First time with Carnival vs RCI - what will we find different?

As the thread title states, we have been exclusive RCI cruisers since day 1, but we favour the northern ports (Baltimore & NYC/NJ) and neither want to sail on Grandeur anymore after having sailed it (and it's sister Enchantment as well, both out of Baltimore) many times, nor can we swallow the price of Anthem (out of NYC/NJ) at this point when we can do multiple (or longer) cruises on other ships for less money.

So, I ended up on the Carnival website one day, found a suite that was attractively priced for a date that worked well with our work schedule, and we booked. :D

So, I'd like some insight on what we will find different on Carnival...specifically from cruisers who have sailed both RCI and Carnival.

Thx all - looking forward to the new adventure.

A LOT more kids!!! Misbehaving, unattended, running everywhere kids. Not all of them, but since the number of kids seems to be higher on Carnival than on the other 3 lines we've been on, they seem to group up and play harder.

Ice cream 24/7.

Younger passengers, as the rates are more affordable for families and young singles.

Some inappropriate behavior from adults at the pool games.

Much more drinking.

Some ships don't have an adults only pool area.

We don't cruise Carnival anymore.

A LOT more kids!!! Misbehaving, unattended, running everywhere kids. Not all of them, but since the number of kids seems to be higher on Carnival than on the other 3 lines we've been on, they seem to group up and play harder.

Meh, I tend not to be the sort who gets too upset about kids. We've experienced our share of poor behaviour from adults on past cruises, much less kids.

Ice cream 24/7.

I'm good with that. ;) . Always found it irksome that RCI would only run the ice cream machines for a few hours a day.

Younger passengers, as the rates are more affordable for families and young singles.

Not a bad thing for us - our last cruise on Grandeur had an average passenger age of "Near deceased", so I'll keep an open mind here. We are in our 40's with late teen kids so we are versatile.

Some inappropriate behavior from adults at the pool games.

Define "inappropriate".

Much more drinking.

Yes, I've heard about this...with one memorable discussion with another cruiser aboard Explorer of the Seas using the term "drunken frat party". But, unless someones so sloppy drunk that they're barfing on my shoes, or trying to pick a fight with me or my family, it doesn't really effect me that much personally, so I see no reason to be that concerned.

Some ships don't have an adults only pool area.

Pride does, we are good there, and I'm also not too shy to ask crew to enforce it.

In the end, we looked at it this way - no matter what happens aboard the ship, we always have a comfortable suite & balcony to retire to, and since we generally don't sweat the small stuff things like kids and others drinking doesn't really present a big deal for us.

Not a bad thing for us - our last cruise on Grandeur had an average passenger age of "Near deceased", so I'll keep an open mind here.

OMG, that is brilliant and absolutely hilarious!! :'):') I've never heard it put that way before. I heard someone say once (might have been a Cruise Director on Carnival) that the stereotypical cruiser fits into one of 3 categories: Newlywed, Overfed, and Nearlydead. Your wording is even better. Thanks for the laugh!! :'):')

A much different clientele, more drunks, tattoos, and loud mouths.

Man, I'd think these would be the responses you would get from the "Loyal to Royal" cruisers. Geesh, on my 3 cruises on Carnival I haven't really seen all that much difference in the people. I see people having more fun because all these goody goody's aren't there judging....

I think the decor is what will be the most dramatic thing you will notice. Night and day in this category. Once used to it it's not a big deal. The food is much better with way more free choices when compared to Royal. The shows not nearly as good though, but I've personally had my share of those and hate to even take the time do go to them much anymore.Smaller pools if your're into that. The suites don't come with the perks you're used to on Royal either. Just basically gets you a larger room but not much more. I have no problem with kids, I was one once so to see them having fun just makes me smile.

Enjoy!

We been alternating back and forth between RCCL and Carnival for the past few years.

Don't see a huge difference in clientele and number of kids varies more by time of year than by line.

We like Carnival's service , Casinos and food more. If you want twice a day service in your cabin you have to ask for it.

We like RCCLs ships, shows and other entertainment more. Suite perks on RCCL are way better. Bar service on RCL has really declined and we hate that it's almost expected that you extra tip (on top of %18) if you expect a service level that used to be the norm.

Your post does not say if you are doing Pride out of Baltimore or Sunshine out of NY. There's probably more of a difference between the experience on those two ships than the two lines.

Certainly not trying to dissuade you from Carnival, but one of our few regrets about our multi-line cruising history is that we don't have the status we would have had on RCCL that we otherwise would have had. The Diamond perks on RCCL are substantial and you can get there a lot faster if you're sailing in suites. The past guest discounts on RCCL are almost big enough to pay for roundtrip air from BWL to FLL and that would give you the opportunity to experience RCCLs newer and Bigger ships which are also a very different experience.

