Royal Carribean or Carnival Cruise Line...Which is better and why?

Question

ive cruised with carnival 2 times and LOVED it! Im curious what Royal Carribean is like. Anyone been on both? Which was better?

Answer 1

I have been on many Royal Caribbean ships but never a Carnival ship.  And its going to stay that way because from the time of my first cruise travel agents have said that Carnival is not the best cruise line in terms of food, accommodations and the people who go on Carnival tend to be young , in their 20's to 30's and first time cruisers.  They tend to be loud and roudy party people.

The people on the RC, Norwegian and Princess ships I have been on are generally a more mixed age group, they do have fun in and around the pool and in the clubs and lounges.  They just do not get as roudy and loud.  And the food is better than what I have been told is served on Carnival.

Answer 2

This is going to be one of those questions where you get people on both sides of the fence. Some people love Carnival, other people love Royal Caribbean, it just depends what your style is and what ships you have been on. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of either line, but I feel that Royal Caribbean is much better than Carnival.

Carnival used to be a little better than they are now, I think that the quality of the cruise has decline somewhat, as far as food, service, etc. is concerned. Also, Carnival does have party ship description as well. You've been on Carnival, so you know how this can be, but they have improved a lot on this, so it just depends when, where and the ship/cruise you will be on.

Royal Caribbean, in my opinion, improves a little on everything, over Carnival. I think the food, service, shows, etc. are all a little better. But, again, this will depend a lot on your ship.

Both lines are great for younger cruisers and/or someone wanting to have a good time. Both can have problems with things getting a little out of hand, especially when it comes to alcohol. Overall, I think they are pretty comparable, but I feel that Royal Caribbean just does a little better job, overall.

My biggest suggestion is to go to a site like Cruise Critic, I will include the link, and look at reviews, and even talk to people on the message boards, if you like. Reading reviews and overviews on ships is the best way to get your info, but be careful because the reviews aren't always as helpful as you may think. I find the write up from Cruise Critic to be the most useful and the regular reviews I read, but don't take too seriously. I've noticed that sometimes people reviewing have been on only that ship and love it, and/or have sailed on it many times, etc. and they don't give a well rounded review because they don't have much experience on other lines. So, it will depend on the reviewer and also what you have to compare the cruise to.

If you really liked Carnival and you are scared to try Royal Caribbean, than maybe going back to Carnival is your best choice. But, I don't think you would be dissapointed if you tried Royal Caribbean, you might be really surprised. One thing is for sure, I definitely (and I think a lot of people would agree) don't think that you would dislike Royal Caribbean, especially if you choose a newer ship.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

I've cruised 7 times with RCCL and once with Carnival.  Does that tell you something?

Answer 4

Carnival. It is all about fun, but always has activities, either toned down or action packed. Great for familes. At least 10 bars on every ships. Best cruise directors. It is just better. Of the 4 i have been on 4 RCL and 2 Carnival. RCL is available out of more places though.

Answer 5

Carnival cruises don't care about customer service.  Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, has been excellent.  Hope this helps.

Answer 6

I can't stand Carnival.  I've been on Royal Caribbean and preferred it immensly.  I found Carnival to be trashy, dirty, stinky, and low class.  While on the trip, one part of the ship smelled like sewage.  Our neighbors were 6 am risers and INCREDIBLY loud.  When we complained, we were told 'too bad'.  The food service was mediocre.  One guest started screaming at the guests of another ship calling them "HOMOS" and "f**s" and then threatened other cruisers on our boat.  Dress up night for many people was a Hawaiian shirt and jeans.  I was appalled pretty much all the way around.  

While RC isn't the best of the best, it was certainly higher class than Carnival.  

Carnival to me is Motel 6.  Royal Caribbean is more Hilton or Sheration.

Answer 7

I have been on both RC and Carnival.

I did not think the extra money for the RC cruise was worth it.

RC is more laid back and quite frankly the service was not as friendly as on Carnival.

We don't drink alcohol so we purchased the soda cards.  We were snubbed everytime we when to a bar to get a soda.  Even if we were in line ahead of an alcohol customer, we were served last.

The cabin steward for my Mom's cabin was the worst!  She never filled the ice bucket or replinished the toilet paper.  We had to stop another cabin steward to get fresh towels and put down the pullman bunk at night.  In 18 years of cruising, I had never failed to tip any of the service personnel, until this RC cruise.

If you love the Carnival experience, you are likely to be bummed out by the RC experience.

It is the difference between a state fair atmosphere and a golf tournament atmosphere...

Answer 8

Here is what I noticed.  Royal Carribean is more expensive, but the service is top-notch.  Being more expensive it also tends to weed out some of the younger, more "party" oriented crowd.  Royal will have more of the older crowd...a little more subdued.  So it will depend on what you want.  If you want a "party" boat then, go Carnival.  If you want excellent service and a more calm, laid-back luxury cruise, go with Royal.

Answer 9

The one that can offer the cheapest price.  Check it out here: http://www.laurajamestravel.com