First time on Carnival…what are the major differences from RCCL?

[SarahD112]

I’m a diamond on Royal Caribbean but my sister and I are sailing on Carnival Mardi Gras this summer. What are some of the differences, good and bad? It looks like Carnival only has two drink packages - soda and alcoholic, is that right? They seem to have more restaurants, and more that are included in cruise fare. What are the late night options? Is it true that shows aren’t twice a night, one for late diners, and one for early diners? Is the poolside chair hog situation the same? Are there drink cards that can be purchased? I can’t drink enough to make alcohol package a good deal. How much does Bolt cost? Do we need to book shows ahead of time - and if so, do you do it prior to embarkation or once onboard? Is there a Carnival 101 post somewhere??? 😂

[cruisinqt]

Yes there’s just 2 drink packages. Late night food options after 10 when most of the restaurants close: pizza till 4 am (free), soft serve ice cream in the lido & summers landing area (free), and Guys bbq has a late night buffet from 11:30-1:00 (free). There are two presentations each evening of the main show to accommodate both early and late dining. Yes the pool chair hogs will be in full force. I’ve seen Carnival start to remove their stuff recently though. Bolt is $15 and well worth it. Shows aren’t booked ahead of time on Carnival. 
 

A few other tips:

Carnival has something similar to the key, it’s called faster to the fun. It doesn’t have as many perks but it’s cheaper. The bottomless bubbles package doesn’t include a cup so be prepared to bring your own or use one of their small cups at the soda fountain. Two weeks before your cruise you’ll need to go online and choose a check in time. That’s when you’ll show up at the pier for your cruise. 

[Woody14]

Evening shows are defiantly different schedule.   usually only 4 production shows on a 7 day.   Comedy clubs are a big Carnival thing most ships on a 7 day cruise have 3 or 4 comedians and shows are several times a night with both Adult and PG shows.

 

Main dinning has no table cloths

 

Pool deck chair situation is the same as on most cruise lines 

 

Carnival Cheers package is very similar to Royals Deluxe drink package - it does have a 15 alcoholic drink limit per day (6am-6am) which upsets some people.    Many carnival ships have milkshakes and great coffee places that are included in the cheers package which can make it more valuable than just thinking I don't drink 6-7 drinks a day so it is not worth it.

 

 

 

[NLBarry]

We are also Diamond on RCCL and Platinum on Carnival.  RCCL is a much better deal as far as the drinks go since we get four free per person per day.   We do not get the drink package because it would not be worth it for us.  That being said 15 drinks on Carnival would equal about seven on RCCL.  Just got off the Magic a few days ago and they make terrible drinks, lucky to get one full shot in a drink.  If you find a good waiter, maybe in the Comedy club, that makes the drinks themselves you can get a good one with an extra tip.

The fast food type restaurants that are included with Carnival are a big plus and vary from ship to ship.  Sounds like you will be on a Mardi Gras class and Shaqs chicken, Blue Iguana and Guys are all great as is the Pig and Anchor. I believe there was also a great Asian restaurant on that ship that was delicious. Our favorite is the Mongolian Wok but it is not on that class of ship.

Trouble with a lot of these restaurants is that they are closed at 6 p.m. or before and only available at lunch, Blue Iguana does breakfast too.

I do think that CCLs lunch buffet and all of the free eateries put it ahead of RCCL for lunch choices but the dinner option is not as good as lunch choices.

The cruise directors are a big plus on CCL.

All just opinions of course.   RCCL and NCL both end up being a cheaper cruise for us because of all the good tier benefits.

We end up spending around 5 -6 hundred dollars onboard CCL that we do not have to spend on the other lines because of the included tier perks.

[gkbiiii]

I think on these ships L' Capitano is included for lunch, maybe dinner too.

[NLBarry]

3 hours ago, gkbiiii said:

I think on these ships L' Capitano is included for lunch, maybe dinner too.

Yes it is and the sandwich bar has a great selection too.   Plenty of choices on CCL for lunch, just got off an eight days and did not even get a chance to try everything and never did the actual buffet except for dinner one night.

[cruisinqt]

Just for clarification on the cheers drinks package. You’re limited to 15 alcoholic drinks a day but everything else is unlimited including milkshakes, specialty coffee, juice, bottled water, energy drinks, etc. There’s a great milkshake place called The Shake Spot that has amazing milkshakes. The best regular milkshakes are the chocolate caramel and the strawberry creamsicle. The best spiked milkshakes are the Spirit Of Kentucky and the Black Raspberry Truffle. I found that the bar at Summers Landing had much stronger drinks than the rest of the ship. 

