DCL v Carnival.
Sailings on each: DCL 17, Carnival 1
My Carnival experience:
One week out, I booked on the Carnival Fantasy, 5 nights, RT Mobile, Alabama. Solo cruiser, ~ $400 inside cabin, cheapest category - with cruise line option of cabin. I was assigned a porthole room, forward, lowest deck.
Parking and embarkation: late reservation date meant last embarkation time, but I managed to secure one of the last spots in the parking deck. There was no time to enjoy the terminal, as all pre-boarding time was spent in line. Which was in the parking deck most of the time. This was Superbowl weekend and in the South, and the atmosphere was very much that of a pregame tailgate, with people happy to meet up with families and friends. Lots of matching t-shirts for family reunions, birthdays and Pre-wedding festivities. And people carrying refrigerator boxes of soda - allowed - as no free soda (and now Pepsi). Patient and friendly despite an hourlong wait. X-ray and check-in efficient enough, then walk into ship. (It might be worth it to pay for Faster to the Fun if you can’t stand long).
No family announcement nor lovely atrium to set the tone. Room was ready, with luggage outside the door on arrival. And key to room was at the door, not in your hand at check-in.
Cabin: Twin beds, chair, desk. I liked having a shower with no tub underneath. No thermostat in room; housekeeping had to come close the vent in the ceiling to cut down the very cold air. Likewise, no hairdryer, but they were prompt to bring one when called - and brought an extra blanket (nice and cozy) without being asked.
Appearance - couldn’t hold a candle to DCL, but who can?
Food - A great soup every night on main menu. Probably comparable meals to DCL, but I’m not such a fan of theirs, either. I have never been hungry on a ship, though.
They offer afternoon tea on Sea Days. Very few partakers; also not advertised, just a line on the food listings. A very peaceful time on a party ship. I knew to look for it and was satisfied. Treats varied by the day; one was excellent, the other okay.
Carnival’s desserts were superior.
Atmosphere - crowd was predominantly 20s to 60s. Southern. More racial diversity of passengers than DCL.
Sail-away party was no big deal. Some people standing around grandstand in pool area; cruise director and staff leading / teaching a dance.
I missed the neat and tidy cast member uniforms over the t-shirts of Carnival. One rainy morning, the multi-level atrium was alive with a lesson in the Thriller dance.
My day usually had a few rounds of trivia, usually standing-room only in a smaller pub.
i went to the night-time comedy shows. First showing was PG-13/14 or stronger; adult show was borderline vulgar - from the same mouth /mind. Two comedians on the ship. That was about it for my cruise-led activities. I actually read a book on a ship, after having lugged the same one around for several vacations.
The biggest downside - Smoke. The casino allowed smoking and there was no wall separating it from the major thoroughfare. That is what would keep me off Carnival.
Positive - Crew members were friendly and conscientious about their work. The assistant waiter was excellent at making suggestions, and like a DCL, they knew my name by the second visit. The food came out quickly; wait staff did not hover but were there when needed. And no requests to make sure we reviewed them positively on the exit survey.
Cheap and close to home. Destination was Cozumel, where Carnival has its own dock / port shops.
