CARNIVAL VS DCL: The discussion and comparison thread!

[mevelandry]

O.k. W-O-W … She’s the most beautiful ship I have ever seen.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

I just saw a video of the ship on you tube. Sure does look gorgeous. When do you sail?

We’ve got a B2B booked for 6/18 and 6/25. That’s one of the many things I like about Carnival vs DCL, we can do longer cruises and more of them on Carnival. We have 2 connecting extended length balcony cabins for 14 nights on Mardi Gras and it’s $4000 less than what we paid for our 9 night Disney Fantasy cruise in 2 inside cabins.

 

[bcwife76]

O.k. W-O-W … She’s the most beautiful ship I have ever seen.

Right?! You can see why this was supposed to be our first non DCL cruise. Sigh. Crossing my fingers for 2023. We've got to get to Europe first, this cruise has been pushed back so many times so my husband refuses to book another cruise until we can finally get our Europe one in.

 

[sethschroeder]

O.k. W-O-W … She’s the most beautiful ship I have ever seen.

Can you get everything included for a price if you are willing to pay? Or is there always extras required?

Like example saw the chicken place, saw the rollercoaster, saw the bars. Are you able to add on packages and what not to have it all included?

 

[hdrolfe]

Can you get everything included for a price if you are willing to pay? Or is there always extras required?

Like example saw the chicken place, saw the rollercoaster, saw the bars. Are you able to add on packages and what not to have it all included?

The chicken place is included. You can buy Cheers, the drink package. You can also book and pay for any of the pay dining places in advance. The bolt I think you would have to do on board. You can buy OBC in advance, they call it something else, but it is nonrefundable so probably not the best idea. I usually take some cash to put on my account if I don't want to use a credit card.

 

[mevelandry]

Can you get everything included for a price if you are willing to pay? Or is there always extras required?

Like example saw the chicken place, saw the rollercoaster, saw the bars. Are you able to add on packages and what not to have it all included?

As @hdrolfe mentioned, a lot of it is included on Mardi Gras and almost everything else (non-included specialty dining, some activities, excursions, drinks, gratuity, internet package, etc.) can be booked and prepaid, this way you have almost nothing to pay for when you get there.

 

[belle032]

Have to say, I wasn't thrilled about the name, but the Mardi Gras looks awesome. I know by the time we sail on her, there will probably be an entire new class of ship come out. But we'll get there! And I hate to say it, but I'm way more enthusiastic about this ship than the Wish. Don't get me wrong, the Wish looks stunning and I love me some Disney theming, but I just think the Mardi Gras looks so new and different from other CCL ships, whereas the Wish didn't really offer many unique things to get excited about.

Can you get everything included for a price if you are willing to pay? Or is there always extras required?

Like example saw the chicken place, saw the rollercoaster, saw the bars. Are you able to add on packages and what not to have it all included?

You can purchase some specialty dining and different levels of beverage packages either before you sail or onboard (beverage packages are cheaper if you pre-purchase!). Onboard activities, like the Bolt coaster, would probably be onboard only. But I always hear the "nickel & diming" argument about cruise lines outside of Disney and it's really just you pay for what you're interested in. You can honestly pay your cruise fare and not spend another dollar if you don't want to. And still have a great experience. Also, I've never been through any kind of hard sell to buy anything while on the ship.

 

[mevelandry]

Have to say, I wasn't thrilled about the name, but the Mardi Gras looks awesome. I know by the time we sail on her, there will probably be an entire new class of ship come out. But we'll get there! And I hate to say it, but I'm way more enthusiastic about this ship than the Wish. Don't get me wrong, the Wish looks stunning and I love me some Disney theming, but I just think the Mardi Gras looks so new and different from other CCL ships, whereas the Wish didn't really offer many unique things to get excited about.

I can relate. As we were watching the video my husband and I were telling each other that: if we end up enjoying Mardi Gras as much as we think we will... There is no way we'll go back to Disney after that.

I hear people say that Mardi Gras is more expensive than other ships but honestly, it wasn't that much more expensive than any other long cruise we have done (+ we were going to pay for specialty dining anyway).

Also, if everything goes well, I should be sailing on Oasis in November...

I have this feeling that I will get hooked to Oasis (RCCL) and XL (Carnival).

I know it's a little bit like comparing apples to oranges but for me, Oasis and Mardi Gras sound superior to the Disney Dream, which is my favorite DCL ship. For me, it was already beaten by the Vista Class.

 

[Jennyonecoin]

I wonder how long the Mardi Gras won’t be able to dock in grand Turk? We are supposed to dock there on our spring break cruise in April.

also, Bolt at $15 per ride? With three boys who all will want to ride multiple times, I’ll go broke! Yikes!

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

I can relate. As we were watching the video my husband and I were telling each other that: if we end up enjoying Mardi Gras as much as we think we will... There is no way we'll go back to Disney after that.

I hear people say that Mardi Gras is more expensive than other ships but honestly, it wasn't that much more expensive than any other long cruise we have done (+ we were going to pay for specialty dining anyway).

Also, if everything goes well, I should be sailing on Oasis in November...