[asalligo]

I have done several RCCL cruises, but the bulk of my cruises have been Carnival. 

 

What are some of the differences, good and bad?

Unfortunately, RCCL does the buffet and crowds much better than Carnival, but Carnival really does do the fun better. Many more activities and a lot more crowd engagement, But more lines too. 

 

It looks like Carnival only has two drink packages - soda and alcoholic, is that right? Yes

 

They seem to have more restaurants, and more that are included in cruise fare. Very true, you will find that there are many things to eat and do included in the cruise fare on Carnival that are not on RCCL. Mardi Gras has nine venues to choose from to eat at night for free. 

 

What are the late night options? About the same as RCCL really, depends on ship, but Mardi Gras has buffet, Pizza and Deli open very late. 

 

Is it true that shows aren’t twice a night, one for late diners, and one for early diners? No, they almost always have two stage shows a night for that reason. 

 

Is the poolside chair hog situation the same? Yes

 

Are there drink cards that can be purchased? No

 

How much does Bolt cost? $15

 

Do we need to book shows ahead of time No

 

I love RCCL they are a little more classy, the food is a little better most of the time and again they handle crowds so much better than Carnival on the large ships. Carnival though has much more to do for free and a crazy fun atmosphere. Make sure to catch Quest. 

 

 

 

Edited February 24, 2023 by asalligo

[bar1068]

2 hours ago, asalligo said:

I have done several RCCL cruises, but the bulk of my cruises have been Carnival. 

 

What are some of the differences, good and bad?

Unfortunately, RCCL does the buffet and crowds much better than Carnival, but Carnival really does do the fun better. Many more activities and a lot more crowd engagement, But more lines too. 

 

It looks like Carnival only has two drink packages - soda and alcoholic, is that right? Yes

 

They seem to have more restaurants, and more that are included in cruise fare. Very true, you will find that there are many things to eat and do included in the cruise fare on Carnival that are not on RCCL. Mardi Gras has nine venues to choose from to eat at night for free. 

 

What are the late night options? About the same as RCCL really, depends on ship, but Mardi Gras has buffet, Pizza and Deli open very late. 

 

Is it true that shows aren’t twice a night, one for late diners, and one for early diners? No, they almost always have two stage shows a night for that reason. 

 

Is the poolside chair hog situation the same? Yes

 

Are there drink cards that can be purchased? No

 

How much does Bolt cost? $15

 

Do we need to book shows ahead of time No

 

I love RCCL they are a little more classy, the food is a little better most of the time and again they handle crowds so much better than Carnival on the large ships. Carnival though has much more to do for free and a crazy fun atmosphere. Make sure to catch Quest. 

 

 

 

 

I agree with all you stated here. One thing I have to mention that still "cracks me up" to this day is when we took our first cruise on Royal, it was on the Oasis of the Seas. My wife and I grabbed some lunch at the Windjammer. After we had our lunch, we were sitting chatting, and staring out the windows, when an announcement come over the pa that if you were done enjoying your meal/lunch/food or whatever, to basically, get out of the Windjammer to give others a chance to sit. We looked at each other like, *****??? Biggest ship at sea(at that time) and they have to ask to clear out cause there's not enough room to....handle the crowds around lunch time?!?!?  We chuckled and went on our way. Not at all a big thing...just seemed odd to hear that on such a large ship. We've cruised on the Anthem a few times, no Windjammer space concerns on those,  and have a cruise scheduled in May on the Harmony of the Seas, followed by a cruise on the Carnival Celebration....a, what...side to side. Guess we'll see how those ships handle the lunch rush at their buffets!!

 

[staceyglow]

4 minutes ago, bar1068 said:

 

I agree with all you stated here. One thing I have to mention that still "cracks me up" to this day is when we took our first cruise on Royal, it was on the Oasis of the Seas. My wife and I grabbed some lunch at the Windjammer. After we had our lunch, we were sitting chatting, and staring out the windows, when an announcement come over the pa that if you were done enjoying your meal/lunch/food or whatever, to basically, get out of the Windjammer to give others a chance to sit. We looked at each other like, *****??? Biggest ship at sea(at that time) and they have to ask to clear out cause there's not enough room to....handle the crowds around lunch time?!?!?  We chuckled and went on our way. Not at all a big thing...just seemed odd to hear that on such a large ship. We've cruised on the Anthem a few times, no Windjammer space concerns on those,  and have a cruise scheduled in May on the Harmony of the Seas, followed by a cruise on the Carnival Celebration....a, what...side to side. Guess we'll see how those ships handle the lunch rush at their buffets!!

