One opinion on Carnival vs Princess

[jimbo5544]

There have been cutbacks by all cruise lines but if you haven't been on them before, you wouldn't notice.

 

Anyway, CCL stockholders appreciate you remaining loyal to the corporation. :)

 

 

Shhh, they are on a roll. Let them get it out of there system. One only needs to travel to the other cruise line main threads to see they same things...over and over.

 

 

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[jimbo5544]

Thanks to the OP for their review here and on the Princess board. We've been considering what will be our next cruise after our current HAL cruise and the follow on CCL cruise and have been seriously looking at Princess. We will look at Princess even more seriously now. ;)

 

 

Will this be your first cruise on HAL?

 

 

 

 

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[AdoraBelle]

On the Royal in a few short weeks, thanks for this.

[joepeka]

Will this be your first cruise on HAL?

 

 

 

 

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No it won't but it's the first in about 10 years so I already expect the experience may not be up the the level it was the last time around. We'll see. ;)

[jimbo5544]

No it won't but it's the first in about 10 years so I already expect the experience may not be up the the level it was the last time around. We'll see. ;)

 

 

I have been following the new ship, looks quite nice. Be interested in hearing your thoughts on your return. How was the pricing in comparison?

 

 

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[golfb4cruzing]

Well this will surely rough up the cheerleaders. How dare you objectively compare the two lines and surmise that Carnival is not in the same league. Princess, to me, is a vastly different product. While it does the short runs around the Caribbean, I don't think it's their focus. They focus on longer trips and seeing more of the planet. Princess is changing but is still a throwback to cruising of the past. To me Carnival is a mass market boat ride filled with families waiting for a ride on the waterslide. We've done our share of Carnival but building bigger ships to cram more people waiting for waterslides is not my vision of cruising. Next cruise is coming up fast. 10 relaxing days to one of the Wonders of the World.

[jimbo5544]

Well this will surely rough up the cheerleaders. How dare you objectively compare the two lines and surmise that Carnival is not in the same league. Princess, to me, is a vastly different product. While it does the short runs around the Caribbean, I don't think it's their focus. They focus on longer trips and seeing more of the planet. Princess is changing but is still a throwback to cruising of the past. To me Carnival is a mass market boat ride filled with families waiting for a ride on the waterslide. We've done our share of Carnival but building bigger ships to cram more people waiting for waterslides is not my vision of cruising. Next cruise is coming up fast. 10 relaxing days to one of the Wonders of the World.

 

 

Wonders of the world.... What might that be.... The Vista?

 

 

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[Micahs Grandad]

Shhh, they are on a roll. Let them get it out of there system. One only needs to travel to the other cruise line main threads to see they same things...over and over.

 

 

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After three recent cruises on Princess can say they are definitely still a step or two above carnival especially buffet and production show wise.

 

Still going on CCL but for int travel including Europe we prefer Princess.

[MMastell]

Thank you for the excellent and fair comparisons. The cabin comparison is a bit unfair (price) since it was a Havana suite vs. Balcony.

 

I agree that the overall food quality on Princess is better and Carnival's cutbacks are really beginning to show. Menu variety and MDR food quality is not what it was just two years ago. I also see that the waitstaff and cabin stewards have more tables and cabins then they once had.

 

However, I do like Carnival's atmosphere (seven day or longer cruise) and I have found Princess to be more subdued and HAL is just downright boring. I've sailed Princess five times though the last was four years ago. I have sailed HAL three times and the last was just under two years ago. So things may have changed a bit, just as they have on Carnival.

 

My top choices when booking a cruise are: Celebrity, Carnival and Azamara. My wife and I do a mixture of Caribbean/Mexico getaways and Europe and Asian cruises. Carnival is my first choice for Caribbean/Mexico and Celebrity and Azamara for cruises outside of those areas.

 

No matter what line you enjoy it's still a cruise and as long as it's right for you, that's all that matters.

 

Take care,

Mike

[jimbo5544]

After three recent cruises on Princess can say they are definitely still a step or two above carnival especially buffet and production show wise.

 

 

 

Still going on CCL but for int travel including Europe we prefer Princess.

 

 

That is fine, I have no issue with that, choices are all good.

 

 

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[Luke Dawg]

We just returned from a trip to Europe in which we cruised on the new “Carnival Vista” the first week and then on the “Royal Princess”, which was our first cruise on Princess Cruise Line. We have cruised many time on Carnival and our both Platinum which gives us some additional benefits such as priority boarding, wash and fold laundry, all of which we appreciated and used to the fullest.

