CARNIVAL VS DCL: The discussion and comparison thread!

[cyclenut]

When people say: "I would never sail with Carnival", I always ask why. I noticed that for those have experienced it (most of the time, it's not the case... *criquets*), 99% of the time, I thought that they overreacted over small issues...

OK ... to be fair ... as I mentioned, I used to be one of those people who stated that (and I had sailed with Carnival). My reasons why were legitimate, but also based on a false premise that the Carnival Cruise I experienced was typical of all Carnival cruises.

Wife and I sailed on a 4 day out of Long Beach to Ensenda in 2004. We had a good time and decided that cruising was for us. We left the ship feeling like we had visited Vegas (on the cheap) and we like Vegas. Then we sailed Royal Caribbean three years later and we were really impressed. I swore then I would never go back to Carnival after having experienced Royal. It took us nearly 10 years to give Carnival another try. By then we had a couple of Disney cruises under our belt and had another wonderful experience on Royal. We took almost the same itinerary as the first time on Carnival, but on a different ship. We had almost the same experience, but we discovered that we still really enjoyed it. We just had to go in with a different (not lower but different) expectation of our vacation. It was cheap (really cheap) and it was convenient (we lived in SoCal at the time). Didn't have to take much time off work and we were on vacation. The ship rocked quite a bit and when we boarded it smelled really bad. The cruise before us was a charter full of DJs. Our room smelled really bad too, but it did get better. There were places of the ship that seemed in disrepair (broken lights, missing molding, dirty carpets, loose fixtures), but we just ignored those things and moved on about our vacation. We came back really relaxed, met some good people (even ran into a few we already knew) and decided that we really needed to put Carnival back on our list. While we found ourselves comparing that cruise to Disney and Royal (and it didn't stack up well), we also didn't mind, because we didn't pay an kings ransom to be on the ship.

Then we sailed the Carnival Breeze and we started to really understand the Carnival product. The short cruises on the older ships are really about a total escape from the stresses of the real world. Let your hair down and just go enjoy a carefree lifestyle. Very much the Vegas atmosphere. The longer cruises and newer ships have more amenities and less wild party (maybe because people tend to pace themselves ... not sure).

 

[mevelandry]

OK ... to be fair ... as I mentioned, I used to be one of those people who stated that (and I had sailed with Carnival). My reasons why were legitimate, but also based on a false premise that the Carnival Cruise I experienced was typical of all Carnival cruises.

Wife and I sailed on a 4 day out of Long Beach to Ensenda in 2004. We had a good time and decided that cruising was for us. We left the ship feeling like we had visited Vegas (on the cheap) and we like Vegas. Then we sailed Royal Caribbean three years later and we were really impressed. I swore then I would never go back to Carnival after having experienced Royal. It took us nearly 10 years to give Carnival another try. By then we had a couple of Disney cruises under our belt and had another wonderful experience on Royal. We took almost the same itinerary as the first time on Carnival, but on a different ship. We had almost the same experience, but we discovered that we still really enjoyed it. We just had to go in with a different (not lower but different) expectation of our vacation. It was cheap (really cheap) and it was convenient (we lived in SoCal at the time). Didn't have to take much time off work and we were on vacation. The ship rocked quite a bit and when we boarded it smelled really bad. The cruise before us was a charter full of DJs. Our room smelled really bad too, but it did get better. There were places of the ship that seemed in disrepair (broken lights, missing molding, dirty carpets, loose fixtures), but we just ignored those things and moved on about our vacation. We came back really relaxed, met some good people (even ran into a few we already knew) and decided that we really needed to put Carnival back on our list. While we found ourselves comparing that cruise to Disney and Royal (and it didn't stack up well), we also didn't mind, because we didn't pay an kings ransom to be on the ship.

Then we sailed the Carnival Breeze and we started to really understand the Carnival product. The short cruises on the older ships are really about a total escape from the stresses of the real world. Let your hair down and just go enjoy a carefree lifestyle. Very much the Vegas atmosphere. The longer cruises and newer ships have more amenities and less wild party (maybe because people tend to pace themselves ... not sure).

