Will I be disappointed with Carnival?

[Moonarino]

... Is it really that much of a "downgrade"???

 

Absolutely not. Or at least, not necessarily. I personally like Carnival better than my one cruise on Celebrity (Eclipse). RCI is my favorite. But bottom line, with Carnival it very much depends on the ship. I've sailed Carnival 7 times, 6 different ships.

 

I love Breeze. My first cruise (2008) was on Triumph, and that was a 5-star-favorite experience. But I didn't care at all for Legend, Conquest, or my second time on Dream.

 

I think as a whole the food is better on Carnival than Celebrity, and just as good as RCI. It's just that you don't get nearly as many choices on any Carnival ship that you get on the bigger/newer RCI ships.

 

And on average, Carnival's cabins are bigger than most others.

 

Crew and service... I loved Oasis in that regard, but thought its sister Allure fell considerably short in quaility of service and warmth. This is to say, I've had great and not-so-good on both RCI and Carnival.

[Moonarino]

... Royal has a hard time being as playful as Carnival is during the day. But night activities are ruled by Royal with their variety and much better shows. I would definitely not do a carnival cruise on the smaller or older ships.

 

I second all of that, and especially the part I bolded.

[RocketMan275]

Hi All,

 

We have been on 11 cruises. 8 with Princess and 3 with Royal. This year we are looking for a cheaper vacation and was looking at Carnival. We just like to people watch and drink beer and eat good food, I am fine if we have to get that in the specialty restaurants. The price seems right. Is it really that much of a "downgrade"???

 

thanks for your input.

 

Matt

 

One of the most widely travelled persons I know prefers Carnival. Late 50s couple. They say the food is great, the price is right, and they can always find a quiet spot.

[johnjen]

One look at our cruise history says it all: We won't go back to Carnival. But a lot has to do with the ship, time of cruise, itinerary, crew, etc.

 

We saw a marked difference in quality, service, and value. I think we're with RCL henceforth but wouldn't mind trying a different cruise line to see what else is out there. Just not Carnival again.

[wampuscat7]

I am an inexperienced cruiser. Hubby and I have been on three Carnival cruises (all Caribbean, all Freedom-class ships). We just took our first RCI cruise last month on Oasis.

 

I agree with those who say the ship does make a big difference. If I went on one of the smaller, older Carnival ships after being on Oasis, I'd probably be disappointed, but a lot of people love the small ships and hate the megaships.

 

From my limited perspective, the food was comparable. Buffet was better on RCI. Main dining room was better or comparable on Carnival. Free alternative food options vary by ship. We love the pizza on Carnival. We also liked Guy's and Blue Iguana. On Oasis, we tried the pizza, Dog House, Park café, and Promenade Café and found tasty things at each.

 

Entertainment was way better on Oasis than the Carnival ships I've been on. However, I do like the small groups that Carnival has throughout the ship. And the piano bar was better on Carnival. Entertainment for kids (shows, parades, characters, etc.) was WAY better on Oasis, if that matters to you. Can't comment on the kids clubs, as I've only taken a kid on one cruise.

 

Décor, rooms, etc. were nicer on Oasis, but Carnival has a certain fun factor -- if you like carnivals. I know a lot of people find it tacky. Also all Carnival ships seem to be build based on a similar flow/floorplan, which has certain choke points, etc. We liked the layout of Oasis better, but the size of the ship makes the comparison silly -- apples and oranges. The biggest annoyance for me to go back to Carnival would be the doors to the balconies. We liked the sliding glass doors so much more. (That's a pretty small thing in the big picture of a vacation.)

 

In general, we found service slightly better on Oasis, but we've never had bad service on a Carnival ship. The biggest difference was mediocre housekeeping/room steward on Carnival and really good service on Oasis.

 

We have also not seen significant differences in clientele, though we travel in the offseason, so no spring breakers or hordes of kids. Our 8-day cruise on Carnival was quite quiet, if that's what you're into.

 

In the future, I'd prefer the Oasis-class ships because I fell in love with the neighborhoods on Oasis, but I would have no problem booking another Carnival cruise. I'm considering Carnival, RCI, and NCL for a cruise late this year depending on price and itinerary.

Edited January 14, 2016 by wampuscat7

[Mooguy]

Hi All,

 

We have been on 11 cruises. 8 with Princess and 3 with Royal. This year we are looking for a cheaper vacation and was looking at Carnival. We just like to people watch and drink beer and eat good food, I am fine if we have to get that in the specialty restaurants. The price seems right. Is it really that much of a "downgrade"???