I have this feeling that I will get hooked to Oasis (RCCL) and XL (Carnival).

I know it's a little bit like comparing apples to oranges but for me, Oasis and Mardi Gras sound superior to the Disney Dream, which is my favorite DCL ship. For me, it was already beaten by the Vista Class.

Mardi Gras/Celebration is still way less expensive than DCL. We are booked on MG for a B2B eastern and western Caribbean (14 nights), June 2022. 4 adults in 2 connecting extended balconies, same cabin for both cruises, total for both cruises is $12,000. We are also booked on Celebration for an 8 night Southern Caribbean June 2023, 4 adults, wife and I are in an Ocean Suite, kids are in connecting standard balcony, total for both cabins is a little over $8000. We just canceled our 4 night Bahamian on Wish for June 2022. 4 adults in 1 deluxe family veranda was $7500. I seriously don’t think we’ll be back on DCL ever again.

 

[mevelandry]

Mardi Gras/Celebration is still way less expensive than DCL. We are booked on MG for a B2B eastern and western Caribbean (14 nights), June 2022. 4 adults in 2 connecting extended balconies, same cabin for both cruises, total for both cruises is $12,000. We are also booked on Celebration for an 8 night Southern Caribbean June 2023, 4 adults, wife and I are in an Ocean Suite, kids are in connecting standard balcony, total for both cabins is a little over $8000. We just canceled our 4 night Bahamian on Wish for June 2022. 4 adults in 1 deluxe family veranda was $7500. I seriously don’t think we’ll be back on DCL ever again.

The price comparison between Celebration and Wish is … insane. Sorry, I don’t find any other words for it.

 

[mevelandry]

I forgot to mention something. Another game changer for Carnival (on Mardi Gras and on other ships eventually) will be the Excel cabins/Loft 19. They are opening the doors to a whole new market.

 

[belle032]

Mardi Gras/Celebration is still way less expensive than DCL. We are booked on MG for a B2B eastern and western Caribbean (14 nights), June 2022. 4 adults in 2 connecting extended balconies, same cabin for both cruises, total for both cruises is $12,000. We are also booked on Celebration for an 8 night Southern Caribbean June 2023, 4 adults, wife and I are in an Ocean Suite, kids are in connecting standard balcony, total for both cabins is a little over $8000. We just canceled our 4 night Bahamian on Wish for June 2022. 4 adults in 1 deluxe family veranda was $7500. I seriously don’t think we’ll be back on DCL ever again.

Wow. And that's pretty much the defining reason why DH & I can't justify DCL for a "standard" Caribbean/Bahamas cruise. The only way I think we would sign on for one again would be if we happened to have a child at that perfect Disney age where it might be worth it for the sentimental value. Even then, we'd probably still settle for WDW.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Wow. And that's pretty much the defining reason why DH & I can't justify DCL for a "standard" Caribbean/Bahamas cruise. The only way I think we would sign on for one again would be if we happened to have a child at that perfect Disney age where it might be worth it for the sentimental value. Even then, we'd probably still settle for WDW.

It’s really funny, when we first started cruising it was on DCL and I was one of the people that swore I’d never cruise anyone else, especially Carnival!!!! Then one day back in early 2015, I stumbled across Vista Mediterranean cruises being offered for summer 2016. I thought the ship looked really amazing and did a little more research. Once I figured out we could do an 8 day cruise for $800/person, in 2 connecting insides, and it would only be her 3rd sailing I thought why not? We really wanted to go to the Mediterranean and figured at this price why not, how bad could it be? I’m so happy we did!!!!

Our kids were 15 and 16 at the time so it’s not like they’re really into characters and they actually like to do more adult type things. The big thing we realized about Carnival vs DCL is, DCL is great at entertaining us, we play a very passive role in the entertainment. Carnival provides us the opportunity to participate in the entertainment and we have a lot more fun, it’s really non-stop laughter for us. The kids are 20 and 21 right now and we went to the adult comedy shows on Vista last month, I thought they were gonna die, that had so much fun, it was great to see them laughing their butts off after the last 6 months of crap!

I guess we are officially Carnies!!

 

[AquaDame]

I also love the look of the outside areas of Mardi Gras... I just cant get over the inside portion that reminds me of a mall/airport though. The skinny walkways with chairs and railings butted up next to them and endless eateries all in a row feel like a long layover or food court when watching the videos. Maybe when you're actually there it doesn't feel that way at all? I want to try another line, but I was burned twice by RCCL's small and older ships and am still having doubts. It's one of the reasons we went with a small live aboard yacht for the Galapagos rather than Celebrity's or National Geographic (the smaller number of passengers in general was a large part of that too).

 

[mevelandry]

It’s really funny, when we first started cruising it was on DCL and I was one of the people that swore I’d never cruise anyone else, especially Carnival!!!! Then one day back in early 2015, I stumbled across Vista Mediterranean cruises being offered for summer 2016. I thought the ship looked really amazing and did a little more research. Once I figured out we could do an 8 day cruise for $800/person, in 2 connecting insides, and it would only be her 3rd sailing I thought why not? We really wanted to go to the Mediterranean and figured at this price why not, how bad could it be? I’m so happy we did!!!!

