CARNIVAL VS DCL: The discussion and comparison thread!

[cruiser21]

When you say your group, do you mean fb group? There are people who like fb- which is great. And people who do not like fb- which is also great. I am a big supporter of free association, so I have no issue with people forming groups before the cruise. No big deal. It just isn't us. I prefer more open groups.

The cruise meet threads on here are pretty dead. I would love to discuss ports, excursions,hotels etc .It would be helpful to share information especially on the less common itinerarys such as Europe. Like you I don't want to join a private group. It's just not my thing.

 

[trvlgirlmq]

I am really looking forward to my Carnival Magic western cruise in April (along with two nights at Disney!). I have two more I want to book, Horizon 6-night Western in early 2019 and Magic 8-night Southern in early 2020 after it moves to FLL. However I also wanted to get another full week at Disney before kiddo turns 10 at the end of 2019, preferably after Star Wars land opens (though perhaps that is crazy). I need to make more money... or win the lottery! If either Horizon or Magic were out of Port Canaveral we could get a fix by adding on a few days, but with them being Miami and Fort Lauderdale, I'm not sure it's feasible. What to do!

We want to do the Horizon because it goes to Ocho Rios (I know, not everyone is fond of Jamaica, I went there with my parents so many years ago and didn't climb Dunn's, now I regret that and have to go!). We could do a 5-night on Sensation instead, for less money of course, but that brand new ship just seems to appealing! And the 8-night on Magic goes to Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Aruba and Curacao. Sounds so amazing!

I had wanted to do a Star Wars cruise for kiddo, but I can do both the other ones for the same price as that one... I just don't know what to do. I want to take all the trips!

You can do WDW with a cruise from FLL or MIA. We are doing it this year. Fly into your cruise departure city, cruise, rent a car one way to drive to WDW, do Disney, fly home from MCO. Easy peasy. We got a one day rental for $60 from Alamo (I think) with a pick up at MIA and drop off at the Disney Car Care Center right on property. Once we drop the car off they will shuttle us back to our resort. You could do this in reverse too (WDW first, cruise second).

 

[trvlgirlmq]

The last few times when we have talked to other cruisers and said how much we love dcl food and Palo they seemed upset at having to pay more for good food on the other ships where as with dcl it’s included. I’ve seen what looked like them repainting or washing the front of our ship while docked before.

Never paid for up charge restaurants on Carnival and have had some very nice meals in the MDR. Go ahead and keep cheerleading for DCL. I'll be laughing all the way to the bank with all my savings.

 

[trvlgirlmq]

I wasn't sure where else to ask this so hoping I can get some feedback here. My parents are taking the whole family on a cruise. Destination isn't priority. We are looking at summer 2019. Once prices are out we will look at Disney but we are also looking at other lines. We will need 6-7 rooms. 23 of us total. Kids ages go from age 4 to 18. Pretty much one of every age in between! Obviously if we choose Disney it will be a shorter cruise due to price. We all love Disney. My family and parents are the only ones who have every cruised before. I have only done Disney. May parents have done others years ago. Anyway what ships from Carnival or RCCL would you suggest? Looking more for pools/activities outside of kids clubs/shows/food.

Is there much of a difference between the Breeze, Vista and Magic for Carnival or are those similar? What about the Carnival Dream? That would be our 5 night option for Carnival but is the ship as nice as the newer ones? Not much difference in the Magic and Breeze, Vista has the SkyRide. Dream is a bit older and doesn't have the ropes course or SkyRide, they do have the Waterpark as all the others do too.

For RCCL I imagine anything from the oasis class?

Between Carnival and RCCL which would you go with with kids of all ages? We love Carnival so that would be our choice. I think the Oasis ships are too big. I like the fact that the CCL ships have a lot of outdoor spaces where you can be close to the water or see the water. I don't think that is as possible on Oasis type ships.

Thanks for anyone who read!

I've answered in the quote. Ask more questions as needed.

 

[trvlgirlmq]

I've joined the FB groups for a few cruises and it has been fun to meet people on the ship who have also been anticipating the cruise. We don't tend to do the planned activities except the initial meet up to put live faces with names. If we run into folks on the ship we can say hi or chat for a few minutes and move on. The time it was helpful was planning our Med cruise. We were able to put together some private excursions that were fun and much less expensive than booking through the ship or even on our own.

 

[iamporch]

I've answered in the quote. Ask more questions as needed.

Thank you. I like that you pointed out the outdoor spaces because that is what I love about cruising. I wish I could see the water all day!

I had never really thought about Carnival as my second option after Disney until reading threads like these. What are the shows like on the Carnival? kid friendly or more for adults? Are they first come first serve or do you need to get tickets in advance?

Also does Carnival have a movie theater and if so what types of movies do they play?

