RCI fan's impressions of Carnival

[perkyblue]

I've been on (and loved!) 3 RCI cruises, and I just returned from my first cruise with Carnival. I just thought I'd post my impressions of the two cruise lines because I know a lot of people seem to be interested in comparisons of these two cruise lines, as I was when planning for my first Carnival cruise.

 

Food - No question Carnival is the big winner here. Not only is pizza available 24 hours a day, but it is some of the best pizza I've ever had. I also thought the food in the buffet, room service, dining room, and supper club were better than on RCI. Oh-- and the sushi bar was fantastic too!

 

There are some negatives here for Carnival: They charge a dollar for a cookie. RCI's cookies were free (and very good!). Carnival also charges $10 more than RCI for the supper club, but I thought the price was worth it. I loved the after dinner drinks on Voyager, but I couldn't even get a coffee with amaretto after dinner (in the dining room) on Legend.

 

Ship - This is a very individual decision, but I preferred Voyager OTS to Carnival Legend. I like the way Legend is decorated, but I preferred Voyager's size. Legend was contantly rocking, whereas I rarely felt any movement at all on Voyager. I prefer the bigger ships, and Legend was pretty narrow.

 

Service - Exactly the same. I received equally excellent service from both RCI and Carnival.

 

Cabins - I know Carnival's cabins are bigger than RCI, but I really couldn't tell. The rooms seemed pretty much the same size. (I was in a D1 balcony on Voyager and extended balcony on Legend.) I did prefer Carnival's bed, and I might have to see about buying those pillows because now my pillows here at home feel terrible in comparison!

 

Pool - I prefer the pool deck on Voyager because there's a lot more space. However, I prefer the design of Carnival's pools better. I really liked the shallow area surrounding the pool on the Legend. It's so nice to sit there in the water when you don't feel like squeezing completely into the pool! I also loved the adults-only pool area on Carnival, even though I had to kick the kids out myself a couple times. (RCI may also have an adults only pool, but I don't remember one.)

 

Fellow pax - The passengers seemed the same on both cruise lines. I did notice more people on Carnival in jeans and shorts in the dining room and people on formal night wearing things that I certainly wouldn't consider formal. However, this is such a hot topic here on CC and I didn't know about CC on my other cruises, so it may just be that I'm more aware of the issue this time and was keeping an eye out for that sort of thing.

 

Activities - I have to give this one to RCI. But I'm very active and a figure skater, so the ice rink earns big points with me! I also loved the rock wall and mini golf on Voyager. Voyager's basketball court is much nicer than the one on Legend. Legend does have the waterslide, but it's so windy up on that top deck that after one or two trips down the slide, I was so cold that I had to run to the hot tub!

 

Shows - Again, this is a very individual topic, but I personally preferred RCI's shows. They looked more professional, and IMO they were more interesting. "Take II" on Legend was just plain weird, but I loved the "Legends" show! I think the performers on both ships were equally good, but the content of the shows themselves was better on Voyager. I only saw the first adult comedy show on Legend, but the guy was not at all funny. I don't have a problem with vulgar humor, but this guy was just over-the-top vulgar and the humor was weak. He was relying solely on vulgarity and shock-value to get laughs. (I think his name was David Sayh, but I might have that name wrong.)

 

Theater - Although I preferred RCI's shows, I did like the theater on Legend better. The aisles are wider on Legend (more leg room and it's easier to walk past people to your seat). The columns on the Legend do block the views from some seats, but I loved having those little tables in the theater to set drinks on.

 

That's all I can think of for now, but if anyone has any questions or comments, let me know! Overall, I really don't see what the big rivalry is about. I think that anyone who enjoys cruising with RCI would enjoy a Carnival cruise just as much, and vice-versa. I don't think I can pick a favorite because each cruiseline comes out ahead of the other in certain categories (and obviously Carnival is more affordable).

 

I hope that some of you who may be trying a cruise with either RCI or Carnival for the first time found this post informative--or at least interesting!

[DHappyCruiser]

Perkyblue:

 

Thank you so much for the comparison! I am one of those "Carnival" people who is wondering what it is like on other lines and I may try another cruise line if I can find a good price next year.

 

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.

[Nick Needs To Know]

Great review, thanks Darci! I think we might be on the Explorer together next August, I believe I saw you on Roll Call for it :D

 

Nick

[perkyblue]

Casino - Carnival's casino was much bigger and nicer than the casino on Voyager. I just wish either of these cruiselines would designate a non-smoking area in the casino...or at least one non-smoking blackjack table! Which brings us to the issue of

 

Smoking - It did seem like I came across more smokers on Carnival Legend than on Voyager. (I'm an asthmatic and really can't stand the smell of cigarettes.) So I didn't spend as much time in the casino as I wanted to (but that's probably a good thing!), and I only saw one person smoking on the non-smoking side of the Legend.

