Former RCI employee sailing on CCL Liberty 9/26/09 - please help calm my fears

[djneph]

Hey Everyone,

 

As the title says I used to work for RCI (5 years at the Corporate Office) and sailed with them many many times. Now that I am a regular paying customer I have chosen to sail on Carnival mainly due to price (balcony for $579pp), that a a few friends from back home (we moved to Texas in 07) are sailing the same sailing so we wanted to join them since we havent seen them in a while.

 

Anyhow, I am little worried about going on CCL, probably because I feel some weird loyalty to RCI and dislike of the competition (lol) as a former employee. My first ever cruise was on the Imagination back in 10/2001 (prior to being a RCI employee). I old fond memories of that cruise, probably one of my favorite cruises - I'm sure its because it was my first ever.

 

So what should I expect, are their really any major differences between the cruise lines. Food wise I love all food (probably why I am overweight), I liked RCI food and liked CCL food on the Imagination. Entertainment, I'm not big on the shows, except the ice skating and the adult comedy shows. I used to just go to relax, play some minature golf, and play roulette.

 

However, that was when I lived in Miami, FL. Now that I live in Texas, I am looking forward to using the pool and going to the beaches in ports. How are the pools on CCL (fresh or salt water). Also, the slide looks awesome, do they allow adults on it? Whats the casino atmosphere like, is it fun, welcoming? One of my favorite things from my cruise on the Imagination was outside seating in the buffet area (probably why my favorite ships on RCI are the Radiance Class), did CCL keep outside seating on the Liberty?

 

Tell me what you guys have experienced on CCL. I appreciate any info and tips you guys have from your years of CCL. I am affraid I will like CCL and they will be my new line (LOL)!

 

Thanks

[rhodester]

I don't want to scare you, but you have an excellent chance of falling off of a Carnival cruise ship.:rolleyes:

[falkcor]

Hey Everyone,

 

Anyhow, I am little worried about going on CCL, probably because I feel some weird loyalty to RCI and dislike of the competition (lol) as a former employee.

 

lol - even though it is a little 'weird' - no different than a lot of people on these boards (all cruise lines) :D

 

So what should I expect, are their really any major differences between the cruise lines.

 

carnival and rci are very similar. newer rci boats have a few more bells and whistles, but on the whole, most cabins on carnival are larger, most prefer carnival food, carnival is typically less (and sometimes far less) expensive

 

Food wise I love all food (probably why I am overweight), I liked RCI food and liked CCL food on the Imagination.

 

there have been a few changes in recent years re: food - with most giving the advantage to carnival. a recent addition on RCI is a $15 surcharge for a different steak 'option' in the main dining room - no such things on ccl. since you're from, and given context - you didn't mention what ship, but i assume you'll be cruising from galveston, and thereby ecstasy or conquest. if conquest, try the supper club (alternative, fee restaurant, similar to a chops or portofino) - $30pp, but the best food on the ship

 

Entertainment, I'm not big on the shows, except the ice skating and the adult comedy shows.

 

comics are typically hilarious - though that's hit or miss... not a big fan of production shows myself so can't comment... check out some of the live music around the ship - the piano bar is my fave...

 

I used to just go to relax, play some minature golf, and play roulette.

 

all of that is available, on many carnival ships. again, this varies per ship

 

However, that was when I lived in Miami, FL. Now that I live in Texas, I am looking forward to using the pool and going to the beaches in ports.

 

yeah, i'm not a big fan of galveston beaches either, being from the east coast.

 

How are the pools on CCL (fresh or salt water).

 

salt water

 

Also, the slide looks awesome, do they allow adults on it?

 

absolutely!

 

Whats the casino atmosphere like, is it fun, welcoming?

 

you can be assured that they will welcome you... to the casino! the bar servers are great and very personable. some dealers - not as personable, in my experience...

i don't spend much time in the casino, i just fail to justify extended period of time there, after the first (even moderate) losses... your mileage may vary... but i love roulette! but that was in vegas. i like being able to make $1 outside bets in vegas - $5 on the ship... check it out the first night though, they often have reduced minimum bets (such as 0.50 for numbers on roulette)

 

One of my favorite things from my cruise on the Imagination was outside seating in the buffet area (probably why my favorite ships on RCI are the Radiance Class), did CCL keep outside seating on the Liberty?

 

some, near the aft pool area

 

Tell me what you guys have experienced on CCL. I appreciate any info and tips you guys have from your years of CCL. I am affraid I will like CCL and they will be my new line (LOL)!

