Carnival vs Royal Caribbean International.

[Rocco2007]

Hello.

 

My family and I (all adults) are planning to take a cruise to the Caribbean, but we can't find which would be better, the first one, the Carnival Freedom (8 days) visits Fort Lauderdale, Puerto Rico, St Thomas, Antigua, Tortola, Nassau, and the Serenade of the Seas (7 days) visits Puerto Rico, Bridgetown, Sta. Lucía/Castries, San John's/Antigua, Philipsburg, Saint Croix.

 

We're worried about the quality of both cruise lines (meals, staff, general atmosphere, etc), because we have never cruised with them. We have cruised on Norwegian Cruise Line and Costa Cruises, and both of them really liked us.

Even when Carnival itinerary is more atractive for us, we have read terrible opinions about Carnival, and very good ones for RCI... we don't know what to do.

 

So in your oppinion which would be the best cruise for us? and how is quality in both cruise lines?

 

Thanks in advance for your advices.

[izzyvet]

Hi, I have some experience with both lines and I have found the Carnival and RCCL are very much more alike than different. Service, food and entertainment are quite similar and vary more from ship to ship, than from one line to another. I haven't had a bad cruise with either line.

 

I have not however, cruised on Carnival's Conquest class of ships. (Spirit and Fantasy class only so far) I don't think I've heard anything negative that would make me not want to book this class of ship.

 

I have cruised on a Radiance class ship, and they are my favorite class of ship so far with RCCL. (again, I haven't tried them all yet) Elegant, comfortable ships with a spacious feel and wonderful views out to sea.

 

It's a tough choice trying to decide. The ports all sound good. I enjoy cruising out of San Juan as we always stay a few extra days there. For us flying into Fl is cheaper, so this is also a factor in deciding. Ultimately it comes down to price and itinerary more than ship. And also which one has an Aft Balcony available!!!:D

[singsong]

I agree with Izzy - Carnival and RCI are very similar. I think Carnival wins on cabins and comfy beds and has a slight edge on food. RCI wins in ship design and usually service. I sailed on the Carnival Freedom last year and had a great cruise, even though I think that the Freedom may be the ugliest Carnival ship afloat. After a while the decor became a great source of amusement. Good luck choosing.

[KimberleyFL]

I agree with izzyvet and singsong. I've been on both cruiselines and they are so similar (Carnival has the edge on food and cabinsize/bedding; RCI has the edge on the ships), it is really the ships you need to compare rather than the cruiselines.

 

I'm undecided which cruisline is my favorite. I like them both, and IMHO, I think both are a cut above Norweigan (my last cruise was on NCL).

 

Both Itineraries sound good to me, but I'd be most interested in the Serenade's itinerary.

 

I would read some reviews to see what people are saying about their experiences on both ships.

[barb in ga]

I've cruised every class of RCI's ships except Oasis class, and I'm booked on her for May. I have genuinely loved every ship I've been on, from the smallest(Monarch) to my largest so far(Freedom). I can say that the Serenade was a fabulous ship in every way--beautiful, comfortable, great service, good food, and a very caring staff. I also liked the itinerary.

 

My first cruise was on Carnival, and we didn't cruise again for a very long time. Now that I've become "Loyal to Royal", I can't wait to try out additional ships and itineraries. Have a great cruise!

Barb

[DarthGrady]

I agree with Izzy - Carnival and RCI are very similar. I think Carnival wins on cabins and comfy beds and has a slight edge on food. RCI wins in ship design and usually service. I sailed on the Carnival Freedom last year and had a great cruise, even though I think that the Freedom may be the ugliest Carnival ship afloat. After a while the decor became a great source of amusement. Good luck choosing.

 

Totally agree.

[Cruzface]

The Carnival Freedom was our favorite cruise yet. I think the food and entertainment are better on Carnival, the ships and service are better on RCI. You probably can't go wrong with either.

[earn]

Sailed mostly RCI, have sailed Valor.

 

Carnival food and entertainment were much better, but the ship was just too sore on my eyes from a decor perspective. Clashing colours and what is the pink coving and door surrounds about in the cabin!

 

Kids did not rate the kids club compared with RCI.

[DonnaK]

We strongly disagree that these two cruiselines are more alike than different.

