CARNIVAL VS DCL: The discussion and comparison thread!

[tigerchic89]

So.... I've read a many paged here and there on this thread (I missed the drama though)... but hubby and I are taking out 1st Carnival cruise in a few weeks. a 3 day on the liberty out of PC. We've only cruised DCL with our kids, but we will already be in Orlando together, want a quick get a way, and this cruise was 1/4 the price of DCL... so we're trying it.

Give me tips... we're leaning toward NOT paying for FTTF even though it's available. Also we are not doing CHEERS. I can't imagine drinking $300 worth.. we drink a lot on DCL but never spend $300. We will carry on 2 bottles, what other Carnival tips can you guys give us??? Leaning toward the middle wifi package.. good idea????

I'm a bit nervous as I LOVE LOVE LOVE DCL, but I really want a quick, cheap get away!

 

[RedSox68]

So.... I've read a many paged here and there on this thread (I missed the drama though)... but hubby and I are taking out 1st Carnival cruise in a few weeks. a 3 day on the liberty out of PC. We've only cruised DCL with our kids, but we will already be in Orlando together, want a quick get a way, and this cruise was 1/4 the price of DCL... so we're trying it.

Give me tips... we're leaning toward NOT paying for FTTF even though it's available. Also we are not doing CHEERS. I can't imagine drinking $300 worth.. we drink a lot on DCL but never spend $300. We will carry on 2 bottles, what other Carnival tips can you guys give us??? Leaning toward the middle wifi package.. good idea????

I'm a bit nervous as I LOVE LOVE LOVE DCL, but I really want a quick, cheap get away!

If you ship as Guy's Burger or the Blue Iguana Taco Bar -- they're a must. We love them each and every time.

 

[mevelandry]

So.... I've read a many paged here and there on this thread (I missed the drama though)... but hubby and I are taking out 1st Carnival cruise in a few weeks. a 3 day on the liberty out of PC. We've only cruised DCL with our kids, but we will already be in Orlando together, want a quick get a way, and this cruise was 1/4 the price of DCL... so we're trying it.

Give me tips... we're leaning toward NOT paying for FTTF even though it's available. Also we are not doing CHEERS. I can't imagine drinking $300 worth.. we drink a lot on DCL but never spend $300. We will carry on 2 bottles, what other Carnival tips can you guys give us??? Leaning toward the middle wifi package.. good idea????

I'm a bit nervous as I LOVE LOVE LOVE DCL, but I really want a quick, cheap get away!

Hi! Welcome to the thread.

As long as you are expecting something different than DCL, I think your chances to have a good time are great.

I haven't tried the Liberty but I have done a short cruise from PC and had lots of fun. I think the Liberty is already a funship 2.0 ... I have tried Carnival before I tried funship 2.0 and I don't think I could go back.

In order to really take advantage of Cheers, you must drink at least 6 drinks per day. Some people use it with Evian water and specialty coffee in order to make Cheers worth it but ... I don't know. I wish Carnival offered a smaller/cheaper package.

I'm a fan of the social media wifi package. I buy it every time. It can be spotty sometimes (depending on where you are on the ship) but I can't said I've ever regretted buying it.

Regarding the look of the Carnival Liberty, you have to expect an older ship (with real wood floor) and a little less color on the main deck. Also, the look is gonna be more "vegas" than the classic look you are used to on DCL.

I'm a big picky so at first I was a bit uneasy on the old look of the Victory but once I went passed that and concentrated on what the ship had to offer regarding food and entertainment, I was completely sold.

My husband and I love the comedy shows and the food on Carnival but I know opinions can differ from person to person.

Regarding FTTF, opinions may vary. We did not have it on our short cruise and just picked an early PAT and we were fine.

Although DH and I are fans of My Time Dining, if you enjoy getting to know your servers a little better, you can pick a fixed time for dinner.

My two favorite drinks on Carnival are the Funship Special (usually the drink of the day on the first day) and the Punchliner which is only available in the comedy show room I think.

I find that Cruise Director take a little bit more room on Carnival than DCL.

Where is your room on the ship? If you are near mid-ship, bring hearplugs just in case guests tend to party a little bit on the first night.

The cabins haven't been renovated yet I think so they could be bring orange.

If you don't like your mattress, remember that you can ask your steward for a foam matress topper.

I'm not a fan of the shower gel and shampoo so I bring my own.

If you have any other question, feel free to ask.

 

[mevelandry]

Whoops forgot to add this one. That is an interesting question. I have no idea either but it was terrible IMO. It is also the first time I have experienced it including other times we have been docked by Carnival ships. I hope it was a one off and not a new trend.

If I get the chance I will try to look into the decibel rules. I really find than question interesting. If we think it's annoying, I can't imagine what the locals think of the noise. :/

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

So.... I've read a many paged here and there on this thread (I missed the drama though)... but hubby and I are taking out 1st Carnival cruise in a few weeks. a 3 day on the liberty out of PC. We've only cruised DCL with our kids, but we will already be in Orlando together, want a quick get a way, and this cruise was 1/4 the price of DCL... so we're trying it.

