Dollar for Dollar which is the best ?

[mgkoop]

Looking at taking a Caribbean cruise and was wondering if you compared RCCL to Carnival, dollar for dollar which is the best. We have sailed on Princess (just my husband and I) and Carnival (with the kids) and they were both wonderful. This will be a family vacation, teenagers to adult. We like what RCCL has to offer with their rock climbing wall, skating rink and water/surfing. I noticed they are more expensive and was wondering if people thought it was worth the extra cost? Thanks for your imformation. Gennine

[LHP]

You will probably get as many different answers as there are individuals because honestly, it just depends.

If those activities are something your family would participate in, are they worth the extra money to you? That is truly all that matters.

It does not matter if someone else does not thing the extra money is worth it. It isn't their vacation...it is yours.

I would say give it a try. (especially with all those teenagers) If you decide it isn't worth it the next time, at least you will know it is based on your own experience!!

I hope your cruise produces memories that will last a lifetime...regardless of which cruise line you select!!

[Hank]

Many RCI fans will tell you that Carnival cannot compete in quality, but when you ask them about their Carnival experience they will tell you they have either never been on Carnival or its been years. We have cruises on 11 cruise lines (more than 60 different ships), cruise more than 10 weeks a year, and have had good experiences on our 3 Carnival cruises. We are Diamond C&A members (been on 16 RCI cruises) and really like RCI (we recently did a 15 day Brilliance of the Seas transatlantic). But, we would not hesitate to book Carnival is the price and itinerary was right. The amazing thing for us is that we have recently found Carnival food (particularly in the buffets) to be better than on RCI and Carnival often has better entertainment.

[TrvlPro]

I like both lines and while I agree that RCCL's buffet is not my favorite I believe the dining room experience on RCCL would get my vote. Also I'd lean the same way with entertainment and activities available. Hank, I know you really don't like the Voyager/Freedom Class of ships but for many of us they're the most desirable ships in the industry.

I'll agree when making generalizations Carnival gets the nod as price leader. Most times a similar itin in a head up price comparison Carnival will be lower cost. There are a few ways to get a more level field with some sailings and dates. Booking RCCL very early is the key to getting the best price. They have become so popular and fill ships so quickly pricing has tends to climb rapidly as sailings approach while CCL seems to stay more consistant with a few climbing and a few dropping in price. If CCL were considered by the average traveller equal in all aspects this disparity would not exist. For just pure price alone I do think Carnival wins. For overall experience you simply have to believe with a majority of cruisers RCCL is a better product or they couldn't continue to command and get higher pricing for the same itins and still fill those massive ships for every sailing. The market does a good job of sorting through the personal preference issues of the few and supply and demand takes over. The old adage that you get what you pay for is hard to argue with when we set the pricing by how we choose to spend our dollars and which cruiseships can get higher rates and still thrive in the free market.

Cheers, Neil

[Dave]

My two cents on the food.....Carnival has better buffets than RCI, and significantly better pizza and burgers (not counting Johnny Rockets on RCI ships). In the dining room I think they are about equal.

[luvcrusin]

Just wondering since I see the ship on your list...We are going on the Mircle for the first time in March...any thoughts? We have only traveled carnival and have never been on this ship..Seems smaller in size, but there seem to be just as many people as some of the others (live victory, valor, etc).

Originally posted by LHP:
You will probably get as many different answers as there are individuals because honestly, it just depends.

If those activities are something your family would participate in, are they worth the extra money to you? That is truly all that matters.

It does not matter if someone else does not thing the extra money is worth it. It isn't their vacation...it is yours.

I would say give it a try. (especially with all those teenagers) If you decide it isn't worth it the next time, at least you will know it is based on your own experience!!

I hope your cruise produces memories that will last a lifetime...regardless of which cruise line you select!!