 

Our cruise on Carnival Miracle was horrible, particularly in the area of service because the wait team in the dining room was responsible for 3 times the number of diners compared to wait teams on our RCI cruises, and the cabin steward was similarly overburdened. We hated the ship - decor was hideous, the layout was awkward with sunbathers walking through the buffet to get to the elevator and an inconveniently located kids club resulting in it being underutilized so kids were running around the ship. Most importantly, space to passenger ratio is much more favorable on RCI ships, meaning that there is more room to spread out so it feels less crowded. Food and entertainment on Carnival were excellent.

 

Serenade is one of the most beautiful ships afloat - very elegantly appointed with lots of glass looking out onto the sea. Service is stellar, and the ship feels intimate without feeling crowded. Food and entertainment are excellent, too.

 

You can click on the links in my signature to my reviews for a more detailed comparison, but suffice it to say that we would not sail Carnival again even if it were free.

[Aquahound]

To me, ill behaved fellow passengers create more of an uncomfortable atmosphere than ugly decor. If you are willing to cruise both RCI and CCL, I would choose the cruise out of Fort Lauderdale. JMHO.

[silentbob007]

Are flights in your area similarly priced for San Juan and Fort Lauderdale. Carnival would probably win for me just on pricing as flights to San Juan are typically about double to triplle price, round trip.

[Jenjer]

I was told by a TA that the main difference is the amount of people vs space is more on Carnival than Royal. More people in a smaller space and so the ship feels more crowded.

 

After telling her we sailed Disney, Princess and Royal she recominded that we not do a Carnival because we would feel the difference.

[Sugar*Magnolia]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=898081&highlight=

 

My comparitive review.

[deanswife1990]

I have sailed twice on carnival and I have my first RC cruise coming up in September so I can't compare but I had a wonderful time on both cruises. I have had excellent service by the cabin stewards and dining staff. Some say carnival ships are more of a party ship and that there is a different class of people on carnival. I'm not a drinker or a gambler and never felt like I was on a party boat.

My plan is to try a couple of cruises on each line (that I can afford ;)) and then determine for myself which I like best.

[klingoncruiser]

You will need to try both eventually to find out for your self. I would do RCI at this point, but don't think you can go wrong on either ship. The Radiance class of ship are the most elegant afloat.

[carribeanpirate18]

I will weigh in with my opinion for what its worth. We have sailed both and I beleive RCL is much better for my family. The ships are much nicer (decor, layout, etc). The staff on our cruises was much better and more helpful. The people (passengers) on RC were more alike to us than on Carnival. The food was comparable, but I felt there were more options on Carnival.

 

We have decided that we will be sticking with RCL. Again, it works for our family.

[GCurry]

I have a feeling that flying to San Juan is going to be a major expense compared to Lauderdale. That being said check the port boards and do your home work on the islands and decide what you really want to see and do. Each time I've gone to St. Thomas, I've gone over to St. John's to snorkel for example.

 

If you have cruised NCL, either line will be a step up for you; and unless you smoke, Costa as well!!:)

[jacsdan]

I definitely reccomend RCCL over Carnival. The behavior of the fellow guests on Carnival leave a lot to be desired. I only sail Carnival because they sail from my home town.

[Cruisegirl6]

I do not agree with most of the posters here at all! I have been recently on both RC and Carnival, and although all cruise lines have cut down/cut back I have to say Carnival showed the most drastic change for the worse.

 

Food:

 

Breakfast- DR is much better as they make the eggs to order

RC-had bacon, sausage and fresh ham....

Carnival- never seen ham......scrambled eggs soggy/runny

Overall they both offer you the remaining foods offered the same

 

RC- lunch buffets more choices, meat carvings, cooler salads, fresher veggies, more hot dishes offered, 4 choices of soups along with the burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, pizza, stir fry and pasta dishes.

Carnival-lunch buffets consist of MAINLY burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, fries, pizza, chicken fingers they do have a hot seafood dish and hot chicken but nothing else, salad bars are lukewarm with soggy tomaotes. They do have the better of pizza though. If you want to eat healthier and more different types of assortment of foods RC ALL THE WAY! I am an avid past cruiser of Carnival and after experiencing the lack of selection/quality of food in the lunch area I will not cruise Carnival again.

