Comments from our Friends on the RCCL Board

[CanTex]

There's a new discussion on the RCCL board under the heading "RCC or Carnival". It's more in the typical "bash the drunken Carnival party animals / TT vein," but frankly after what I read of the nickel and diming on RCCL (pay for your juice, burgers, etc.) the closest I'll come to sailing them is on Celebrity. Who wants to climb a rock wall ANYWAY -- I go on vacation to stop climbing the wall!

Here are some excerpts:

"We have sailed on CCL twice and RCCL the last four times. We had such a great time on the RCCL ships that we won't consider going back on CCL. We like the more laid back party crowds on RCCL versus the more younger out of control party type aboard CCL. CCL is great if you can't afford a better liner."

"I have sailed on RCCL, Princess and Carnival. Of these three, RCCL is my favorite, and the Voyager class at the top of my list, Carnival ranks a very distant third. RCCL ships are much more appealing to me, not garish and gaudy as was the Carnival Conquest. I have gotten very used to excellent service, Carnival doesn't come near! I don't understand when people say that there is much more to do on Carnival, I didn't find that to be the case, never lacked for anything to do on RCCL. Food good to very good on RCCL, OK on Carnival, but even after speaking with the waiter, Carnival just couldn't get the food to the table hot, or even warm! When I think of Carnival, the word Cheap comes to mind, not in the sense of being inexpensive, but in regard to quality, or lack of qualityu in Carnivals case."

[YaYaCruiser]

I guess that everyone has their own way of looking at things. We are about to go on our forth CCL cruise and we stayed with CCL


because we liked it. I've read posts from people that have been on both, and they said that the food on CCL is better than RCCL. We enjoy the Fun Ships.

Fascination 7/01
Inspiration 7/02
Triumph 5/03
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Until we sail on the Destiny

[skigirl]

We did the CCL Destiny southern Caribbean two summers ago and RCCL AOS southern Caribbean last summer. We loved them both and would go back on either in a heartbeat. I think that people often go on another line with preconceived ideas (it's cheap, it's stuffy, etc.) and they they make them come true. Or people are veterans of one line, try one cruise on another and maybe have one less than prefect experience, then make huge generalizations, like the food is bad, the service is bad. We were actually worried about the Destiny after all the Carnival bashing but found it just wonderful, the food and service trememdous.

[teedee]

I've never sailed RCCL, but I've been on both Carnival and Celebrity. I don't know where people get this "low class" thing about Carnival. I've had a wonderful time on Carnival and Celebrity and while they are different experiences, I've never found Carnival to be the party till you puke experience that people on other boards make them out to be. The food has been very good on all the Carnival cruises I've been on. I have 2 cruises booked on 2 separate Carnival ships and I'm really looking forward to both of them. I know I'll have a good time, probably better without the "attitudy" type people who bash Carnival.

Terri

Skyward - 1989
Carnivale - 1991
Holiday - 1994
Fantasy - 1998
Century - 2002
Century - 2003
Jubilee - 7/04
Century - 9/04
Coral Princess - 3/05
Valor - 10/05

Days til Valor Vampires Cruise
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[Vidimom]

I guess the group on those ships don't like having a good time!

We sailed on HAL last September and had a very nice cruise. Would we take our kids on that cruise, NO, there wasn't alot for them and quite frankly, Carnival has so much more to offer families. I have no desire to go on RCCL! I have been on several Carnival ships and booked on another one in November so Carnival is my favorite.

As far as price difference, they are identical pricing. We actually got the best deal on a cruise on HAL! WE got a Balcony cabin for two for under $1300.00! last September. We are paying more for the cruise on the Legend, but hey it's an 8 night cruise, along with a family member's wedding and we are looking forward to trying the spirit class (heard it's identical to HAL Zuiderdam we sailed on before). Carnival has really upgraded their ships and they are alot more elegant.

Sensation 9/98 10th anniv.
Big Red Boat 5/99
Ecstasy 10/00
Destiny 9/01 The week of 911
Victory 10/01
Imagination 12/20/01
Imagination 2/4/02
Zuiderdam 9/6/03 - 15th anniv.
Carnival Legend 11/27/04
Happiness is being on a cruise
with the one you love!

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Legend Here We Come 11/27

[Cotton]

It kinda aggrevates me when I see reports like that.....but only for a second. I don't waste my time worrying about who goes on what line. I prefer Carnival, so who cares? Their loss, not mine. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

Festivale 1987
Carnivale 1988
Mardi Gras 1989
Pacific Princess 1990
Norway 1994
Holiday 2001
Holiday 2002
Holiday 2003

[ppeckham]

Interesting comments. "More younger out of control party type" on CCL. I guess they didn't see the "more experience" (probably grandmother) who was completely snockered on the Conquest during March '03. I wouldn't classify that as "more younger".

I guess it's all a matter of opinion. A friend of mine just sailed RCCL in March. She said the food on CCL was much better.

[L2J]

Well my one and only cruise thus far was on NCL, but RCCL was a consideration. However after interaction via this board with RCCL and CCL PAX. I won't sail that "other" line because of the "holier-than-thou" attitudes that "most" of them display.

Their loss? Hardly, but I'd rather spend my hard earned $$ as well as time with people that don't act like the have a cobb stuck up their butt!! Nuff said.....WEENIES!!

Liv...Winds are 15 knots and holding....the whole world is a drop zone!
http://heathersanimations.com/military/newparach.gif



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NCL Sky 2/02

[Vidimom]

Guess we know which cruiseline makes the stronger drinks! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I had my share of drunk old folks on HAL and they were driving scooters on the ship! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

At least on Carnival, we have a good time!

Sensation 9/98 10th anniv.
Big Red Boat 5/99
Ecstasy 10/00
Destiny 9/01 The week of 911
Victory 10/01
Imagination 12/20/01
Imagination 2/4/02
Zuiderdam 9/6/03 - 15th anniv.
Carnival Legend 11/27/04
Happiness is being on a cruise
with the one you love!

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Legend Here We Come 11/27

[mpffls]

I have sailed carnival twice and rccl once.....and we are going on carnival agian in a few months....for me they both have their atvantages....along w/ several other lines I would like to try..........

I can understand why some folks have the attitude they do about carnival and it has nothing to do w/ the garish decor...or the vegas attitude....it has to do w/ the luck of the draw on the fellow passengers that you are subjected to be w/.........

Sometimes things happen beyond carnivals control...they are in fact a bussiness and in order to coinue to conduct bussiness, decisions are made that do not always attract the most well behaved of guests....

A prime example was our first cruise on carnival....a weekend jaunt to the bahamas....this cruise will lend itself to some partying simply becasue it is on a weekend.... now add to the fact that it was weeks after 9/11 and folks had canceled so the cruise line dropped the price........remeber they are a bussiness and shipps do not make money unless there are passengers..........this was a rowdy bunch.....a really rowdy bunch.....this was a "booze cruz"...just out of port it got so rowdy that someone thru up in the pool....well guess what....it was closed the whole trip.... carnival did not cause this.....no more than hilton would be blammed for the frat boys taking over a hotel for the texas - ou game...

small minded folks who confuse guests behavior w/ corporate decorum....

just my veiw........

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till the ELATION on Margaret's 21st B-day

[CruiseFever]

I just don't get why it's important what the people at RCCL (or any other line) think of those who cruise Carnival?

Are they jealous of our success?

I can't speak for anyone else but I know one thing to be true for me: Every Carnival cruise I have been on has been fabulous and I would not hessitate to recommend a Carnival cruise to anyone.

Oddly, I couldn't get my mom (88) on a Carnival cruise for all the tea in China. She's a Celebrity girl and that's just all there is to it.

Brand loyalty, much like the brand of car you drive, is a powerful thing I suppose. Everybody wants to believe they made the best choice when there are many to choose from.

Here is where I think the difference is between Carnival people and everybody else.

I think we (Carnival people) are happy with our cruise and have taken Carnival up on the offer to "make it our own". I think that is such a powerful part of the Carnival experience that it almost demands our loyalty.

Recently I've tried Princess and loved it. It IS a different product than Carnival. They have a lot of people over on that CC board that are every bit as loyal to their brand as Carnival people are to theirs.

What's weird is that I like both of the lines. I don't see one as better than the other, but I do see differences. But then I see differences in Carnival ships which indeed go out of their way TO be different starting with the ship's theme.

