Royal carribbean vs carnival!?

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Question Guy

I vote Royal. Here's a video someone made from a trip on Royal:
http://www.bofads.com/stories/cruise.htm
It will give you a sense of what a Royal cruise is like.

anne_st_blasko

If you DON'T want a party boat, then I suggest Royal Caribbean. Carnival isn't really a party ship, but it is more laid back than RC. Both lines are have very clean ships and very similar shore excursions, since the shore excursions are there for cruisers from ANY cruise line. So, I'd concentrate more on which ports each line docks in based on your preferred time of year and length of cruise. For example, you may want to go to three countries instead of five. You may want to go to the Eastern Caribbean versus the Western Caribbean.

darkwarriorxii

During spring break you'll tend to see more college-age students aboard, so the partying will be much higher on either line. Of the two, Carnival is more inclined to a party atmosphere than Royal Caribbean.

Both lines have great shore excursions. Most of the major cruise lines do. However, unless you have experience or know what you're doing, I do not recommend going on an excursion that is not booked through the cruise line. (Walking around the area is fine, but don't travel too far.) The reason for this that when you book through the cruise line, they are able to keep track of your excursion and can hold the ship if you're going to be running late. But if you go out on your own and don't make it back in time, the ship will not wait for you. Therefore I suggest you book your excursions through the cruise line. This can be done online or on the ship. It will cost a bit more, but it is well worth it. You should do this until you at least have enough experience that you can correctly judge a private excursion company or if you can go out on your own and make it back in time.

All ships are kept clean. There will always be the occasional dish, cup, or trash, but that's to be expected on a ship with a couple thousand people. The crew do a good job keeping the ships in good order. Carnival and Royal Caribbean both keep their ships very clean.

1Cheapcruise

During Spring Break you'll get a mixed bag.
Families, singles and groups on both lines.
If the cost is not too much higher maybe lean toward RCCL.
Check NCL too, they are offering some good deals right now.
Good luck

gary o

Any of the major cruise lines are wonderful........you can party as much or as little as you want. Carnival is generally a family cruise line. All the ships are clean but don't expect much from shore excursions.......To me they are a waste of money. They charge you a fee and bus you around the island for a few hours and rush you back to the ship. better just walk around the port city and do some shopping.
Remember you mostly dock in the morning and sail in the afternoon. Your most fun will be on the ship.
This is my opinion...

Kristin

Both ships would be fine...it just depends on what you want to do. I always pick the dates and locations first....cruiseline second. I seem to notice that Royal cruiselines is a bit more expensive and they go to less ports of call but have more things to do on the ship. Carnival is normally cheaper, goes to more ports of call...but doesn't have the skating rink, flo rider, etc. So, if it's locations you are looking for, you get more experiences with Carnival. If lounging on the boat for more days is more important...RC is your thing.

Shore excursions can always be found cheaper outside of the cruiseline itself. The same excursions are offered by people standing at the port for considerably less. If it is a country that is less reputable, then don't venture on your own...

The shorter the cruise, the younger and more "parting" crowd tends to be on. You'll have a great cruise regardless.

dodgegrl0722

Carnival are PARTY BOATS. thats there whole image is 'FUN" they are also usually cheaper...so younger ones flock. 20 something year olds who wanna party and get wasted.

Royal Caribbean has the fun..but its alot more toned down. theres a bigger mix of ppl. if you wanna head fun go to the lounges and clubs. there cruies are relaxing not soo many crazy drunk ppl!! RC has great shore excursions, and by far the best ships. better ships than any other cruise lines in its class.

hayman3347

Neither! I suggest Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL). Free-style dining is awesome.

las vegas golfer

Gary is right, stay away from shore excursions, waste of time and money. Make you own tour, you will see more and walking helps keep off the weight. Either cruise line is great, go have a great time and have a cocktail for me!!!

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