 

Dinner- Both had ok to good beef dishes (quality both decreased although RC offers you NY strip where Carnival offers Flat Iron nightly). I have to say the seafood is better on RC, Pasta dishes better on Carnival, both offer wonderful chilled soup dishes very good....hot soups I guess I would have to say Carnival is better, salads are fresher and cooler on RC.

 

Buffets/Late night- Both only offer burgers, fries, hot dogs and pizza...they may have one buffet during the cruise and one outdoor deck party definately RC outdoes CArnival when it comes to the deck party, RC serves whole roasted pig (its to die for), steaks, other main dishes, fruits, etc. Carnival mainly keeps it the mexican buffet.

 

Service:

RC overall service good to very good, never had problems getting a cocktail or soda (even seconds), cuppuchino/espresso is extra charge

Carnival service is always a hit or miss....ALWAYS ON EVERY CARNIVAL CRUISE never could get a second soda/cocktail the guy just never came around again!

 

Cocktails are cheaper on RC go figure.....but Carnival did offer premium drinks (at least my last cruise in May did) a list on a certain menu if you ordered for each drink you got back a $5.00 casino chip but not sure if this exists any longer. Cocktails better on RC.

 

Cabins

Depending upon which ship you on in RC some have shower doors instead of shower curtains, bedding is much better as to the mattress, sheets, pillows on RC, although bedding was good on Carnival minus the mattresses...hit or miss sometimes I got mattresses on Carnival that my butt was sagging in mattress (I am only 145 pounds). Rooms larger on Carnival.

 

Entertainment- RC much better quality of entertainment as far as shows! Carnival are ok, both have comedian shows hit or miss depending upon the comedian of course....Carnival offers a live rock n roll band at night till late am. RC has a jazz/blues piece, along with live entertainment on main deck inside....both have good disco's which are open till 2am around and both have decent casino's but I do prefer the many assortment of slots that CArnival has.

 

Outdoor deck space both are great

 

Specialty restaurants DEFINATELY RC! Its a must try. They are wonderful that we usually dine in specialty restaurants 4 nights during RC cruise.

 

I have not yet to cruise out of san juan but from my sister and friends who did say usually you get more spanish speaking people....announcements may be made in two languages. Overall going out of San Juan in my opinion your getting nicer ports.

 

Ports Carnival- San Juan is ok good if you want to pick a restaurant to eat the evening your there....St. Thomas is ok megans beach is nice....Antigua is very nice and Nassau blaaaaaa.....(we won't even get off the ship here and Jamaica any longer)

 

Ports RC- Barbados and St. Lucia beautiful great wonderful beaches, love these two islands, St. Maarten I like and nice beaches (see both the french and dutch side...take a private cab tour), St. Croix never been to in years....

 

My opinion if airfare not an issue you not mind, DEFINATELY RC! Remember RC may be higher cost but you get what you pay trust me. :)

[Carolin]

I've cruised both and enjoyed them. I guess it comes down to price. If I was really interested in ice skating, climbing a wall and surfing, then I'd pay the extra for RCL. I'm not intested in that so I don't pay extra for the stuff I know I won't be using. They look fun for the kids. Its just not for me. I also enjoy the fact that I can order a bottle of rum on Carnival for my room and don't have to worry about paying a high price for drinks. Just sayin.

[Cruisegirl6]

The selection/types of food/quality is so much better on RC! As I wrote in my post, much better bedding, service, entertainment and less costly cocktails, its worth the extra money!

[Aquahound]

I've cruised both and enjoyed them. I guess it comes down to price. If I was really interested in ice skating, climbing a wall and surfing, then I'd pay the extra for RCL. I'm not intested in that so I don't pay extra for the stuff I know I won't be using. They look fun for the kids. Its just not for me.

 

The Op is asking about Serenade of the Seas.

[Cruisegirl6]

Good point Aquahound, there is none of those things on that RC ship :)

[Carolin]

The Op is asking about Serenade of the Seas.

 

Ah.. thank you. :) No extra bells and whistles. Sounds even to me. Nice ship.

[time4u2go]

I agree with others that they are more alike than different. For us the biggest differences were the food (advantage Carnival) and the ship (advantage RCI). Service and everything else was great on both.

 

Since you said the Carnival cruise was 8 nights and the RCI was 7, that would be my deciding factor!