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Don't see a huge difference in clientele and number of kids varies more by time of year than by line.

We agree with this...no matter how much money someone has they cannot buy class, manners or a personality!!!! ;p

I too, don't see a lot of difference in sailing the two lines. As noted, the number of kids, and the number of party goers, and the age of the average cruiser, is totally dependent on the time of year, not the name of the cruise line. I agree that RCI has a bit better entertainment, in general, although Carnival is starting to "come back" from hitting an all time low with their shows. Food, and service is pretty much the same, but in general, I've found that unless you do lots of searching, the prices are comparable.

"SKY"

Thx all for the insight - yes, I have heard (and read here) that the suite perks are basically non existent aside from priority boarding? It is what it is, the perks in my mind are the suite itself....but we will enjoy priority boarding as we do like to arrive early and board as soon as we can. Can anyone confirm if priosity boarding is indeed still a thing? We are on Pride out of Baltimore.

And yes, we have also heard many times that the clientele is "different". ;) . Again, not a big deal for us really, we just leave drama behind and get a laugh out of most of it in the end. If any here ever sailed RCI Explorer out of Bayonne before it was replaced by Anthem, well....it too was lower priced at the time and we have plenty of stories of ignorant, bullheaded, and self absorbed people from several sailings on it (everything from Mafia Grandma to Bulldozer Scooter Grandpa, both long stories that we laugh at a lot now in hindsight) so I agree that to some extent it's going to happen on any "mainline" cruise ship, but yes, I do expect lower prices to attract.

Heck, we experienced grating personalities (and a few outright idiots) on RCI Allure, and we sailed it when it was less than a year old, so yes, tasteless people are everywhere.

I'm surprised to hear the food is better. We watched a few videos on YouTube showing the dining options on Pride and admittedly a lot of the food did look impressive, but we'd always heard that the food was lower quality overall (both buffet and MDR) on Carnival - is the improvement recent? As for dining, we tend to be exclusively MDR in the evenings (including formal), but buffet goers the rest of the day - thoughts on dining from this perspective?

A much different clientele, more drunks, tattoos, and loud mouths.

What's wrong with tattoos? Are we judging people because they have tattoos now? :confused:

We are 54, I have been on 71 cruises so far and my 72nd next month. I have been on tons of Carnival cruises, many RC and some Princess and NCL so I feel I have a lot of cruising experience, with this being said, firstly, I wouldn't cruise on the Grandeur or the Enchantment only because she lacks all the bells and whistles as her other ships, our most favorite class is the Oasis and on Carnival the Vista and Dream Class.

If you told me the name of the ship, I could give you a better perspective of what I think, but you didn't mention it. If your going on the Fantasy class ship I have to say its very comparable to the Grandeur and the Enchantment only the food in the buffet is much better and more choices on RC. Past 10:30pm the only thing you can get to eat on Carnival besides sitting in your cabin waiting for room service is pizza, that is all, where on RC you have the Parc Cafe and your aware of what they have there along with the pizza too. Entertainment on Carnival is cheesy inexpensive boring whatever you call it as you won't find any production shows as RC, so entertainment on RC is superior. The Steakhouse on Carnival is our most favorite of all specialty restaurants, Chops Gril ugh, we won't go there any longer, that place has declined more and more the past three years. RC Solarium/adults only is much nicer and more elegant than the Serenity on Carnival. The pools on RC much larger, fresh water and Carnival very small (excluding the Vista class) and salt water. I love Carnivals Alchemy bar excellent! Carnival does have a larger band playing nightly where RC lacks having a full band...although, rumor has it they are changing this instead of a 4-6 piece band (playing rock n roll music most of the time) they going to 1-3 piece bands/acustic guitarists, but I haven't seen that yet on the ships I went on.

Many people rave about Guys Burgers, trust me they are greasy and fatty and the fries so greasy we can't even eat them, but people love this just not us...and they offer many sides to go with the burgers which is very good. Carnivals Blue Iguana Cantina believe it or not is very good...again, not sure whether your ship has these as I am unaware which Carnival ship you be on. Service in MDR on Carnival you rarely will find that person to get you a drink, they usually come around once and rarely you can get another drink, so if you want a drink for dinner, bring one in the MDR with you. Service in the MDR on both Carnival and RC is a hit or miss as both cruise lines decreased the number of servers. Staterooms bedding is very good on both lines, the bathroom on Carnival has a shower curtain where RC (have not been on the Enchantment or Grandeur in years) larger and newer ships have shower doors. Balconies are larger on RC staterooms and tiny on Carnival. I do find the bartenders to be friendlier and more sociable on Carnival and find myself "making friends" with them during the cruise, learning about their hometown, their families and such, just a friendly atmosphere.

