carnival: Fantasy or Royal Caribbean: Sovereign of the Seas

[bethinks2]

Anyone know about either of these two cruise ships? We are planning a quickie cruise after visiting WDW. The Disney cruise is out because of a conflict with the sail dates and my kids going
back to school. Thanks

 

[FLeisure]

I'd take Sovereign over Fantasy any time.

I just prefer Royal Caribbean to Carnival ! Both ships are getting on in age but Fantasy is really showing it's age IMO.

How many days do you have to cruise ?

I always use www.gocruiseplanner.com which may be of help to you.

 

[EthansMom]

We've cruised three times with Royal Caribbean and loved it! I highly recommend cruising with them. The only problem we ever had was having a cabin right above a crew cabin last time and the crew member would get in about 2 a.m. and turn on the radio -- we were offered the chance to move, but since we only had a couple nights left and my husband had all of our stuff unpacked (would have had to pack it up, unpack, just to pack again in a day or two) and the cabin offered wasn't an upgrade, it really wasn't worth the trouble.

Don't know if you've cruised before, but it's really great -- very relaxing.

IMO, Royal Caribbean is a class above Carnival. I'd put Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, & Princess in the same class. The kids programs are great -- can't wait till my son is 3 and potty-trained so we can go again!

If price is an issue, pick an interior room rather than an exterior -- a tiny little portal is really expensive and you're never in your room unless it's to sleep or change. Pick a cabin in the middle of the ship -- toward the back you get engine noise and in front can sometimes hear the anchor (tho those rooms can be cheaper for those reasons). Also, I now suggest getting a room that's two levels or more above the crew cabins.

I've used www.cruise411.com before for information and to book cruises and been very happy -- their prices are very competitive.

Best of Luck,

EthansMom

 

[sln88]

Go to crusiecritic.com
They have boards just like these where you can spend hours reading about the best cruise line, food, entertainment, what to do in the ports, ect.

I was on the Fantasy many years ago, when she was brand new. I would say that Carnival caters more to the younger, up all night crowd, and RCCL is a bit more sedate. The Sovereign has an extra port day, which would make me pick that over the Fantasy, but maybe you prefer sea days.

Have a blast on your cruise if you go!

 

[bethinks2]

Thanks for all your advice. This will be our first cruise. We chose this 3 night cruise to help us (mainly our dd) decide if she really wants to go on a cruise for her senior trip. The date that we are looking at is Jan. 2, 2004. Our daughter's high school drill team is marching in the Capitol Bowl parade and we decided to go to Orlando and enjoy IOA and US while she is busy with her school group. When she is done with that we will go on the cruise. The only problem that I have with the cruise is that the weather (I have heard) is pretty unpredictable in January and that it could be too cool to swim in the Bahamas--that it isn't far enough south to really be sure of warm weather. I will visit those different web sites to see if I can get more info! BTW I was leaning toward the Royal Caribbean line because of their own little island-thanks for helping me decide on the Sovereign ship.

 

[sln88]

was in January- also a 3 day to the Bahamas. It was definitely chilly at times. I have pictures where I am wearing a light jacket and pants, but I also did go on a snorkeling trip, so it must have been warm at times. The Bahamas are not really far enough south to gurantee warm weather, so, there is a good chance that you may miss out on swimming.


It will still be fun!

 

[zaxmom]

I'm leaving on the FANTASY in 4 days. We wanted to do a quick cruise to see how we like it. I get motion sickness. This is also our first time away from the kids so we did not want to be gone long. Our Travel agent told us we should pick the Fantasy because it is a younger crowd. I just turned 30, so I don't mind acting 22 for a couple of days away from the kids. I have heard that Carnival is more of a party crowd, especially on the weekend cruises. Do check out www.cruisecritic.com for lots of info.

 

[JLW]

I have been on the Sovereign of the Seas twice. I enjoyed myself but she is beginning to show her age just a bit. The cabins are very small. Food and entertainment was good as was the service. I have also been on Carnival twice and overall enjoyed myself but have never been on the Fantasy. I would say that Carnival attracts a bit more of a drinking crowd. I never drink but didn't really care if those around me did.