We chose the dark side - Carnival VS Disney

[ChicosWife]

There hadn't been a post on here in 11 days so you pulled it up just to make a snarky comment, and then you wonder why there is a backlash?

I don't think my post was directed at you. I'm very aware of your cruising history which In my opinion is not that extensive. The people that it was directed at know who they are. Don't take things so personally when it had nothing to do with you. If your not interested in Carnival then why read this thread?

No, I didn't. I logged in and saw the alert and decided to respond. Thanks for the assumption though.

 

[ChicosWife]

At the same time, why would you comment on a thread that the OP shared that was specifically about another line that she enjoyed only to snarkily say "I would not go on that line"...seems a bit snobbish and pretentious to me.
You were on ONE DCL cruise, whoopeedoo!

Wow. That wasn't snarky at all.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I'll be doing the Disney Fantasy and Carnival Magic B2B in November 2017. I know it's a long way off but I'll try to remember to come back here and give a comparison between our 2 experiences.

One of the main differences for us is that we love the slots - so the casino on Carnival is a draw for us. What other people spend on excursions, we spend on gambling. This is a plus for us on other lines.

For DCL, it's sometimes worth a small premium to not have the ability to gamble on the ship. Of course, the difference in the base cruise price eats up any savings for not having a gambling budget.

 

[mevelandry]

I value the quality, the experience, Castaway Cay! When we docked in Nassau, we were next to a Carnival ship and a NCL ship. DCL's ship was far more impressive, just in the looks alone. Carnival's was rusted and seemed outdated. That to me says, they don't care as much to take care of their business, as much as DCL.

And I value the exact same thing + good food.

I have to admit that I laughed a little bit because that is exactly the kind of thoughts I had before cruising with Carnival. I used to snob them based on the views I had from the Disney Dream.

I love Castaway Cay but Carnival has Half Moon Cay and while I haven't been there yet, the pictures and reviews I have seen lead me to think it's just as good.

Looks can be deceiving. I agree that from the exterior, they might look a bit more rusty (+ they are painted white and the parts you'll see when it's docked in Nassau, you see because the level of water is very low)... But you haven't been on a Carnival ship, so you can't see the interior of it.

I can assure you that on the one I've been on (Which is the Victory)most of the rooms, although the designs are different in style and theme, looked just as good than the rooms I saw on the Disney Dream (Yes, Victory is an old ship but she is currently being refurbished). The exterior is still under refurbishment, parts of it looks dated, other parts of it looks brand new...

That being said... If you go on a "cute" cruiseship just to tell people that you've been on a cute cruiseship, that is one thing...

But there is more to cruising that the physical appearance of the cruiseship.

The entertainment and the quality of the food was great (I thought the food was better on the Carnival Victory than on the Disney Dream --excluding specialty dining because I haven't tried the Chef's Table on the Victory and therfore cannot compare with Remy!)

My husband would tell you that the shows were better with Carnival. I thought that DCL and Carnival were equal, just as good but very different.

We have found the staff to be nicer on the Victory than on the Disney Dream and the excursions were well organized. We've had a small problem (on small thing that needed to be fixed) and they took only 30 min to send someone to fix it while it took 24 hours to DCL to fix our problem.

We've tried it, loved it and can't wait to sail with them again because they offered more bang for our bucks than DCL.

P.s.: If you like the "brand new" look, just look at Carnival new ships.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I value the quality, the experience, Castaway Cay! When we docked in Nassau, we were next to a Carnival ship and a NCL ship. DCL's ship was far more impressive, just in the looks alone. Carnival's was rusted and seemed outdated. That to me says, they don't care as much to take care of their business, as much as DCL.

Whites shows everything so much more than dark blue/black.

It's why most people wear dark slacks and skirts

 

[mevelandry]

I'm not bashing anyone. I was being bashed for sharing my opinion.

The problem is your opinion is based on a little rust you saw on a ship's hull while docked in Nassau.

Here is my review of the Carnival Victory (a 16 year old ship) compared to the Disney Dream (a 6 year old ship). It might end up not being as bad as you think:

http://disboards.com/threads/carniv...-ultimate-review.3540991/page-4#post-56672752

 

[Love2Cruz]

I wish I had a pic, but there was a huge rust spot and chipped paint on my balcony on the Dream cabin 10158. I hope they have since repaired it....LOL

 

[disneyholic family]

i find the various comparison threads useful (e.g. this thread and the carnival vista thread)..
it's from these threads that i get a better idea if i might like another cruise line or ship..

it was a comparison thread between DCL and the Allure of the Seas that got me to sail on the Allure (and try RCCL for the first time, which i enjoyed by the way)...

similarly, the Carnival threads have convinced me that i probably wouldn't like Carnival...

so that's a good thing in my book..
i'm getting a review by people who have been on DCL, so they're able to compare the alternatives to what i'm familiar with..

in other words, thank you for taking the time to make the comparison for all of us

.