 

 

After spending four days in Barcelona we were ready to board Carnival Vista and were at the pier about 10:30AM. We proceeded quickly through security and were escorted to the “Priority Lounge” to await boarding. This was a very easy and relaxing process as most boarding is on Carnival. At about 11:30AM we were escorted to the gangway for boarding and as we had a Havana Suite which we headed for. The lobby on the Vista does not have the same WOW factor that other Carnival ships have but that is not a big thing.

 

 

 

 

The Havana section is located on deck five which has most additional dining spots along with the Pixels Photo area. We didn't stop at any of these spots because of our excitement of our Havana Suite. We found the entry of the Havana section with little problem and went directly to our cabin.

 

 

We found the suite nice but storage, compared to an Ocean Suite was not very good. The three closets were next to the bed and made it difficult when changing. Our Bath was very nice and the shower with the “Rain Shower Head” along with the hand held shower was wonderful. Warning: Make sure to run hot water over the seat in the shower prior to sitting. I can still hear my wife's yell when she sat the first time. One other funny thing is the hair dryer is located in the desk draw next to the slider to the lani. Not very practical for use but I guess that's the only place they had to put it. I can say we never used the couch one time and did not add anything as far as I am concerned. I believe an Ocean Suite is much better in layout and if staying in the Havana section again I would choose a “Havana Cabana” over the suite. The Havana section itself was great and we did enjoy it until it was opened to the rest of the ship. When we first booked the Havana Section was going to be only for the use of Havana guests and I would hope they would return to this policy. After getting settled we went up to the lido deck for a quick bit of lunch. There were plenty of folks already here and we finally found a table. Now time for a “Funship Special”, but no servers could be found. I went to the bar and purchased two and brought them back to the table. This was a general problem all over the Vista, no servers or so very few you had to go to the bar yourself. Carnival has cut back with servers and its not a great thing if you would like a drink. We visited Guys Burgers for lunch and I ordered a burger and fries and headed back to the table. Now I know this is Europe and I have eaten many delicious burgers and fries but I left the burger with one bite out of it and the fries were terrible. Hopefully they will straighten this out once in the Caribbean. We explored the ship after this lunch and took in all the new things aboard. After the sail away we got ready for dinner and had elected to have “Anytime” dinning. We went to the dinning room and were seated almost immediately. Carnival has gone to the “American Table Menu” and we have not cared for it since the first time we had it. I had never not found something I would like for dinner but with the new menu, choices were limited and I found times when nothing even appealed to me. The service in the MDR was very slow at times and other times find but no consistency. One thing I thought was great was the addition of a bar in the dinning room. We decided to visit this bar one evening prior to eating. The hostess welcomed us and directed us to the bar but there was no bartender and after waiting fifteen minutes we left and asked for a table. I watched the bar from our table and not one bartender went behind this bar. Once again I think that Carnival has cut back here also. We tried the 555 Steakhouse and just like the rest of the fleet the food was very good. Still the help had been cut back on here and the service suffered. An example of this was the Champagne I purchased was put into a stand on the other side of the room. I thought this was strange but when my glass was empty I had to ask it be filled. Again not enough staff to provide the service. I know people will say “Oh, that table cloth thing again” but the lack of a table cloth on Elegant Night in the steakhouse was not to my liking.

 

 

So to sum up the food on Carnival, I can say it has gone down hill a bunch. The service has also gone down and is noticeable threw out the ship. This was not what I expected on a new ship and we were disappointed.

 

 

After the Vista cruise we immediately walked down the pier to board the Royal Princess.

 

 

 

 

This is our first cruise with Princess cruise lines. My mind wandered back to our first cruise on Carnival and waiting in the main hall with number six on our boarding pass. As we arrived at the terminal very early I expected to wait a long time to enter the terminal but we checked our luggage and went into the terminal with no problem. We went through check in which was very fast and were directed to zone one boarding. After about one hour we were shown to the boarding area and on the ship by 11:00 AM. Pretty good so far.... As we entered the ship in a lobby that was very impressive we were directed by crew members to the correct elevators for our cabin, which was ready for us. We booked a balcony and not a suite on Princess.