On another post the question was asked about "going back" to smaller ships once you've tried the bigger ones and the board offered a lot of different responses. Some (like me) like Spirit class the best, others Fantasy classs, and so on.

The part I just really don't understand is that those discussions are simply a matter of opinion, no more, no less. When people get to comparing cruise lines it seems that they want to put on the boxing gloves as though they need to justify their decision.

I've never felt that way and I don't see that much on this board.

Has anyone else noticed this or is it just me?

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

Next up:
Caribbean Princess 06/26/04
Star Princess 10/24/04
Diamond Princess 12/22/04
Carnival Miracle 03/13/05

[tef43]

Chris,

It's a jealousy thing. Seriously.

Back in the day, RCCL had a vastly superior product than what Carnival could offer. Years ago, one would make a comparison of "RCCL vs Princess," and "Carnival vs NCL." This is no longer the case.

While Carnival has steadily improved, and diligently worked to shed the "party till you puke" image, RCCL has been stuck in a rut, and perhaps their quality has even backslid to a point where the lines are nearly identical.

RCCL's answer: Rock walls and skating rinks.

Carnival's answer: Buy Princess. RCCL people are still upset about that one.

There is a level of pretentiousness about the "RCCL-only" customer that you do not find here. They are stuck in the early 90's when the best thing Carnival had going was the "new" Fantasy-class. RCCL had the "Song of Whatever" ships and the "This and That of the Seas" were just starting to make an appearance. I was on the Song of Norway in 1990 and it was one beautiful ship for its day.

I'm perfectly happy coming back to Carnival after all these years, and I don't give a rat's tukas what the RCCL apologists have to say about it.

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas

Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!
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And then:
Carnival Spirit 12/10/05 Mexican Riviera
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Perhaps something else as well. Watch this space.

Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[LornaT]

1985 introduced Mom to cruising on a Panama canel cruise on the Royal Viking Sea, yes older folk (I was the only single on board below the age of 50) and you HAD to dress for dinner EVERY night.
Big event each day was Bingo and Tea.
Took Mom last year on the Carnival Spirit Honolulu to Vancouver.....I created a monster....she got me to book back-tobacks (12/21 &12/29) on the Legend for this year, and back-to-backs (4/2 and 4/10) next year on the Spirit again.
Says she will only go Carnival becuase they are so much fun and everyone is so nice.
Mom is 78 years young now with a bad back and Parkinsons.....but if cruising is what keeps her going and cruising Carnival makes her happy.......then Carnival better get some new routes before we run out of places to cruise.

[fascination 5/10]

Chris...

As an expert on Carnival and Princess, what will we find different on a Princess cruise in November (Caribbean Princess) out of Fort Lauderdale. I'm taking my second 4-day Carnival cruise next week (yeah!!) but we've been looking into a longer cruise with more sea days to really relax and enjoy the ship...plus have been wanting to go to St. Marteen's and visit Orient Beach for years.
Thanks for any info you can offer.... it will be easier to return from our short little trip if we have a nice one to look forward to in the fall!

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Fascination 5/12/03

[ralmyers]

tef -- well said. Except, I would say I don't give a rat's patooty what someone else thinks! I do not have any other type of cruise to compare my Carnival experience, but I keep coming back for more. Just as Chris said, while I would not drive a certain brand of car, I love my own.
What I do not understand is the "party image" that Carnival has. I would not consider myself or DH a "mostly younger out of control party type". I would say that we are mostly younger, and we like to have a good time. I just have never seem anything that Rambunctious and as the younger folks say http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif "off the hook" partying. I cannot imagine what their college days were like if they think Carnival is wild. Wooo---- they should have been at one of the many parties my Dh's fraternity hosted when we were in school. I always thought everyone on the ship had a fairly laid back attitude, and we all seemed to have a common goal .... TO HAVE A NICE TIME! Well, you know what they say about small minded people...... http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Triumph
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Fantasy - 94
Imagination - 95
Ecstasy - 99
Triumph - 04

[cruisingator2]

I have been on many Carnival cruises and am going on my third RCI cruise in December. Other than the decor of the ships I do not see much of a difference between the two lines. They both target the same demographics.

There have been many complaints lately on the RCI board from the RCI faithful about how the quality of food and service has gone down hill and also about the recent additions of charging for such things as Johnny Rockets and the Ben and Jerry's ice cream. You can find fault with any cruise line just as you can find the good things.

I will say that on my two RCI cruises I have never met anyone with a snotty attitude. I just think that you have a few on the RCI board that are trying to be something that they are not. I take them with a grain of salt.

Gordon

http://community.webshots.com/user/cruisingator

NCL Starward-86, Starship Atlantic-91, Caribe-92, Seabreeze-93, Fantasy-93, Norway-94, Celebration-94, Sensation-95, Imagination-96, Destiny-97, Celebration-98, Triumph-99, Victory-00, Majesty of the Seas-01, Fascination-01, Carnival Pride-02, Majesty of the Seas-02, Carnival Legend-02, Fantasy 7-03, Glory 9-03, Fantasy 11-03, Triumph 3/04.

9/02/2004 Fantasy
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Navigator of the Seas 12/04/04
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[BrendaB1]

Four Carnival cruises down & 3 more booked. I'm one happy Carnival customer. I've looked at others but activities & menu doesn't appeal to me.

Valor 10/05 Miracle 2/13/05
Sensation 10/04 http://smileys.******************/cat/15/15_1_65v.gif ('http://www.******************/?partner=ZSzeb008')
Conquest May 2003
Holiday Sept 2002
Inspiration 2001
Celebration 2000
Crown Princess 1999
Oceanic (Big Red Boat) 1998

Days til Miracle Partae Pirates Cruise from Tampa
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[afdds]

Have sailed other cruise lines and love the food, service and crew on Carnival.

Bottom line for this family: Carnival offers military discounts in advance, not just when the ship needs filling up.

Thanks Carnival for supporting the military family!

http://home.earthlink.net/~afdds/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/dolphin_flips.gif


Take care,

http://community.webshots.com/user/afdds

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5/23 Carnival Victory

Carnival Legend, Panama, 2003
Norwegian Star, Hawaii,2001
Aida, Sicily 1999
Fasination San Juan-1995

[dsclark]

The RCCL apologists are unwilling to admit that RCCL is not the same cruise line that it was five or 20 years ago. The best they can offer is the tired old "Look at the prices- they are a bargain".
Well, if you compare their prices to CCL, it can llok way over priced. My cruise in June on the Glory, for four would cost over $2,000 more on ther Mariner.
So, outside of a rock wall,pool sized ice rink and mini-mini golfing, what am I giving up? Well, here it goes:
1)RCCL inferior food. Compare CCL food to RCCL, item to item, CCL comes out ahead. The CCL prez even made a similar boast last month.
2)Smaller rooms.
3) Lower quality of service. I don't care what quality of service Joe Blow said they got on the Enema of the Seas five years ago, RCCL is reducing the cabin cleanup staff. My cabin service last year on the EOS was the worst of all my cruises. Reducing staff will not help.
4)Turning off the stabilizers to save fuel. That's a good one!
5) Higher prices for drinks and drink cards.
You'll note that many of the people who hate CCL have never been on CCL cruise and proudly say they never will. Fact is CCL puts out a great product, better than RCCL. Proof? Cruise loyalty is so high that they don't need a loyalty club like the Crown and Anchor. They are so successful that were able to buy up Seaborn/Windjammer/Costa/ Holland America/Cunard/Princess and a few others. More people like CCL than RCCL. More people cruise them than RCCL. RCCL? They still have a lot of debt. RCCL does have one thing that CCL doesn't- a lot of debt. That's why I don't think CCL will buy them out. Rather, they'll run them out of the water then buy their ships at auction prices.

[CruiseFever]

Well first of all I can't argue with your choice in the Fascination. She was our first cruise ship and still has a special place in our hearts; I'd sail her again in a heartbeat.

As far as the CP is concerned I'll be better able to tell you specifics about that ship after we sail her in June. I'm especially interested in the Movies Under The Stars feature. I will say that as far as I can tell so far after only one Princess cruise that there are a lot of similarities in the ships. It is often difficult for me to tell the difference when I see webshots of, say, the atrium of different Princess ships.

I thought that might be boring but actually I think it will make it easier to get in the swing of a new ship.

If you like Carnival you will like Princess. Princess has all the features you'll find on the Fascination but they're a bit more laid back about it...until you get to the disco. That place, Skywalkers Lounge, hovering high above the aft deck , really rocks at night.