 

To me, this is a matter of common courtesy at any restaurant. If DH and I go out to eat on land, and we know there are people waiting for a table, we don't linger. That's true weather we are at a very fancy restaurant or at a food court. 

 

 

[EngIceDave]

Where Carnival falls short is late night sweets. Can get pizza almost 24/7, but can't get a piece of cake or pie w/ice cream.

 

 

[craig01020]

I've only been on Royal three times and Carnival twice. The Carnival MDR has good food that's less "fancy", and that's fine with me!  Blue Iguana and Guy's Burgers are both free and very good!  Carnival buffet is not as good as Windjammer...however...even if it was between meals, we were able to sit there and have a coffee or play cards.

[cacruisin]

I've sailed on both and found the differences marginal.  I like the layout of Royal ships more and I agree you can say that's its slightly fancier.  However, I tip my hat to Carnival on both food options and comedy, but Royal for production shows.  The main difference that stands out to me is fun/nightlife.  I have traveled on both during spring break, and I found the Royal boat to be basically dead by 10pm.  Hardly a sound or a person around.  Now of course this could be situational, but I enjoy a bit of nightlife and I think Carnival has more popping in the evenings with casino, piano bar, adult shows etc.

[resetjet]

To me it depends on the ship.  On the old ships not alot of difference.  On oasis or quantum class the entertainment in my eyes is so much better.

[asalligo]

5 hours ago, bar1068 said:

 

I agree with all you stated here. One thing I have to mention that still "cracks me up" to this day is when we took our first cruise on Royal, it was on the Oasis of the Seas. My wife and I grabbed some lunch at the Windjammer. After we had our lunch, we were sitting chatting, and staring out the windows, when an announcement come over the pa that if you were done enjoying your meal/lunch/food or whatever, to basically, get out of the Windjammer to give others a chance to sit. We looked at each other like, *****??? Biggest ship at sea(at that time) and they have to ask to clear out cause there's not enough room to....handle the crowds around lunch time?!?!?  We chuckled and went on our way. Not at all a big thing...just seemed odd to hear that on such a large ship. We've cruised on the Anthem a few times, no Windjammer space concerns on those,  and have a cruise scheduled in May on the Harmony of the Seas, followed by a cruise on the Carnival Celebration....a, what...side to side. Guess we'll see how those ships handle the lunch rush at their buffets!!

 

Yes, same here. Oasis was not for me, but Serenade of the Seas was one of my best cruises ever. 

 

 

[fndumb]

If you hit the casino, Carnival Mardi Gras is the best at sea.  Almost all non-smoking including the casino bar, and the smoking side has fantastic ventilation so it doesn't permeate the whole place.  On Royal, the smoke is thick and they do not enforce people smoking at the non-smoking machines.  Your clothes will reek of smoke for the remainder of the cruise.  Drink service is outstanding.  Not unusual to be approached by 3 or 4 waiters every 10 minutes.  Just got off Royal's Brillance and on the 4 day cruise was approached only once by a waiter.

[SRQbeachgirl]

Carnival has the best (and most frequent) comedy shows. 

 

Since you're on the Mardi Gras, the free dining options at night also include Pig & Anchor, Chi-Bang, and Cucina del Capitano. Pig & Anchor also offers a small late-night selection of comfort foods to soak up alcohol and tide you over till breakfast.

 

At the Java Blue cafe you can get a punch card for specialty coffees - buy a certain number (I forget how many) and you get one free.

 

Blue Iguana is a great option for breakfast - usually no line and their huevos rancheros and arepas are the perfect start to the day. 

 

Chair hogs will be out in force around the Lido pool, but if you don't have to be right in the center of the action (and noise) there are lots of places around the ship with lounge chairs and a choice of sun or shade.

 

Carnival upped their game with the Mardi Gras class. Hope you enjoy your cruise!

