RCCL Cruiser Trying Carnival

[LarryCruiser]

Hi all,

 

We (me, wife, 2 kids (13+11) have cruised ~5 times on Royal but never Carnival.  We booked a 5-day Eastern Caribbean on the Horizon in December.  Does anyone who has sailed on both Iines have any suggestions/insight about any similarities, differences, or things you knew before trying Carnival?  We're looking forward to it but want to make sure any expectations are approrpriate and that anything we should think of in advance we do.

 

Thanks!

[Colorado Beach Bum]

We did a bunch of Carnival cruises with pre-teen and teenagers over the years and a couple of NCL and one RCL.  While we enjoyed all of them and found pro’s and con’s and many similarities to all, the family seemed to always enjoy Carnival the most.  They especially liked the casual food options (non-dinner) on Carnival the most and the sports courts and water slides as well.  MDR food was more similar across the lines.  Horizon has Teppanyaki so be sure to do that as it is excellent.  Shows just depend on which ship - enjoyed some on all and hated some in all.  What the family always noticed the most was that carnival staff was always friendlier than the others.  I’d say enjoy yourselves and make the most of an amazing time together. 

[sgttami]

I was a loyal RCL cruiser for years and was told I would hate Carnival.  I decided to see for myself and finally went in 2014 and figured if I hated it, I'd never go again.

 

Everyone has different views/ideas on cruises and what they want them to be.

I found the food to be OK on both and never starved on either line.

Production shows were better on RCL but Carnival's Comedy shows were better.

Dress was more casual on Carnival.

Service was good on both but I found crew to be a lot friendlier on Carnival.

 

I never sailed with kids so can't answer any of those comparisons.

 

My only advice is to see for yourself because everyone's opinions will vary greatly.

 

I've been on 15 RCL, 15 Carnival and 3 other and never had a bad cruise.  I haven't been back to RCL since I sailed Carnival but it's only because I get better deals with Carnival these days. 

 

Enjoy! 

 

 

[firefly333]

The pizza and guys burgers is very good on carnival. Kids usually like these items. Try the white pizza. 

[xDisconnections]

There will be more similarities than differences but certain differences will be very noticeable. Keep an open mind and you’ll have a nice time.

 

I’d probably stick to Royal but that’s just me 🙂 

[SkaterJasp]

Royal Caribbean not having a ship year round on the west coast is the primary reason why I’ll still cruise on Carnival randomly. When I go on a cruise line I never been on before, I generally use Carnival is a baseline… as in what is being offered on Carnival should be the bare minimum on what to expect from a cruise. With that said… here’s my comparison between the two lines…

Staterooms:
The stateroom layout are extremely similar… however, there are rooms onboard Carnival Horizon that features 2 bathrooms… one with a tub and sink and another is a standard cruise ship stateroom bathroom. Most outside or higher category staterooms on most ships with both cruise lines will have a nice couch and bed with similar layout. The decor is a bit more refine on Royal Caribbean whereas Carnival is a bit more island vibe. The toiletries are slightly better with Royal Caribbean but not by much… on longer cruises, I’ll still bring my own shampoo and conditioner. 

Main Dining Room:
They’re both really similar and taste is a bit subjective. Presentation, service, taste are pretty much on par with each other. There are some dishes Carnival does better such as the Prime Rib while there are stuff Royal Caribbean does better such as the Beef Tenderloin. 

Steakhouse:
The appetizers on Royal Caribbean’s Chops is really good while the steaks at Carnival’s Steakhouse is significantly better than on Chops. Desserts are a draw between the two for various reason… they simply can’t be compared. Chops features a more classic traditional steakhouse dessert menu while Carnival’s Steakhouse dessert menu is a bit more modern, similar to that of Wonderland on some Royal Caribbean ships.
 

Chef’s Table:
The Chef’s Table on Carnival is cheaper AND is a way better experience and the menu actually changes depending on what’s available. The experience is more immersive and the food is more extraordinary with Carnival’s Chef’s Table.

Pools / Spa / Casino:
They’re pretty much the same, just looks different.

Night Clubs / Parties:
Carnival is known for their parties but to be honest, it really comes down to the crowd. I’ve seen some intense parties and crazy nightclub atmosphere on Royal Caribbean and the complete opposite on Carnival… this really comes down to the demographic on the ship.

Production Shows:
Playlist Production has lots of prerecorded soundtrack and relies a lot on screens. Think Vegas / Reno entertainment… if you are going in thinking you’ll be getting Royal Caribbean type production shows with huge set pieces and state of the art special effects… and a live orchestra  that rivals those on Broadway… you’ll be greatly disappointed. 

Onboard Activities:
You’re trading in Flowriders, Bumper Cars, Ice Skating Rinks for Rope Courses, SkyRide, and IMAX.

