I was just going to let it go, but I couldn't. It bothers me a little bit when people who have only traveled on a single line answer these questions saying that their one and only cruise line experience is the "only way to go". Different people like different things. If RCCL had the best cruise experience that met everyone's tastes then there wouldn't be any other cruise lines. So Carnival, HAL, Princess, Costa, NCL etc etc must have something to offer.
I stand by my original answer, make the choice based on your cost preferences and what the itinerary is, not based on someone ELSE telling you which the best cruise line is. Then try some of the others and you will quickly determine what you like best. Odds are you will decide that the cruise line you sailed first on is the best one since you will compare all others to your first cruise. (Unless your first cruise is a bad experience) Frankly I found RCCL and CCL very close. Close enough not to be worth spending the extra money to sail on RCCL. Does that make RCCL a poor choice? Heck no. It's just my perception. In fact I will probably sail on RCCL again.
Asking which cruise line is best is like asking which car manufacturer you should buy from. Everyone has their favorites.
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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
their one and only cruise line experience is the "only way to go".
Thanks for posting that, Jim. I wonder how many would say that if they finally broke out of their cocoon and tried another cruise line? Although I haven't cruised with them I am fairly well convinced that if I ever do a cruise with Crystal, or another premium line, I will look at the mainstream lines in a different light.
I always heard Honda made great cars but I never even did a test drive in one. I stuck with Fords, Dodges, and GM products. This past spring I finally got into a Honda Accord. I bought one. Best car I've ever owned. This is not to say those other brands are bad, but just that I found the Honda more to my tastes.
As for Carnival being the "fun ships" there is more to do on RCCL than you can possibly take in.
It should be noted that this is if you are comparing a Voyager Class or Freedom class ship, then there will be more activities to choose from. However; on RCI's other ships they are very comparable in activities with Carnival.
I have been on both Carnival and RCCI.I think both have alot to do and plenty bars to party at night for the younger crowd,which doesn't include me. The dining room food is about the same to me but I am like Dave,the 24 hour pizza and ice cream on Carnival is the best.RCCI pizza is not good at all and you can only get ice cream when the Windjammer is open.
Mike
For young peole RCC Liberty of the sea or Freedom of the seca is so much fun.You will never be borad. try an see promenade, you will feel like you are in European city. Ice scainting,disco many bars and Jacuzzi and meny,meny other things. You will be back again with RCC
As previous posters have said, they are like Chevy & Ford. Some like one, others like the other. We have cruised on Carnival 12 times and RCCL 5 times. We are in our 60's and I have to say we are partial to Carnival. Carnivals late night snacks are the greatest and having access to ice-cream machines 24-7 is really great. We own stock in both lines so it is hard to recommend one over the other. But that said, for a younger person, or even an older one that thinks young I would go with Carnival. Now on you second cruise definately look at RCCL. - By the way we are booked are RCCL's Jewel of the Seas in March for a Panamal Canal Cruise.
Sorry forgot to comment on the rooms. If you budget will support it go for a balcony room. The best money you will spend on the cruise. Our first balcony was on Carnival's Desitny maiden cruise, we have never looked back and have always had a balcony since that cruise, Carnival, RCCL, Celeberty and Norweigan.
Hi sarahski, welcome to Cruise-Chat. As you can see, there are many different opinions as to which cruise line is "better". We've been on NCL, RCL, HAL, Carnival, Costa, and Princess. We feel Princess is the "better" line, but that is because it feels "right" to us. We think the food is much better on Princess, but that's our taste. I agree with Jim, compare itineraries, cost, sea days, and comparable ship sizes. The cabins are a little larger on Carnival. If your budget allows it, a balcony is the "best" way to go. I said "best" because that's my opinion. I love sitting out on our balcony watching a sunrise/sunset. I love sitting out there on sea day watching the ocean, flying fish, the wake of the ship, smelling the ocean air, listening to the sound of the ship cutting through the water, there's nothing more calming and soothing. Best wishes for a fantastic cruise, and once again, welcome aboard! Let us know what you select.
is oceanview worth the little extra money over a regular stateroom
Oceanview cabins are regular staterooms. I personally like having at least a window so I can look out and see what the weather and sea conditions are without having to go topside. I don't like inside cabins (although I had one for a 3 night cruise in August) because they tend to make me feel claustrophobic. Size wise there is usually not an appreciable difference between the two categories.
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