mrswillson
the duck's biggest fan
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2016
So my husband and I have officially been hooked on cruising!
I've sailed with DCL six times, and he has sailed once last year when we took our 7 day honeymoon on the Fantasy. Due to recent price increases, we decided we would rather sail twice in a year versus once with DCL, and are looking to explore either Royal or Carnival.
Because I am only going off word of mouth for both cruise lines, I am hoping to hear actual accounts from those of you who have experienced both and can tell me what the pros and cons are of each. (I've heard the typical "Carnival is a party ship", "Royal has an older crowd", etc. but want something more concrete to make my decision on).
1) We are looking to sail in the September/October time frame.
2) We will be doing 6+ days.
3) We love variety in our itineraries - specifically love EC destinations.
4) We always book a balcony (is there any other way to sail?!)
What I'm wanting to know more specifics on is the following:
1) Cost. Which one is the best value and why? (They seem comparable from what I've seen.)
2) Entertainment and adult activities. What options do each have? We love shows and events, and because we're both in our mid-twenties, do not like the company of children and the lack of adults-only entertainment on DCL. This is one big draw for us in switching.
3) Excursions and special offerings only to each line. For example, I know RCCL offers PADI dive certifications onboard some of their ships. Does Carnival offer anything specifically? Do they also offer this amenity? (We are looking to get dive certified, so this was a big plus for Royal!)
4) Private islands. What are each like? Do they compare to Castaway Cay?
5) Cleanliness and presentation. I've heard the Carnival is not necessarily up to standards in comparison to other lines, but I would like to hear personal accounts and know exactly how each stands up compared to DCL.
6) And lastly (this is the most important for me): FOOD. I am not able to eat gluten and dairy, and was sorely disappointed with the food quality on DCL and the options presented to someone with allergies. The bottom line is I want to be able to enjoy my vacation and have different options to choose from to eat, not just a couple of the same options each night.
Thank you!
I've sailed with DCL six times, and he has sailed once last year when we took our 7 day honeymoon on the Fantasy. Due to recent price increases, we decided we would rather sail twice in a year versus once with DCL, and are looking to explore either Royal or Carnival.
Because I am only going off word of mouth for both cruise lines, I am hoping to hear actual accounts from those of you who have experienced both and can tell me what the pros and cons are of each. (I've heard the typical "Carnival is a party ship", "Royal has an older crowd", etc. but want something more concrete to make my decision on).
1) We are looking to sail in the September/October time frame.
2) We will be doing 6+ days.
3) We love variety in our itineraries - specifically love EC destinations.
4) We always book a balcony (is there any other way to sail?!)
What I'm wanting to know more specifics on is the following:
1) Cost. Which one is the best value and why? (They seem comparable from what I've seen.)
2) Entertainment and adult activities. What options do each have? We love shows and events, and because we're both in our mid-twenties, do not like the company of children and the lack of adults-only entertainment on DCL. This is one big draw for us in switching.
3) Excursions and special offerings only to each line. For example, I know RCCL offers PADI dive certifications onboard some of their ships. Does Carnival offer anything specifically? Do they also offer this amenity? (We are looking to get dive certified, so this was a big plus for Royal!)
4) Private islands. What are each like? Do they compare to Castaway Cay?
5) Cleanliness and presentation. I've heard the Carnival is not necessarily up to standards in comparison to other lines, but I would like to hear personal accounts and know exactly how each stands up compared to DCL.
6) And lastly (this is the most important for me): FOOD. I am not able to eat gluten and dairy, and was sorely disappointed with the food quality on DCL and the options presented to someone with allergies. The bottom line is I want to be able to enjoy my vacation and have different options to choose from to eat, not just a couple of the same options each night.
Thank you!
Last edited: