Choosing between 2 cruises, help?

Question

First - NCL Pearl,

2nd - Carnival Valor

Which of these cruise ships are better? Both are same cruise, Eastern Caribbean. We are in late 50's but having trouble deciding which one is best, both receiving good reviews in cruise critic!

please advise, thanks.

Answer 1

carnival all the way =)

Answer 2

Your Answer:

You're caught between a rock and a hard place.  They're the bottom of the barrel when it comes to cruising, but if you have to pick one, then NCL (AAarrgh-I hate to even say it because they have awful reviews).

I've cruised the Caribbean with Carnival, Royal Caribbean and Holland America, and I can only say this: "DO NOT go on Carnival." It's awful--the worst service compared to the other two, the food isn't great, and Carnival attracts a party animal crowd (after all, they are the Fun Ships). I don't mind that part though--but you might.

Because I love cruising and wanted to cruise around Hawaii, I researched NCL because they have the biggest choice there. I read so many bad reviews about them that I decided not to cruise there.

Here's a recent NCL review one you have to read:

http://www.cruisemates.com/articles/memr...

Perhaps you're choosing between those two lines because of the cost. If so, I'd say spend the extra money on Holland America (my first choice) or Royal Caribbean. Holland America has hands down the best service and that's what counts on those cruises. They are a bit more conservative and staid so if you like that, you'll like them.  You don't cruise with them for crazy, rollicking fun times, but for the premier service, restaurants and upscale feel.  Royal Caribbean is very sporty/younger crowd and it's great for scope of things to do onboard, e.g. rock climbing wall, rollerblading and ice skating. But the service is still not nearly as good as Holland America.

You can also check the links below and give more credence to the people who have cruised with several lines. It's all relative, and if people cruise one time they often think it's great because they have nothing to which they compare it.

Answer 3

dont go on ncl what ever you do!!!! they are horrible and try to get you for every f***** penny you got, and are ver rude i got a bad cough on board and the guy at the help desk was rude and the on call nurse. they also charge you for juice after breakfast!!!!!! i got off the cruise on aug. 23 2008 right when i got home i wrote a 3 page letter to them DONT GO ON NCL!!!

Answer 4

Carnival was super fun, most others are.....

bland....

Answer 5

If you go on Carnival, you can get a higher commission (14%) for booking the cruise thru a travel coop.  Or you can let a traditional travel agency do the booking and they will pocket the 14% commission.  If you've already done the work, and know what you want, go thru a travel coop like www.AntonCruises.com so you will get paid to book the cruise (as an outside sales independent agent).

Answer 6

I think i would read some reviews on a site like cruisecritic.com and some others  (both professional and member written)

and then

I probably would choose Carnival.  I have sailed Norwegian Pearl

its a beautiful ship however. There are some service issues they dont' pay attention to.  The food when the served it  was cold by the time it got to your table.  (this was not isolated case, it was in most of the restaurants i tried)

have a wonderful time.

Answer 7

Carnival, been twice and loved it

Answer 8

Carnival  

Answer 9

I enjoyed the ncl pearl!

Great food and entertainment, and I love the freestyle cruising!

my parents are in their mid 50's and they have done several cruises on ncl pearl and have loved each one.

I have never been on carnival valor myself, but have not heard such great feedback about the food.

if you want more info, i am a travel agent, email me directly or visit: http://www.kellystraveltrips.piczo.com