No one can tell you if you will be disappointed. Dave said it best when he said they are very similar. Yes, RCI ships have some things the CCL ships don't, but the reverse is true also.
That is the beauty of competition. Different companies with products for different tastes.
I promise you you won't hate it - go with an open mind, and decide for your self if you like Carnival. Nothing says you can't return to RCI if you don't and who knows, you may find you like both and have that many more choices.
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================================================== ========== Carnival Cruise Lines:
Fantasy 90, Celebration 95, Victory 05, Conquest 05, Spirit 6/06, Freedom 6/08, Holiday 7/08, Victory 6/09, Valor 9/09, Dream 6/10, Splendor 8/10,Conquest 8/11,Magic 11/11,Triumph 4/12,Spirit 7/12,Freedom 11/12, Triumph 2/13 - The fire cruise
NCL Dream October 2006, RCCL Mariner OTS June 2007
As usual everyone has been very helpful. I tend to get motion sick, that's why we stuck to the big RCCL ships at the advice of travel agents. Last cruise I did the patch and we were in an aft cabin (at the advice of this web site, I loved it, the view was unbeatable). It was a little rocky, but with the patch on I never felt sick, it's a miracle patch!!! FYI...I get car sick just reading a map!!! Try it if you have motion sickness, I had a little blurred vision, but that was it.
We plan on taking the Carnival trip now that some of my fears have been answered.....now we just have to pick a cabin, any ideas?
We are CCL fans but did go on RCI 2 times just to see for ourselves. We like balconys and the difference was $800 to see a ice show. CCL food and entertainment was better all around. We did NCL and Princess they are all very close. Reall didn't like NCL, we like to have the same table for dinner. Were glad we tried them but will now stay with CCL need to hit all the new ships and the military price we get from CCL is great.
I'm not picky about cabin selections, but love balcony rooms. Mid-ship is supposed to be more stable. I'd like to try an aft cabin sometime for the view. Let us know what you select
I've been on both RCCL (once) and Carnival (twice) and I would say overall we preferred Carnival. Overall I would say Carnival's buffet is far superior, RCCL had the slight edge in the main dining room and had better production shows, but we liked the layout, style and decor of Carnival better (even if it is quite...eye-popping at first Carnival's staterooms also were larger and had a better layout. But I doubt you'll be disappointed either way!
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Cort
Booked on Carnival Freedom, Feb. 2012 (Cozumel, Costa Rica, Panama)
NCL Gem, Sept. 2011
NCL Jewel, Feb. 2011
NCL Dawn, Sept. 2010
NCL Spirit, Feb. 2010
NCL Gem, March 2009
RCCL Explorer of the Seas, Feb. 2008
Carnival Miracle, May 2007
Carnival Conquest, April 2006
Caribbean Princess, Feb. 2005
Thanks for all the great information everyone. We're going with a tour group, so I don't know exactly where my cabin is going to be. I did ask for midship and not down too low. Many people have said that Carnival has much better shows (which I love) so I'm really looking forward to it!! One more question......is the restaurant that is $30/person worth it......we would like to try it one night?
Originally posted by christinelee10:
Thanks for all the great information everyone. We're going with a tour group, so I don't know exactly where my cabin is going to be. I did ask for midship and not down too low. Many people have said that Carnival has much better shows (which I love) so I'm really looking forward to it!! One more question......is the restaurant that is $30/person worth it......we would like to try it one night?
My husband question to that is why pay $30 per person when you get food for free. Do anyone have an answer that I can tell him regarding this????? Sorry not to get off of the topic but it was swaying this way........
My husband question to that is why pay $30 per person when you get food for free.
None of the food is "free". You are paying for it.
I used to be against the extra-fee restaurants because I saw it as nickel-and-diming. I've changed my mind on it because they truly offer something that is worth the price - at least to me. I am a foodie and decided I was being silly in ignoring a fine dining experience. The cruise lines haven't gotten carried away with the prices.
The specialty restaurants offer a 5-star dining experience. You aren't going to find that level of service and food for $30 anywhere else.
Carnival's staterooms also were larger and had a better layout. But I doubt you'll be disappointed either way!
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