 

buckle up, buttercup (from a recent ccl commercial), you just might be right! :D

 

Thanks

 

i don't know exactly what tips to share, though if you're looking to have a good time, i don't see how you wouldn't... good luck!

 

see responses above in red. bon voyage.

[falconfan]

Hey Everyone,

 

As the title says I used to work for RCI (5 years at the Corporate Office) and sailed with them many many times. Now that I am a regular paying customer I have chosen to sail on Carnival mainly due to price (balcony for $579pp), that a a few friends from back home (we moved to Texas in 07) are sailing the same sailing so we wanted to join them since we havent seen them in a while.

 

Anyhow, I am little worried about going on CCL, probably because I feel some weird loyalty to RCI and dislike of the competition (lol) as a former employee. My first ever cruise was on the Imagination back in 10/2001 (prior to being a RCI employee). I old fond memories of that cruise, probably one of my favorite cruises - I'm sure its because it was my first ever.

 

So what should I expect, are their really any major differences between the cruise lines. Food wise I love all food (probably why I am overweight), I liked RCI food and liked CCL food on the Imagination. Entertainment, I'm not big on the shows, except the ice skating and the adult comedy shows. I used to just go to relax, play some minature golf, and play roulette.

 

However, that was when I lived in Miami, FL. Now that I live in Texas, I am looking forward to using the pool and going to the beaches in ports. How are the pools on CCL (fresh or salt water). Also, the slide looks awesome, do they allow adults on it? Whats the casino atmosphere like, is it fun, welcoming? One of my favorite things from my cruise on the Imagination was outside seating in the buffet area (probably why my favorite ships on RCI are the Radiance Class), did CCL keep outside seating on the Liberty?

 

Tell me what you guys have experienced on CCL. I appreciate any info and tips you guys have from your years of CCL. I am affraid I will like CCL and they will be my new line (LOL)!

 

Thanks

 

You will have a ball, sounds like you already have an open mind about your trip. The pools are salt water just like RCCL, adults are welcome on the slide, there is outside seating for the buffet near the pool. I felt very welcome in the casino on CCL, of course I felt that way on our RCCL cruise as well. Just have fun and enjoy the company of your friends and you can't go wrong.

[BrendaB1]

Liberty is a nice ship, my favorite ship so far. :D Casino was great when I cruised. Came back about $500 ahead after an 8 day cruise. :eek:

 

Lots of outdoor dining on the Lido deck. Buffet, burgers, hot dogs, 24 hour pizza, fish & chips, & the deli. Big screen is a plus.

 

Relax & have a good time. All of us Carnival cruisers can't be wrong. :)

[Familyforce6]

Hey Everyone,

 

As the title says I used to work for RCI (5 years at the Corporate Office) and sailed with them many many times. Now that I am a regular paying customer I have chosen to sail on Carnival mainly due to price (balcony for $579pp), that a a few friends from back home (we moved to Texas in 07) are sailing the same sailing so we wanted to join them since we havent seen them in a while.

 

Anyhow, I am little worried about going on CCL, probably because I feel some weird loyalty to RCI and dislike of the competition (lol) as a former employee. My first ever cruise was on the Imagination back in 10/2001 (prior to being a RCI employee). I old fond memories of that cruise, probably one of my favorite cruises - I'm sure its because it was my first ever.

 

So what should I expect, are their really any major differences between the cruise lines. Food wise I love all food (probably why I am overweight), I liked RCI food and liked CCL food on the Imagination. Entertainment, I'm not big on the shows, except the ice skating and the adult comedy shows. I used to just go to relax, play some minature golf, and play roulette.

 

However, that was when I lived in Miami, FL. Now that I live in Texas, I am looking forward to using the pool and going to the beaches in ports. How are the pools on CCL (fresh or salt water). Also, the slide looks awesome, do they allow adults on it? Whats the casino atmosphere like, is it fun, welcoming? One of my favorite things from my cruise on the Imagination was outside seating in the buffet area (probably why my favorite ships on RCI are the Radiance Class), did CCL keep outside seating on the Liberty?

 

Tell me what you guys have experienced on CCL. I appreciate any info and tips you guys have from your years of CCL. I am affraid I will like CCL and they will be my new line (LOL)!