I'd sure be looking forward to the longer cruise, I know that was THE one thing we regretted about our Fascination cruise...that it wasn't longer!

You are wise beyond belief to be planning another one to look forward to

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

Next up:
Caribbean Princess 06/26/04
Star Princess 10/24/04
Diamond Princess 12/22/04
Carnival Miracle 03/13/05

[gymbrat33]

I've only cruised Carnival and have found the passengers to be super friendly.

On my Last cruise on the Victory 3/28/04 there was this couple in their 80's. They were having the time of their lives. They would dance at the disco, sing at Karaoke, and they were super dressed up even on casual nights. Everytime I would run into them they had a smile on their face. They had so much energy, and were always so happy. THAT'S HOW ALL OF US CARNIVAL PASSENGERS WILL BE IN OUR 80'S BECAUSE WE SAILED ON THE HAPPY SHIP NOT THE PARTY SHIP.

Imagination 8/02
Glory 8/03
Victory 3/04

Days til Miracle Partae Pirates Cruise from Tampa
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[judyf]

I just booked a RCCL cruise for May 21st. I wanted another cruise before fall out of the NYC area and the Voyager of the Seas came up the best bet for us.

I will be able to tell first hand which I like better. I'm sure I will like them both just not the snobs if there's any. I like any cruise I'm on!!!!

Judy
CCL Inspiration 4/4-4/11/04
NCL Sea 4/14-4/27/03
Wonder 5/16-5/19/02
Wonder 5/3-5/8/01
Fantasy 2/15-2/18/01

[dosi]

It seems to me that alot of the folks on other boards and even this one that complain about lousy customer service in fact seem to be lousy customers. I have had many service industry jobs and worked as a bartender and cocktail waitress for many years. If you approached me with a pleasant attitude then that is what you got your service with. Come at me with a bad attitude then things are just going to go downhill from there. While I fully understand that there are some bad servers and service out there, I can tell you from real life experience there are alot more bad customers.

doris

"I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine"--Caskie Stinnett

Elation 10/20/02
Paradise 9/21/03
Star Princess 10/24/04

[dsclark]

I am not a lousy customer! I too, have worked in the service industry, both as a waiter and a restraunt manager.
It would have been nice if our cabin boy would restock our ice bucket without us having to call every day for ice.
It would have been nice for our cabin boy to replenish our towels each day, instead of us having to call for some towels.
It would have been nice for our cabin boy to to give us our turn down service on the last night, take his tip, and remove the stinky salt water soaked towels that remained there until we left the next day.
It would have been nice to have our room made before 3:00pm each day.
It would have been nice for the cabin boy to remove the room service trays for us.
Need I go on? I have had way better service on my CCL cruises, and I was the same customer each time. At a minimum, I expect housekeeping to be at least as good as you'd get at a Motel 6 (I don't consider that too high a goal).

[jemingway]

My experiences with RCCL as a company have been that they have a certain corporate arrogance. They know that they are #2, like Burger King to McDonald's, and don't like it. As a result, they take on an air of superiority over Carnival. Their dislike of Carnival is so intense that the company will usually not contribute to a charity unless the charity has asked RCCL before Carnival. Then, they condition the gift on not asking Carnival and not accepting anything from Carnival should it be offered. That being said, they are very generous and support many local concerns that do not seem to benefit them at all. It seems that they are trying to go upscale and raise the prices with the main sales point being "we're not Carnival". Obviously, there is a market that eats that up. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

JV The 4 stages of cruising: planning, anticipation, experience and reflection.

[fascination 5/10]

Chris...

Thanks so much for your reply! Yes, while others are critical of the Fascination, my first cruise was also on her last year, and I can't wait to go again! And a real bargain for us too... including airfare via JetBlue, our trip is only $577 per person for an OV room on the upper deck!
I've been to Key West at least a dozen times... fun but not that thrilling, but this year I'm looking forward to renting a car and exploring Cozumel on our own. Last year we just shopped around the port, then took a cab into San Miguel, shopped some more and hit Carlos 'n Charlie's for a few rum concoctions! I speak Spanish and have no chance to use it here in VT, so I get a charge out of using it.
Please be sure to post lots of info after your Caribbean Princess cruise! I've read a few threads that talk about problems with room service and a few other things...just kinks I'm sure they'll work out as it' a brand new ship.
And you're dead on about having another trip to look forward to after debarking... November in Vermont is the nastiest month...cold, dark and wet... so a nice time to get away.
BTW... we had 2 inches of snow on the ground when we woke this AM...please .... get me south!!

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Fascination 5/12/03

[dosi]

dsclark--in no way did I say you were a lousy customer, nor did I say EVERYONE that gets bad service is a bad customer. However being that you have worked in the industry I am sure you have encountered the type of folks that are impossible to please. You know the kind that want round icecubes instead of square ones, and a grilled bun instead of a toasted one. Those are the type of people I was talking about.

doris

"I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine"--Caskie Stinnett

Elation 10/20/02
Paradise 9/21/03
Star Princess 10/24/04

[onevacationlover]

I've cruised on RCCL and CCL, I enjoyed both. The Voyager was beautiful and course very expensive. Today, I booked with CCL, a balcony cabin on the Triumph and paid $200 less than what I would have paid for an inside on RCCL Navigator. I know I will enjoy the Truimph because I will definitely know where it will stop. The Navigator STILL hasn't determined what the option will be to replace Haiti for a june 5th cruise. The only option they may give on the Navigator is an additional stop to the Bahamams.... I KNOW I WILL get my money's worth from CCL...

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2003;6;1;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
6/1/03 - Voyager -

[jhale]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by dsclark:4)Turning off the stabilizers to save fuel. That's a good one!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Seriously! We loved our cruise on the Rhapsody, but that ship was rocking any time we were in a forward motion! Other than that, I have never had a bad cruise on CCL, RCCL, or Princess.

jch
Fantasy 1995
Ecstacy 1996
Sea Princess 1999
Celebration 2000
Celebration 2002
Conquest 2003
Honeymoon on the Rhapsody of the Seas 2003
Ecstacy 2004
Until the Ecstacy
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=2325FF&cdt=2004;10;28;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600
Until the Wedding
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=2325FF&cdt=2003;10;18;18;0;00&timezone=GMT-0600

our "kids"
http://community.webshots.com/album/32677727SvUkJN

[fascination 5/10]

jemingway... I know what you're talking about. I used to work for KeyBank and they are very particular (albeit generous) about charitable causes they support. Choose not to be a co-contributor with a competitor as they wanted to gain full steam from their contributions. It makes good sense from a corporate perspective, but I'm glad (for a variety of reasons) I've left the Fortune 500 world behind! Though I did get 5 weeks of paid vacation...damn! Great cruising opps!

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;5;10;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Fascination 5/12/03

[jemingway]

fasc. 5/10, I understand the motive, but I say hold the ketchup and arrogance. It seems to be an inferiority complex that is re-directed into a superior attitude. More importantly, I bet you do miss the 5 weeks paid vacation. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

JV The 4 stages of cruising: planning, anticipation, experience and reflection.

[fascination 5/10]

Jemingway...

I agree totally vis-vis arrogance, and also the loss of my 5 wks vaca!

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;5;10;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Fascination 5/12/03

[fascination 5/10]

meant to say vis-a-vis!

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Fascination 5/12/03

[cruisingator2]

Fascination, I know how hard giving up those five weeks of vacation were. I get four and am still about two years away from that extra week.

Gordon

http://community.webshots.com/user/cruisingator

NCL Starward-86, Starship Atlantic-91, Caribe-92, Seabreeze-93, Fantasy-93, Norway-94, Celebration-94, Sensation-95, Imagination-96, Destiny-97, Celebration-98, Triumph-99, Victory-00, Majesty of the Seas-01, Fascination-01, Carnival Pride-02, Majesty of the Seas-02, Carnival Legend-02, Fantasy 7-03, Glory 9-03, Fantasy 11-03, Triumph 3/04.

9/02/2004 Fantasy
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Navigator of the Seas 12/04/04
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[CruiseFever]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> It would have been nice if our cabin boy... <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

There's your problem

Happy Cruising

Chris

www.LifeIsCruising.com (http://www.LifeIsCruising.com)

Next up:
Caribbean Princess 06/26/04
Star Princess 10/24/04
Diamond Princess 12/22/04
Carnival Miracle 03/13/05

[mongo]

cruised both lines, and found em both a great time. all i missed with rccl was the kids and the old folks trying to run me down with their scooters.

