Carnival vs other Cruise Lines

I have sailed with Carnival many times and have been very happy for the most part. I have been told by many people that Carnival is not as good as other cruise lines. Does anyone have experience with Carnival and others and can offer me some specific comparisons? What do other cruise lines offer that I am missing with Carnival? TIA :)

Every cruise line is a little bit different - or they try to be. We enjoy what ever differences we find. We like Carnival because often we can drive to the port, and we can sail more due to the costs. But we are bargain hunters, and when something drops into my inbox and the price is right, and the itinerary okay, we go for it. We don't have a favorite. Variety is the spice of life. EM

We sail almost exclusively West Coast.

We prefer Carnival's atmosphere to the other cruiselines. We will sail Princess if they have an interesting weeklong itin. Would go stir crazy on anything longer.

Specifics- a funny comparison. The fastest karaoke song on Princess is Blue Suede Shoes and My Way is sung way too often.

Have heard many interesting things on Carnival including Baby Got Back.

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The majority of our cruises have been on Carnival. My first cruise was on RCI and we have 2 Princess under our belt.

This is MY opinion and others are certainly free to disagree. I will attempt to give the OP and honest answer based upon my experiences and observations. I will use the word "class" but before we begin, let me say that I refer to the informal use of the word to describe elegance, grace or dignity as reflected in behavior and dress and it is not a comment on social, political or economic status. So here we go...

I did not care for my RCI cruise. The food was a disappointment and the staff appeared disinterested/put out. In reading a lot of comparison posts, there is a theme that the MDR food on Carnival is better and the Lido buffet better on RCI. So as we eat primarily in the MDR this comes as no surprise to me. I also have found my staff observations to be consent as well. Don't get me wrong, the service is fine, just lacking the smile and energy. Also, shows on RCI will get the nod every time....especially when you take into considerations the options offered on Oasis and such. There are a lot more "bells and whistles" like rock walls and flow riders on their larger ships. Overall the vibe is family oriented.

Carnival is definitely the fun ship and this is reflected throughout and even into the comedy club. The staff are warm and welcoming. And I can always find something I enjoy eating, and really like the newer additions from guys to blue iguana that keep appearing. Carnival has hairy chest contests and a party atmosphere particularly on shorter cruises. Where I think Carnival is beginning to lose out for me is not enforcing things like dress code. I think tank tops, sweaty baseball caps and flip flops just do not belong in MDR and are lacking class. I also feel that there is a small element that is creeping in that voices repeatedly I paid for my cruise so I am going to do what I want....including drink all 15 alcoholic beverages whether or not I should. When you encounter these selfish overindulgent idiots, it does take away from the cruise.

Princess is rapidly turning into our favorite line. The staff is very attentive but not as playful as on Carnival. Princess is more of what I consider a classic cruise experience from the staff to the decor to the clientele. They still have formal evening and most men still have on jacket and tie if not a tux. The food on Princess is just as good as Carnival. The biggest difference is one I feel and can see when reading the boards...and the best word I have to describe it is the passengers as a whole have more class. I have not run into the "I'm drunk and do what I want" on Princess. I am sure it is there, but not to the same degree. On the boards people aren't posting asking how to break the rules - smuggle alcohol, get around Cheers rules etc. They also are not asking "how causal can I dress and still get away with it." Again, not saying it never happens, it's just much reduced.

In all my cruise searches it appears on RCI you are paying more generally for the bells and whistles. On Princess, you are paying more - it is considered a step up from Carnival. And most Princess cruises are 10+ days; people who can afford the cost of those cruises and the time away are more likely to be older and more seasoned travelers....and people looking for a classic, traditional cruise. Carnival with its short $200 cruises is in a whole different place, and drawing a segment that at times simply lack class.

OP, I hope that helps. Really they are similar and it is in the details that create a different environment/ culture between the lines. It's always good to step out and try something new. As we will have exhausted the majority of departure ports and ports of call on Carnival we are ready for my time with Princess. Time for Europe and beyond in the coming years.

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OP you can always book something and find out for yourself.

Thank you so much for your carefully thought out and detailed post. I completely understand what you mean about "class."