 

Thanks

 

Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.;):D

[RogBus101]

Me thinks you will convert to Carnival.RogBus101

[mosel]

I worked for Celebrity for a few years in Baltimore years ago and only took my first X cruise last year. We have sailed Carnival 27 times and it took this long to try X. So you can see that loyalty doesn't trump fun. Have a great time. Cindy

[steveaaaaa]

Hey Everyone,

 

As the title says I used to work for RCI (5 years at the Corporate Office) and sailed with them many many times. Now that I am a regular paying customer I have chosen to sail on Carnival mainly due to price (balcony for $579pp), that a a few friends from back home (we moved to Texas in 07) are sailing the same sailing so we wanted to join them since we havent seen them in a while.

 

Anyhow, I am little worried about going on CCL, probably because I feel some weird loyalty to RCI and dislike of the competition (lol) as a former employee. My first ever cruise was on the Imagination back in 10/2001 (prior to being a RCI employee). I old fond memories of that cruise, probably one of my favorite cruises - I'm sure its because it was my first ever.

 

So what should I expect, are their really any major differences between the cruise lines. Food wise I love all food (probably why I am overweight), I liked RCI food and liked CCL food on the Imagination. Entertainment, I'm not big on the shows, except the ice skating and the adult comedy shows. I used to just go to relax, play some minature golf, and play roulette.

 

However, that was when I lived in Miami, FL. Now that I live in Texas, I am looking forward to using the pool and going to the beaches in ports. How are the pools on CCL (fresh or salt water). Also, the slide looks awesome, do they allow adults on it? Whats the casino atmosphere like, is it fun, welcoming? One of my favorite things from my cruise on the Imagination was outside seating in the buffet area (probably why my favorite ships on RCI are the Radiance Class), did CCL keep outside seating on the Liberty?

 

Tell me what you guys have experienced on CCL. I appreciate any info and tips you guys have from your years of CCL. I am affraid I will like CCL and they will be my new line (LOL)!

 

Thanks

 

 

Since you posted this on a CCL board,you will get mainly positive answers.But...I like you choose CCL because of price.I have taken many CCL cruises but love RCCL.Their ships are the nicest IMHO.Given the chance,I will sail RCCL anytime over CCL.

They are similar in the aspect that they are a cruise with both having the same thing.Have a good time.Try NCL also,they are also similar and have a decent product.

Steve

 

PS.Post this same question on the RCI board.:D

[Cushing985]

Welcome to the Dark Side! Seriously, I don't think a bad cruise exists. You'll have a blast no matter which cruise line you choose.

[djneph]

Thanks for all the info everyone. I am super excited about going on the cruise, looking forward to spending most of my time on the water slide. As far as RCI's newer ships I know they have all the bells and whisles, but I never really used any of them. During all those cruises, I never did the rock wall and only skated once (don't know how to).

 

My favorite RCI class is the Radiance Class, I loved the billiard tables. Also my favorite area was the Seaview Cafe and the outside seating at the back of the buffet area. I have been looking at the Liberty deck plan and photos. The outside eating area of the lido deck looks like it is surrounded by windows. Is that correct? Also, since there is a pool in that area does it get really busy and loud (I loved the Radiance outside seating, it felt quite a secluded for the most part)? Do any of the Carnival ships have anything similar to whats on the Radiance class?

[Mr.Clean]

Of all cruise ship classes, the Radiance class is my favorite all well, although no ice rink, thus no ice shows. Some things between the lines are a little too similar, IMO. The waiters sing the same songs, both lines have their version of the "Newlywed Game", and even ask the same identical questions. To me, the biggest difference is the decorum. The leopard skin walls, changing color lights, and overall gaudiness on Carnival ships brings to mind Alice in Wonderland on a bad acid trip. :eek: But if you keep a sense of humor about it, it won't bother you. The main dining room service is a bit more rushed on Carnival (few waitstaff per customer, I believe), but the dinners are a bit more flavorful on Carnival, if not as "exotic" sounding on the menu. I felt out of place dressed up on Formal night on Carnival Freedom. The dining room was called the "Posh", but reminded me of what a turn of the century New Orleans whorehouse must have looked like. Never a bad meal though. Enjoy!

[LemurCat]

I am affraid I will like CCL and they will be my new line (LOL)!

 

 

With all due respect, if your really afraid, then don't go.

 

Seriously, if you can't go with an open mind and spend your entire time sitting there playing compare and contrast, are you really going to have a good time?

 

I work for a bank. That doesn't mean I allow them blindly to handle my retirement.