1/12/02 Carnival Pride
2/22/04 Rhapsody of the Seas

[cruisingator2]

quote:

You need look no further

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It would have been nice if our cabin boy...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



There's your problem


Chris, you are too funny but correct.

Gordon

http://community.webshots.com/user/cruisingator

NCL Starward-86, Starship Atlantic-91, Caribe-92, Seabreeze-93, Fantasy-93, Norway-94, Celebration-94, Sensation-95, Imagination-96, Destiny-97, Celebration-98, Triumph-99, Victory-00, Majesty of the Seas-01, Fascination-01, Carnival Pride-02, Majesty of the Seas-02, Carnival Legend-02, Fantasy 7-03, Glory 9-03, Fantasy 11-03, Triumph 3/04.

9/02/2004 Fantasy
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Navigator of the Seas 12/04/04
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[fascination 5/10]

Gordon...

I'm going back to 3 weeks va-ca! Ouch! Used to be a struggle to take it all off...somehow not a problem anymore!

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;5;10;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Fascination 5/12/03

[cruisingator2]

I know that all too well. I used to be the same way. Now, I take it even if it is a day here and there. Makes for nice long weekends every once in a while.

Gordon

http://community.webshots.com/user/cruisingator

NCL Starward-86, Starship Atlantic-91, Caribe-92, Seabreeze-93, Fantasy-93, Norway-94, Celebration-94, Sensation-95, Imagination-96, Destiny-97, Celebration-98, Triumph-99, Victory-00, Majesty of the Seas-01, Fascination-01, Carnival Pride-02, Majesty of the Seas-02, Carnival Legend-02, Fantasy 7-03, Glory 9-03, Fantasy 11-03, Triumph 3/04.

9/02/2004 Fantasy
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=808000&cdt=2004;9;2;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

Navigator of the Seas 12/04/04
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[Mar]

No contest, ALL lines are SUPER in some area and less than perfect in another. Had a ton of anxiety on our first Carnival cruise-kept hearing how awful it would be-but it wasn't! Loved it and the following cruises on RCI, Princess, Celebrity and NCL and a return to Carnival-good/great and no so on ALL! Who cares-book the best deal, the best ports, the best ship and you will have FUN IF you want to!

[fascination 5/10]

Right on, Gordon....

Long weekends are great, but to fly to a port and cruise from way up north, I need more days in a row!
That Fortune 500 Stuff spoils you!

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2004;5;10;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Fascination 5/12/03

[momofmeg]

Well I have been on two RCCL cruises and could see very little difference from Carnival. My bad expereinces with hard partiers were actually on RCCL Sovereign. I did not find the food better or worse but pretty much the same. My one Princess cruise was an older ship but the food, service and entertainment was top notch and if the other newer Princess ships are half as nice then I would say that is the best line. I recently went on Miracle and everything was tops there-it was every bit as good as my one Princess cruise. I have not sailed on a RCCL voyager class ship-now they might be better. I would think they would be as the voyager ships are newer and nicer but whether they are nicer then Carnival's Miracle or not would be hard to believe.

Carnival Tropicale 10/15/98 Western Caribbean
RCCL Sovereign of the Seas 11/22/99 Bahamas
Carnival Fascination 09/23/00 Southern caribbean
HAL Statendam 05/20/01 Alaska
RCCL Sovereign of the Seas 11/08/01 Bahamas
Pacific Princess 09/29/02 Bermuda
Carnival Inspiration 12/14/03 Western caribbean
Carnival Miracle 04/09/04 Bahamas

[Cyt4SoreEyes]

HaHaHa I am one of those Wild partiersssss..but never out of control..And who pays for food on a cruise that threw me...And the Conquest is far from being guady or garish..it was Beautiful..think they might have had to much to drink when giving that assessment of the ship..hehehe!! This is toooooo funny..got a laugh!! thanks

Cyt

Atlantic
Oceanic
Norway
Enchantment of the Seas
Destiny
Voyager of the Seas
Conquest March 30th 2003
Glory May 29th 2004

[cantwait2cruise]

momofmeg~

Me too...had the wild partier experience on Sovereign last summer. There were about 4 40 year old couples drinking buckets of beer and then stacking them up by the pool like they were at a frat party and they were taking lewd and provacative pictures during their drunken stupor. I was not amused at all!!! And right off the bat during the muster drill my mom and I were entertained by a drunk twenty-something who had been on the Bachelor with Andrew Firestone and had been kicked off the first round. There were way less partiers on our HM cruise on Carnival that was over a college spring break week! Fun ship does not necessarily equal a bunch of wild drunken idiots...but that's the line "they" always use!

Bottom line for me is I am willing to try most any cruiseline. For me it has less to do with the cruiseline than with the ship itself, the crew, the other passengers on board, the itinerary, and the length of the cruise. All of these factors weigh more heavily on your cruise experience than whether it is Carnival or RC or Celebrity or whatever.

HM on Inspiration 3/9/03
Sovereign of the Seas 8/17/03 (Just Mom and I)
Imagination 6/17/04 (w/ the Inlaws!)

[douglinc@msn.com]

We have sailed both Carnival and Royal Caribbean and don't see much difference in the two. I give a slight edge to Carnival on food and entertainment. The service has been about the same. I give a slight edge to Royal Caribbean in the appearance of the ships. R.C. seems to be a little more elegant than bright and flashy.
Would sail either again at any time!
Doug

Doug & Pat
Wichita Falls, Tex.
Celebration 11-28-97
Celebration 10-02-98
Enchanted Capri 7-23-99
Enchanted Capri 3-12-00
Celebration 11-11-00
Inspiration 9-09-01
Celebration 4-13-02
Rhapsody of the Seas 9-15-02
Splendour of the Seas 4-7-03
Elation 10-5-03
Rhapsody of the Seas 1-04-04
Elation 2-29-04

[LCSherwin]

Hi,

Just thought I'd throw my 2 cents in.

We've cruised four times, and all four have been on RCCL. We ended up on RCCL because our travel agent recommended them and we didn't know better. We stayed with them because of their childrens program, and because of what a great time we had. Our daughter was 3 1/2 years old on our first cruise. With the kids program it was a second honeymoon.

My wife and I would both love to try different lines, and probably will on our next cruise. The Carnival Legend class ship looks amazing. As was mentioned here, I have heard the food is better on Carnival then RCCL. This is not to say the food wasn't good on RCCL, I think it was above average (based on restaraunts).

We would also like to try celebrity. I guess the food and atmosphere is "better" on celebrity. Honestly, it sounds a little stuffy for me, but my wife wants to try them so... http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

I had heard the criticisms about Carnival being party boats. Well, it sure seems like that is ancient history. RCCL is not immune, especially with cruise prices being as low as they are. We did a short four night western caribbean on a whim. There was a significant white trash contingent. Not enough to disrupt our cruise, but enough to notice.

In short, I'm a RCCL guy who is dying to try your new ships. They look awesome.

[mrsbooger]

I don't understand the 'bashing' of different cruise lines. I have been on CCL, RCCL, and NCL. I'll be adding HAL in December. I've NEVER been on a bad cruise.
There have been some things that disappointed me or didn't live up to my expectations, but that was with ALL lines. A cruise is what you make it and mine are always fun. I was just off the Sensation today. There was partying but then there was just as much on Sovereign of the Seas last year too. There are rude people on every ship and there are bad employees on every ship. There is bad food on every ship. These are all exceptions though! If you come across one of these bad experiences, don't let it ruin your trip just move on. Life and cruising are what you make it so you might as well make it fun and overlook the bad stuff!
Instead of bashing different cruise lines, I'd rather spend my time researching my next cruise!

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2004;05;06;5;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500&nbsp;Days To Go Until The Sensation!

<center>
<a href="http://www.escati.com/counter98/free_time_codes.htm">

[rhertz]

I have just sailed on Carnival for the first time and we had a very good time. Not a fantastic time, but a very good one. (I know, it's my fault, blah blah blah). This is in comparison to several prior RCL cruises, but we haven't sailed RCL in several years so it is hard to actually compare.

It is impossible to generalize an experience on ONE ship during ONE week w/r/t another ship another week. Buit - here is my synopsis -

Carnival had more food choices (fish n chips, sushi, etc.) but not necessarily better quality food. The service I had on RCCL blew away the service we had on the Glory, but that just may have been our luck of the draw. The activities on Carnival are a bit silly, but that didn't really bother me. The shows on Carnival were lame compared to the ones I have seen on RCCL. My kids had a good time in Camp Carnival, but they had a great time in Adventure Ocean (but now they are older, expectations change, etc.) The Glory was actually a very impressive ship, and the online pics do not do it justice.