 

 

 

 

The room is comparable to a balcony on Carnival and just a bit different layout and the décor also different. After meeting our steward we headed up to the lido deck. We found a table, very easily, and were visited by a server before we sat down. Not any specialty drinks offered by what every else you would like Our order placed we went to the grill and had a burger and fries in a few short minutes. The food was excellent and served right off the grill. From here ventured into the Horizon Court Buffet. What a difference compared to Carnival. When you found a seat, a server immediately welcomed you took your beverage order. The buffet itself was so much more upscale from Carnival it was unbelievable to us. The food stations and selections were different and wonderful. So far the food was far above Carnival. We explored the ship which is very much different from the Vista. As the Vista has a much more subdued décor from other ships in the fleet it is kind of bland. Princess is very much more elegant and welcoming. After we explored and sail away was over we changed for our first dinner. After enjoying a cocktail in the Wheelhouse bar we ventured down to the Main Dinning Room. We were greeted by the maître d and shown to our table by our waiter. I can already tell there are more servers than in the Carnival MDR. We examined the menu and were impressed by the choices available. All of the food we had in the MDR were well above the food on Carnival. Presentation, and speed of service was fantastic and I can honestly say everything served was hot. Something that was not to said of Carnival. Princess has much better food in both the buffet and the MDR. One item Princess offers is the “Balcony Dinner” which is to good to be missed. As we usually visit the Steakhouse on Carnival and would have on Princess we instead chose the Balcony Dinner over the steakhouse. For $100, you will be served dinner on the balcony by two waiters. Unbelievable and very romantic is my best description. You start with a photographer visiting and taking a bunch of pictures of which you could chose one. Next you were served your choice of cocktail along with an appetizer which you chose. Next up was split of champagne served along with a salad so big it was worth mentioning. After this was the main course which was two lobster tails and a very large filet along with a vegetable melody. Wonderful..... Desert followed along with coffee and finally a tray of delectable cookies. The entire time the two waiters anticipated your every need while being far enough removed as to not bother you. If I can say anything it would be if you every cruise on Princess make sure to include a “Balcony Dinner” both you and your wife will love it.

 

 

All in all I have to say Princess is a large step up when it comes to food over Carnival. The service is well above Carnival and the entire crew is as friendly. Perhaps I am just tired of Carnival, finding some of the “Normal” things on board a little old, I'm not sure. I do find Princess a refreshing change. I find it not only better than Carnival but also Celebrity. Maybe it is just on European itineraries, I'm not sure but will find out in a few weeks as we board the Royal again.

 

 

I hope this helps some folks who are trying to decide on a different cruise line.

Thank you for your review. We are also Carnival platinum cruisers who will be sailing our first Princess cruise in November.

[joeyancho]

Wonders of the world.... What might that be.... The Vista?

 

 

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Panama canal

[amyh13]

I appreciate the comparison and look forward to trying any cruise lines. However, with a 10 year old and and a 6 year old, I think my kids would throw me overboard out of boredom on a Princess Cruise.

 

Comparisons are great but not only are not all ships/cabins apples to apples, neither are the passengers. Carnival aims to please families. It's there business model. They concentrate on fun, waterslides, night life, etc. Gourmet food, black tie dinners, calm quiet pool areas are not their focus.

Edited October 6, 2016 by amyh13

[RoadTripFanatic]

:) I honestly think it depends on the ship. On Carnival I have had steaks in their speciality dining restaurants that put the Princess steaks to shame and vice versa. It really is the chef. I find all of the buffets to be about the same. Though I will confess Guy Fieri's hamburger place on the 2.0 ships is the best hamburger at sea. There are things I love about each cruise line. I think that's why I just look for the ports of call I want and go for it. The ship isn't the end all be all for me. It's the journey. Oh and where I can get the best deal too. I have to watch the $$. :)

 

Overall there are few ships I have jumped off of and said show me the chocolate please. (MSC- really needed more chocolate selection at dessert time)

[joepeka]

I have been following the new ship, looks quite nice. Be interested in hearing your thoughts on your return. How was the pricing in comparison?

 

 

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The HAL and Princess pricing for comparable cabins was pretty close on nearly identical itineraries (Panama Canal) and time of year. But HAL had some really nice perks when we booked it a year ago which pushed us to them versus Princess. Carnival had no comparable cruise so we couldn't make any judgement on their cost versus HAL or Princess (although I suspect CCL would have been less expensive).

[indiaksue]

I have been on the Vista and the Regal Princess and somethings I totally agree on, the food is much better on Princess especially the Lido restaurant. However service I didn't see much difference. I really think it is the luck of the draw and also by ship. We just got off the Valor and had the best dining room staff we have had in 20 some cruises. I was in awe of Glen & Denis, they were fantastic. So I would say every individual experience is different on service. Overall we prefer Carnival but we do like Princess too, if the price is right.