You don't mention about what type of suite you have, so I am unable to compare for you.

Passengers, I really never seen a problem on either cruise line to be honest, knock on wood lol...I would avoid spring recess and during holiday times only because my children are all grown up and I prefer to cruise during school times.

I find more things the same than different with the exception of entertainment. IMHO Royal is much better in this area.

Thx all for the insight - yes, I have heard (and read here) that the suite perks are basically non existent aside from priority boarding? It is what it is, the perks in my mind are the suite itself....but we will enjoy priority boarding as we do like to arrive early and board as soon as we can. Can anyone confirm if priosity boarding is indeed still a thing? We are on Pride out of Baltimore.

 

 

 

And yes, we have also heard many times that the clientele is "different". ;) . Again, not a big deal for us really, we just leave drama behind and get a laugh out of most of it in the end. If any here ever sailed RCI Explorer out of Bayonne before it was replaced by Anthem, well....it too was lower priced at the time and we have plenty of stories of ignorant, bullheaded, and self absorbed people from several sailings on it (everything from Mafia Grandma to Bulldozer Scooter Grandpa, both long stories that we laugh at a lot now in hindsight) so I agree that to some extent it's going to happen on any "mainline" cruise ship, but yes, I do expect lower prices to attract.

 

 

 

Heck, we experienced grating personalities (and a few outright idiots) on RCI Allure, and we sailed it when it was less than a year old, so yes, tasteless people are everywhere.

 

 

 

I'm surprised to hear the food is better. We watched a few videos on YouTube showing the dining options on Pride and admittedly a lot of the food did look impressive, but we'd always heard that the food was lower quality overall (both buffet and MDR) on Carnival - is the improvement recent? As for dining, we tend to be exclusively MDR in the evenings (including formal), but buffet goers the rest of the day - thoughts on dining from this perspective?

Even with the roll-out of American Table menus, MDR food is better than RCCL. The exception would be a lunch - Carnival has a brunch on Sea Days and that works for DW and I as she likes breakfast and I not so much. But the menu is a bit limited. But you said you were more of a lido person for lunch and that's good news for you as Carnival's Chinese section is on par with PF Changs and the pizza is wayyy better. I've heard good things about guys burgers and blue iguana, but I'm not sure if Pride has them now (we did her when she was new and her sister legend last summer to Alaska). Only drawback I see on lido food on Carnival vs RCCL (on Freedom and Oasis class) is they are not set up to handle surges as well on embark day as well as a couple hours before the ship sails.

Happy sailings.

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I like both lines, but tend to sail Carnival more due to better pricing. I like the fact that Carnival keeps those softserve machines going 24/7. Royal seemed to just turn them on well after the posted time and off once they emptied. Guy's burgers, Blue Iguana Cantina, Alchemy Bar & Red Frog Pub are my favorites on Carnival ships - not sure what yours has on it, but the website will tell you. Our friend who loves Royal will sail Carnival as long as there is a Guy's on board. I like the water slides on Carnival as well. Entertainment seems to be hit & miss when it comes to production shows. I love the comedy club on Carnival.

I will tell you that Royal's adult solarium is far nicer than anything I've experienced on the Carnival ships.

People seem pretty much the same on both lines. We don't cruise in the summer anymore, so kids are not as numerous.

Carnival is very laid back, but I felt like Royal was fairly laid back as well when it came to dress codes. I think Royal ships are "prettier". Carnival cabins seem a bit larger - I know the interiors are, not sure about balconies. Seems like I remember thinking my cabins on Royal (window on Enchantment & balcony on Oasis) were small, but we still had plenty of storage space. Standard balconies pretty small on both ships.

I've found staff to be great on both lines.

I have a comparisons of the 2 lines in a review I wrote up. I put it in my signature to make it easy to find again! I just compared the Pros & Cons we found between the two. I think that will give you some insight as to what we saw. And you sound like us, we're not overly concerned about most things. We just go with the flow!

As a loyal Royal you couldn't have paid me to sail Carnival since I'd heard so many horror stories.

Lo and behold, due to a great price out of NY on Splendor in winter (Feb.2014), I decided to give it a try. I LOVED IT and couldn't believe I'd shunned it for years. The people I met were much friendlier than any RCL I'd ever sailed, food was better, comedy was funnier, CHEERS was a good deal. I was hooked and sailed 5X on the same ship in 8 months:). I was devastated when Splendor stopped sailing from NY in winter.