Bottom line - I would look at the itinerary specifics in choosing a cruise from now on. For example, I prefer the AOS itinerary to Carnival's Southern route, so that's what I will sail when the time comes.

One thing I have noticed is that the Carnival threads overwhlemingly obsess about getting a free upgrade ("OOH OOH, the upgrade fairy came!!!!!!!" - give me a break), smuggling booze onboard so they can save $20, getting a free deck of cards, buying tuxes for their kids for $40 on ebay, etc. It doesn't help the stereotype.

In closing, I will say this - the Carnival people are just SO defensive about this "Carnival vs. RCCL" issue, while the RCCL people really don't spend much time worrying about it. If you really don't care, why spend so much time obsessing over it? Just move on.

[JETninja]

My first impression of RCCL was formed in '95. The wife and I celebrating out 10th Anv on the "Sensation" (our 1st cruise)....in San Juan Port...Midnight, departing soon. The top deck is happening! Limbo contest going, music, people watching, eating, etc...

Next to us was a RCCL ship....a few dozen folks on it all on the rails watching us! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Their ship was dark and dead. We kept on partying as we made our way to our next port of call.

Our second cruise was 2 years ago...with John Heald! Tell me RCCL can match that! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif It was perfect.

I was checking them out as they are sweet looking ships and I have a friend that works for them (and offers me a great price) but Carnival is known to us. We are very comfortable with them. And I see all ages on them, no matter what the stereotypes say. We're always the middle aged group at our dinner table of 3 couples.

And the penny pinching comment....give me a break. I'm sure there are many like me just trying to make ends meet (and raise 4 boys!) and have the occasional time just for the wife and I without the kids. It's not easy! (I'd love to find $40 tux's though! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif )

JET

Sensation 95
Victory 02

[LCSherwin]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by JETninja:
Carnival is known to us. We are very comfortable with them. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think that is the key. Same reason we've done four RCCL cruises.

I do have to disagree with you about the ships being dead. The ones we were on had a ton of partying going on.

[JETninja]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
I do have to disagree with you about the ships being dead. The ones we were on had a ton of partying going on.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm sure there are...it was just a impression the wife and I got that night that we'll never forget. I know they're wonderful ships, and we'll probably try one someday. Guy I work with 10 years my junior (and I'm 45) swears by them...he's only done RCCL. And I know he's a party'r! http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

JET

Sensation 95
Victory 02

[LCSherwin]

Heh, got up early for jog one morning. Decided to take a look at the upper most sun deck. It's 6:00 a.m. and there were a bunch of people passed out in swim suits trying to use towels as blankets, shivering like crazy.

Like I posted above though, I really want to try the Legend. She looks beautiful.

One of my biggest complaints about RCL is that in 2 1/2 years, the menu is basically the same. I guess I shouldn't complain though. It's still damn nice to have somebody cooking for me. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Enchanment of the Seas 4/2002
Radiance of the Seas 1/2003
Monarch of the Seas 3/2003
Adventure of the Seas 1/2004

[*KristenInCT*]

Hubby and I are RCCL fans but after our third cruise with them we wanted to try something different. We booked the Caribbean Princess for Sept. and Carnivals Destiny for April. RCCL did nothing wrong to want to make us switch but we wanted a change. So, with that said....a vacation is what you make it. I promise myself each time I take a vacation that I am going to have a great time and relax. Whether we are on RCCL, Princess or Carnival we have going to have a blast. Beats work ANY day.

9/11/04 ...days left til the Caribbean Princess!!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;09;11;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Destiny, here we come 4/10/05!!
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http://animatedgif.net/nauticalboats/islesun_e0.gif
3/04 Adventure of the Seas
9/03 Majesty of the Seas
3/03 Radiance of the Seas
3/00 Victory

[halos]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>
One thing I have noticed is that the Carnival threads overwhlemingly obsess about getting a free upgrade ("OOH OOH, the upgrade fairy came!!!!!!!" - give me a break), smuggling booze onboard so they can save $20, getting a free deck of cards, buying tuxes for their kids for $40 on ebay, etc. It doesn't help the stereotype.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Are you jealous that the upgrade fairy visits us???? http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
Sorry that you think that anyone trying to get a good deal is adding to the 'stereotype'
I would be looking for upgrades and ship credits no matter what line I cruised, that's just how I am. I also don't think that the people who are smart and look for deals are only people who sail Carnival....unless you are insinuating that people who sail other lines are so wealthy they don't look at price tags...or worse yet, that they are so stupid that they don't know how to look for a deal.
If you'd rather spend $100 to rent a tux for your kid...then be my guest but don't put down someone else for renting that same tux for $40.
You won't help with the stereotype that the RCCL cruisers are snobs.

I believe in Miracles
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[halos]

Ok...this is PRICELESS!
This thread just provoked me to peek into the RCCL boards, where I have never ventured before...just to lurk for a minute.
Lo and Behold, the first post I see has to do with someone being totally freaked out because on their cruise, there were a table of guys tossing bread and wine BOTTLES around! LOL! and to top it off the poster was complaining because they were all dressed in shorts and they were allowed in the dining room!
Someone else replied back that they were just on the Legend, and when a passenger tried to get into the dining room in shorts, they were told they'd have to get changed before being seated!!! ROFLMAO!
Now, I do NOT want to hear anyone saying that Carnival Ships carry the bottom feeders any longer....on top of this a woman made a statement that really had me wondering where people's heads are....she said that she was disappointed in RCCL as well because during the show performances, children were taking up the entire front row every night! She complained and no one did anything about it!


The GALL of those kids! Being short and needing to be up front in order to see!

So, now the funny thing is that it seems RCCL has it's share of trash AND snobs!!!
Go figure.

I believe in Miracles
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[jemingway]

Halos, remember that I am a bottom feeder, so Carnival better still take me. I have been on RCCL, Celebrity, NCL, Dolphin, Majesty, Costa and Carnival and have only seen minor differences. I will be adding Princess to the list in July. The best part of going on different lines is you get different souvenirs. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

JV The 4 stages of cruising: planning, anticipation, experience and reflection.

[halos]

jem...there's something to be said for bottom feeders though, Lobsters are bottom feeders. They may not be all that pretty, but man, they taste great!

I believe in Miracles
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[pgmrdev]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> We like the more laid back party crowds on RCCL versus the more younger out of control party type aboard CCL. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hmmmm, I've been called a lot of things, but as an "out of control" 50 year old brige playing, crap shooting, hot tub sitting, in bed before midnight, Republican Carnival cruiser, I wonder what the hell their doing on RCCL? Watching the car rust?

<html>
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<font color="#FF0000">Grand Princess 2-2001</font>
<font color="#0000FF">Grand Princess 12-2001</font>
<font color="#FF8000">Carnival Paradise 3-2002</font>
<font color="#FF00FF">Carnival Destiny 10-2002</font>
<font color="#008000">Golden Princess 10-2003</font>
<font color="#0000A0">Carnival Legend 6-8-2004</font>
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/tshoo/dice.gif
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[hilltopfamily]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by jemingway:
The best part of going on different lines is you get different souvenirs.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Love it!!!!http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Penny
Disney Magic~~Eastern 7/03
Carnival Celebration~~Western 3/04
Aug 1, 2004 Carnival Elation--Yippee, Our 3rd Cruise!!!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;8;1;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0600

[ralmyers]

pgmrdev- well I have had it up to "here" with the snotty people today, I can be just as snotty when the time is appropriate. So lemme at em'!
Do you really want to know what the "more laid back party crowds on RCCL" are doing? Well they probably have to hang out in their rooms in case the metamucil kicks in http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Triumph
<IMG SRC="http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=800080&cdt=2004;5;22;16;00;00
&timezone=GMT-0500">

Fantasy - 94
Imagination - 95
Ecstasy - 99 (honeymoon)
Triumph - 04 (5 year anniv.)

[scottp]

Me and you just alike pgmrdev!!!!!

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00ffff&cdt=2004;6;19;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0400&nbsp;Until the FUN begins!!!!

[Mlkkc]

I've been on AOS and I love the fun ships it just not the same the atmosphere.No matter what RCCL add to thier ships it can't touch a fun ship. What part of fun don't they understand.It is not about the money it is about the FUN.