Give me tips... we're leaning toward NOT paying for FTTF even though it's available. Also we are not doing CHEERS. I can't imagine drinking $300 worth.. we drink a lot on DCL but never spend $300. We will carry on 2 bottles, what other Carnival tips can you guys give us??? Leaning toward the middle wifi package.. good idea????

I'm a bit nervous as I LOVE LOVE LOVE DCL, but I really want a quick, cheap get away!

I personally do not think FTTF is worth it. We also do not do Cheers, but we barely drink soft drinks or alcohol, so it would not be worth it for us. It is a great deal if you drink. We buy bottled water for the cabin in the fun shops on their website before we cruise. It is inexpensive and waiting for you in your cabin. We always bring lysol spray and wipes to sanitize the cabin, but we do that on dcl too. One of my kids used to always get a sore throat or cold when we first started cruising on dcl and since we started doing the sanitizer stuff a couple of years ago, he has been fine. Not sure if it is a coincidence or not! The desserts at the coffee shop are awesome. They charge for them but it is minimal. Your cabin steward might ask if you want morning or evening service. Do not be afraid to say you want both. We asked for both because we said we might need new towels. Our steward was awesome.
Forgot.. the steak and eggs on sea day brunch are amazing. Enjoy your cruise!!

 

[mevelandry]

I personally do not think FTTF is worth it. We also do not do Cheers, but we barely drink soft drinks or alcohol, so it would not be worth it for us. It is a great deal if you drink. We buy bottled water for the cabin in the fun shops on their website before we cruise. It is inexpensive and waiting for you in your cabin. We always bring lysol spray and wipes to sanitize the cabin, but we do that on dcl too. One of my kids used to always get a sore throat or cold when we first started cruising on dcl and since we started doing the sanitizer stuff a couple of years ago, he has been fine. Not sure if it is a coincidence or not! The desserts at the coffee shop are awesome. They charge for them but it is minimal. Your cabin steward might ask if you want morning or evening service. Do not be afraid to say you want both. We asked for both because we said we might need new towels. Our steward was awesome.
Forgot.. the steak and eggs on sea day brunch are amazing. Enjoy your cruise!!

+1 on the desserts at the coffee shop. You pay about 2,50$ for a dessert you'd pay around 9$ on land. I loved the Blue Velvet cake and people rave about the White Forest Cake as well.

+1 on the Sea Day brunch and Steak and egg as well.

I also love the port days breakfast menu in the dining room. I ordered the avocado toasts and the french toast every morning on my last cruise.

 

[mevelandry]

I’m talking about posters coming into other threads I’m posting in and bringing up stuff that has zero to do with that thread but is about this thread.

Who and where? I haven't seen this thread mentionned elsewhere recently.

 

[mevelandry]

So, apparently the explosion on a ferry in Playa Del Carmen wasn't accidental so Carnival cancelled excursions including ferries in Cozumel for the next few days and recommends their guests to avoid them at all costs.

I have one including a ferry going to Isla Pasion next month. No news from Carnival yet but... Now I am wondering if I should change it for Chankanaab... (that use bus instead of ferry).

Or just remain in the port (which would disappoint my family very much).

I wish Carnival would just send us to Grand Cayman instead.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

+1 on the desserts at the coffee shop. You pay about 2,50$ for a dessert you'd pay around 9$ on land. I loved the Blue Velvet cake and people rave about the White Forest Cake as well.

+1 on the Sea Day brunch and Steak and egg as well.

I also love the port days breakfast menu in the dining room. I ordered the avocado toasts and the french toast every morning on my last cruise.

Oh, I loved the new breakfast menu on Carnival when we sailed the Pride in January. The new cornbeef hash breakfast is awesome - they cook the egg wrapped in bacon and then serve hash and sautéed veggies on the side. Super good - as was all the new stuff we tried - well, except for the new yogurt parfait - it's made with dates and I realized that I really don't like them. But the granola you can get is great - it's mostly all nuts, grains and fruit - no "filler" .

 

[mevelandry]

Oh, I loved the new breakfast menu on Carnival when we sailed the Pride in January. The new cornbeef hash breakfast is awesome - they cook the egg wrapped in bacon and then serve hash and sautéed veggies on the side. Super good - as was all the new stuff we tried - well, except for the new yogurt parfait - it's made with dates and I realized that I really don't like them. But the granola you can get is great - it's mostly all nuts, grains and fruit - no "filler" .

They also have an open face sandwich that looks amazing.

 

[cruiser21]

NCL is offering 1 dollar deposits until Monday. Just letting you all know.

 

[mevelandry]

NCL is offering 1 dollar deposits until Monday. Just letting you all know.

Thanks!

What are the latest dates we can book?

 

[cruiser21]

Thanks!

What are the latest dates we can book?

Any cruise that's available. I don't think they have cruises out past the end of 2019.

