Carnival Cruise VS. Royal Caribbean?

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TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only

I have been on about 20 cruises with 4 different cruise lines and here's my advice.

There are two factors to consider when planning a cruise (1) what activities are on ship, and (2) what port stops will be made that I will enjoy.

The cruise line AND the ship that the cruise will go on will both be VERY important. The cruise lines pretty much give you the same things but in a slightly different format and the ship's amenities and accommodations DO matter. The newer ships built since about the year 2000 have more up to date features. The activities on the cruise ship can be the most fun. Regardless of whether you go on Carnival or RC there are always pools and hot tubs. Many ship on both cruise lines have a Solarium (a cover area) with a pool and hot tubs for adults only. This is in addition to the regular pool and hot tubs for everyone. Some ships on both lines have a water slides.

BUT, you WILL have a better cruise on a Royal Caribbean ship because RC has the best on board activities of all of the cruise lines. In addition to multiple pools and hot tubs, you will find, depending on the ship, the rock climbing wall, a full sized basketball/tennis court, a mini-golf course, an ice skating rink, a roller blade track, a water slide, and on the new Freedom class ships (Freedom of the Seas and Adventure of the Seas) a flowrider that allows you to surf on a boogie board right on the ship. RC's ships also have great gyms and the best gym I have ever seen is on the Freedom (and Liberty). Some of RC's ships even have a billiards parlor.

The second important thing to consider in selecting a cruise is its itinerary or port stops. When you select a cruise consider that those going to the Caribbean will feature a lot of beach time and water sports related activities like snorkel, jet ski, para-sailing, or just swimming and relaxing on a beach. Royal Caribbean and Carnival have about the same ports stops on their cruises. I have seen Carnival ships in the same port when I have done Caribbean itineraries.If you are not that interested in a lot of ports look for a cruise that has several "at sea" days with no port stops. If you want scenery go on an Alaska cruise. If you want historical tours go on a Mediterranean cruise.

So one of the most important differences between the two cruise lines is activities on board. Carnival is the budget cruise line so you will get a basic cruise. The food, ship and service will be slightly better on Royal Caribbean.

Phil

Carnival is great. Royal Caribbean is good. A cruise is always better than being at home.
Everyone has a different opinion I have been on both and there are things I like about each of them. I usually go back to carnival because the activities are better.

You are invited to join the hottest cruise group on Yahoo

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cruiseaddict/

cassidymt

I don't know why some of the answers are so negative towards carnival. We just got back on Saturday from a carnival cruise and we all loved it. We brought our 3 daughters ages 15,17,and 23. There were plenty of activities for all to do. The service and food were great and the cruise director and his staff were also very fun and extremly organized

david

Def go w/ Royal Carib..................It might cost more.............You get what you pay for!

sm_bahr7

I went on both the Carnival Cruise and The Royal Caribbean. I would say the Royal Caribbean is MUCH better. the Royal had more activities. I'm actually going on a cruise for feb. break! have fun!

ctelly22

I have been on both and Royal Caribbean is definitely better. Carnival is cheap in price and lacks in service and quality. They call themselves the fun ships but they're boring and have no onboard activities. The quality of the food and shows are also below standard. Food was often cold, and the same menu as the day before. Royal Caribbean is the complete opposite. Their ships are huge, like floating resorts, and they have an abundance of activities. Often times you aren't able to do everything you want because there are too many choices. Also the staff are friendly and helpful. And the food is great in the buffet as well as the dining hall, and its hot with a variety of choices. The shows were varied and of good quality. Royal Caribbean is worth the price. As for prices check there website, certain cruises and times of the year are cheaper than others. Also check out the travel channel, they have featured a few Royal Caribbean ships on a number of shows.

Ed S

They are both good, depends on what you like to do and where you are going.

For pricing you can look at their web sites, Carnival is generally less expensive.

You are invited to join the hottest cruise group on yahoo
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Cruiseaddict/

randall_nd

We have been on 3 cruises so far, all of which were with Carnival. We were very satisfied. During the cruises, you tend to talk with other passengers. We have heard reports of RC being more elegant. My parents have gone with RC 3 times and they say RC's swimming pools are open 24 hours a day. Carnival packs them up around 10:00 PM. This year, we're going with Princess. Since Princess has a big screen above the pool, I'm expecting more evening activity on the lido deck. I've heard that RC's drinks are more expensive than Carnival's. You can save $1.50 by ordering beer in 4 bottle buckets by the pool.
Bon Voyage!!!

It really depends on what you like.

Carnival is more about night life and a fun atmosphere. They also have great entertainment. Their youth program is top-notch. On the down-side, they're more focused on fun than on refinement.

Royal Caribbean is more polished, but the experience is less social. I was really surprised at how dead the nightlife was in comparison with Carnival. RCI's larger ships have more facilities for kids -- ice skating rinks, surf simulators.

Both have great food. Both have good service (though Carnival's seems more cheerful, RCI's more reserved).

You might find this guide to choosing a cruise helpful, it explains how cruise lines are different based on what topics matter to you:
http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/choosing_your_cruise

goodt78

Carnival sucks, it is a piece of crap!!! Royal Carribean is fabulous and will absoulutely love it!!! They have batter ships and food. Prices range from 300.00 to 1,999.99 They change with the date u select. Carnival is like ****! im not kidding, u will love royal carribean better, go to www.rccl.com and order a free packet today.

Chriss32

I went on a Carnival cruise and what I was told at the time was that Carnival is more of a younger crowd. I was 24 at the time and loved it!!!

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