[perkyblue]

Great review, thanks Darci! I think we might be on the Explorer together next August, I believe I saw you on Roll Call for it :D

 

Nick

 

I'll definitely be there!

[silentbob007]

Thanks for the comparison ... I always think it's interesting to compare the two products.

[Darcy03231]

Great review Darci! I've sailed both lines an found your review to be pretty much what I've experienced. I wouldn't hestitate to sail on either line.

 

Happy cruising! (from another Darcy)

[Leo Jay]

Thanks for the comparison.

 

Carnival charges for cookies? Are you talking about the specialty coffee bar? Or do I owe Carnival about 2 grand? :D

[MrPete]

Thanks Darci. I'll be able to return the favor in reverse when I try the EOS in August!

 

Sounds like I'll be skipping the pizza! :eek:

[LHP]

Thanks for the info!! I do believe when we venture over to RCCL (which I know we will) it will probably be on a Voyager class ship.

 

The size of the cabin does not matter to me since I spend so little time there.

I would love to see the Royal Promenade.

 

I am not a foodie, but I do like Carnival's pizza. (oh well, everyone has to make a few sacrifices somewhere LOL!)

 

Glad you had a good time.

[Chuggiebug]

Darci

I am in complete agreement with you on this overall issue. We have cruised both and love them boht. WE too find positives and negatives one each line.

 

I might add though, that carnival is not always the less expensive. It depends a lot on the ship and itinerary. I agree that the Legend rocks, but so does the Brilliance of the Seas.

 

But I always find the glass half full rather than half empty. Just my nature.

 

When on Carnival I do miss the cookies that you can get for free in Windjammer on RCCL.

[racingwife]

Did they start charging for cookies? I remember getting a plate of cookies and brownies delivered to our room each afternoon and was never charged but that was about 7 years ago. Yikes - I will be in trouble!:)

[GranysT]

Thanks for the honest,and unbiased,opinion of both RCL and Carnival. I have been a fan of both lines for years. Like you, I think they are pretty equal,with each one having its good points. I heartily agree on Carnival's pizza,and just Love Love Love,Carnival's new beds. RCL is supposedly changing to new beds also,but its very SLOW in happening. Also,like you,I love the Voyager class ships. Carnival has nothing that can compare to those ships,and all the activities they offer. Otherwise I think they're pretty much a match. Love em both. :)

[perkyblue]

About the cookies -- You're right, there is no charge for the regular (still yummy!) chocolate chip cookies on Carnival. I meant the other varieties offered at the coffee shop. Voyager had the best coconut cookies at the Promenade! And Carnival's other cookie varieties were probably also excellent, but I didn't feel like paying $1 to find out.

[pppiglet]

Thanks for the great comparison. I love to read things posted in this type of format!

[Cotton]

Did they start charging for cookies? I remember getting a plate of cookies and brownies delivered to our room each afternoon and was never charged but that was about 7 years ago. Yikes - I will be in trouble!:)

 

You can still have all the cookies and brownies you want from room service...at no charge. Also, mid afternoon on Lido, I've seen dessert displays with pies, tortes, cakes, and cookies - no charge of course. Some of the 'specialty coffee/dessert bars' sell those large cookies (like at a mall).

[Cotton]

 

Hi Perky - First, thx for posting a FAIR comparison.:)

 

Food - No question Carnival is the big winner here.

There are some negatives here for Carnival: They charge a dollar for a cookie. RCI's cookies were free (and very good!).

 

That's at Carnival's specialty coffee/dessert bar. Room service cookies, and cookies mid afternoon on Lido, no charge.

 

I loved the after dinner drinks on Voyager, but I couldn't even get a coffee with amaretto after dinner (in the dining room) on Legend.

 

How odd is that? On all my Carnival cruises, the "bar waiters" have taken after-dinner drink orders every evening.

 

Now, one thing I REALLY missed on my recent RCI cruise was that espresso and cappuccino were not offered in the dining room, unless I wanted to pay for them!

 

On Carnival, both are complimentary with every meal (b'fast, lunch, dinner) in the dining room. I have several each day, as I have all three meals in the dining room. In the evenings, I always have a double espresso with dessert. I did have that on RCI, as well, but there was a charge.:rolleyes:

 

Oh, and I was a little disappointed that RCI didn't have "Tea Time" on sea day afternoons. It's such a lovely (and delicious) time on Carnival.

 

Overall, I really don't see what the big rivalry is about. I think that anyone who enjoys cruising with RCI would enjoy a Carnival cruise just as much, and vice-versa.