 

[mevelandry]

I wasn't sure where else to ask this so hoping I can get some feedback here. My parents are taking the whole family on a cruise. Destination isn't priority. We are looking at summer 2019. Once prices are out we will look at Disney but we are also looking at other lines. We will need 6-7 rooms. 23 of us total. Kids ages go from age 4 to 18. Pretty much one of every age in between! Obviously if we choose Disney it will be a shorter cruise due to price. We all love Disney. My family and parents are the only ones who have every cruised before. I have only done Disney. May parents have done others years ago. Anyway what ships from Carnival or RCCL would you suggest? Looking more for pools/activities outside of kids clubs/shows/food.

Is there much of a difference between the Breeze, Vista and Magic for Carnival or are those similar? What about the Carnival Dream? That would be our 5 night option for Carnival but is the ship as nice as the newer ones?

For RCCL I imagine anything from the oasis class?

Between Carnival and RCCL which would you go with with kids of all ages?

Thanks for anyone who read!

Welcome to this thread. You are definitely at the right place.

I can't answer about kids but if you liked DCL I think you might enjoy the Carnival Breeze, Vista (2016) or Horizon (2018). If I am not mistaken they are only doing 6-7 nights BUT they will cost you less than a 7 nights Disney cruise for sure.

From what I know they are quite similar but I have only sailed the Vista (which I recommend) and I am hoping to try the Horizon someday. There are more activities than the Disney Dream.

RCCL should be a little bit more expensive than Carnival (but still less expensive than DCL) and your brain will explode when you read the list of activities they have. I'm hoping to try RCCL soon because the Oasis class looks awesome.

 

[mevelandry]

Thank you. I like that you pointed out the outdoor spaces because that is what I love about cruising. I wish I could see the water all day!

I had never really thought about Carnival as my second option after Disney until reading threads like these. What are the shows like on the Carnival? kid friendly or more for adults? Are they first come first serve or do you need to get tickets in advance?

Also does Carnival have a movie theater and if so what types of movies do they play?

If you like outdoor spaces, you might like the Vista and horizon. They have a lot of outdoor spaces. Love their design.

Musical shows (first come, first served) are for all the family. Comedy shows (fcfs too) can be a bit rough for young kids but they have PG & 18+.

Most medium and big ship on Carnival will have dive in movies in front of the pool. Movie theaters or thrill theater (it's like a 4D ride) have a charge but they present all the blockbusters.

 

[skittlesfirehawk]

Never paid for up charge restaurants on Carnival and have had some very nice meals in the MDR. Go ahead and keep cheerleading for DCL. I'll be laughing all the way to the bank with all my savings.

To each their own. I’m happy with Disney because I love Disney and to me it’s money well spent.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

Cc is really invaluable for that. They have an entire section within boards about ports. If you have not been to that section, you would love it. At this point I am just a lurker over there but I do read a lot. The only reason I really still come over here is this thread. And then once I am over here I sometimes look at other dcl threads whuch is bad because I feel like sometimes people are argumentative over there and since I am an idiot I get sucked right in. Lol.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

The cruise meet threads on here are pretty dead. I would love to discuss ports, excursions,hotels etc .It would be helpful to share information especially on the less common itinerarys such as Europe. Like you I don't want to join a private group. It's just not my thing.

Sorry
That last response was for this quote.

 

[trvlgirlmq]

To each their own. I’m happy with Disney because I love Disney and to me it’s money well spent.

Then I am not sure what you are contributing here if you have never cruised on Carnival and don’t plan on it in the future.

 

[cruiser21]

Cc is really invaluable for that. They have an entire section within boards about ports. If you have not been to that section, you would love it. At this point I am just a lurker over there but I do read a lot. The only reason I really still come over here is this thread. And then once I am over here I sometimes look at other dcl threads whuch is bad because I feel like sometimes people are argumentative over there and since I am an idiot I get sucked right in. Lol.

I've been a member of there for years. There port of call section is very helpful. The cruise meets threads aren't very active over there either everyone goes to that other place.

 

[cruiser21]

The last few times when we have talked to other cruisers and said how much we love dcl food and Palo they seemed upset at having to pay more for good food on the other ships where as with dcl it’s included. I’ve seen what looked like them repainting or washing the front of our ship while docked before.

How many times have you cruised on DCL?

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

I wasn't sure where else to ask this so hoping I can get some feedback here. My parents are taking the whole family on a cruise. Destination isn't priority. We are looking at summer 2019. Once prices are out we will look at Disney but we are also looking at other lines. We will need 6-7 rooms. 23 of us total. Kids ages go from age 4 to 18. Pretty much one of every age in between! Obviously if we choose Disney it will be a shorter cruise due to price. We all love Disney. My family and parents are the only ones who have every cruised before. I have only done Disney. May parents have done others years ago. Anyway what ships from Carnival or RCCL would you suggest? Looking more for pools/activities outside of kids clubs/shows/food.