MBABYDOLL1628
DESTINY11/99 TRUIMP11/01 ADVENTURE OF THE SEAS 11/02 VICTORY 5/04
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=FF0000&cdt=2004;5;23;7;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500

[CanTex]

I periodically get interested in RCCL's offerings. The ships are intriguing and innovative, setting the standard for other cruise lines.

However, every time I venture over to the the RCCL board here, I continue to read too many negative comments, particularly on reports of deteriorating and changing service and quality (the "bait and switch" comment has been made more than a few times). Even more disconcerting is the Carnival bashing that is regularly posted there, like RCCL's passenger mix is somehow superior to Carnival's. Then I read of the reports of RCCL's own staff making jokes or deriding Carnival and my decision is made: I continue to stay away and look at other options.

To me, the appeal of Carnival is that it offers great value to its vacationers and embraces a broad clientele who aren't falsely pretentious or "classist." They get most of my business, but I will continue to take the occasional cruise on other lines (including those in the "more premium" class) when I come across something appealing. Unfortunately, RCCL hasn't appealed to me yet.

[momofmeg]

can'twaittocruise, Our expereince on sovereign was our second cruise on her after she moved to Pt. C-we had an obnoxious loud nasty hateful drunk in the Kisnet dinningroom second seating like 2 tables away. That same cruise a bunch of college students drunk were throwing one another fully clothed into the lido pool. This went on for like 45 minutes and I never saw any staff or crew members say one word to them. On the Tropicale we had a drunk best man go down the slide in his tux but he didn't continue with his silliness like the college students so he did not really bother me-sure he regretted that when he had to buy that tux.

Anyway all these things happened on minicruises. I have never had any time of bad experiences on the 7 day cruises.

I to are like the one post who says they are pretty sedate and are in bed by midnight. I like to see the shows in the evening-spent 30 minutes to an hour in either the paino bar or the lounge with the big band dancing-then I hit the hot tub for 30 minutes or so and go to bed. I rarely attend the late buffets although I do like to go to the gala ones just to see the food. As sedate as I am- that has never been a problem on Carnival and to be honest my last 2 cruises I did not see any big partiers anywhere.

As far as RCCL being more attractive in their decor-that is true-but the nicest decorated ship I have been on was HAL Statendam which was very expensively decorated-much more then RCCL but HAL is a VERY sedate line and I did not enjoy it very much as far as activities although the ship was beautiful to look at.

When it comes to food both Princess and HAL much better then RCCL or Carnival with the exception of Miracle-Miracle's food was every bit as good as my HAL and Princess cruises. I have not been on the RCCL Voyager class ships but I asume they would have better food and entertainment as you pay more for them just like you do for the conquest and spirit class ships.

I again say go by ittnenary-pick it that way-or do like me-one year do one ship and the next year the other.

I do believe that people who become hard core fans of one line miss alot. I just love cruising and are happy with that whether is is a great new ship or an older smaller ship-no matter the line.

Carnival Tropicale 10/15/98 Western Caribbean
RCCL Sovereign of the Seas 11/22/99 Bahamas
Carnival Fascination 09/23/00 Southern caribbean
HAL Statendam 05/20/01 Alaska
RCCL Sovereign of the Seas 11/08/01 Bahamas
Pacific Princess 09/29/02 Bermuda
Carnival Inspiration 12/14/03 Western caribbean
Carnival Miracle 04/09/04 Bahamas

[Sweetcharlotte30]

I believe it's the whole "Put others down to make yourself feel better" attitude. This is the main reason why I will NOT sail with RCI. I want to have a great time on a cruise, not sit around being judged according to what past cruiselines I have sailed with. I'll stick with Carnival, thank you very much. If they want to belittle others to build themselves up... go for it.

http://users.telenet.be/eforum/emoticons4u/love/lieb24.gif
Official member of O.A.T.C.

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=9400d3&cdt=2005;2;13;16;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Until we fool around on the Miracle!

Ecstacy, Western Carib. Sept '99
Pride, Mexican Riv. Feb '04 <A HREF="http://community.webshots.com/user/sweetcharlotte30
" TARGET=_blank>http://community.webshots.com/user/sweetcharlotte30
</A>
Yesterday is history
Tomorrow is a mystery
And today is a gift.

[LCSherwin]

It is definately a "belittle others to make yourself feel better" syndrome. It's silly when it happens over in the RCL forum and it's just as silly here.

The people who are talking down Carnival are doing so because they feel the need to justify their choice of RCL. The people who are talking down RCL are doing so because they feel the need to justify their choice of Carnival.

I never felt an oppressive, stuffy, or stuck up air on a RCL cruise. I'm sure when I take my first Carnival cruise, I'll be just as pleased and have a fantastic time.

I think the people doing all of the trash talking on both of the boards are being silly.

BTW, doesn't Carnival own the QM2? Talk about the classiest ship on the seas...

Enchanment of the Seas 4/2002
Radiance of the Seas 1/2003
Monarch of the Seas 3/2003
Adventure of the Seas 1/2004

[halos]

This cruise I am taking is only my 3rd. When I was looking into cruising this time, I decided that I was going to do a lot of homework. I searched on google for a place where I could compare cruiselines/ships. That lead me here to CC.
After researching nearly every ship and every line, the things that struck me were that out of all the reasonably priced cruise lines, Carnival ranked higher in the dining category than most. I was pleasantly surprised. I had previuosly cruised twice, both times with Carnival. The firts time was many, many years ago and we had a GREAT time (because, let's face it, you make or break your own vacation) but the food was nothing to write home about. Then last year, we sailed Carnival again. I wasn't expecting the food to be great and WOW...was I surprised! We sailed the Holiday and the food was really excellent. Of course the staff were awesome and I just had such a great time.
This time though, before wew booked, I was open to other lines because I figured I'd want to try another. I wound up with Carnival again after all the investigating I did. The service is basically consistent, bad reviews were few and far between and the price was always right.
I'm not saying I'd never try another line. I'd like to do a Panama Canal cruise in the future and it seems Princess has the itinerary that suits me best because it's round trip from one port and only 10 days...but with all the great experiencess I've had, Carnival will be tough to beat, and they have a loyal customer in me.

I believe in Miracles
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[Rustynail]

Here is a person that can tell you that our Legend cruise was as classy as any cruise you'd ever go on. I didn't see any drunken yahoo's throwing up on the deck rather what I saw was wonderful fun loving folks enjoying their vacation. Whether dressed up to the nines on formal nights or lounging by the pool during the day everyone was having a great time..

You know what they say about people who throw stones.......

Dan

CARRIBEAN PRINCESS JAN 2005
<IMG
Roll Call.... click here to join the fun! (http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=927093444&f=4763056957&m=475109651)
</applet>
CARNIVAL'S LEGEND JAN 2003
CELEBRITY'S CENTURY DEC 2003

[YaYaCruiser]

LCSherwin... The Execs. at Carnival had the QM2 built. Carnival does own the Cunard line.

Fascination 7/01
Inspiration 7/02
Triumph 5/03
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=111111&cdt=2004;5;30;22;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
Until we sail on the Destiny

[celtic selke]

Hey, I am not a weenie! Yes, Liv, I am speaking to you. And either is nosnobunny.
She totally enjoyed her Carnival cruise.
So take it back or I will never speak to you again.
And that will make you sorry. Hee Hee

celtic

PS: Last time I looked, nothing was protruding from my derriere either.

cs

[nosnobunny]

I wasn't going to touch this thread but since my name was brought up - here I am. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

I've sailed several "other" lines, RCCL being one. Carnival is the only line I've sailed more than once. And to be honest, I booked our March/03 cruise on the Legend with some trepidation only after our reservation on the Golden Princess fell through. It had been quite a few years since we sailed on the Destiny, where I had memories of a nicely laid-out ship with great entertainment under Cory Schmidt. IMO there is no better cruise director in the industry. I'm sorry to see him leave. But there were also the memories of table mates from hell, a drunk teen vomiting against the glass in the atruim's enclosed elevator - charming http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif, and mediocore food. To say I was surprized with the Legend is a huge understatement. Sure I didn't care for the decor, but that's a personal thing. The passengers were no more and no less sophisticated than those I encountered on RCCL (or Celebrity for that matter). Would I cruise with Carnival again? You bet I would. But I'd also sail RCCL again in a heartbeat.