 

I agree. Except for the things I mentioned above, both have about the same to offer. I'll probably stick w/Carnival because it IS less expensive. Thx again, Perky.:)

[Baseball fan]

Thanks for the comparison. I have sailed 3 times on RCCL and wasn't sure about Carnival. We are thinking of the Pride next year.

 

Thanks again.

[moncrystal]

I love both RCI and Carnival and think they are about the same. The only things I like better on Carnival are the burgers, fries (only McD's is better, IMO) and the BEDS!!! My wife and I are thinking about ordering one, one of these days. On RCI, I like the activities and the $20 coupon books better (Carnival makes you sign up for Sea Miles for one).

 

I look at comparing cruises like this. When it comes down to it, a bad cruise is better than a good day at work an day!

 

 

1/2001 Carnival Fantasy

12/2002 RCCL Enchantment of the Seas

6/2005 RCCL Majesty of the Seas

11/2005 Carnival Celebration

6/2006 Carnival Sensation (Just got back 10 min. ago=) )

[Wennfred]

Great comparison, thanks !!

[Wennfred]

and the BEDS!!! My wife and I are thinking about ordering one, one of these days.

 

We got the Stateroom bedding system and sleep is totally amazing now:D

No more pouting to go to bed :)

[moncrystal]

Wennfred, If we could have fit the beds in our carryons, we would have! I haven't slept that well for months!

[dirtgirl]

Thank you for your review. It is refreshing to have a comparison without all the flaming! I went on the Pride last month and had a great time. :) I didn't find the food to be better than RCI, but I am not picky and always found something to eat. Pizza was better on Carnival, but the foo-foo drinks are definitely better on RCI. RCI does have adult pools and hot tubs in the solarium. As for activities, RCI wins out. My kids would have been bored on the Pride, as they won't do the kid's club.

 

I am trying to reach platinum on RCI, so are likely to gravitate more to them, but I would go on Carnival or Princess again. I have never had a bad cruise!:D

[Cyber Kat]

I, too, have sailed both CCL and RCI and like the OP, I found them comparable. In fact, my sister and I were comparing the Legend with the Voyager constantly during our 6/5 cruise on the Legend - we were on Voyage last year.

 

We both agreed with the OP on the food. We also liked that you could get juice, ice tea, lemonade all day from the Legend self-serve drink stations. On Voyager that snack, cake cookies cafe was great!

 

Loved the whole promenade area on Voyager - especially the Pig and Whistle Pub.

 

Of all the ships I've been on, I like the layout of the Triumph & Victory best.

 

I thought the service was great all around.

 

I don't know if it was just the weather when we cruised on the Voyager, but it seemed like we could never get out of the wind while on deck. I prefered the pool layout on the Legend - we used the adult pool at the stern.

 

Shows on Carnival were okay, but they were really spectacular on the Voyager - loved the ice show!

 

The captain's cocktail party on the Voyage only had champagne and no hors d ouvres (sp? LOL) - we like the meatballs on Carnival :-)

 

Did like having breakfast and lunch at the tables in back of the Windjammer on the Voyager. Like the layout of the cabins better on Carnival, but I thought the Voyager cabin was about the same size. I like the shower enclosure on the Voyager better than the curtains on Carnival - I always managed to aim the sprayer wrong and get everything in the bathroom wet :-)

 

Found mostly great fellow passengers - with a few exceptions ;-) - on both lines.

 

The Casino on Voyager seemed somewhat claustrophobic - I prefer the Carnival set up.

 

Love the wine bar on the Triumph, Victory and Voyager. They didn't really have a dedicated wine bar with special selections on the Legend.

 

We like that you don't have to pay extra for expresso and cappacino on Carnival. We liked that you can get separate vanilla or chocolate ice creaom or frozen yogurt (yum) on Carnival. The Voyager had chocolate and vanilla swirled together.

 

We thought the Spa services were much more expensive on Voyager.

 

We also prefer leaving from the piers in NYC to Port Liberty in NJ. You don't get the whole sailing down the Hudson experience leaving from Port Liberty. Also debarkation at Port Liberty was the worst. They have no place to wait for someone to pick you up - especially if you're sick (I had noro on our return) and it's cold and raining. The port personnel - especially security - were also extremely rude. RCI people there were very helpful, though.

 

Wasn't all that impressed with the new Carnival beds - just didn't see anything special about them.

 

We loved the minature golf course on Voyager - we had a great time and many laughs as the wind blew our ball back to the start many times.

 

I'd sail on either line with no hesitation, but the Triumph and the Victory top my list - I just feel very comfortable on either one.

[momofzeke]

I hope that some of you who may be trying a cruise with either RCI or Carnival for the first time found this post informative--or at least interesting!

 

I found it both informative AND interesting! Thank you for writing a fair review. For now, I'm sticking with Carnival, but I may want to try RCI sometime in the future.............you never know! ;)