Then you were the 1%.... (Your reason sound valid. Nobody wants a dirty/smelly ship with broken things).

Which ship did you sail on?

 

[mevelandry]

I just added a thing or two in the infos in the first post:

Apparently, the hiding of rubber duckies is really becoming a thing on the Carnival ships.

Some of them are either decorated or very original.

I have not found one yet but I think it's fun!

 

[mevelandry]

Hi all. I have enjoyed reading disboards for years, but had to sign up specifically for this thread Please forgive me if this has been discussed, but admittedly I skipped bunches of pages.
We just booked Alaska on DCL for 2020. I had to choose deck 2 because it was just too much for a higher deck ocean view. Hubby is not happy. We visited Alaska many years ago--before kids--on Princess. We were so BORED! Alaska was beautiful, but Princess was just not for us. Has anyone visited Alaska on CCL or another line and would be willing to share their experience?

Welcome!

 

[mevelandry]

I booked the maiden voyage out of Copenhagen on the Mardi Gras. I booked the early saver rate. I know the deposit is non refundable, but I needed the reduced deposit. I have two upcoming DCL cruises this year one is paid for and one needs to be paid off by May. How do price drops work and how to get them if they occur? I'm not expecting a price drop. I'm more then happy with the price compared to DCL European cruises, but I do want to take advantage of one if it occurs.

You have to watch and make sure the price of your exact room category is dropping. You can either call or fill up a "Price Protection Form" online. You can choose to upgrade your cabin or get the money back as On Board Credit.

The only downside of the Early Saver is that if you cancel before the Paid In Full date, the rest of the money will be kept as a credit that you have to use within 24 months & when you book again, you'll have to pay 49$ fee per person charged.

I've got some money back a few times. It was nice.

 

[starvenger]

The ship rocked quite a bit and when we boarded it smelled really bad. The cruise before us was a charter full of DJs. Our room smelled really bad too, but it did get better.

I honestly can't say I'm surprised by this. Charter + bunch of DJs + bargain price for cruise right after charter = the smells. I'd guess that carnival knew that too.

Still, you had a good time, and that's what counts, right?

 

[cyclenut]

hen you were the 1%.... (Your reason sound valid. Nobody wants a dirty/smelly ship with broken things).

Which ship did you sail on?

Perhaps, but I don't think it's only 1%. Carnival has an identity crisis because they do things like what we experienced. We were not even able to board on time because they couldn't get the passengers on board to wake up and get off the ship. There is no warning for embarking passengers, but we did find out while we were standing in the EXTREMELY long line waiting for the ship to be "cleaned" at least enough for us to board. There were the typical cross-section of people on board. Family reunion, honeymoon, family vacation and those ready to get their drunk on. Some were more patient with the issues than others, but everyone came off that ship with a less than ideal experience. Why does Carnival do this?

We were on the Inspiration, sister ship to the Imagination.

I honestly can't say I'm surprised by this. Charter + bunch of DJs + bargain price for cruise right after charter = the smells. I'd guess that carnival knew that too.

Still, you had a good time, and that's what counts, right?

For us, yes, but my point really is that Carnival does this kind of thing and it only solidifies the image that they are a party boat and keeps those that favor a DCL type family cruise away from considering Carnival, even though Carnival has what is really a completely separate product with their new ships and 7 day sailings. It's like two different cruise lines and it's hard for the average consumer to distinguish when booking a vacation.

 

[smmco]

You have to watch and make sure the price of your exact room category is dropping. You can either call or fill up a "Price Protection Form" online. You can choose to upgrade your cabin or get the money back as On Board Credit.

The only downside of the Early Saver is that if you cancel before the Paid In Full date, the rest of the money will be kept as a credit that you have to use within 24 months & when you book again, you'll have to pay 49$ fee per person charged.

I've got some money back a few times. It was nice.

