nonstopdisneymom said:
There wasn't anything to do on the ship unless you liked to gamble or play bingo. We spent most of the day bored stiff. I think if we had a better ship it would have been better but the entertainment was just below par on the carnival elation.
Thanks for all the answers thus far.
The ships decor and theme
Disney - very detailed and reminiscent of old style cruising yet a modern feel
Carnival - old school 80's Vegas, but the newer ones are more modern.
Conclusion - your preference.
Rooms
Disney - very family friendly, split bathroom concept is awesome. Disney I think has a cooler. Not a fridge. (I may be wrong.)
Carnival - it's a room. Not great, not bad, just efficient. You get a fridge on carnival that I had my steward empty for me.
Suites
Disney - incredible suites with a private concierge lounge and now private tanning areas I think. Fancy. But holy crap - are you going away for a week or are you trying to but a new civic? It's retarded $$$.
Carnival - slightly bigger rooms with a chair, or slightly bigger rooms with a chair, closet, and tubs.... Uh, you don't have to wait too long in line. Um..... thats about it. if you get a suite on carnival you can join the other families that want people to think they are rich too. You might be lucky enough to have them as table mates!
Conclusion - The bathrooms are very useful and I've heard the Disney rooms are slightly bigger. And of course Disney is more detailed. They actually really use the concept of suites and concierge together.
Disney winner
Think westin resort vs holiday inn
Food
Disney - rotational evening dining, Palo, remy,
There are many choices for everyone, and the food is high quality for both speciality and "free" dining. The concept of new scenery nightly is great, and I don't know of any other cruise line that does it. Much respect here. Michelin 3 star restaurant on the water? Not heard of.
Carnival - I've heard many cruisers complain about this line. I admit, it's not fantastic, but these people complain like they are paying for Ruth Chris steaks and getting golden coral.
It's not that bad. Its actually pretty good. This is what you get for a budget line. Surprise. The for fee steakhouse is good too. It's the best steak I've had at sea. Really, it was good. I even asked for seconds. And yes I've done many other lines. Royal, Cunard, etc. Another secret for carnival - the chef table. We ate in the kitchen with a few other buddies with free booze and a 7 course meal prepped by the head chef and others. It was in the galley too. Fun.
Conclusion - Disney. Both have great for fee places, but the included dining on Disney flys by carnival.
Entertainment
Disney - broadway level shows. Indoor and outdoor movies. Great shows. Fun for kids and adults. Great stuff. Plenty of daily activities to do.
Carnival - More blue collar. Adult comedy was ok. But the other shows .... Some were ok..... And I'll say it, the rest of the shows sucked... What wasn't ok, sucked. I thought the dancers came from high schools that didn't make the drill
team. It sucked. It was the suckiess thing that ever sucked. Activities did seem rather redundant. It still sucked....
Winner - what do you think? If you can handle a ship without a casino, it's obvious.
Conclusion - Disney wins, by a long shot. When carnival is done paying for engine repairs they have to put the same amount on the entertainment budget. But wait, you have to really try and pay to fix the engine this time. No cheating.
Outdoor/pool
Disney - adult areas rock and Disney really emphasizes adults only. pools are still very weak. Newer boat coasters are fun, but can be considered one trick pony. Gyms are good with ok jogging tracks.
Carnival - pools are ok. Adult areas are ok, but I see kids go thru there that stay often. Carnival seems more lax here and I can see why people complain. I've even heard of attendants serving food to Tweens in adult areas. Big no no carnival.
Now this is we're carnival slaughters. Walking sky courses, golf, gym, track, water parks. Awesome.
Winner carnival
Overall it's a choice of your own. The cost of Disney is easily 50% more then other lines. But you get an experience you won't forget. I'm not a carnival basher. I like them. I've also been lucky enough to be on functioning carnival boats. Face it, cost is a big factor. There are many people that save years for a dream cruise. Just so happens the dreamers end up on carnival. Carnival aka. Chuckee cheese on the water / Walmart of the seas can have some odd company. When people have this dream with a skinny budget, dont expect everyone to have a dental plan. I've had great voyages on royal, princess, Cunard, and dealt with rich jerks. Disney seems to bring the happiest people on earth. If you can afford you will get more.
It's your call.