Priority Add On:
Faster to Fun, if offered, is just that… skip the line during embarkation, guest services, tender, etc… You’re not going to get added perks that you would expect from Royal Caribbean’s Key program.

Internet:
The internet service and speed is significantly better on Royal Caribbean as you can actually stream and go live using the surf and stream. You could in theory do so with the fastest internet package on Carnival… the service is a bit unreliable when I used it on Miracle and Panorama. However, it is still pretty decent for general web browsing. 

[SkaterJasp]

Also not to start any debates… but given the current environment.. it’s probably worth mentioning… Post COVID shutdown, I’ve been on Carnival Miracle and Ovation of the Seas… the atmosphere between the two are completely different. Based on my experience with these two cruise lines… it appears Royal Caribbean takes their COVID related procedures way more seriously than Carnival. When I was on Ovation, it felt like the rules are always being enforced and they did a pretty good job getting people to comply… down to making sure you wash your hands before entering the buffet at the hand washing station. Whereas Carnival Miracle was the complete opposite and felt like COVID didn’t exist. All the rules and procedures related to COVID appears and felt like they’re being treated as just suggestions. They’ll remind you to follow the procedure via an announcement but won’t actually enforce the rules if you choose not to comply. This is only my personal observation AND NOT how I feel about the policy and how cruise line staff decide to enforce their COVID procedure. 
 

Another noticeable difference between Royal Caribbean and Carnival is the buffet. On Royal Caribbean they have staff put the food you want onto your plate whereas Carnival is a traditional buffet. 

[EmmasNana]

We have taken our grandkids (and their parents) on Carnival and Royal. When given a choice, the grands always choose Carnival. They are little foodies and think the food on Carnival is much better. I think it is mostly due to the better options outside of the MDR and I agree. MDR on both seem to be pretty much the same on each line. 

What the older girls prefer on RCL is that the decor is nicer, but food outweighs that so they always choose carnival.

[Essiesmom]

If your children are not yet vaccinated, make sure you start that right away.  With Pfizer now available for the 5-11 kids, they will not be granting exemptions for unvaxed kids in that age group. .  Also, be prepared for Nassau or Bimini to be substituted for Grand Turk, which is currently not accepting cruise ships.  EM

[havanadaydreaming]

Sup Larry, 

 

Ive been on ncl, msc and carnival.  No RC, yet!

 

I thoroughly enjoyed myself on all three lines. Most comparable item was cabins.  Almost identical. 

 

The other pros and cons of each cruise line are open to personal interpretation so ill withhold comment.  

 

If you look for a good time youll find it! 

 

 

[LatinaInTexas]

Enjoyed my RC cruises but loved my Carnival cruises. Atmosphere is the difference between the two that I see and feel the most. Carnival is so much more fun, more upbeat, more carefree.

My RC cruises seemed toned down, more mind your manners, more of a sedate atmosphere. One RC cruise I swore we were the youngest on the cruise and we were in our late 50s.

One time we got seated at breakfast at a shared table which was a first first us. It was so awkward and uncomfortable. I swear that is it was just like the dinner scene in Titanic where Jack is made to feel so out of place. We have never tried shared seating again after that.

On RC the only time I saw or heard the cruise director was when he was on stage announcing a show.

Most other things are comparable, both offer a great vacation choice. I just prefer Carnival for now. Once I branch out and try other lines that might change.

[LarryCruiser]

Thank you all for the feedback!

[tinkr2]

On 11/7/2021 at 1:24 AM, SkaterJasp said:

Also not to start any debates… but given the current environment.. it’s probably worth mentioning… Post COVID shutdown, I’ve been on Carnival Miracle and Ovation of the Seas… the atmosphere between the two are completely different. Based on my experience with these two cruise lines… it appears Royal Caribbean takes their COVID related procedures way more seriously than Carnival. When I was on Ovation, it felt like the rules are always being enforced and they did a pretty good job getting people to comply… down to making sure you wash your hands before entering the buffet at the hand washing station. Whereas Carnival Miracle was the complete opposite and felt like COVID didn’t exist. All the rules and procedures related to COVID appears and felt like they’re being treated as just suggestions. They’ll remind you to follow the procedure via an announcement but won’t actually enforce the rules if you choose not to comply. This is only my personal observation AND NOT how I feel about the policy and how cruise line staff decide to enforce their COVID procedure. 
 

Another noticeable difference between Royal Caribbean and Carnival is the buffet. On Royal Caribbean they have staff put the food you want onto your plate whereas Carnival is a traditional buffet. 

Your description of the differences between the 2 lines is pretty close to my views. The shows on RCCL destroy every other line. And they have the ice skating show and aquatic shows also. I'd give the award to RCCL mdr food at dinner but Carnival at lunch and brunch. Chefs Table is shockingly better and more fun on Carnival and changes. And I like their steakhouse better also.