The majority of our cruises have been on Carnival. My first cruise was on RCI and we have 2 Princess under our belt.

 

This is MY opinion and others are certainly free to disagree. I will attempt to give the OP and honest answer based upon my experiences and observations. I will use the word "class" but before we begin, let me say that I refer to the informal use of the word to describe elegance, grace or dignity as reflected in behavior and dress and it is not a comment on social, political or economic status. So here we go...

 

I did not care for my RCI cruise. The food was a disappointment and the staff appeared disinterested/put out. In reading a lot of comparison posts, there is a theme that the MDR food on Carnival is better and the Lido buffet better on RCI. So as we eat primarily in the MDR this comes as no surprise to me. I also have found my staff observations to be consent as well. Don't get me wrong, the service is fine, just lacking the smile and energy. Also, shows on RCI will get the nod every time....especially when you take into considerations the options offered on Oasis and such. There are a lot more "bells and whistles" like rock walls and flow riders on their larger ships. Overall the vibe is family oriented.

 

Carnival is definitely the fun ship and this is reflected throughout and even into the comedy club. The staff are warm and welcoming. And I can always find something I enjoy eating, and really like the newer additions from guys to blue iguana that keep appearing. Carnival has hairy chest contests and a party atmosphere particularly on shorter cruises. Where I think Carnival is beginning to lose out for me is not enforcing things like dress code. I think tank tops, sweaty baseball caps and flip flops just do not belong in MDR and are lacking class. I also feel that there is a small element that is creeping in that voices repeatedly I paid for my cruise so I am going to do what I want....including drink all 15 alcoholic beverages whether or not I should. When you encounter these selfish overindulgent idiots, it does take away from the cruise.

 

Princess is rapidly turning into our favorite line. The staff is very attentive but not as playful as on Carnival. Princess is more of what I consider a classic cruise experience from the staff to the decor to the clientele. They still have formal evening and most men still have on jacket and tie if not a tux. The food on Princess is just as good as Carnival. The biggest difference is one I feel and can see when reading the boards...and the best word I have to describe it is the passengers as a whole have more class. I have not run into the "I'm drunk and do what I want" on Princess. I am sure it is there, but not to the same degree. On the boards people aren't posting asking how to break the rules - smuggle alcohol, get around Cheers rules etc. They also are not asking "how causal can I dress and still get away with it." Again, not saying it never happens, it's just much reduced.

 

In all my cruise searches it appears on RCI you are paying more generally for the bells and whistles. On Princess, you are paying more - it is considered a step up from Carnival. And most Princess cruises are 10+ days; people who can afford the cost of those cruises and the time away are more likely to be older and more seasoned travelers....and people looking for a classic, traditional cruise. Carnival with its short $200 cruises is in a whole different place, and drawing a segment that at times simply lack class.

 

OP, I hope that helps. Really they are similar and it is in the details that create a different environment/ culture between the lines. It's always good to step out and try something new. As we will have exhausted the majority of departure ports and ports of call on Carnival we are ready for my time with Princess. Time for Europe and beyond in the coming years.

 

 

 

 

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My opinion is that comparing a cruise line against another does not really tell the whole story. There are many differences between ships within the same cruise line. There are also differences as cruise lines change over the years and what you really like about a cruise line or ship could quickly change.

We have been on six different cruise lines and consider Royal Caribbean our favorite. Last year I went on the Carnival Conquest with friends and was surprised by how much I liked it. I am taking my husband on it this winter. He is going to like the ports, dining options and comedy club.

My recommendation would be to try different ships and cruise lines and different ports. They all have more similarities than differences. I have never had a bad cruise on any ship.

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OP you can always book something and find out for yourself.

OP's question is why this site exists. Why would you dismiss their question out of hand when they are looking for other people opinions are before spending money on a vacation the may not enjoy

Here's my comparisons between Carnival and RCI...

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2526532

I have been on 2 RCI cruises and 1 Carnival. I am going on another Carnival cruise again in a couple of months. What I found was that the food overall on RCI was better, as was the entertainment. I still managed to gain weight on the cruise though, so it couldn't have been that bad! ;) However, what I liked better about Carnival was the atmosphere. The other customers and crew were all much more friendly and laid back. I do like the fact that on RCI not everyone in the cabin has to get the drink package.