Cruise lines and cars bring out the same tendencies in people. Some always have to believe that their choices are the best. Sometimes that's accurate, sometimes ill-informed.

Beth

[momofmeg]

sweetcharlotte30-people really don't put you down for cruising on Carnival when on RCCL. Anyway how would they know unless you tell them ?

Now I do have a friend (aquaintance) who will sail nothing but RCCL but she has only been on 3 cruises all RCCL and I have been on 8 cruises total myself. I asked her how can she say Carnival is not a good cruise line if she has not sailed them. Her response was "I have Heard." and I told her well I have sailed not heard. and she has only cruised Sovereign (2times) and Nordic Empress(once) not any of the nicer RCCL ships.

I think that is what irritates us that people will listen to others instead of judging for themselves.

By the way after reading this tread several times I went over to the RCCL board and read a post from someone asking why RCCL was so much better. You would be surprised by the answers-most who replied said they liked going on different lines and I saw no posts Carnival bashing.

Carnival Tropicale 10/15/98 Western Caribbean
RCCL Sovereign of the Seas 11/22/99 Bahamas
Carnival Fascination 09/23/00 Southern caribbean
HAL Statendam 05/20/01 Alaska
RCCL Sovereign of the Seas 11/08/01 Bahamas
Pacific Princess 09/29/02 Bermuda
Carnival Inspiration 12/14/03 Western caribbean
Carnival Miracle 04/09/04 Bahamas

[jemingway]

LC, you seem like a really nice guy. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

JV The 4 stages of cruising: planning, anticipation, experience and reflection.

[glrounds]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by halos:
Ok...this is PRICELESS!
This thread just provoked me to peek into the RCCL boards, where I have never ventured before...just to lurk for a minute.
Lo and Behold, the first post I see has to do with someone being totally freaked out because on their cruise, there were a table of guys tossing bread and wine BOTTLES around! LOL! and to top it off the poster was complaining because they were all dressed in shorts and they were allowed in the dining room!
Someone else replied back that they were just on the Legend, and when a passenger tried to get into the dining room in shorts, they were told they'd have to get changed before being seated!!! ROFLMAO!

So, now the funny thing is that it seems RCCL has it's share of trash AND snobs!!!
Go figure.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I saw this thread also. ROFLMAO. Not only throwing bread in the food fight but some were throwing wine bottles. At this point many posters drew the line as this was in fact DANGEROUS and somebody may have been injured (as if throwing bread was acceptable). http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

Chris is the closest on this problem. BRAND LOYALTY! I've over the years probably purchased a couple dozen CHEVROLET trucks. I wouldn't buy a Ford at half price (I don't have a close relative that's a mechanic http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif) Having said that, I have contractor friends who wouldn't buy anything but a FORD truck (ironically, for the same reason). We've both been very happy with our trucks over the years and have intense and heated discussions about them constantly.

With 10 Carnival cruises, have never had a bad apple. Will most likely stay with them forever, but would like to taste the wine from a different bottle too. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Live well, love much, laugh often.

Gary http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

However, I will never buy a piece-of-crap, Detroit-puker FORD truck. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

http://www.cruisemates.com/animated/Dolphins.gif

[tef43]

Yet another Carnival-bashing topic on the RCCL board (http://messages.cruisecritic.com/2/OpenTopic?q=Y&s=927093444&a=tpc&f=408097554&m=806103781&r=676102981#676102981)

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas
http://img64.photobucket.com/albums/v196/tef43/almamater.jpg
Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=e9967a&cdt=2004;10;9;7;10;00&timezone=GMT-0500
And then:
Carnival Spirit 12/10/05 Mexican Riviera
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;12;10;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800
Perhaps something else as well. Watch this space.

Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[halos]

Tom...that's weird. I find that whole discussion odd...have any of you had Carnival harrass you? I haven't...they have never called me except to return a call I made to them.

Let 'em bash away. It makes our ships less crowded if they stay away. They can stay on their line and throw bottles at each other all day for all I care.

I believe in Miracles
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[nosnobunny]

Keep this all in perspective. Some of THEM are also some of US. Something to think about. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Beth

[tef43]

I've gotten one, yes ONE, telemarketing call from a Carnival PVP. I was already booked so it should have been a very short call, but I kept the caller on the line talking about the "old days" of the Carnivale and Festivale. I have subseqently booked two Carnival cruises with this specific PVP.

Tom <--- Curmudgeon of the Seas
http://img64.photobucket.com/albums/v196/tef43/almamater.jpg
Eleven cruises so far. Up next:
Shhhh, it's a surprise!
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=e9967a&cdt=2004;10;9;7;10;00&timezone=GMT-0500
And then:
Carnival Spirit 12/10/05 Mexican Riviera
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=00bfff&cdt=2005;12;10;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800
Perhaps something else as well. Watch this space.

Dance like it hurts, love like you need money, and work when somebody's watching.

[halos]

nosnobunny, I know I sounded harsh there...I just thought the whole idea of trashing Carnival lines was crazy when the thread below it was talking about drunk men having bottle tosses while dressed in shorts on RCCL....and honestly, the folks on THIS board who sail RCCL as well are not the ones bashing Carnival, because they have sailed both and enjoy some aspects from each line...so 'them' that's 'us' are cool people.

I believe in Miracles
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[L2J]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by celtic selke:
Hey, I am not a weenie! Yes, Liv, I am speaking to you. And either is nosnobunny.
She totally enjoyed her Carnival cruise.
So take it back or I will never speak to you again.
And that will make you sorry. Hee Hee

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Celtic - Ear infection here and didn't clear up until today else I would have felt my ears burning earlier http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Ok, You will see that I said "most" but I will go ahead and modify my origianal comment. You and Nosnobunny don't fall in to said wiener category. Now can we all hug and make up?

Liv...Winds are 15 knots and holding....the whole world is a drop zone!
http://heathersanimations.com/military/newparach.gif



http://www.bigotis.com/saintsinners.gif
http://www.bigotis.com/valorvampires.gif

NCL Sky 2/02

[nosnobunny]

Oh goodie! Does that make me one of the In Crowd? I always wanted to be one but never quite measured up. My life is complete. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Beth

[jemingway]

I have a thread going on the RCCL board(or RCI as they say) asking what makes someone an RCCL fan and there has been very little bashing of anyone or any cruise line. The RCCL loyalists do seem to think that RCCL is not in competition with Carnival. http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif

JV The 4 stages of cruising: planning, anticipation, experience and reflection.

[karen_cpa]

I have never understood all of the Carnival bashing that goes on! I have taken 4 Carnival cruises and loved every second of them. I have never seen the "rowdy, drunken people" that apparently take over every Carnival cruise. Yes - on one cruise there was a gentlemen at the table next to ours who was so drunk I was shocked he could stand. It took about 5 minutes flat for the Maitre'd to come over and escort him out. Problem solved!!

Have also taken 1 Princess and thought the food (quality, selection) on Carnival was much better. Will be taking our first RCCL cruise next week and I am curious to compare!

Hubby calls me a cruise "whore" - I will do any cruise, to anywhere for the right price http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif. Until a line really disappoints me, which has never happened, I will be back!!! I think some people take the whole thing a little too seriously!!!!!! You are on vacation for pete's sake - it can't be all bad!!!!

Voyager of the Seas - 05/04
Tahitian Princess - 10/03 (Our Honeymoon)
Carnival Paradise - 08/02

[atonal1]

I consider myself to be neutral. I don't degrade Carnival, and I don't have my nose up in the air either.

I WAS a very loyal Carnival cruiser, but after a couple of bad experiences on Carnival, decided to try RCI. Like many others have said, some things are better on CCL and some things are better on RCI. I can say that I have yet to have any bad experiences on RCI.

Now I may not wait for the upgrade fairy, but I DO appreciate the RCI Crown & Anchor loyalty program. I believe this is the equalizer when you discuss the price difference between the two lines. While on the Serenade of the Seas, I booked the Adventure of the Seas and immediately received an on-board credit of $100. RCI sent me a $50 off coupon as a "thank you" for sailing with them this year. Since I am now a C & A Platinum member, I received another $100 discount on my AOS booking. Finally, I have a Crown & Anchor coupon for another $150 discount.

To me RCI is rewarding me where it matters most--in my wallet. For this reason, I will continue to look to RCI FIRST, but I'm still giving CCL another try in August.