Our kids were 15 and 16 at the time so it’s not like they’re really into characters and they actually like to do more adult type things. The big thing we realized about Carnival vs DCL is, DCL is great at entertaining us, we play a very passive role in the entertainment. Carnival provides us the opportunity to participate in the entertainment and we have a lot more fun, it’s really non-stop laughter for us. The kids are 20 and 21 right now and we went to the adult comedy shows on Vista last month, I thought they were gonna die, that had so much fun, it was great to see them laughing their butts off after the last 6 months of crap!

I guess we are officially Carnies!!

"Carnies", I like it.

 

[mevelandry]

I also love the look of the outside areas of Mardi Gras... I just cant get over the inside portion that reminds me of a mall/airport though. The skinny walkways with chairs and railings butted up next to them and endless eateries all in a row feel like a long layover or food court when watching the videos. Maybe when you're actually there it doesn't feel that way at all? I want to try another line, but I was burned twice by RCCL's small and older ships and am still having doubts. It's one of the reasons we went with a small live aboard yacht for the Galapagos rather than Celebrity's or National Geographic (the smaller number of passengers in general was a large part of that too).

Didn't think there was more than 3 eateries next to each other...? I haven't seen the deck plan but I thought Guy's, Pig & Anchor, Cucina and Chibang! were all located at a certain distance from one another (different locations on the ship).

When you say "Skinny walkways with chairs and railways", I don't know what you are refering to. Do you have a screenshot or a video showing it?

 

[AquaDame]

Didn't think there was more than 3 eateries next to each other...? I haven't seen the deck plan but I thought Guy's, Pig & Anchor, Cucina and Chibang! were all located at a certain distance from one another (different locations on the ship).

When you say "Skinny walkways with chairs and railways", I don't know what you are refering to. Do you have a screenshot or a video showing it?

Yes - it was from the video you'd posed above. At 5:15 by Java Blue and again between 6 & 6:30ish where Emerills' and some other lounges are. Carnival Kitchen is walled off so it seems like it would be quieter in there. Then that person goes up a level into Alchemy bar which seems to go on and on (maybe its through different bars?) and looks down on Emerills' again which makes it look even tighter from above.

O.k. W-O-W … She’s the most beautiful ship I have ever seen.

 

[mevelandry]

Yes - it was from the video you'd posed above. At 5:15 by Java Blue and again between 6 & 6:30ish where Emerills' and some other lounges are. Carnival Kitchen is walled off so it seems like it would be quieter in there. Then that person goes up a level into Alchemy bar which seems to go on and on (maybe its through different bars?) and looks down on Emerills' again which makes it look even tighter from above.

5:15/6:30 for me is just« open », like a terrace. The look down on Emeril a mezzazine. Some parts seem to be somewhat inspired by Time Out Market (Glorified food courts but… fun regardless).

It may feel different when there are actually people there.

 

[belle032]

Just got an email from CCL with new testing/masking requirements:

Please carefully review the information below regarding new, temporary testing requirements:

• Effective with cruises departing on Saturday, August 14, 2021, we will require ALL fully vaccinated guests to produce a negative viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within 3 days of their embarkation on all Carnival Cruise Line sailings. Guests who are unvaccinated will continue to follow the requirements already communicated (and as detailed below).
• Fully vaccinated guests will be required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test along with proof of full vaccination upon arrival in the terminal and can then proceed on board. Please note that testing in the terminal will not be available for vaccinated guests so it’s critical that you have your negative test results with you upon your arrival. We will not be able to accommodate guests without proof of a negative test. Please check our Have Fun. Be Safe. protocols at Carnival.com for further details on testing requirements.
• Guests who are not fully vaccinated are still required to show the negative results of a PCR test taken between 72 and 24 hours prior to the sailing date, and will be tested again in the terminal prior to boarding the ship and again within 24 hours of debarkation (for itineraries five days or longer). Unvaccinated guests approved for an exemption will continue to be charged US$150, per person, for testing, reporting and health safety screenings, and also must provide proof of travel insurance if departing from the states of Florida or Texas.
• Children under two are exempt from testing requirements.

In addition to testing requirements, we are also making adjustments to our onboard mask policy effective with cruises beginning this Saturday, August 7, 2021, as follows:

• First, we strongly encourage all guests to wear face masks when indoors, particularly guests who are unvaccinated including children under the age of 12 who should wear masks in public areas, except when eating or drinking.
• All guests age 2 and older will be required to wear face masks in elevators and in designated indoor entertainment areas, all retail shops, and in the casino, except when eating or drinking.
• Guests will be required to wear face masks prior to being seated in our main dining rooms and in the Lido Buffet area and occasionally in other designated areas where larger number of guests may congregate.
• As a reminder, masks are required during embark and debark in the terminal, and masks should also be worn during the debarkation process on board.

I felt something like this was coming. Bummed about the masks, but we plan on sailing regardless. Fingers crossed the "temporary" part will kick in and we won't have to worry about it. But doubtful. The only trouble we might have is trying to get tested in Seattle because we're leaving for the trip more than 3 days prior. And ughhhh if we test positive for some reason....I can't even think about it.