Overall, they were both fun, just for different reasons.

Some background, we have done 25 cruises on Carnival, 22 on Royal, three on Holland and one on Celebrity. The Carnival cruises are more fun, but you are likely to see more intoxicated people. Royal is more fitness oriented, so you see a lot of fit people out having a good time. As a rule, I think the Royal ships are prettier. Royal has a curfew for underage cruisers, Carnival does not.

Holland has incredible food. We loved the Eurodam, it is a classy ship with a wonderful crew. Can't recommend the other Holland ships we sailed. And the demographics on Holland are vastly different from Carnival or Royal. Think geriatric unless school is out, then you see more families.

As to Celebrity, beautiful ships and everything is a bit nicer than Royal or Carnival. But if you are a night owl, stay away from Celebrity. Other than the casino and a bar or two, there is nothing to do after 11:00. Loved the food and drinks on Celebrity but I can't get past the fact there is little nightlife.

We haven't tried the other lines, but I am interested in the new builds for Norwegian and MSC. good luck with your decision and happy cruising.

The majority of our cruises have been on Carnival. My first cruise was on RCI and we have 2 Princess under our belt.

 

This is MY opinion and others are certainly free to disagree. I will attempt to give the OP and honest answer based upon my experiences and observations. I will use the word "class" but before we begin, let me say that I refer to the informal use of the word to describe elegance, grace or dignity as reflected in behavior and dress and it is not a comment on social, political or economic status. So here we go...

 

I did not care for my RCI cruise. The food was a disappointment and the staff appeared disinterested/put out. In reading a lot of comparison posts, there is a theme that the MDR food on Carnival is better and the Lido buffet better on RCI. So as we eat primarily in the MDR this comes as no surprise to me. I also have found my staff observations to be consent as well. Don't get me wrong, the service is fine, just lacking the smile and energy. Also, shows on RCI will get the nod every time....especially when you take into considerations the options offered on Oasis and such. There are a lot more "bells and whistles" like rock walls and flow riders on their larger ships. Overall the vibe is family oriented.

 

Carnival is definitely the fun ship and this is reflected throughout and even into the comedy club. The staff are warm and welcoming. And I can always find something I enjoy eating, and really like the newer additions from guys to blue iguana that keep appearing. Carnival has hairy chest contests and a party atmosphere particularly on shorter cruises. Where I think Carnival is beginning to lose out for me is not enforcing things like dress code. I think tank tops, sweaty baseball caps and flip flops just do not belong in MDR and are lacking class. I also feel that there is a small element that is creeping in that voices repeatedly I paid for my cruise so I am going to do what I want....including drink all 15 alcoholic beverages whether or not I should. When you encounter these selfish overindulgent idiots, it does take away from the cruise.

 

Princess is rapidly turning into our favorite line. The staff is very attentive but not as playful as on Carnival. Princess is more of what I consider a classic cruise experience from the staff to the decor to the clientele. They still have formal evening and most men still have on jacket and tie if not a tux. The food on Princess is just as good as Carnival. The biggest difference is one I feel and can see when reading the boards...and the best word I have to describe it is the passengers as a whole have more class. I have not run into the "I'm drunk and do what I want" on Princess. I am sure it is there, but not to the same degree. On the boards people aren't posting asking how to break the rules - smuggle alcohol, get around Cheers rules etc. They also are not asking "how causal can I dress and still get away with it." Again, not saying it never happens, it's just much reduced.

 

In all my cruise searches it appears on RCI you are paying more generally for the bells and whistles. On Princess, you are paying more - it is considered a step up from Carnival. And most Princess cruises are 10+ days; people who can afford the cost of those cruises and the time away are more likely to be older and more seasoned travelers....and people looking for a classic, traditional cruise. Carnival with its short $200 cruises is in a whole different place, and drawing a segment that at times simply lack class.

 

OP, I hope that helps. Really they are similar and it is in the details that create a different environment/ culture between the lines. It's always good to step out and try something new. As we will have exhausted the majority of departure ports and ports of call on Carnival we are ready for my time with Princess. Time for Europe and beyond in the coming years.