 

thanks for your input.

 

Matt

 

 

We cruised CCL a lot 2000-2008 and thought we were done, then a group of friends booked the Breeze in 2013 and we went and it was great. You can see below we are now booked on the Vista and looking forward to it. I would stay away from the fantasy class ships if posible.

[racerxspeedy]

There are numerous posts on this - I copied this post from one of them from a year or so ago. Drink costs may have changed recently

 

Pros for Carnival Valor

1. Beverages

a. Less expensive alcoholic beverages and wine packages

b. 5% gratuity on beverages. Royal 18%

c. Sodas / mixers from cans, Royal uses fountain gun

d. Sufficient bar servers, no waiting in line to be served.

e. More beverage staff serving in Main Dining Room and pool areas.

f. Self serve Ice/Water/Lemonade stations at the pool – Royal none

2. Amenities

a. Bathrobes provided even for 1st time cruisers.

b. Larger bathroom and shower

c. Shower gel, shampoo, toothpaste, shaving mirror. Nothing on Royal

e. Notepad and pen provided. No more or Royal

f. Towel animals provided every evening. Less often on Royal

g. 3 banks of elevators – royal has no aft elevators or stairs

3. Food Availability

a. Soft serve ice cream available 24 hours with 4 stations. Royal limited hours with 2 stations

b. Pizza available 24 hours, several options available and cooked to order. Royal: Hours limited & pizza subpar

c. Coffee, Tea and juices available 24 hours.

d. Freshly cooked burgers available for 6 hours daily. Royal: No burger or stir fry stations

e. Snacks available until 1 am.

f. Deli open until 11pm.

4. Food buffet (subjective view) - Carnival has Multiple Entry locations – Royal only has one to control flow

a. Burgers / Hot Dogs / Pizza far superior, freshly prepared.

b. Fresh Eggs / Omelettes readily available from several stations. Stay away from scrambled eggs on Royal

c. Desserts larger variety and much better. Royal desserts have very little flavor

d. Greater range of options catering for a wide range of tastes.

e. Multiple free beverage stations with wide range of options.

f. Coffee far better quality. China mugs for beverages not plastic & stained as in Windjammer

5. Laundry - a. Ironing rooms available. b. Washing machines and dryers available. NONE on Royal

6. Main restaurant Sea Day Brunch available from 8:30 – 1pm on every sea day.

7. Cleanliness

a. Public bathrooms have high speed hand dryers. ROYAL Promotes hand sanitizer use at Buffet

b. Tissue dispensers to be used to open doors with bins outside for deposit of used tissues.

8. Entertainment

a. Several pool parties which are well attended with staff encouraging involvement.

b. Wide choice of movies on outdoor screen, normally at least 2 daily with free popcorn provided.

 

Cons against Carnival Valor

1. Ship Design - No comparison – Royal is much nicer

a. Ship décor not subtle and quite loud.

b. Passenger flow - not as easy to get from location to location.

c. Pool areas appear more crowded on sea days.

d. Adults only area has little shade and no pool and often closed due to wind as a result of its location on deck 12.

e. No ‘digital way finders’ to help navigate the ship.

2. Guest Services

a. Few guest service agents, with a priority line for some guests.

b. No updates by captain on weather conditions despite being rocky and windy for 3 days.

3. Venues around the ship

a. Casino extremely smoked filled which drifts onto ‘promenade’.

b. Promenade cluttered with photographers nightly.

c. Limited offerings in the shops.

d. Only 1 quiet bar venue.

e. Many private functions which restricts access to a number of ‘open’ venues.

4. Dining

a. Dinner interrupted by staff performing which not only delays dinner service but is humiliating for the staff IMHO.

b. Only one speciality restaurant.

5. Entertainment / Recreation

a. Live entertainment extremely loud in the lobby, promenade and pool areas (and singers not very good too).

b. Live entertainment / production shows not as good as Royal Caribbean.

c. Not as many ‘sporting’ activities available (rock climbing, ice skating, zip line etc.).

6. Beverage options

a. Only 1 alcoholic beverage package offered with a 15 drink limit per day and has to be purchased by all adults in a stateroom.

b. Only 5 bottle wine package available on 8 day sailings.

7. Cleanliness

a. Few obvious hand sanitizers located throughout the ship with no staff encouraging guests to use them.

