Carnival vs RCCL

[player170]

Hi
I have just completd my second cruise on RCCL. I am thinking my next cruise will be on carnival. I was wondering if carnival is fairly similair to
RCCL. I saw the Glory was in port while we were in ST Thomas on
the Explorer of the sea. The Glory looked every bit as nice as the Explorer.Wondering what games they play on carnival ships,how the rooms compare and the food. Anything you can tell me will be greatly appriciated.

Thanks Gene

[Trip]

Years ago, the gap was much wider than it is today between the two lines..Carnival has bigger cabins, and many, many, people will tell you the food is much better then RCI.

The decor on Carnival has a Vegas look, RCI has a calmer decor....Pool side games in Carnival are fun, even if you just watch, as we do...Fabulous entertainment too on Carnival...My cruise on the Conquest was really great, and, I am an RCI lover, so..... I think you will be pleased, the gung ho party mentality is basically a thing of the past..enjoy!

[skymaster]

I agree with Trip. Unless you're into the rock climbing wall, the ice rink or perhaps the flow rider, Carnival will give you a lot more "bang for the buck" than RCI does. Don't get me wrong, I too love RCI, but lately the price difference between the two lines just isn't justified, IMO. In fact, as stated, there are lots of things that I personally like much better on Carnival, and yet the price is much lower. Give Carnival a shot. I'll bet you'll agree!

Ken
"SKY"

[brad813]

Well, the gung ho party mindset is mostly a thing of the past. Get me onboard the ship and I am sure to try to start a few parties. Just my nature I guess.

[asmith91303]

I agree the food is better on carnival. We had a great time on both lines. A little bit more a party atmosphere on carnival but RCI I would say had the better overall ship, especially the pool deck. Carnival does have bigger rooms though.

[subtropic]

Definitely more footage in the cabins on Carnival. RCCL ship layout is better but Carnival has its own points. You will not be disappointed.

[RockChickX51]

Glad someone posted this.
October 2010 the Radiance of the Seas is coming to Tampa. I'd like to try out Royal Caribbean but the prices are just way to high for the one week cruises. The closest one week cruises are on the Freedom of the Seas out of Port Canaveral and the itnenaries are not that great (no thanx on Haiti).

So once the Radiance comes over here I'm going to book a room on it and take a 5 day over to Mexico...just to get a feel.

We're thinking NCL for an Alaskan cruise next year as well. Once again, just to try out the different cruise lines and see what each has to offer. I've only been on two cruises but they're fun.

[brad813]

If you want to try RCCL try a 7 day during the Caribbean off season. I find the Southern Caribbean itineraries tend to be the best value and a little cheaper(not sure why), but most of those are out of San Juan, though you can find a couple from Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Just my suggestion.

[RockChickX51]

Hahahahaha. I just priced a weeklong cruise on the Freedom of the Seas (eastern route) for November 2009 (and it wasn't Thanksgiving week) and they wanted almost $2,500 for two people in a balcony room.
Then I tried May 2010 (since we usually vacation in May) and it was $2,500.

I'm going to Amsterdam for 10 days in March next year and that trip is only $1800 and that includes 9 nights in a hotel and two international plane tickets.

I just sailed on the Liberty for a week in a balcony room and the total price was two was $1341.

WHY are RCCL's prices so high???? Is it really worth it?
Does the "you get what you pay for" apply here??

[brad813]

November is part of the high season(after about the first week), and if you are worried about money, go for an inside or oceanview instead of a balcony. To be honest, I think their pricing has more to do with the activities on board being paid for and maintained than anything.

[tightlines]

IHO-- there used o be a big gap.. with RCl comming out ahead
Today Its Carnival all the way