Best Cruisline....Royal Caribbean or Carnival?

Answer 1

I think it depends on the person. In my opinion, Royal Caribbean wins hands down. The food, service, entertainment, ships, etc. are all better to me.

I have to agree that the service has really declined recently. I used to travel on Carnival just to see their new ships, but after some of my experiences on my last few, I may not return.

I feel Royal Caribbean continues to improve while Carnival keeps falling short.

Some people love Carnival, but I think it depends on your age and what you are looking for. Carnival is going to run a little less (in most cases) but you are getting a lot less and much of what you need is not included (sometimes you even need to pay if you need more shampoo or soap in the room) Partying, gambling, drinking, etc. is all a big hit on Carnival. So, if you are looking to party and have a good time, Carnival may be fine for you. Royal Caribbean is still a blast, but doesn't get as crazy.

But of those two options, Royal Caribbean is my choice without question.

Answer 2

Royal Caribbean is my choice between the two. I took a Carnival cruise against my travel agent's recommendation for a cheap vacation, and although it was a good time because I was away from work, there is a huge difference between the two.

Royal Caribbean in my opinion is way worth the extra money, and to me it really isn't that much more for all the extras that you get. The best thing with RCI that I have found a difference in is the crew and the atmosphere. I do not go on vacation to see people getting completely out of hand and make me uncomfortable, I go to enjoy myself and also being around others who know how to enjoy themselves as well.

On Royal Caribbean you are completely pampered, and if something is not working out for you then the crew and other staff are there to help you figure out your problems. I realize that the cabins are smaller, but I think that is a good thing because it makes me want to get out in the open and experience the life of the cruise.

There are so many more activities to take part in on RCI and I also feel that maybe RCI is a little bit better organized than Carnival. I have a few friends who wouldn't dream of cruising anything other than Carnival, but I would have to attribute that to them never cruising any other line.

Royal Caribbean is the way to go, and I also hear their other line Celebrity is amazing as well. I know everyone has their opinions, but as for me I am loyal to Royal!

Answer 3

In my book its Royal Caribbean hand down. Some people who have never been on any cruise line other than Carnival may think they are the best. But I have been on Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Norwegian and I put RC at the top of my listed based on food, service, entertainment, amenities, ambiance, and the type passengers.

Carnival lives up to its reputation as the "party cruise boat". Its the line for young folks and first time cruisers. On the other hand, RC has a more reserved crowd, still fun loving people, but just not as loud. RC has the deck games during sea days, the discos that run into the wee hours, and all types of activities for everyone. RC's new ship, Freedom of the Seas, is one of THE best ships afloat with things like a rock climbing wall, a mini-golf course, a full sized basketball court, an ice skating rink, and it is the only ship afloat (except the next Rc ship Liberty of the Seas) that has a "Flo-Ride" which is a place to body surf onship.

The decor on RC ships is excuisite and on the new Freedom they have upgraded all of the beds in all of the cabins to pillowtops; we were told that this is being expanded to all of their ships. So no more of those hard bunk beds on RC ships. The Freedom also has flat panel high definition TV's in the cabins. RC seems to have launched many more new ships than Carnival in the past 5 years and they have more upscale aminities like these.

My favorite RC ships are the Jewel of the Seas (did that one to Canada) and the Brillance of the Seas (did that one to the Mediterranian).

Answer 4

I am a 3x Carnival cruiser and I have to say for sure that this is an easy question. The answer: Royal Caribbean. The quality of the carnival crusies has steadily decliened over the past 10 years. My last cruise with them was in 2005 and it will be my last. I will be using Royal Caribbean then next time around.

Answer 5

This question is misleading in the answers because they all vary from person to person. You will meet people who talk bad about Carnival, but alot of times they are only speaking from hear-say. I have cruised with Carnival twice and I have never had a bad time. I think it's all in what you expect. We just go to have fun and relax-- we don't mind not having some of the added features that RC offers b/c it's not worth the $200 per person difference that they charge. As far as food goes, I have heard that they are about the same, sometimes some say that Carnival is better. If you are actually looking to book a cruise and can't decide between the two, check out cruisecritic.com. I am a member there and the reviews and forums have been so helpful in making my cruising decisions. Most people who are members on the sight have cruised more than a dozen times, and have better idea of someone who has only sailed on one ship for each line.

Answer 6

I have been on almost every cruise line and I was so impressed with Royal Caribbean I bought stock in the company (they also own Celebrity). Every experience (4) I have had on carnival was a bad one. I take four cruises a year,so I consider myself to be experienced. Even Holland America last week was a food disaster! I have seen the people at Royal Caribbean bend over backwards for their passengers. They even have a crew member who helps with disabled peoples problems. I'm disabled and I appreciate this soo much!

From the wall climbing, ice skating, basketball, tennis, golf, etc. it's a floating activity center and if you can't find something to do you're not looking.

The pool, the hot tub, everything beckons on a Royal Caribbean ship and you are treated like royalty! Have fun!

Answer 7

I would say usually it would be RCCL but last year we took the 7 day Carnival cruise out of Galveston and it was better food and service than any RCCL ship that I've been on. Plus Carnivals rooms are larger. Beware of the inside cabins on RCCL, many are half the size of a Carnival inside cabin.

If you like to have fun and party then the Carnival is more accomodating and has a more active clientel.

Your best bet is to get with a good local travel agent and tell them what you priorities are and they can guide you to the right cruise.

Plus they are usually cheaper that booking direct with the Cruise Lines - Surprise.

If you need a good travel agent recommendation, request that from me and I'll email you her contact info.

Either way you'll have a great time I think. Just watch out for too much drinking on the ship, it is one thing you'll pay for and can add up quickly.

Also book your shoretrips with www.shoretrips.com and get smaller, better and cheaper shoretrips than from the cruise line.

Bon Voyage.

Answer 8

I easily have performed Carnival destiny and Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas. and that i imagine i recognize why superstar Angel says Carnival destiny. very last 365 days Carnival destiny had an excellent CRUISE out of San Juan. that's now being performed by technique of the Carnival Victory and that i go on it in Feb. generally on a 7 day cruise maximum ships make 3-4 stops with 2-3 Sea days although the Victory (very last 365 days destiny) Leaves from San Juan and visits St Thomas, St Kits, Barbados, St Lucia, Dominica and Antigua. it is a distinct port conventional and that's extremely less expensive. so as that receives my vote for proper itinerary. although Royal Caribbean had more desirable sensible leisure and the deliver replaced right into somewhat "nicer" If funds isn't any merchandise then i might want to pass for between the more moderen RCI ships with the ice skating ring, mountain hiking wall and larger because even as carnival has water slides and out door action picture theaters the ice shows are particularly Cool. nighttime lifestyles on both ships are sturdy and they continuously say carnival is more desirable "glitzy" yet who cares because they're all "fancy/tacky/gaudy". both have large staffs and crew and also you'll't loose. pass with the only with the proper deal and itinerary. I also does no longer count number out Norwegian Cruise strains. they're extremely outstanding too.

Answer 9

You really can not compare these two. This is like comparing a Kia to a BMW. Royal Caribbean is a more premium cruise line while Carnival is economy.

Answer 10

Royal Caribbean is def the better choice. Although Carnival is cheaper, you'll have a better time on a RC cruise.