8. Entertainment – Royal has more options

[Pellaz]

There are numerous posts on this - I copied this post from one of them from a year or so ago. Drink costs may have changed recently

 

Pros for Carnival Valor

....

g. 3 banks of elevators – royal has no aft elevators or stairs

 

That's a huge deal, too. While Carnival's ships might not be as easy to navigate horizontally, their three banks of elevators really help vertically.

 

3. Food Availability

a. Soft serve ice cream available 24 hours with 4 stations. Royal limited hours with 2 stations

 

And on my last RCCL cruise, NO soft-serve at all.

 

b. Pizza available 24 hours, several options available and cooked to order. Royal: Hours limited & pizza subpar

 

Some CCL ships are now offering lasagna as well as pizza overnight, after 11 pm. It was surprisingly good.

 

7. Cleanliness

a. Public bathrooms have high speed hand dryers. ROYAL Promotes hand sanitizer use at Buffet

b. Tissue dispensers to be used to open doors with bins outside for deposit of used tissues.

 

Some CCL ships, including Conquest and Freedom, have integrated hand-wash and drying stations on the Lido Deck. While hand sanitizer is okayyyy, nothing beats actually washing and drying your hands.

 

Cons against Carnival Valor

...

e. No ‘digital way finders’ to help navigate the ship.

 

These have apparently been added to some CCL ships -- they were present on Carnival Conquest last October.

 

7. Cleanliness

a. Few obvious hand sanitizers located throughout the ship with no staff encouraging guests to use them.

 

See above regarding integrated hand-wash/dry stations. Also, I saw hand-sanitizer stations at the entrances to the MDR and on the Lido Deck aboard Conquest, so they were fairly obvious....at least on that ship.

[moniquet]

What I don't understand is why people who say they would never cruise Carnival again hang around the Carnival board:confused: we would never cruise with Princess again but I don't hang around the Princess board posting that.

[golfb4cruzing]

IF you're looking for cheap. then you found it. Better food, no, better entertainment, no, comedy club, yes. Let us know when you get back.

[golfb4cruzing]

What I don't understand is why people who say they would never cruise Carnival again hang around the Carnival board:confused: we would never cruise with Princess again but I don't hang around the Princess board posting that.

 

 

I'm here to balance you out. I have to go on this Carnival otherwise I'd be on Princess.

[Mooguy]

I think certain foods are better on Carnival then RCI like the Pizza, the soft serve ice cream, and even the pool side burgers. I've had mixed results with the steak houses on both lines.

It's hard to beat the piano bars on Carnival as well, where the schooner bar can be hit or miss on RCI but not really geared to be the same type of atmosphere I guess.

I think most of this holds true for the newer carnival ships. I wouldn't go on the older Fantasy class ships. Where I do go on RCI older ships like the Brilliance we leave on in a few days.

[MargieWY]

What I don't understand is why people who say they would never cruise Carnival again hang around the Carnival board.

 

Because it's probably the fastest paced and most active on Cruise Critic! You can't beat a heated debate on the Carnival board. It's sheer entertainment! Just like on a real Carnival cruise, a fight can break out on the Carnival board at any minute! 🙊

[Podna's]

What I don't understand is why people who say they would never cruise Carnival again hang around the Carnival board:confused: we would never cruise with Princess again but I don't hang around the Princess board posting that.

 

 

C'mon now. Let them have their fun. One day when they group up they'll see how ridiculous they look especially with CCL only getting stronger. You see they think they can actually convince people to cruise elsewhere and make a difference even though less than 1% of the cruising population has even heard of cruise critic. It does make for good entertainment.

Edited January 16, 2016 by Podna's

[Taijay]

RIGHT ON THE MONEY! I could not have explained the differences better... There are areas where each excel and where each fall short.... I would add that the camp carnival program is hands down better... They have the Seuss at Sea with all those activities PLUS water slides... Spray parks are "boring" but the kids go CRAZY for twister slides... but for teens, RCI has more sports and adventure (flow rider sports pools, rock wall) so the edge for teens goes to RCI..

 

I think Carnival MDR food much better and Lido deck food better on CCL (Mongolian Wok and Guy's Burgers), I wish I could mix the layout of the Windjammer with the CCL food... But RCI ships are sure designed to impress... Wow!

 

Again, much depends on the ship, time of year and cruise itinerary... But both have their pluses and minuses...

 

We share the same views in describing the difference between the two lines.