 

 

 

 

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Thanks for your post.

We are Diamond on Carnival and just turned Platinum on Princess.

Both cruise lines are good and offer a great cruise but overall we are going more toward Princess as many of our cruises are too see the world and Carnival does not offer that.

Will say that Princess buffet is much better than Carnival.

Entertainment is mixed. Production shows far superior on Carnival but Carnival offers more comedy shows and a better piano bar

I have been on each of the big 3 several times. They all do some things well, some things okay, and some not as good as other lines. However, I have found the experiences remarkably similar and certainly could not pick a clear winner if you asked. I still shop by value and am willing to cruise on any of them.

Thanks for your post.

 

We are Diamond on Carnival and just turned Platinum on Princess.

 

Both cruise lines are good and offer a great cruise but overall we are going more toward Princess as many of our cruises are too see the world and Carnival does not offer that.

 

Will say that Princess buffet is much better than Carnival.

 

Entertainment is mixed. Production shows far superior on Carnival but Carnival offers more comedy shows and a better piano bar

We cruise a little. Started in 1998. We have 340 days on RCI' date=' 146 on Carnival, 71 on NCL and Cele X we have 183. (1 on Princess).

We stay away from 3 or 4 day cruises on any line. Reason its a blow off some steam cruise for most going on them. anything 6 or more days and there's a more subdued crowd and not many kids running wild. We pick RCI or CeleX when its a learing type cruise-- Canal or Europe or even AK. When we go with our kids it's more Carnival and RCI-- gives kids and grand kids more options for their fun and younger crowd. Carnival has the best kids camp. When grand kids were younger they would beg to go---.

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I have sailed a good 50/50 split between NCL and CCL (one time on RCL, so no opinion on that line)...

I am also a bargain hunter....and we prefer to drive to port from Upstate NY...that leaves pretty much NYC, Boston, NJ and Baltimore...

In that past, I have always said...NCL for the entertainment and CCL for the larger cabins....but with NCL's newer ships, the cabin sizes have almost evened out...our CCL cruises have mostly been on the Pride...and that ship is getting pretty old and worn...but we love the Vista Suite....

NCL still wins in the entertainment department..the broadway style shows on the newer ships are pretty awesome.

CCL needs to make some changes...bring new/newer ship up north...and upgrade the entertainment....(trivia and karaoke seem to be their staples with the same old song and dance in the main theater)

Destination is not a huge factor when we book a cruise....we cruise for the cruise, not the ports....if we end up at an undesirable/overdone port (Port Canaveral/Nassau/Freeport) we might just stay on the ship and enjoy the things that are usually too crowded for our liking (water slides, hot tubs, etc)

Every body cruises for different reasons....relaxation, destination, perks, price....you will just have to try out what appeals to you and make adjustments as you go along!!

HAVE FUN!!

Norwegian ships 3.5* to 5.0*

Costa ships are 3.0 to 4.5*

Thanks for your post.

 

We are Diamond on Carnival and just turned Platinum on Princess.

 

Both cruise lines are good and offer a great cruise but overall we are going more toward Princess as many of our cruises are too see the world and Carnival does not offer that.

 

Will say that Princess buffet is much better than Carnival.

 

Entertainment is mixed. Production shows far superior on Carnival but Carnival offers more comedy shows and a better piano bar

Under oops dept.

Production shows far superior on Princess. Playlist shows close to bush league compared to Princess

I think Carnival has an atmosphere most like your local sports bar on a Sunday football afternoon. Lots of people gathering to have a good time, some get out of hand once in a while, when they do it can really negatively impact those around them. Carnival pushes the fun; bright colors, whimsical decor, loud music, bars and activities going on late. As you move up with different brands you're likely to find decor, service, entertainment that is more refined, a little more space per person, etc. Brands like Princess and HAL, due to many more varied and longer itineraries, tend to attract some more experienced travelers seeing the world, not just on vacation. I view Carnival as more of a vacation than as traveling, if that makes sense. If a bit of rowdy fun doesn't bother you, Carnival is fine. I think Carnival has great food and very nice rooms. After that I think NCL and RCI offer nicer ships and more refined, upscale experiences.

