We chose the dark side - Carnival VS Disney

[mevelandry]

Plus some of us can't just hop on a plane to take advantage of those last minute deals for DCL. Many other cruise lines offer amazing sales throughout the year with many incentives that gives one a chance to plan and get better airfare and, oh yeah, get permission to take the time off from work.

So true!

I'm trying more and more to be flexible. I'm a starting to think that for the year 2017-2018 (if we still have jobs by then, because you never know...) we should just pick our vacations and try to fit any last minute vacation deal we can find. I've seen Alaska cruises going from 1500$/pp to 500$/pp on last minute deals. I was shocked!

***

I find the "I'm too good for that" attitude pretty sad.

Being able to afford to travel is a privilege. One should not spit on other people's vacation options and/or choices...

...Especially when it makes them happy!

 

[mevelandry]

Yes, they have Broadway-style shows - singing, dancing and the like (as do the smaller RCL ships).

The Allure, Oasis, and Harmony have actual Broadway shows - Cats, Grease, We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia, and Saturday Night Fever.

Oh, that's nice! I LOVE Broadway shows!

 

[mevelandry]

So excited... We decided to book The Chef's Table for our next cruise. I was wondering if someone her tried it? Would you say it is similar (when it comes to the food) to Remy?

I was told that you get to visit the galley during the activity.

I remember they dressed up the beautiful indian Library to serve the meal there during our last cruise. I was a bit jealous. LOL

 

[Cruiser20]

I've always found Carnival to be a very good product at a good price. So is NCL. I like DCL, but price is always a consideration when I pick a cruise.
I haven't tried Remy or chefs table. I can't help you there. It's been a couple of years since we've been on a Carnival cruise, but I am planning on one next year.

 

[Love2Cruz]

So excited... We decided to book The Chef's Table for our next cruise. I was wondering if someone her tried it? Would you say it is similar (when it comes to the food) to Remy?

I was told that you get to visit the galley during the activity.

I remember they dressed up the beautiful indian Library to serve the meal there during our last cruise. I was a bit jealous. LOL

I haven't tried it yet but from what I've heard, everyone who has said it's a NON-MISS. Heard great reviews about it. Enjoy it!

 

[mevelandry]

I've always found Carnival to be a very good product at a good price. So is NCL. I like DCL, but price is always a consideration when I pick a cruise.
I haven't tried Remy or chefs table. I can't help you there. It's been a couple of years since we've been on a Carnival cruise, but I am planning on one next year.

Most of my friends who have been cruising before did it on NCL. I heard nothing but good reviews about them.

 

[mevelandry]

I haven't tried it yet but from what I've heard, everyone who has said it's a NON-MISS. Heard great reviews about it. Enjoy it!

I like the fact that it's not just a dinner but also a "tour".

 

[trvlgirlmq]

I like the fact that it's not just a dinner but also a "tour".

If you Google for the menu you will come up with the new one that they have been testing on Vista. Not sure when it will roll out to the other ships but you can probably also find copies of the one for your ship.

Getting closer to the magic date that Horizon itineraries should be posted. Carnival has quietly started posting 2018-2019 sailings beginning today for booking.

 

[RedSox68]

Most of my friends who have been cruising before did it on NCL. I heard nothing but good reviews about them.

I would honestly take Princess or Carnival over NCL. We've only done two cruises, and while the last one was really nice, there were issues that I didn't have on other lines. And after our experience in Hawaii with NCL, I am still leary of their total quality and customer service package.

 

[Cruiser20]

Most of my friends who have been cruising before did it on NCL. I heard nothing but good reviews about them.

My coworker who has cruised Carnival and NCL asked me if DCL was worth the extra cost. She was thinking about taking her kids on Disney cruise. It's such a hard question to answer I think it really depends on how much you are into Disney. My kids love DCL, and I really think Disney does a great job with kids. We started cruising on DCL when it was much more affordable so at today's prices I'm not entirely comfortable recommending them. Im especially not comfortable recommending DCL to someone that likes Carnival. Its quite a jump in price going from Carnival to Disney, and I'm not sure they would find the value in it.

 

[mevelandry]

I would honestly take Princess or Carnival over NCL. We've only done two cruises, and while the last one was really nice, there were issues that I didn't have on other lines. And after our experience in Hawaii with NCL, I am still leary of their total quality and customer service package.

Can you explain what you did not like / what are the problems you've had NCL?

It's always good to know.