[Pellaz]

On 2/23/2023 at 3:24 PM, NLBarry said:

The fast food type restaurants that are included with Carnival are a big plus and vary from ship to ship.  Sounds like you will be on a Mardi Gras class and Shaqs chicken, Blue Iguana and Guys are all great as is the Pig and Anchor. I believe there was also a great Asian restaurant on that ship that was delicious. Our favorite is the Mongolian Wok but it is not on that class of ship.

 

The Asian restaurant is Chibang! (also includes Mexican choices) and they offer complimentary Mongolian Wok-style stir-fry at lunch...except that you don't have to stand in line. 

Like the ships with Jiji's Asian Kitchen, you sit down, fill out a card and they make it and bring it to you.   On my Mardi Gras cruise, it was one of the best lunches I had...and that's sayin' something because the "free"/included lunch options on the Mardi Gras were dizzying, there were so many.  

 

 

[MississippiMom]

On 2/23/2023 at 11:59 PM, cruisinqt said:

Just for clarification on the cheers drinks package. You’re limited to 15 alcoholic drinks a day but everything else is unlimited including milkshakes, specialty coffee, juice, bottled water, energy drinks, etc. There’s a great milkshake place called The Shake Spot that has amazing milkshakes. The best regular milkshakes are the chocolate caramel and the strawberry creamsicle. The best spiked milkshakes are the Spirit Of Kentucky and the Black Raspberry Truffle. I found that the bar at Summers Landing had much stronger drinks than the rest of the ship. 

Glad you mentioned that clarification, as it’s the non-alcoholic additions that make the Cheers package worth it for me.  Yes, I do have some alcoholic drinks during the afternoon & evening, but I think I’m “spending” most of my Cheers dollars on the included Frappuccinos, bottled waters, bottled teas, juices and morning specialty coffees.

[cruisinqt]

1 hour ago, MississippiMom said:

Glad you mentioned that clarification, as it’s the non-alcoholic additions that make the Cheers package worth it for me.  Yes, I do have some alcoholic drinks during the afternoon & evening, but I think I’m “spending” most of my Cheers dollars on the included Frappuccinos, bottled waters, bottled teas, juices and morning specialty coffees.

Same here. I love all the extra drinks included almost as much as I do the alcohol, especially the specialty coffees and milkshakes. 

[NLBarry]

15 hours ago, Pellaz said:

 

The Asian restaurant is Chibang! (also includes Mexican choices) and they offer complimentary Mongolian Wok-style stir-fry at lunch...except that you don't have to stand in line. 

Like the ships with Jiji's Asian Kitchen, you sit down, fill out a card and they make it and bring it to you.   On my Mardi Gras cruise, it was one of the best lunches I had...and that's sayin' something because the "free"/included lunch options on the Mardi Gras were dizzying, there were so many.  

 

 

Thanks for the heads up on the lunch, may do that instead of dinner @Chibang. 

[Pellaz]

8 hours ago, NLBarry said:

Thanks for the heads up on the lunch, may do that instead of dinner @Chibang. 

 

We actually opted to skip Chibang for dinner due to lackluster reviews here on Cruise Critic, and I wish we hadn't, just so we could have formed our own impressions.   

As I mentioned, my stir-fry bowl was great...but I'm a Mongolian/hibachi FIEND.  They also have a separate lunch menu there, free/included, aside from the stir-fry bowl option.  Enjoy!   

[Rudyard]

I booked a cruise on Allure for this September. We wanted an itinerary that included Roatan and it was actually cheaper than the same dates on Vista by about $200pp. Now I'm in the planning stages and am noticing how much more expensive the onboard experience is on Royal. Not complaining and it's not a deal breaker, but there was some initial sticker shock. Especially the price for specialty restaurants and internet. On the other hand I am looking forward to the wider variety of specialty restaurants (we're doing the 3 meal plan to offset the cost of the more expensive ones) and the shows, especially Mama Mia. 

[gkbiiii]

So is it encouraged or acceptable, to wear my "Crown & Anchor Diamond Plus Pin," for Carnival Gala nights?

[ciship]

We have always cruised Carnival, but decided to try RCCL a few years ago (Mariner of the Seas).  We were SO bored on RCCL and decided we would never leave CCL again.  Carnival really is the "fun" ship if that's what you are looking for.  Mardi Gras have 22 restaurants to choose from.  RCCL doesn't even come close.