I have sailed with Carnival many times and have been very happy for the most part. I have been told by many people that Carnival is not as good as other cruise lines. Does anyone have experience with Carnival and others and can offer me some specific comparisons? What do other cruise lines offer that I am missing with Carnival? TIA :)

Be a BIG SPENDER and try them all..... then tell us what you think!

And most Princess cruises are 10+ days; people who can afford the cost of those cruises and the time away are more likely to be older and more seasoned travelers....and people looking for a classic, traditional cruise.

 

Carnival with its short $200 cruises is in a whole different place, and drawing a segment that at times simply lack class.

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You are certainly entitled to your impression of any cruise line based on your experiences, but here are some Fun Facts.

In the next year (52 weeks), from US and European ports, there are only 47 Princess cruise departures with itineraries of 10-14 days. With 17 ships in their fleet sailing weekly this is a far cry from most.

With the exception of the short 3 day Florida/Bahamas cruises on the Victory and Liberty and short 3 day Los Angeles/Ensenada cruises on the Imagination and Inspiration, you'd be hard pressed nowadays to find a Carnival cruise on any of their other 21 ships for under $300 per person.

The insinuation that "Class" is somehow measured by the amount of money a person may have in the bank or has spent for a short, fun weekend getaway with friends or family is totally misguided and insulting to those who don't look or dress like you.

About the time I could anticipate what the next long winded announcement from a Carnival CD was about, I decided to begin trying other cruiselines. This was also after Carnival ended the 150% single supplement.

Until I tried other cruiselines, I didn't know what I was missing. I've enjoyed Celebrity, Disney, Princess and NCL along the way. Different from Carnival in many ways, sometimes superior, sometimes on a par with.

For example, NCL's entertainment on its newer ships blows Carnival's away. NCL also has solo studio cabins and cruise fares. The food on Disney and Celebrity is way better than Carnival. Princess took us through the Med on a Italy/Greece 10 day cruise and a 2 week cruisetour through the Alaskan heartland with a 7 day S/B from Whittier to Vancouver. Disney Dream cabins were the best of any cruise line I've sailed.

When I began looking at other cruiselines, I discovered longer cruises and different itineraries. I'm still a fan of Carnival Journeys cruises, even if they are still mostly in the Caribbean. Lately I've been looking at South American cruises as well as a Galapogos cruise.

I've booked an MSC Seaside for Oct 2018 for my 1st exposure to this new ship & line expanding into Carnival's traditional territory. I'm happy that my Carnival Diamond status gets matched to MSC's Black Card with the perks that level enjoys.

I sailed the Vista and have the Horizon booked. I've realized I really like sailing on the newer ships, that light bulb went off when I cruised Disney Dream weeks after it went into service.

As far as pricing goes, I was able to cruise solo on Celebrity for about what I would have paid for on Carnival. Princess was slightly higher, but there really isn't a comparable Carnival experience to make a rational comparision, since Princess had enhanced offerings that Carnival didn't provide. NCL fares are pretty similar to Carnival's. Disney was the high end of the pricing scale, but doing a 3 generation cruise was priceless.

Doing the same old cruises does become old for me. I couldn't see myself sailing any one particular cruise line for ever and ever.

You are certainly entitled to your impression of any cruise line based on your experiences, but here are some Fun Facts.

 

 

 

 

 

In the next year (52 weeks), from US and European ports, there are only 47 Princess cruise departures with itineraries of 10-14 days. With 17 ships in their fleet sailing weekly this is a far cry from most.

 

 

 

With the exception of the short 3 day Florida/Bahamas cruises on the Victory and Liberty and short 3 day Los Angeles/Ensenada cruises on the Imagination and Inspiration, you'd be hard pressed nowadays to find a Carnival cruise on any of their other 21 ships for under $300 per person.

 

 

 

The insinuation that "Class" is somehow measured by the amount of money a person may have in the bank or has spent for a short, fun weekend getaway with friends or family is totally misguided and insulting to those who don't look or dress like you.

If you think that a generalization that Carnival runs shorter cruises of 7 days or less and that Princess is geared to 7 days or 10 days and longer is wrong, then so be it. The Op can certainly do her own research. Now that said,....