 

[mevelandry]

i find the various comparison threads useful (e.g. this thread and the carnival vista thread)..
it's from these threads that i get a better idea if i might like another cruise line or ship..

it was a comparison thread between DCL and the Allure of the Seas that got me to sail on the Allure (and try RCCL for the first time, which i enjoyed by the way)...

similarly, the Carnival threads have convinced me that i probably wouldn't like Carnival...

so that's a good thing in my book..
i'm getting a review by people who have been on DCL, so they're able to compare the alternatives to what i'm familiar with..

in other words, thank you for taking the time to make the comparison for all of us

.

Really? Even the Vista?

Sure threads can be useful. But there is nothing like experimenting it.

Not gonna lie, I really wanted to like Carnival but deep down inside I was second guessing everything and I was scared that we had made the wrong choice...

But while everything wasn't perfect (yes some parts of the ship need refurbishment) the experience itself was excellent...


And now, my husband is realizing that he prefers a less-Disneyesque environment and that he can have it for half the price that Disney charges. Oops.

 

[disneyholic family]

Really? Even the Vista?

Sure threads can be useful. But there is nothing like experimenting it.

Not gonna lie, I really wanted to like Carnival but deep down inside I was second guessing everything and I was scared that we had made the wrong choice...

But while everything wasn't perfect (yes some parts of the ship need refurbishment) the experience itself was excellent...


And now, my husband is realizing that he prefers a less-Disneyesque environment and that he can have it for half the price that Disney charges. Oops.

from what i've read in the two carnival threads, it doesn't sound like something i'd enjoy...
on any cruise, there are things i enjoy and things i don't....
it sounds like carnival has more of that which i tend to avoid and less of what i do like...

 

[Love2Cruz]

i

similarly, the Carnival threads have convinced me that i probably wouldn't like Carnival...

.

Just curious, why? So far, the people in this thread and the other one (by Ofinn) were very positive towards Carnival. The ones who haven't been on one were the only bashers.

 

[mevelandry]

from what i've read in the two carnival threads, it doesn't sound like something i'd enjoy...
on any cruise, there are things i enjoy and things i don't....
it sounds like carnival has more of that which i tend to avoid and less of what i do like...

Like...?

 

[Love2Cruz]

Like...?

I'm beginning to think there are just people on this board who like to come into this thread, and other's like it, to just poo poo in it, and to tell us they would never go on such a white trash/ghetto ship like Carnival.....no they may not use those words, but that's what they think. Meh, their loss....I'd rather focus on the open minded.

I fell into that trap not too long ago with MSC comments. So many people trashed the line that I was afraid to try them. My parents had been on a MSC ship a few years back and had a great time, so I decided to trust the judgement of my parents instead of strangers on a forum. I'm so glad I did as I had a great time...and with the savings I was able to enjoy staying extra nights on land, nicer excursions and more spending money.

 

[mevelandry]

I'm starting to think the same thing. I don't understand why some people are so judgmental over a cruise line they haven't experimented. Some people would kill just to be able to afford a cruise with Carnival.

Just because you like Remy doesn't mean you can't appreciate Cabanas. (p.s. I enjoy both)

Our cabin was clean and comfortable. We ate good food, the comedy shows were hilarious, the musical revue was great, the staff was fantastic (so nice!). Our verandah was giving us a nice view of the ocean. It was (overall) an excellent value for the small price we have paid.

We are so excited when we think about all the great (and affordable) vacations we are going to be able to take in the future.

 

[Love2Cruz]

I'm starting to think the same thing. I don't understand why some people are so judgmental over a cruise line they haven't experimented. Some people would kill just to be able to afford a cruise with Carnival.

Just because you like Remy doesn't mean you can't appreciate Cabanas. (p.s. I enjoy both)

Our cabin was clean and comfortable. We ate good food, the comedy shows were hilarious, the musical revue was great, the staff was fantastic (so nice!). Our verandah was giving us a nice view of the ocean. It was (overall) an excellent value for the small price we have paid.

We are so excited when we think about all the great (and affordable) vacations we are going to be able to take in the future.

Yup, and with the recent DCL price increases, I see one of two things happening, more people jumping ship, or DCL selling their cruises deeply discounted when they can't fill the ship....they might be able to snag the newbies who just want the "prestige" of sailing with DCL for bragging rights, but experienced cruisers know better.

 

[ChicosWife]

And I value the exact same thing + good food.

I have to admit that I laughed a little bit because that is exactly the kind of thoughts I had before cruising with Carnival. I used to snob them based on the views I had from the Disney Dream.

I love Castaway Cay but Carnival has Half Moon Cay and while I haven't been there yet, the pictures and reviews I have seen lead me to think it's just as good.

Looks can be deceiving. I agree that from the exterior, they might look a bit more rusty (+ they are painted white and the parts you'll see when it's docked in Nassau, you see because the level of water is very low)... But you haven't been on a Carnival ship, so you can't see the interior of it.