 

[mevelandry]

My coworker who has cruised Carnival and NCL asked me if DCL was worth the extra cost. She was thinking about taking her kids on Disney cruise. It's such a hard question to answer I think it really depends on how much you are into Disney. My kids love DCL, and I really think Disney does a great job with kids. We started cruising on DCL when it was much more affordable so at today's prices I'm not entirely comfortable recommending them. Im especially not comfortable recommending DCL to someone that likes Carnival. Its quite a jump in price going from Carnival to Disney, and I'm not sure they would find the value in it.

DH and I like both for different reasons and we are obviously not expecting the same thing going from one to another.

My husband loves cruising, eating, drinking and play mini-golf. He can have that on both lines. He likes Carnival better now because of the comedy shows and the casino (I don't care for casinos).

I love the same things he likes except for the casino. And I love the classic look of the ships.

I would basically be willing to go on any cruiseship that has a classic look and offers what we like.

I love Disney so to me the Disney touch is a plus... But I would not pay the premium when it's equivalent to a whole WDW trip.

I'm glad we're having a last DCL cruise but the other itineraries are so expesive that I would prefer going to WDW instead.

 

[Love2Cruz]

If you Google for the menu you will come up with the new one that they have been testing on Vista. Not sure when it will roll out to the other ships but you can probably also find copies of the one for your ship.

Getting closer to the magic date that Horizon itineraries should be posted. Carnival has quietly started posting 2018-2019 sailings beginning today for booking.

I heard Horizon itinerary and sail dates would come out in December, when Vista comes to Florida, do you have earlier release dates? I am so curious to see where she starts off......

 

[Love2Cruz]

My coworker who has cruised Carnival and NCL asked me if DCL was worth the extra cost. She was thinking about taking her kids on Disney cruise. It's such a hard question to answer I think it really depends on how much you are into Disney. My kids love DCL, and I really think Disney does a great job with kids. We started cruising on DCL when it was much more affordable so at today's prices I'm not entirely comfortable recommending them. Im especially not comfortable recommending DCL to someone that likes Carnival. Its quite a jump in price going from Carnival to Disney, and I'm not sure they would find the value in it.

I'm not sure it's "worth it" I consider it a splurge. You can find great vacations on less expensive cruise lines with equally enjoyable but different experiences.

 

[trvlgirlmq]

I heard Horizon itinerary and sail dates would come out in December, when Vista comes to Florida, do you have earlier release dates? I am so curious to see where she starts off......

I don't have a specific date but should be the first full week. Vista started selling on a Thursday so I am anticipating December 8.

 

[Cruiser20]

I'm not sure it's "worth it" I consider it a splurge. You can find great vacations on less expensive cruise lines with equally enjoyable but different experiences.

I think I avoided answering the question by changing the subject. If it's a person that's never cruised before, and is comfortable with the price I'd say "sure you're going to love it" When it's an experienced cruiser asking, especially one that's been happy with other cruise lines. It's hard to tell them Disney will blow their minds, and they'll be happy they spent two or three times as much. Disney still has value for my family, but it's not something we're going to do every cruise. I find other cruiselines to be just as enjoyable in a different way. I'm excited about our Disney Galveston cruise on Black Friday, but I'm equally excited for our NCL and Carnival cruises next year. I'm planning on booking a DCL Panama or TA for 2018.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

I like the fact that it's not just a dinner but also a "tour".

There is also a tour on I think, all Carnival ships, (not Vista yet,) that tours all the back stage areas including the bridge. You have to sign up for it on embarkation day and they only allow about 15-20 people, no cameras or phones are allowed. I believe it's $95/person but this is not a meal tour. We're hoping they have it available on the Vista before our 6/3 cruise, @Love2Cruz have you done this?

 

[Love2Cruz]

There is also a tour on I think, all Carnival ships, (not Vista yet,) that tours all the back stage areas including the bridge. You have to sign up for it on embarkation day and they only allow about 15-20 people, no cameras or phones are allowed. I believe it's $95/person but this is not a meal tour. We're hoping they have it available on the Vista before our 6/3 cruise, @Love2Cruz have you done this?

No I haven't done this tour...I'd be more interested in doing the galley tour and one that includes new and interesting food. But since I travel with my DD, I doubt the price for the two of use would be worth it as she is a picky eater and would be bored. Next summer, my cousin is going with us so maybe she would be interested in doing it with me. There is so much delicious food on board though it's not "must do" for me..I think I would rather spend the money on shopping or excursions.