Cruise Advice please!?

Question

What is a better cruise line, Royal Cariibbean or Carnival and why?

I am planning on going with my brother on the L.A. to Ensenada...some good info would be appreciated!!!

Answer 1

Carnival Paradise is a smoke free ship, if that matters to you.

I prefer RC. My twin sister prefers Carnival, and I'm the party animal, she doesn't even drink. Go figure.

Either ship will get the job done.

Answer 2

I've only been on Royal Caribbean and the ships, staff and services are outstanding!

We had great food, tons of stuff to do and see on the ship and while it was a little more expensive than other cruise lines, it was worth every penny!

Carnival has a reputation for being party boats with cheap prices, but it's worth it to spend the extra money to get so much more!

Answer 3

depends on what you are looking for. carnival  is a party line.

Answer 4

Carnival has better nightlife and more of a fun, party atmosphere.  RCI tends to be a bit more "polished" but their ships tend to get quiet early.

That's a generalization of course, and for example a short cruise on RCI would be more party-oriented than a long cruise on Carnival (since you get more retirees on long cruises), but for what you're considering that should be a fair comparison.

On other dimensions: Both have good food and service.  I like the beds on Carnival slightly better, and the drinks on Carnival are a little less expensive.  RCI has a rock climbing wall, and I think those are fun.

If this is your first cruise, you might want to check out the "Introduction to Cruises" (what it's like, what costs are included, etc.):

http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/in...

and the "Know Before You Go" guide (tips on what to pack, how to stay healthy, etc.)

http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/kn...

Have a great time!

Answer 5

ROYAL CARIBBEAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They have so much fun things to do on and off the ships! They have great staff and are super friendly! There is plenty for adults, teens and kids to do. You wont go wrong on RC. I have heard so many bad stories about Carnival and I wouldn't want to spend that $$$ and have a bad expirence....but hey you choose! Maybe it'll be different! My vote goes to ROYAL CARIBBEAN!

Answer 6

I have been on both and prefer royal caribbean. They offer more activities and amenities than carnival. Also the food and service is better as are the ships. Also for me royal had the better nightlife. My friends and I partied in the club every night until 4 am, carnival's club was dead by 10.

Answer 7

Carnival tends to draw a younger clientele and as such they cater to that clientele (Especially the Ensinada runs) So they have a more festive atmosphere with loud outdoor music and festivities that tend to be interactive.  RCL is more of a middle aged crowd so it is more sedate and a little more polished. This age group will spend more to get that type of atmosphere. This is not to say that you wont find all age groups on both ships just that the bulk of the passengers will fit into those categories. I personally prefer Carnival because I like a livelier cruise even though I fall into that middle aged group. The food is just as good as are the stage shows. So it is really more of what you are looking for. Since you are traveling with your brother I assume you are looking for late night activities and partying, so I would tend towards Carnival.

Answer 8

i just got back from a carnival cruise they are cheaper than Rc and I loved the service on Carnival the people were so nice and helpful price wise and service I would say Carnival...

Answer 9

Carnival is not the party ships they used to be tauted for. We went this past May and there were people in the ages from 18 to 85. It is more cost effective to get to the same ports. The food is just as good and bedding is awesome.   RCCL is more upscale. Carnival's color scheme is usually neon and RCCL is more elegant. They both get you to the same place so it really depends on what you want to pay. RCCL has the same entertainment as Carnival so I don't know why Carnival is tauted as the party ship. Going again this yr on 8 day Carnival.

Answer 10

CARNIVAL!! They are only called the party ships because on every boat they have a casino. The excurtions are better and the actual cruise is cheaper. Good luckk...

Answer 11

carnival are the fun ships 3 day Cruise has lots of younger people so if partying is the plan go with them ..get back to the ship on time they will leave without you..there is drinks on the pier so drink up before you get back on the ship.. book the cheapest room you can as you won't be it it much

Answer 12

Carnival for the price and the partying.

RC for more upscale experience.