As far as Covid procedures, it felt like a complete joke on Carnival. Announcements but zero enforcement of anything. The no hand wash barely sanitize buffet was odd. And I am comparing to 3 other cruise lines. I went on MSC and NCL also. They definitely aren't taking it seriously if thats important to your cruise enjoyment.

[klfhngr]

On 11/6/2021 at 7:37 PM, LarryCruiser said:

Hi all,

 

We (me, wife, 2 kids (13+11) have cruised ~5 times on Royal but never Carnival.  We booked a 5-day Eastern Caribbean on the Horizon in December.  Does anyone who has sailed on both Iines have any suggestions/insight about any similarities, differences, or things you knew before trying Carnival?  We're looking forward to it but want to make sure any expectations are approrpriate and that anything we should think of in advance we do.

 

Thanks!

I've done about 8 RCCL cruises and about 12 CCL cruises. They are more similar than not. I sailed on Symphony 2 years ago and Panorama last month. For ME, Oasis class ships are too big for us. We actually loved the Panorama. Our favorite Royal ship is the Mariner. I think that the food is better on Carnival. Also, more food options on Carnival and more 'free' venues to eat at. Might be more shows/stuff to do on Royal. Comics in Carnival much better. Staff on Carnival is awesome, more friendlier (could be because cruising just resumed). Your kids will love Carnival, I think you will too, you might be surprised and be like us that enjoy sailing on both. BTW, we loved NCL also, the casual part of it.

[sgttami]

4 hours ago, klfhngr said:

I've done about 8 RCCL cruises and about 12 CCL cruises. They are more similar than not. I sailed on Symphony 2 years ago and Panorama last month. For ME, Oasis class ships are too big for us. We actually loved the Panorama. Our favorite Royal ship is the Mariner. I think that the food is better on Carnival. Also, more food options on Carnival and more 'free' venues to eat at. Might be more shows/stuff to do on Royal. Comics in Carnival much better. Staff on Carnival is awesome, more friendlier (could be because cruising just resumed). Your kids will love Carnival, I think you will too, you might be surprised and be like us that enjoy sailing on both. BTW, we loved NCL also, the casual part of it.

15 RCL and 15 Carnival and 3 on other lines.  Love the smaller ships.  Serenade on RCL and Pride on Carnival are my favorites.  I thought RCL Voyager class were too big so Oasis class would be a " no" for me.  Always found Carnival crew to be be friendlier all the way around.  Once on NCL was enough.  

I'll say RCL and CCL are my 2 favorites so far.

  

[AK2CA]

@LarryCruiser - I'm kind of in the opposite position as your right now.  I've done many cruises on several lines (most on Carnival), but have my first Royal Caribbean booked for January.  What I'm finding different, from questions I've posed in the RCCL board, is that on RCCL you book the shows you want to see but not on Carnival.  I always just got to a show venue early on Carnival to get a seat...pre Covid.  Last month on a Carnival cruise, I didn't even have to get there early for a show as there were plenty of seats with the ship at 55% capacity.  Anyway, thought I'd pass this on if you are anticipating "booking" shows on Carnival.  

Edited November 9, 2021 by AK2CA

[tntornadox]

I'm platinum on Royal and have taken three Carnival cruises (with 2 more booked), so here are my two cents:

 

1) Food is subjective, but to me, Carnival has better food overall. They tend to feature more 'comfort' dishes than Royal, so don't be surprised if you spot some BBQ or short ribs on the MDR menu. They no longer have table cloths on most evenings. If you are all about a traditional, slightly more formal dining experience, you may be disappointed. If you don't mind the more casual atmosphere with decent-excellent dishes then you may be impressed. Carnival is being positioned as 'America's Cruise Line' and the food offering reflects that shift.

 

2) Carnival has more complimentary casual food options that really make it hard to decide what you are going to eat, particularly on the newer ships. Guy's Burger Joint alone is almost worth the cruise fare (okay, maybe not... but close!). Then you have Blue Iguana and an excellent pizza place... hard to beat! Don't forget the awesome Sea Day Brunch in the MDR... it's something you will want to repeat.

 

3) While overall entertainment is better on Royal, I much prefer the comedians on Carnival. They have true 'adult' comedy onboard and take comedy very seriously. And the comedians they have are usually pretty seasoned by cruise standards.

 

4) The vibe on Carnival is more casual and laid back. Service levels are great on both lines but the vibe of Carnival matches me more these days.

 

Feel free to ask questions!

[LarryCruiser]

Thanks again everyone. One more question: does Carnival ever have sales on shore excursions and on board activities like Royal does?

[sgttami]

1 hour ago, LarryCruiser said:

Thanks again everyone. One more question: does Carnival ever have sales on shore excursions and on board activities like Royal does?

The only sales I've ever seen are 10% off excursions when you pre-book and it has to be done rather quickly after booking. I've never heard of any on board activities that you have to pay for.