If you've taken a cruise with Carnival, how was your experience?

Question

I'm planning to go on a cruise to the Bahamas next fall(2009) with a group of friends and we were looking at the Carnival cruise line. I recently heard from a few people that Carnival isn't worth the money and that I should go with Royal Caribbean instead. But I remember seeing something a few years back about several women getting drugged and raped on Royal Caribbean cruise ships.

What are some of your experiences and do you have any suggestions?

Answer 1

Incidents such as the one you describe can and do happen everywhere, even in your home town.  One just needs to use common sense and the usual precautions, i.e. don't drink too much.

I've been on Carnival and it was just fine.  The decor is a little [OK, a LOT] over-the-top and there is a certain amount of "party-hearty" atmosphere, but it's easy to avoid if you don't like it.  Carnival is a good value and a good first cruise, in my opinion.  

From what I've read, Royal Caribbean is of lesser quality than Carnival and is usually a bit more expensive; but they certainly have their fans.

You can read comments from hundreds of experienced cruisers at CruiseCritic.com.  Click on "Boards" and then go to whatever topic interests you; or click on "Reviews" and see what both pros and past guests think about all the ships and lines.

Answer 2

I went on a 3 day Carribean cruise on Carnival many years ago, but it was a big party ship.  I spent the whole time trying to get away from this guy.  It was filled with single people, and the first night all the guys tried to hook up with a girl.  The intent was to get laid for 3 days and then SEE YA!  Never been on another one.

Answer 3

Well, I've been on both and I like both - but they're different.

Carnival has better nightlife.  Royal Caribbean is, in general, a bit more "polished" in their style, and if you're on one of the big ships (though probably not to the Bahamas) they have things like ice skating rinks.

There's an article on "Choosing your Cruise", and specifically comparing the different cruise lines, here...

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

In terms of safety, I really wouldn't worry.  The incidence of problems on cruise ships is MUCH lower than on land.  (Article about that here: http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/in...

Having spent time talking with officers and crew on both lines, I do think Carnival is a little more hard-core about security than RCI, but the difference isn't that important.  It's like debating whether the Green Berets or the Delta Force are more bad-*ss. Both are very good at what they do.

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

i have cruised twice

1x on carnival - never again   (unless you're into drinking til you puke and meeting others who enjoy doing the same - they don't call it the "fun ship" for nuttin!)

1x on RCL - much nicer and no annoying announcements on what drink is going on special numerous times a day like on carnival!

my early autumn cruise to NE/Canada is on princess

Answer 5

I have cruised on Carnival 4 times and will be taking my 5th this summer.  I have had nothing but great experiences with them.  The staff is wonderful and very accommodating.  

I traveled on Royal Caribbean once and it sucked!  The cabins were too small barely room for me and my husband to move around without bumping into one another.  The bathroom in our cabin was filthy!  There was mold in the corners of the shower and around the toilet and paint was peeling off the walls.  I will say that the food on both was about the same.  It's not bad.  But after so many days of eating at the buffet, you get sick of it.  

Each time I've been on Carnival it was booked through a travel agency who chartered the entire ship.  We always have the best time.  If you are interested in the name and number of the agency, email me.

Have a great time!

Answer 6

carnival is a FUN cruise IF you can gamble, drink and and have s##. go on royal. its so much fun.

Answer 7

I went on a cruise with Carnival a few years ago.  Overall, it was a great trip.  The particular ship I was on was an older one and it was on it's last time out before being refurbished.  My cabin was very small and it needed updating.  But considering I wasn't in it much, it wasn't a huge deal.  It was clean, just not real up to date. I don't know much about Royal (except that they are more expensive) but I would say unless you're planning on spending a lot of time in your cabin, that Carnival is a good line for the price.