Is there much of a difference between the Breeze, Vista and Magic for Carnival or are those similar? What about the Carnival Dream? That would be our 5 night option for Carnival but is the ship as nice as the newer ones?

For RCCL I imagine anything from the oasis class?

Between Carnival and RCCL which would you go with with kids of all ages?

Thanks for anyone who read!

I would recommend the Vista or Horizon for sure. In 2019 Vista will be doing alternating 7 night eastern and western itineraries out of Galveston. Horizon will be doing 6 night western and 8 night Southern itineraries out of Miami. I highly recommend the 8 night Southern, we loved that on the Vista last year. Next behind that, is recommend the Breeze, I believe she’ll be doing alternating 7 night western and easterns out of Port Canaveral. From what I’ve read the Magic and Dream are also great ships but I’ve yet to try them. Ive spent 22 nights on Vista and have yet to try everything that she has to offer, there is so much to do. We’re hoping to finally try it all when we board Horizon in June 2019.

BTW, when exploring room options, Vista and Horizon have way more connecting rooms than all the other Carnival rooms. They also have Family Ocean View rooms that have a full 3 piece bathroom, plus a second 1/2 bath that has a shower and sink. The Family Harbor area also has some great features, especially for large groups like yours. There’s an exclusive lounge with snacks, breakfast and 24 hour soft serve ice cream. There are also video and board games in the lounge. The Family Harbor Suites are really great cabins as well. They are considered Cove Balconies that many Carnival cruisers just love. They are on the 2nd deck so you’re very close to the ocean and people just love them.

The Disney Fantasy used to be my favorite ship until I sailed the Vista, now she is my favorite ship, by far. I still love DCL, but definitely love CCL as much.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Thank you. I like that you pointed out the outdoor spaces because that is what I love about cruising. I wish I could see the water all day!

I had never really thought about Carnival as my second option after Disney until reading threads like these. What are the shows like on the Carnival? kid friendly or more for adults? Are they first come first serve or do you need to get tickets in advance?

Also does Carnival have a movie theater and if so what types of movies do they play?

If you like outdoor space, Vista and Horizon are sooooo for you!

 

[mevelandry]

To each their own. I’m happy with Disney because I love Disney and to me it’s money well spent.

Huh... Good for you? (I'm confused.)

Not trying to argue with you here (because this is a zen thread) but I'm just trying to understand where we are going with this...

Most participants to this thread now alternate between DCL and other cruise lines. In many cases, it's not a question of wallet but a choice/a preference.

Also, we did not simply judge other ships from the dock: we tried them and found value in them.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

View from cove balcony on Vista!

 

[iamporch]

I would recommend the Vista or Horizon for sure. In 2019 Vista will be doing alternating 7 night eastern and western itineraries out of Galveston. Horizon will be doing 6 night western and 8 night Southern itineraries out of Miami. I highly recommend the 8 night Southern, we loved that on the Vista last year. Next behind that, is recommend the Breeze, I believe she’ll be doing alternating 7 night western and easterns out of Port Canaveral. From what I’ve read the Magic and Dream are also great ships but I’ve yet to try them. Ive spent 22 nights on Vista and have yet to try everything that she has to offer, there is so much to do. We’re hoping to finally try it all when we board Horizon in June 2019.

BTW, when exploring room options, Vista and Horizon have way more connecting rooms than all the other Carnival rooms. They also have Family Ocean View rooms that have a full 3 piece bathroom, plus a second 1/2 bath that has a shower and sink. The Family Harbor area also has some great features, especially for large groups like yours. There’s an exclusive lounge with snacks, breakfast and 24 hour soft serve ice cream. There are also video and board games in the lounge. The Family Harbor Suites are really great cabins as well. They are considered Cove Balconies that many Carnival cruisers just love. They are on the 2nd deck so you’re very close to the ocean and people just love them.

The Disney Fantasy used to be my favorite ship until I sailed the Vista, now she is my favorite ship, by far. I still love DCL, but definitely love CCL as much.

Do any of the balconies open up like they can on Disney?

 

[PrincessTrisha]

When at ports I see the envy in their eyes when they are like oh your on the Disney ship. Our ship just always looks better in my opinion and we get greeted with water and stuff while the other cruise lines don’t get that. I just count that kind of stuff as the “Disney difference”

You've clearly not cruised on other lines. Water and lemonade, comfortable furniture under a tent - I've seen these frequently on many cruise lines on their dock (including Carnival ships).

If you're seeing a lot of envy, you're looking at your reflection in the mirror. We were on the Carnival Pride in January (14 night Journey cruise so full of mostly adults with very few kids on board), trust me, there was no envy there. In fact, there was a lot of comments about kids running amok, and rats running the ship