Our room category is sold out and prices have gone up. I'm not optimistic about the price dropping on a maiden voyage with a unique itinerary. I have no idea when this cruise was released. Prices may have already gone up a lot. I've been waiting on DCL to release Summer cruises. The DCL prices were higher then I liked. I started checking other cruise lines and just happened to stumble upon this Carnival cruise. The itinerary is very different then other Baltic cruises. I had no idea it was a new ship until I started searching for reviews.

 

[mevelandry]

Perhaps, but I don't think it's only 1%. Carnival has an identity crisis because they do things like what we experienced. We were not even able to board on time because they couldn't get the passengers on board to wake up and get off the ship. There is no warning for embarking passengers, but we did find out while we were standing in the EXTREMELY long line waiting for the ship to be "cleaned" at least enough for us to board. There were the typical cross-section of people on board. Family reunion, honeymoon, family vacation and those ready to get their drunk on. Some were more patient with the issues than others, but everyone came off that ship with a less than ideal experience. Why does Carnival do this?

We were on the Inspiration, sister ship to the Imagination.


For us, yes, but my point really is that Carnival does this kind of thing and it only solidifies the image that they are a party boat and keeps those that favor a DCL type family cruise away from considering Carnival, even though Carnival has what is really a completely separate product with their new ships and 7 day sailings. It's like two different cruise lines and it's hard for the average consumer to distinguish when booking a vacation.

I'm no fan of the old ships... We sailed on the Sensation which is sister ship to Inspiration and Imagination... Very old ship. Doesn't compare one bit to the experience we had on the Victory and Vista.

I haven't been on (or right after) a charter cruise but I'm sure the experience is quite different and it sucks that the charter crowded was not respectful of the new guests waiting to board.

It's hard to predict what kind of ambiance you'll get. I've been on two super quiet 4 nights cruises on the Victory & 6 nights on the Vista, then I've been on a "more of a party" 5 nights cruise on the Sensation... But indeed, the longer the cruise, the less people can afford the drink package. LOL

 

[mevelandry]

Our room category is sold out and prices have gone up. I'm not optimistic about the price dropping on a maiden voyage with a unique itinerary. I have no idea when this cruise was released. Prices may have already gone up a lot. I've been waiting on DCL to release Summer cruises. The DCL prices were higher then I liked. I started checking other cruise lines and just happened to stumble upon this Carnival cruise. The itinerary is very different then other Baltic cruises. I had no idea it was a new ship until I started searching for reviews.

FYI: sometimes, when room categories are sold out, they offer cheaper upgrades so they can fill up the ship a little bit more (and keep selling the cheaper cabins.)

As for the ship: the new ships are usually great but this one sounds even more special. I think you hit the jackpot.

 

[smmco]

FYI: sometimes, when room categories are sold out, they offer cheaper upgrades so they can fill up the ship a little bit more (and keep selling the cheaper cabins.)

As for the ship: the new ships are usually great but this one sounds even more special. I think you hit the jackpot.

I think being the first one to sail on any ship is pretty memorable. I want to sail the maiden voyage on Disney’s new ship. I can’t imagine what the prices will be like. I bet it doesn’t even make it past platinum day one before it’s sold out.

 

[mevelandry]

I've just had another YOLO moment and decided to rent a private cabana on Princess Cays to celebrate my birthday.

Anyone has experience with cabanas on Princess Cays? I saw videos and it looks awesome.

 

[belle032]

I was going to share this on the Budget Board and I don't know if anyone uses Swagbucks here, but it looks like they added Carnival gift cards to My Gift Cards Plus for 7% back. It's tricky to find Carnival GCs sometimes, so this is another way to save a few dollars for your next cruise! If only they would add Disney GCs, I'd be all set!

 

[Monykalyn]

I was going to share this on the Budget Board and I don't know if anyone uses Swagbucks here, but it looks like they added Carnival gift cards to My Gift Cards Plus for 7% back. It's tricky to find Carnival GCs sometimes, so this is another way to save a few dollars for your next cruise! If only they would add Disney GCs, I'd be all set!

