Royal compared to Carnival

[Diplomacy]

The quantum class ships are expensive even by RCCL's standards because its new, in demand, and filled with expensive robotics, etc. Comparing the anthem to the "average" carnival price would be like comparing The surf and turf at steakhouse A to the average menu price at steakhouse B. Just last night I found a RCCL 7 night western for $399.

 

Carnival, has, in my opinion, the better decorator. By far. Everything on RCCL ships looks like they are trying to emulate the golden age of sailing with huge crystal chandeliers and million dollar paintings in every stairwell. Some people care about that. It seems like a waste of money to me. Carnival isn't afraid to nail a piano to the ceiling. Their decor holds my interest better.

 

The quantum class ships have attractions that would cost a lot of money to do on land, like getting a master's course in skydiving aerobatics. iFly, I believe, charges 60-100 per hour. So 4-5 trips through the indoor skydiving thing is a nice perk.

 

The shows, especially on the quantum class ships are much nicer... with acrobats flying around swings and layered stages. But at the same time, there's nothing wrong with a good comedy show or magic act. I think RCCL still has room to improve here compared to Carnival... which is sad considering how much money they invest in their stages and whatnot.

Edited September 24, 2015 by Diplomacy

[mulan1123]

I'll let you know in December when I cruise on Carnival for the first time.

 

My first two cruise were on Oasis and Freedom and LOVED both cruises! We chose Carnival this time because of the itinerary and price.

 

Although my parents' first cruise (was probably about 10 year ago or so) was on Carnival and they had a wonderful time!

[Travel R]

I am currently trying to finish off my review of my first Carnival cruise after having cruised on RCI the previous few times [see link in signature]. First, I must say that I have never have a bad cruise, regardless of cruise line (even a few years ago on the Explorer sailing through a hurricane, with limited access to the sun the entire trip).

 

We enjoyed our vacation. However, based on past experiences, if we were looking to go away again and it was between a Carnival vs. RCI ship (of the same class/caliber), I would probably choose RCI unless the prices were significantly different. But, I would try Carnival again (although my DW, whom has sailed Carnival twice, may need a little more coaxing), with the thought that I lucked out with poor room and MDR service during my last cruise (being specific to my room steward and wait staff than the cruise line, ship, or staff in general) - on the other hand, there were other things we enjoyed about the ship/cruise line as well. When we choose an Alaska cruise in the hopefully not too distant future, RCI/Celebrity will be in the forefront, but the specific itinerary, regardless of ship, will have a lot to do with which we choose.

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

I think it is a new upcharge for RCI. We sailed last November and did not have to pay more to choose our room. The booking we did yesterday required an upchage for deck 9. I don't know how much more - DH did the booking. You could "fake book" one and see for yourself. BTW - this is the Navigator out of Ft. Lauderdale in April

 

No. That upcharge is to get a better stateroom. It has nothing to with picking what room you want. For example, if you want an E1 balcony, its $900pp (this is only an example). That includes picking your room and lets say that all the E1s are on decks 7 and 8, so therefore, if you want that category, you will be limited to those decks. But lets say that a D1 cabin is $1000pp. They are located on decks 9 and 10. They are bigger and have bigger balconies. If you'd like, you can upgrade from an E1 to a D1 for an additional $100pp, and that will give you a cabin on deck 9 with a bigger balcony.

 

It has nothing to do with picking your room number. It has to do with the categories of balconies. So, for the advertised price of a balcony, you will get to choose your room, it will just be in the lowest category.

 

Does that make sense?

Edited September 24, 2015 by OfTheSeasCruiser

[Jeff&Mel]

.... :)

Edited September 24, 2015 by Jeff&Mel

[printingchick]

No. That upcharge is to get a better stateroom. It has nothing to with picking what room you want. For example, if you want an E1 balcony, its $900pp (this is only an example). That includes picking your room and lets say that all the E1s are on decks 7 and 8, so therefore, if you want that category, you will be limited to those decks. But lets say that a D1 cabin is $1000pp. They are located on decks 9 and 10. They are bigger and have bigger balconies. If you'd like, you can upgrade from an E1 to a D1 for an additional $100pp, and that will give you a cabin on deck 9 with a bigger balcony.

 

It has nothing to do with picking your room number. It has to do with the categories of balconies. So, for the advertised price of a balcony, you will get to choose your room, it will just be in the lowest category.

 

Does that make sense?

 

Carnival and Royal both charge more for cabins on upper decks. Have never understood why people would pay more to be higher on the ship, but they do. I always cruise on deck 2 or deck 3, whether Carnival or Royal, because it's not worth the extra money just to be on a different floor. Maybe the views are a little better higher up? For me, the view is fine from Deck 3 and it's quiet on the lower decks.

[Midwestgal]

I'll let you know in December when I cruise on Carnival for the first time.

 

My first two cruise were on Oasis and Freedom and LOVED both cruises! We chose Carnival this time because of the itinerary and price.

 

Although my parents' first cruise (was probably about 10 year ago or so) was on Carnival and they had a wonderful time!

 

Unfortunately Glory won't compare to Oasis or Freedom ....apples to Watermelons once again.

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

Carnival and Royal both charge more for cabins on upper decks. Have never understood why people would pay more to be higher on the ship, but they do. I always cruise on deck 2 or deck 3, whether Carnival or Royal, because it's not worth the extra money just to be on a different floor. Maybe the views are a little better higher up? For me, the view is fine from Deck 3 and it's quiet on the lower decks.

 

I know.

 

My post was in response to someone who said that Royal now charges you extra to "pick your own room". That is false because Royal only charges extra for higher category rooms, not to pick your room. (unless you get a guarantee, but thats a different story.)

Edited September 24, 2015 by OfTheSeasCruiser

[EmmasNana]

We have sailed both, along with NCL but more Carnival than RCI.

 

We do not hang out at the pool, go to the shows (unless we haven't seen it before), go to the clubs, casino or things I suppose most people do. I guess we are pretty boring. We are in bed by 10 PM.

 

We go on a cruise to relax, hang out on the balcony and read or DH will work calculus problems (he enjoys it).

 

These are our opinions and they deal with the things that matter to us. I have not been on the larger RCI ships, so don't know anything about them.

 

The regular balconies and rooms are larger on Carnival.

Food is much better on Carnival.

Many more fee free food choices on Carnival.

The shows I have seen are better on RCI.

Decor is prettier on RCI.

Perks are better on RCI (if you ever reach enough points)

[maryann2]

This.

 

I've sailed Carnival a couple more times than RC but have sailed a few lines. There are plusses on each (and minuses). I'm not loyal to anyone but myself, my pocketbook, and my desire to travel.

 

You summed it up well.

I sail on most lines and honestly they are all similar.

[mulan1123]

Unfortunately Glory won't compare to Oasis or Freedom ....apples to Watermelons once again.

 

Oh I know. Oasis was my first cruise and then going on the Freedom was differently different. I know Glory is a smaller older ship. And I know it will be totally different the RCI but I am looking forward to it! I am going with an open mind :)