Royal Caribbean or Carnival (cruise, gift, trip, sail)

[beckycat]

Which do you prefer and why?

[chitowngal]

Royal Carribean if you are not bringing children and want a relaxing upscale experience.

Carnival if you are bringing children and want lots of activities.

[beckycat]

Is there more entertainment on Carnival?I mean I like to sit by the pool and listen to a DJ or band and also the fun games and dances they do. (Belly flop contest, dance contest, etc.) I like it to be on-going.

[nitram]

Carnival is generally known as the 'party boat'. If you're into a lot of young person activities, then Carnival is for you.
RC generally has more subdued older folks and entertainment set for that age group. Though they do have some (few) activites for young folks.

[maggiekate]

I vote RCCL I have sailed with them 8 times, and they were always great. One cruise the head
housekeeper even came me one of there robes as a gift to welcome me back. They go the extra
step to besure you are enjoing the cruise.

[Diane Giam]

Originally Posted by chitowngal

Royal Carribean if you are not bringing children and want a relaxing upscale experience.

Carnival if you are bringing children and want lots of activities.

As a Travel agent I consider both of these lines Kid Friendly. I don't consider Royal any more upscale than Carnival. I do consider Celebrity that is owned by RCCL more upscale. Carnival also owns lines that are much more upscale such as Princess, Holland America, Cunard, etc.

Imo, Royal and Carnival are simular products.

Diane G

[beckycat]

I've only been on RC. I've enjoyed it very much. On the 5 star ship, they always had something going on, the 3.5 was limited. We aren't party ppl either. We are in our late 30's with older kids 14,18. Which would kids that age like better? My 18 yr old said the RC cruise was boring. I think it was b/c she didn't have her friends. How does the food compare?

[STT Resident]

I worked with the cruise lines for over a decade and do consider RCCL more upscale than Carnival. I cruised with several lines but I was looking for quiet and relaxation rather than lots of games so my choices were based on that. The Carnival ships were all way too rowdy for my liking and the razzle-dazzle color schemes alone turned me off although I did enjoy one trip on the old Carnival Festivale. An older ship with lots of mileage and character, it was very comfortable and I didn't have to worry about getting a headache from the decor. Cheers!

[cb at sea]

RCI has a great kids program--and I've YET to be on any cruise that was "child-free"--not even during school days! Folks will take kids out of school for a cruise.
Both lines are remarkably similar. Maybe a tad better service on RCI, but Carnival isn't bad. RCI's food has declined in quality and selection over the past few years--and that's where they excelled (for a mainstream line).
And, it will depend on the actual ship--some of the newer ones have so much to do, that if you get bored, you shouldn't be cruising!

[beckycat]

We're looking at Carnival Destiny. Anyone been on that one?