[JaniceB]

Thank you for the comparison.

We need to give Princess a try since they offer an OBC for my husbands military service all the time.

We have tried HAL and loved it. It was a spring break cruise fewer children and multi-generations. It was pretty quiet after 10 not 8.

[hbrote]

How many levels of inside cabins are there beyond "basic"?

 

Interior classes 1A, 3J, 4A,4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 4F, 4J & 4K. What difference does this mater in being the "Lowest Cost Provider" ? I don't believe they advertise their 4 K prices in advertisements. I believe they are the 1A price. Once again "Low Price Provider" and what is the problem with that. This is the market they address advertisement towards. Makes my stock go up. I have never been in an inside cabin so I cannot compare any of these choices. My idea of posting a comparison was to aid some folks who are looking elsewhere. I will probably cruise of Carnival again but will add more on Princess.

[telebax51]

I did my first cruise 2010 on the Crown Princess since then 5 cruises with Carnival in comparison Princess hands down better cruise line price wise Carnival. 2018 will be doing Princess and other lines, international cafe on Princess my favorite.

[Micahs Grandad]

I have been on the Vista and the Regal Princess and somethings I totally agree on, the food is much better on Princess especially the Lido restaurant. However service I didn't see much difference. I really think it is the luck of the draw and also by ship. We just got off the Valor and had the best dining room staff we have had in 20 some cruises. I was in awe of Glen & Denis, they were fantastic. So I would say every individual experience is different on service. Overall we prefer Carnival but we do like Princess too, if the price is right.

 

Used to be able to use tray to hold beverages on Carnival we can sit down and start eating. Now have to make a separate trip since trays have gone away.

 

Like it that Princess has people to bring you drinks.

[Cuervosar]

Thanks for the review. Princess is one of the few lines we've not tried, and we were about to pull the trigger on a Caribbean trip with them and then we saw MSC's new boat, & pushed our plans back many months and a few thousand $.

 

Unless MSC blows us away, our next trip will be with Princess. Probably Asia.

 

We've done Celebrity a bunch, but for whatever reason are underwhelmed by their new ships. Something just doesn't click. Millennium class ships, we love them.

 

So, always looking for objective Princess reviews, and from what I see, and from what you experienced, sounds comparable to Celeb.

 

BTW, I would definitely do the balcony dinner. The best meal I've ever had was way back on Summit in the Normandy. Wine pairing meal, butterfly service, the works. It was actually an anniversary dinner that we meant to keep quiet, but one of our table mates from the MDR tipped off the Maitre D in the Normandy.

 

Those are the kind of memories you cruise for, and I could give a flip about what it cost at the time.

[golfb4cruzing]

Used to be able to use tray to hold beverages on Carnival we can sit down and start eating. Now have to make a separate trip since trays have gone away.

 

Like it that Princess has people to bring you drinks.

 

Many folks will say "Big Deal". It is a nice option to find a table, sit down and they are there, on the spot, with drink options. Little things add up. How about warm cookies and popcorn for the nightly Lido movie??

Edited October 7, 2016 by golfb4cruzing

[Micahs Grandad]

Many folks will say "Big Deal". It is a nice option to find a table, sit down and they are there, on the spot, with drink options. Little things add up. How about warm cookies and popcorn for the nightly Lido movie??

 

And very often in the evening you can get cookies right out of the oven at the Int Cafe.

[Micahs Grandad]

Many folks will say "Big Deal". It is a nice option to find a table, sit down and they are there, on the spot, with drink options. Little things add up. How about warm cookies and popcorn for the nightly Lido movie??

 

The one thing Carnival does better than Princess is speed of laundry. Always same day with Carnival can be as much as three days with Princess.

 

Actually one more. Since Princess gives free wifi for platinum many people will use it and as a result wifi on Princess considerably slower than Carnival. According to CD on Regal both companies use the same amount of bandwith.

[Karnyval]

The one thing Carnival does better than Princess is speed of laundry. Always same day with Carnival can be as much as three days with Princess.

 

Actually one more. Since Princess gives free wifi for platinum * many people will use it and as a result wifi on Princess considerably slower than Carnival. According to CD on Regal both companies use the same amount of bandwith.

 

* = 150 - 500 minutes free depending on length of cruise