I just got back from my 3rd sailing on Sunshine. I do like Splendor better but I have no problem with the Carnival experience and am so glad I gave it a try. I only wish they kept up the winter sailings from NY. I'd probably be on B2B's for the entire season!

I don't think you will be disappointed...:cool:

I have only been on Carnival, so I can't compare just yet. The "frat party" description is way off. There is a few unruly customers, but that is to be expected in a group of thousands. I actually expected it to be really bad. 95%+ of the people are quiet and keep to themselves.

So hard to compare unless you are doing ship to ship. Sounds like you are fairly open minded so all should be fine. Remember cruise basics cost does not equal value. It's what your willing to pay to get what is important for you. On older ships they are more similar than newer. Carnival has nothing close to Oasis Class. Safe journeys

Lido deck on Carnival is like Sunday at a sports bar. Good or bad, you decide.

OP mentioned that they are sailing on the Pride,

I always laugh at the frat party description, having sailed out of Baltimore, Florida & Puerto Rico and never seen it yet on Carnival. I've sailed Carnival & NCL (RCCL hasn't worked out for me yet) and my sister & her family has sailed those, plus RCCL. Our 80 year old mother sometimes cruises with us, she's not a huge sailor, but, has thoroughly enjoyed her Carnival cruises.

In my family's experience, YMMV, Carnival comes out tops on food, especially the multiple included options besides the buffet. We're not huge buffet eaters, but, agree the Chinese was quite tasty, especially the spring rolls! We eat most evenings in the MDR, was everything perfect, of course not, tastes vary, plus we experiment when cruising, however, there's always something else available if we don't like it. Agree the steakhouse is excellent too and don't forget room service, most is free, with some up-charge hot items (which we have also enjoyed).

I think from what you said above you're on the Pride. It has an excellent Serenity on the aft, with it's own pool & bar and yes, the adults only is enforced. I'm dong a 14 day next November on her, as I love sailing from Baltimore (no flights & can make it in 8 hours) & the Pride.

If you're doing Cheers, note it includes bottled water, specialty coffee's and milkshakes from the cafe with no limit, but, is limited to 15 alcoholic drinks a day... do not miss the Alchemy Bar! You can also buy a 12 pack of bottled water for your room at approx. $5.

I don't sail for shows, so that doesn't matter to me, but, I've heard Carnival is at the bottom. My sister's family loves the nightly comedy / options on Carnival. I enjoy the casino's and have been lucky enough to come home up some coin quite a few times plus free offers, wine, steakhouse, treats, however LOL , not every single time ... I have my budget and stick to it :) YMMV

Again, if you're on the Pride, I think you'll enjoy it. With three separate pool areas, we didn't find the Lido overwhelming. It's one of Carnival's darker ships and yes, ummm a more showy decor (LOL I guess that's the word), but the food and service was excellent, the ship was clean, well maintained and we had no complaints.

All the above said, just had to add, the most drunks we've ever seen were on NCL, those taking advantage of their "FREE" drink package!

My only problem is with the soda. Like it much better on Royal because of the make your own soda machines!

Carnival have to go to the bar. No biggie :cool:

Surprised to hear the rave reviews on the food - I've heard the contrary lots of times from people on RCI ships that had sailed Carnival - sounds like things must have improved dramatically.

What are the included vs upsell options? I will admit that was one thing that I always got tired of on RCI was the constant upsell on the dining. I love sushi, but sorry, I wasn't paying $10 per roll ala-carte for it in the sushi restaurant, and virtually any other option aside from MDR or the buffet was upsell, aside from the cafe options....sandwiches, bad pizza, that sort of thing.

For some reason my daughter is super pumped about Guy Fieri's restaurant, even though she's a vegetarian...but I understand they do offer a veggie burger, and glad to see it's not an upcharge.

I'm not big on shows at all myself either - I couldn't care less about song and dance crap, but my wife will occasionally go see the shows, but if there's nightly comedy that's way more our speed.

What about all the usual RCI strongholds like the Quest, Love and Marriage, etc? Are there equivalents of some of them on Carnival?

As for drinks, neither of us are big drinkers - I'm sure the cruise lines hate us as they don't really get anything out of us for booze - that aside we tend to be very frugal and our folios are rarely much beyond our gratuities, excursions, $20 or $30 each in the casino, and maybe a few small onboard purchases.

I do, however, enjoy the soda packages, and yes, I have been spoiled by the Coke Freestyle machines aboard all RCI ships. And as a Coke drinker, I can't say I'm excited about Pepsi, nor about having to visit bars and wait in line to get a drink - I much preferred the self serve Freestyle options, as well as all the flavor options that came along with that. Not the end of the world, but it will be one big thing I'll miss.

Carnival has coke...not Pepsi:):)

The Deli is very good also...no charge!