Inspiration 6/96, 12/01
Carnival Destiny 7/97, 11/00
Rhapsody of the Seas 11/98
Norwegian Sea 7/00
Norwegian Star 6/02
Paradise 11/02
Sovereign of the Seas 8/03
Serenade of the Seas 12/03

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;8;7;17;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500&nbsp;until Carnival Triumph 8/04

http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=0000ff&cdt=2004;11;21;22;0;00&timezone=GMT-0500&nbsp;until Adventure of the Seas 11/04

[halos]

Hey...I personally think it's great to try different cruise lines, and if you are one of those that sticks to a line because of brand loyalty, that's fine as well...it's just that the bashing is the pitts...especially when the bashing is focused on Carnival's passengers most of the time....it's bad enough when these folks complain about the line, especially when they have never sailed it but they are complaining about US..it's passengers, making us sound like inhuman scumballs.
There are folks of all different personalities/temperments and alcohol handling capabilities on Royal Caribbean as well as Carnival....that's my point.

I believe in Miracles
http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=000080&cdt=2004;6;19;16;00;00&timezone=GMT-0500
MIRACLE JUNE 19, 2004
Calm Seas, Good Friends

[jemingway]

halos, I agree. I have been on Carnival, RCCL, NCL, Costa, Celebrity, Majesty and the late Dolphin and have never seen a significant difference in any of them. I am trying Princess in July to see if it is different. I'm sure there will be minor differences on every cruise, but I have never found anything that would make me not go on that line again. There are too many good things about cruising that can overcome a lot of negative.

JV The 4 stages of cruising: planning, anticipation, experience and reflection.

[JeffHatfield]

We have cruised Carnival and RCCL, as well as NCL & Celebrity. I will admit RCCL is our favorite, but we would not hesitate to book a Carnival cruise if it went where we wanted, when we wanted and on the right class of ship. Both are good.

And if we were assured John Heald would be the cruise director, all the better.

[cruisinqt]

I was in the "Ask A Cruise Question" section of the boards and I don't know if I'll go back. There was a thread posted that just said "RCCL or Carnival" and the person who started it just asked an innocent question. Most of the replies were nice and informative. Then someone named Fodorspeter came on and ruined it all. He said that he didn't want to go on a Carnival ship and "eat hot dogs and sauerkraut for dinner." Nor did he want to be around as "joe sixpack gets drunk and passes out" on him. He said if you did a "profile" of the Carnival passengers you would see that they are different than other cruise passengers. He seems to think that all Carnival passengers "get drunk and shop at Wal-Mart." I won't go on and tell you what else he said. Because unfortunately, it only gets worse. It just makes me sick to think there are such ignorant people out there.

What makes this so galling is the fact that he has never been on a Carnival cruise before. And he says he never will (thank God) due to all of the "horror stories" he has heard. I am not a die hard Carnival loyalist or anything. I like all cruises. I've never had a bad one. Some were better than others, but none were bad. I have had good Carnival cruises and good RCCL cruises too. What really bothered me was his ignorance. He based his whole view of Carnival on one or two bad reviews. It's people like him that give Carnival a bad name. It bothers me that his misguided ignorant thoughts will be believed and accepted by others. I guess I should be glad I'll never see him on a Carnival cruise. And what's so bad about Wal-Mart? I love that place!

[Vicar]

I haven't been on RCC in many years (last time was The Song of America) and I loved it then.

I have since been on three Carnival cruises and loved every one of them. Saw a lot of people of all ages having a great time. Granted three cruises does not constitute every cruise that goes out, but I never saw wild drunken destructive partying. I know food is a very subjective subject, but I always thought the food was excellent, the staff was always polite and very friendly, and always went above and beyond their duties to make my trip very pleasent.

Judgeing from a lot of the posts the people that bash Carnival or any other line are the types that as my dad used to say "would have a complaint if Christ came off the cross and handed then a million dollars"

My dad also used to always say "consider the source" .

Have you seen some of the other complaints on some of these other boards?

The suite Pax don't have their own dining room for breakfast and lunch anymore

You can only get Beluga caviar in the Queens Grill and not the Princess Grill

The butler in the penthouse suite didn't unpack our bags like they did the last time.

These are people who will complain about anything.


In short if you have a cruiseline you are happy with, God bless, you stick with it, and enjoy it.

Why do you need to put down someone elses choice.

[thebird]

LORDY!
Good job putting the peasants back in their place...

I had no idea all that was going on behind my back!
Tomorrow, I will make it a point to visit the other boards and spread some goodwill towards all mankind...

[dsclark]

Last year, I went on the RCCL Explorer of the Seas. Great entertainmnet, poor food and service.
Last week, in Belize, I saw the EOS (it followed me!) near the Glory that I disembarked. A few EOS passengers were on my tube trip. I heard them say "I can't wait to get back ship nad go to Johnny Rockets!".
About the same time, my wife said that when we get back, she wants to get some of the yummy chinese food at the Redsail, younger daughter wanted fresh pizza and I wanted one of the great corned beef and pastrami sandwiches. All of these things are unavailable on the EOS. My older daughter wanted fish and chips, but alas, the fish place on the Glory is only open from 11-2. I guess nothing is perfect, eh?
Overall, this was a way better cruise than I got from RCL last year. Also, it was much cheaper to do the Glory than go on the Mariner. I took the $ I saved and spent a week at the parks in Orlando. Fact is, RCL is not the cruise it used to be.
Oh, and the night before the cruise, we made a stop at Walmart for some beer to smuggle on, along with other stuff!
In Cozumel, my wife and I got ripped on margaritas at the end of our snorkel tour. Wifey barely was able to make it back on board (HEHE!). Hey, we had fun!
Still, I support RCL in its efforts to nichel and dime people> I may not cruise them again, but I am happy with the perfomance of their stock.

[Vicar]

BIRD,


"Your Majesty, the peasents are revolting."

"You bet, they stink on ice"

Mel Brooks
History of the World Part I

[pungo3]

Vicar & Birdie, good job stirring trouble on all the threads. I am so proud! By the way, since reading this thread, I'm almost ticked! Walmart indeed! I'll compare tax returns with any of the RCCL members. Gee, that was childish. Maybe I'm not as old as I think I am. :rolleyes:

[halos]

This thread is STILL going?????

[thebird]

I agree, Pungo!

Walmart, INDEED!
(told ya you're not old!) LOL!

Vicar..
LET THEM EAT CAKE!

and if 'that' doesn't work....

OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!!!!!

ROFLMAO!!!!

[Vicar]

Bird

OFF IWTH THREI HEADS ????????

KINKY

*LOL*

[judyf]

I like any ship just get me on one now!!!

[thebird]

Today's The Day!
I'm Off To Bring Peace And Harmony To The World Of Cruising!


Wish Me Luck!!!


Lord Vicar...

Bring The Broadswords!

[pungo3]

Birdie, do your best! You go with my best wishes..........

[thebird]

Birdie, do your best! You go with my best wishes..........


Thank you!
Will have the colors waving as I go...

[BigDave]

Our last cruise on RCCI we were going to a cocktail tasting/making seminar (great chance to try different drinks and get a buzz for $10, try it sometime if you get a chance).
We were in a port (can't remember which one) and were waiting for the class to start. Everyone just walked over to the glass wall and watched a Carnival ship come in to drop anchor.
The assistant cruise director drew us off to start the class saying 'You don't want to watch them, they're trashy compared to us.", another PAX whispered 'not true, I like both.'
Talking vague baseless trash about your competition is trashy and lacks class.

We like RCI, but I'm willing to try other lines.

For me the most important thing about a cruise is fun, and that’s Carnivals specialty.
The fun may go overboard at times, but skipping cruising during summer and spring break and sticking to newer ships 7 days + will probably put us in the company of folks who have some balance.
(Maybe I'm a bit paranoid here, but spring break and 'Fun' adds up to double excess to me)

So next winter I'm hitting the Valor, and Radiance. I will try out Princess some time also, it looks like a good line.

I guess what it comes down to is 'Don't knock what you haven't tried.', and 'Different strokes to different folks.'

[creek42]

I try to experience different cruise lines to see the differences, will be sailing royal carribean for the first time in november. It will be hard to beat the carnival celebration or legend experience! The "party" boat experience I saw was Norwegian leeward, it was a very nice ship but more party people than any carnival trip I have made! The calm crowd and best food was definately the Costa Victoria! I have never received cold food or bad experience with carnival, I just hope that RCCL can match it or surpass it! I feel that the 7 day cruises are a little calmer and better than 3 or 4 day cruises!