 

[KalamityJane]

Looking at booking Carnival - any preference towards Vista class versus Breeze/Magic? We have 5 people (2A, 3K) if that sways it. Kids are 5, 6 and 9 currently and we didn't find as much to do on the Disney Magic as we had hoped for the kids.

 

[bbel]

So, apparently the explosion on a ferry in Playa Del Carmen wasn't accidental so Carnival cancelled excursions including ferries in Cozumel for the next few days and recommends their guests to avoid them at all costs.

I have one including a ferry going to Isla Pasion next month. No news from Carnival yet but... Now I am wondering if I should change it for Chankanaab... (that use bus instead of ferry).

Or just remain in the port (which would disappoint my family very much).

I wish Carnival would just send us to Grand Cayman instead.

Well I know a Carnival ship (Valour, I think) was in Cozumel that day and a couple of guests were caught up in it so that doesn't surprise me too much.
Cozumel itself doesn't feel any different after the explosion and all the local people in the area aren't too worried as it was aimed at the ferry company, not the island itself, they're just using the other two ferry companies if they have to haha!

 

[PrincessTrisha]

Looking at booking Carnival - any preference towards Vista class versus Breeze/Magic? We have 5 people (2A, 3K) if that sways it. Kids are 5, 6 and 9 currently and we didn't find as much to do on the Disney Magic as we had hoped for the kids.

I'd do the Vista Class (either Vista or Horizon) and book a family ocean view cabin in the Family Harbour area. They have lots of cabins that sleep 5, and have some extra amenities.

Access to Family Harbor Lounge featuring breakfast, snacks during the day, concierge service… plus Hasbro board games, family movies, video games and more. Kids eat free in most specialty onboard restaurants and get a free evening of Night Owls babysitting service.

The rooms have:
Two twin beds (convert to king), two upper pullmans and single sofa bed. Privacy curtain. Sofa and coffee table. Desk and seat. Full bathroom with shower plus separate washroom with sink and junior tub. 3 closets. Picture window.

 

[mevelandry]

Looking at booking Carnival - any preference towards Vista class versus Breeze/Magic? We have 5 people (2A, 3K) if that sways it. Kids are 5, 6 and 9 currently and we didn't find as much to do on the Disney Magic as we had hoped for the kids.

I can't answer your question on Vista vs Breeze/Magic as I have only tried the Vista but I can tell you that I have done the Vista a few months after the Disney Wonder (which is quite similar to the Magic Magic) and Vista was definitely my favorite out of the two. I can't imagine kids being bored on that ship, ever!

They have a rope course, a mini-golf, soccer pool, pool tables, foosball tables, ping pong tables, a mini-bowling, an exterior gym, waterworks and two big waterslides, arcades, thrill theater (it's a 4D ride, it's 5$ and in my opinion totally worth the money), they have an Imax movie which I haven't tried (they charge a fee for it) but if you want to see free movies they have Dive-In Movies every night with free pop corn... On top of all the kids club has to offer that I am not even aware of as I don't have kids.

When I came back, I recommended the ship to all my friends with kids (aka all of them LOL).

 

[mevelandry]

Well I know a Carnival ship (Valour, I think) was in Cozumel that day and a couple of guests were caught up in it so that doesn't surprise me too much.
Cozumel itself doesn't feel any different after the explosion and all the local people in the area aren't too worried as it was aimed at the ferry company, not the island itself, they're just using the other two ferry companies if they have to haha!

I read they found 2 other explosive devices on other ferries and most cruiselines cancelled excursions involving ferries.

I'm just not sure if they only cancelled those going to mainland or those for activities hapenning on Cozumel as well.

For now, we decided to keep the excursion booked and follow the recommendations of Carnival (if we receive any).

To be continued...

 

[mevelandry]

I'd do the Vista Class (either Vista or Horizon) and book a family ocean view cabin in the Family Harbour area. They have lots of cabins that sleep 5, and have some extra amenities.

Access to Family Harbor Lounge featuring breakfast, snacks during the day, concierge service… plus Hasbro board games, family movies, video games and more. Kids eat free in most specialty onboard restaurants and get a free evening of Night Owls babysitting service.

The rooms have:
Two twin beds (convert to king), two upper pullmans and single sofa bed. Privacy curtain. Sofa and coffee table. Desk and seat. Full bathroom with shower plus separate washroom with sink and junior tub. 3 closets. Picture window.

Doesn't the Family Habour have cove balconies as well?

 

[tigerchic89]

Thanks for the replies

Can someone possibly explain the day that you leave the ship? We booked our fights before booking our carnival cruise. With our DCL experience, we assumed that any flight after noon would be okay. But Carnival recommends flights after 1:00, we have 12:15 flights.

Liberty out of PC, flying out of MCO. We can't take Carnival bus bc our flight is too early, so I booked a private shuttle that picks us up at 9:30. WHat's the best way to ensure we make that shuttle? Carry our bags off ourselves? What announcement do we listen for? Where is the best spot to wait to get into "the line"? we do not have FTTF