I can assure you that on the one I've been on (Which is the Victory)most of the rooms, although the designs are different in style and theme, looked just as good than the rooms I saw on the Disney Dream (Yes, Victory is an old ship but she is currently being refurbished). The exterior is still under refurbishment, parts of it looks dated, other parts of it looks brand new...

That being said... If you go on a "cute" cruiseship just to tell people that you've been on a cute cruiseship, that is one thing...

But there is more to cruising that the physical appearance of the cruiseship.

The entertainment and the quality of the food was great (I thought the food was better on the Carnival Victory than on the Disney Dream --excluding specialty dining because I haven't tried the Chef's Table on the Victory and therfore cannot compare with Remy!)

My husband would tell you that the shows were better with Carnival. I thought that DCL and Carnival were equal, just as good but very different.

We have found the staff to be nicer on the Victory than on the Disney Dream and the excursions were well organized. We've had a small problem (on small thing that needed to be fixed) and they took only 30 min to send someone to fix it while it took 24 hours to DCL to fix our problem.

We've tried it, loved it and can't wait to sail with them again because they offered more bang for our bucks than DCL.

P.s.: If you like the "brand new" look, just look at Carnival new ships.

Thanks for sharing your opinion.

The problem is your opinion is based on a little rust you saw on a ship's hull while docked in Nassau.

Here is my review of the Carnival Victory (a 16 year old ship) compared to the Disney Dream (a 6 year old ship). It might end up not being as bad as you think:

http://disboards.com/threads/carniv...-ultimate-review.3540991/page-4#post-56672752

Thanks for sharing your opinion.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

i find the various comparison threads useful (e.g. this thread and the carnival vista thread)..
it's from these threads that i get a better idea if i might like another cruise line or ship..

it was a comparison thread between DCL and the Allure of the Seas that got me to sail on the Allure (and try RCCL for the first time, which i enjoyed by the way)...

similarly, the Carnival threads have convinced me that i probably wouldn't like Carnival...

so that's a good thing in my book..
i'm getting a review by people who have been on DCL, so they're able to compare the alternatives to what i'm familiar with..

in other words, thank you for taking the time to make the comparison for all of us

.

I can understand that - my guess is that what drew you to the Allure was the variety of entertainment options, physically active daytime activities and the variety of dining options. Cruising on the Allure, Oasis and now Harmony are unlike cruising any other ship. They are unique in the fact that being so large, they have literally EVERYTHING Royal Caribbean offers. They are more like Universal Studios at Sea (adventure, action, dining, and laughs) - I wouldn't say they are like WDW at Sea because I think I would end up flamed severely on this board. But it's the idea of excitement, action and adventure onboard; less about the ports and the ocean experience.

FYI - If you don't find Carnival appealing, you may also want to steer clear of the smaller Royal Caribbean ships as well. From the Voyager class down, they are more similar to Carnival than not. No Broadway shows, fewer restaurants (and mostly with added fees), and only a couple of the physical activities (like an ice skating rink but no flow rider; or a trampoline but no ice skating).

 

[mevelandry]

FYI - If you don't find Carnival appealing, you may also want to steer clear of the smaller Royal Caribbean ships as well. From the Voyager class down, they are more similar to Carnival than not. No Broadway shows, fewer restaurants (and mostly with added fees), and only a couple of the physical activities (like an ice skating rink but no flow rider; or a trampoline but no ice skating).

Carnival's Triumph class and up have Broadway Style shows. They remind me of good shows I saw at the Montreal Casino (aka not quite the same budget as Broadway productions but still great.).

 

[RedSox68]

I'm beginning to think there are just people on this board who like to come into this thread, and other's like it, to just poo poo in it, and to tell us they would never go on such a white trash/ghetto ship like Carnival.....no they may not use those words, but that's what they think. Meh, their loss....I'd rather focus on the open minded.

I fell into that trap not too long ago with MSC comments. So many people trashed the line that I was afraid to try them. My parents had been on a MSC ship a few years back and had a great time, so I decided to trust the judgement of my parents instead of strangers on a forum. I'm so glad I did as I had a great time...and with the savings I was able to enjoy staying extra nights on land, nicer excursions and more spending money.

Not a cruise line, but this happened to me with an excursion through Disney to Tulum in 2004. I read so many horrible accounts of people being sick and hot and miserable that I was afraid to go -- so I stayed onboard while my husband and daughter went. To this day it is the biggest regret I have. Never again will I let others reviews taint my desire to try something new or adventurous.

Yup, and with the recent DCL price increases, I see one of two things happening, more people jumping ship, or DCL selling their cruises deeply discounted when they can't fill the ship....they might be able to snag the newbies who just want the "prestige" of sailing with DCL for bragging rights, but experienced cruisers know better.

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.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

Carnival's Triumph class and up have Broadway Style shows. They remind me of good shows I saw at the Montreal Casino (aka not quite the same budget as Broadway productions but still great.).

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.