I get mine from Allstate rewards (don't have their insurance, just use the drivewise to get points) for 10% off. Missed delivery of my $500 cards so no have to chase them down at the UPS store

 

[lucyddr]

We learned last year that we are 7 day, 2000 and newer ship lovers for Carnival! Shorter cruises draw different crowds and have different vibes, plus are on older ships.

We promised our kids a DCL experience this year, and I’m just praying I don’t get off the Fantasy feeling totally ripped off. We can well afford DCL, but Carnival offers better itineraries and dining options for our family.

 

[belle032]

Ok I do have one Carnival rant (as I'm searching for our next cruise! Looking at you 8 day southern Caribbean on the Horizon!) Would it kill them to put an adult pool on the Serenity deck? The hot tubs are great, but in the Caribbean...sometimes you just want to hang out in a pool with your frozen umbrella drink! I like the Serenity decks, but we end up spending most of our time in the aft pools because I can go from my lounge chair to the pool to the hot tub. And DH can't lay in a lounge chair for more than 3 minutes. I was really hoping this would be added to the newer ships, but oh well

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

Hey guys, on Breeze right now and loving it. In San Juan, so I have some internet and will post a bit of TR.

CCL BREEZE
Day 1: Canaveral
We parked at port parking. First time leaving from Canaveral with Ccl. You do not pay for parking in the ccl lot until exit. $17/day. Boarding was effortless. Only thing strange to me with CCL boarding is how the people checking your passports/boarding passes are at small kiosks. No room to put anything down. DCL fantasy was also in port. Could see people on the aquaduck. We boarded around 1:15pm. Rooms already available. We brought our own Kroger canned soda for the first time. Every time we see other people boarding with packs of soda and say we should do it too but then forget the next time. Not this time! Lol. We do not get cheers or the soda package so it is fun to have the canned drinks. We always order water to the room ahead of time. Very reasonable on Carnival. Plus they give those large waters for return guests.
Went right to Guys after checking out the room. I ended up at the buffet but everyone else ate burgers. Walked around the ship some and soon enough it was time for muster. Painless. 5 minutes in Ovation theater. Went back to the cabin and luggage was all there. Our room was very clean and it was pretty exciting to see it in such good condition. I had my usual cleaning materials with me but only used the lysol to spray the carpet (something I learned to do from someone's trip report on cc. Not even sure that the report was a ccl report). For the first time I also brought other air freshener. Taking a page from Disney hotels that always smell so awesome. So we have our own "smellitizers" or however you spell it and the cabin smells so fresh and welcoming. Our room steward is from the Philippines and is really wonderful. The air conditioning in the cabin (and throughout the ship) is fabulous. Our cabin is on the sixth floor which is an awesome location. Close to deck five but also pretty close to lido. We are taking the stairs most of the time. It is our first cabin with ccl above floor 2. Unpacked and got ready for dinner. Anytime dining. New feature in the app to reserve a table. Works great! After dinner tonight we went to punchliner for a comedy show. Funny, of course.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

Lol. Carnival does paint their ships in port!

 

[mevelandry]

We learned last year that we are 7 day, 2000 and newer ship lovers for Carnival! Shorter cruises draw different crowds and have different vibes, plus are on older ships.

We promised our kids a DCL experience this year, and I’m just praying I don’t get off the Fantasy feeling totally ripped off. We can well afford DCL, but Carnival offers better itineraries and dining options for our family.

You'll have an amazing cruise on the Fantasy. It's going to be very special (IMO the first time on a DCL is always magical).

 

[mevelandry]

Ok I do have one Carnival rant (as I'm searching for our next cruise! Looking at you 8 day southern Caribbean on the Horizon!) Would it kill them to put an adult pool on the Serenity deck? The hot tubs are great, but in the Caribbean...sometimes you just want to hang out in a pool with your frozen umbrella drink! I like the Serenity decks, but we end up spending most of our time in the aft pools because I can go from my lounge chair to the pool to the hot tub. And DH can't lay in a lounge chair for more than 3 minutes. I was really hoping this would be added to the newer ships, but oh well

PREACH!!!

We spend most of our time at the Aft Pool instead of the Serenity deck just because most Serenity sections have no pools.