenbe]

We have sailed both lines including the Sensation but not a Rhapsody (or similar).

As far as the lines go they are more the same than different. We will only sail Royal Caribbean OR Carnival. You will get as many votes for RCCL on this board as you will votes for Carnival on their board.

I would suggest you closely check the deck plans and see what suits your needs better.

When we sailed the Sensation, she was showing her age a little. I think she has been refurbished since then. Other can comment on the Rhapsody.

Al Rosenberg

Navigator of the Seas 06 November 2004
[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=FF0000&cdt=2004;11;06;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
Radiance of the Seas 03/04
Navigator of the Seas 10/03
Carnival Pride 03/03
Norwegian Sun 10/02
Dawn Princess 03/02
Sensation 09/01
Carnival Destiny 03/01

[Seaside2358]

I have done Sensation and Majesty. Liked them both. Sensation was a 7 day when I sailed. Thought the food was better on Sensation. The rooms were bigger but Majesty had it's own special ambiance...

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff0000&cdt=2004;11;6;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500[/img]
Until Jewel of The Seas<BR


Sensation 3/99
Majesty of The Seas 12/03

[fireguy091]

Here's a link to one of a gazillion threads on this topic...[img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
[url="http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=408097554&m=34710019&r=12910909#12910909"]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=408097554&m=34710019&r=12910909#12910909[/url]


Serenade 10/30/03
Destiny 6/02
Monarch 5/99
Holiday 4/98
Tropical 6/95
Asure Seas 3/93
Asure Seas 5/91
Holiday 3/88
Ms Southward 5/85

[big al]

Tia-I am a PT cruise agent and have sailed both cruise lines.In fact,I just got off the Triumph for spring break week and it was terrific!!Also sailed The Majesty for my honeymoon in '96.Pluses for RCL:beautiful public rooms,nice pool area,great lounge in the Viking Crown Lounge Area.Minuses:VERY small cabins,few balconies....both have decent food and entertainment with the nod for the latter going tom Carnival..Pluses for Carnival:great entertainment,lots of activities,bigger cabins.Minuses:less elegant,no breakfast eggs served for room service,only continental..IMO,both are still a bit behind Princess,though the newer ships for both lines are much better.Food on Carnival has improved 100% the last 5-6 years...if you want the newer ship and a balcony,go with RCL,but I also find they are more expensive almost always....good luck!
Alan

[n4runner]

Sincere THANKS to all who responded. (And yes, I did x-post to Carnival board). We have to make our decision B4 end of week. REALLY appreciate your time - best to all, N [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img]