 

RCCL wows you with their beautiful designs but has a bit more of an uptight feel than I prefer. The food was bland and there isn't one thing that I remember eating. We ate at the specialty steak house and still nothing to remember. The game in the ice skating rink was really fun and the kids enjoyed the Dreamwork's parade and breakfast. Not bad overall.

 

CCL is full of fun and excitement all throughout the day. Cabins are a lot roomier and comfortable. The food was pretty good, especially for that amount people and we didn't feel nickeled and dimed. Even if you prefer peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of everything, there is always an option for that as well.

 

Overall, my family and I enjoy cruising so we keep our options open so no cruise line is ruled out, but Carnival IS our preferred cruise line.

[MiamiSpartan]

We are not huge Carnival people but we had an amazing time on The Breeze a few years back! Depends on the ship...

[declansdad]

Because it's probably the fastest paced and most active on Cruise Critic! You can't beat a heated debate on the Carnival board. It's sheer entertainment! Just like on a real Carnival cruise, a fight can break out on the Carnival board at any minute! 🙊

 

 

What a load of crap!

[lola61]

Hi All,

 

We have been on 11 cruises. 8 with Princess and 3 with Royal. This year we are looking for a cheaper vacation and was looking at Carnival. We just like to people watch and drink beer and eat good food, I am fine if we have to get that in the specialty restaurants. The price seems right. Is it really that much of a "downgrade"???

 

thanks for your input.

 

Matt

 

Doing number 16 Love it have done several with my family,young children. I am a low maintenance girl. Just love a great vacation and Carnival has delivered it :)

[joeyancho]

Hi All,

 

We have been on 11 cruises. 8 with Princess and 3 with Royal. This year we are looking for a cheaper vacation and was looking at Carnival. We just like to people watch and drink beer and eat good food, I am fine if we have to get that in the specialty restaurants. The price seems right. Is it really that much of a "downgrade"???

 

thanks for your input.

 

Matt

 

IMHO, it is a downgrade.

[Jenhem31]

If you assume you'll be disappointed, you will be. We prefer RC ships, but Carnival atmosphere. We aren't huge drinkers, it just seems more relaxed and fun. The reason we've decided to stick mostly to Carnival is the itineraries. They're always changing and we like the variety. We'd love to sail Allure again, but we aren't fans of the itineraries.

[T2C]

Hi All,

 

We have been on 11 cruises. 8 with Princess and 3 with Royal. This year we are looking for a cheaper vacation and was looking at Carnival. We just like to people watch and drink beer and eat good food, I am fine if we have to get that in the specialty restaurants. The price seems right. Is it really that much of a "downgrade"???

 

thanks for your input.

 

Matt

 

We've been on RCI, X and CCL. While we loved X the most and loved RCI's Grandeur we started going CCL for the lower cost and we love CCL just as much.

[poz222]

I think too it depends on who your cruising with or the occasion. For example if I'm bringing the teenagers RCI, romantic with hubby, Celebrity or maybe NCL (for the specialty dining), party group or girlfriend getaway or with young kids, CCL... also depends on what deals they are offering... luckily living in So. Florida we have lots of options for last minute deals... but I can't really say I had a HORRIBLE experience but some definitely had their issues (on all cruise lines). But go with the attitude that your on vacation and going to have fun regardless and fun will find you!

 

Sent from my SM-G900H using Tapatalk

[Jana60]

I have sailed on carnival, princess, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian. I agree with others who have said that the shows on some of the other ships are better than Carnival. I like the food, room size, and friendliness of the staff, crew, and fellow passengers best on Carnival. I have attached some pictures of a standard balcony cabin so that you can judge whether you would be happy with the orange leather or not. Other than friendliness I did not notice on any of my past cruises the passengers on Carnival being any more likely to complain then passengers on any other cruise ship.

Edited January 17, 2016 by Jana60

[Jana60]

I was just wondering. Is this forum for RCCL or for Carnival? If you want to know what Carnival is like, then book it and find out.

 

I don't know about the person who responded below but I'm reading these posts at the Carnival Cruise Line site.

 

 

 

 

 

... This is the Royal Caribbean board.

 

Not from where I'm standing!

[Beardface]

I don't know about the person who responded below but I'm reading these posts at the Carnival Cruise Line site.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not from where I'm standing!

 

This was posted to the Royal Caribbean forums when I originally replied. Looks like it was recently moved.