Did you even READ the definition I provided for class??? The OP clearly did and thanked me for my comments.

Did you by any chance look at my signature and observe that I have taken plenty of cruises 5 days are less....with Carnival???

Your reaction is exactly the type I cannot stand. Where did I ever say I had an issue with people who don't look like me? And what the heck does that mean anyway? I'm not cruising the lions, tigers and bears. I am cruising with humans - as far as I am concerned all people "look like me" because we are all people.

Now, do some of those people lack class? ABSOLUTELY! If you don't shower before dinner that is gross - you have been in the hot sun and been sweating by the pool - don't come into dinner smelling like BO and sunscreen. Don't expose your armpit hair to food. Don't act like the world revolves around you and push your way or cut lines to get to the front. Don't drink 15 alcoholic beverages "because you paid for them" when it is going to make you drunk so you are swaying and slurring your way around the ship.

READ my post! Money does not equate to class - behavior, demeanor and dress do. You can be poor as a church mouse and have enormous class....but you can also be poor and lack class. Regardless, the reality is the shorter cruises draw a higher percentage of people that lack class - people are more likely to behave like lions, tigers and bears than humans.

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I think that we should not get personal and hurt anyone's feelings.

The OP should decide whether he/she prefers a fun Cruise (Carnival) or a classy one (Princess, Celebrity) or an elite & expensive one (Cunard, Azamara, Regent, etc)

If you think that a generalization that Carnival runs shorter cruises of 7 days or less and that Princess is geared to 7 days or 10 days and longer is wrong, then so be it. The Op can certainly do her own research. Now that said,....

 

Did you even READ the definition I provided for class??? The OP clearly did and thanked me for my comments.

 

Did you by any chance look at my signature and observe that I have taken plenty of cruises 5 days are less....with Carnival???

 

Your reaction is exactly the type I cannot stand. Where did I ever say I had an issue with people who don't look like me? And what the heck does that mean anyway? I'm not cruising the lions, tigers and bears. I am cruising with humans - as far as I am concerned all people "look like me" because we are all people.

 

Now, do some of those people lack class? ABSOLUTELY! If you don't shower before dinner that is gross - you have been in the hot sun and been sweating by the pool - don't come into dinner smelling like BO and sunscreen. Don't expose your armpit hair to food. Don't act like the world revolves around you and push your way or cut lines to get to the front. Don't drink 15 alcoholic beverages "because you paid for them" when it is going to make you drunk so you are swaying and slurring your way around the ship.

 

READ my post! Money does not equate to class - behavior, demeanor and dress do. You can be poor as a church mouse and have enormous class....but you can also be poor and lack class. Regardless, the reality is the shorter cruises draw a higher percentage of people that lack class - people are more likely to behave like lions, tigers and bears than humans.

 

 

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like:)

Although a lot of people like to say that all cruise lines are more alike than different, I beg to differ. There are very clear (and many times substantial) differences between cruise lines. Whether someone cares for (or even notices) these differences is a completely different story. For example, my mom raved about the white gloved service, fresh flowers, quality of linens and room service delivered in real china on Holland America, but I didn't notice any of those things until she brought them up.

This is a quick summary of what I've learned along the way:

- Carnival : Best for an unpretentious and budget minded cruise, many times from a nearby, drive-to port of embarkation.

- Royal Caribbean : Best for those looking for the "wow" factor, with bigger, more impressive ships and a more extensive list of activities, entertainment, and dining options.

- MSC : Best for those looking for a more diverse cruise experience, with fellow cruisers representing different nationalities. Beautiful ship at budget minded prices.

- Princess: Best for those looking for a more traditional, elegant, and a bit more upscale overall experience without upgrading to the luxury cruise lines.

- Holland America: Best for those who have an eye for the small details. Ships are the most traditional I've experienced in recent memory. More subdued than others.

Whether you'll prefer other cruise lines over Carnival boils down to who you are and what you enjoy. Some people truly love Carnival and stick with it for life. Others get "their feet wet" with Carnival and eventually move on to other cruise lines that better match their personalities, needs and budgets. No matter how many reviews you read, you won't really know which cruise line is best for you until you try others.

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