DCL vs. Carnival

[1stcruiser]

Our family is going back and forth between booking a Disney Western Cruise or Carnival's Western Crusie. I think DCL is more expensive but I've heard good things, haven't heard much about Carnival. Can anyone give some opinions on the two?? Thanks so much!

 

[iluvorlando]

I can't really give you an opinion about cruising. I can tell you why I chose Disney vs Carnival though. I guess since we cruised in a category 4, my family is spoiled with all that room. When I spoke to Carnival, they only had a category 8A-D which was a balcony room, but only 185 sq feet. Magic cabin is 300+ sq feet. Since their larger cabins don't accomodate 4 people (go figure, I am sure this is incorrect), we decided on the Magic. Carnival was probably less expensive, but for the experience (especially with the kids) we choose the Magic!!

Also, we like the fact the DCL stops at Key West, Cozumel and Grand Cayman. I have never heard of the places (except Cozumel) that the Pride / Glory stop at. Plus, you can't beat Castaway Cay!!!


Oh, one other thing - DCL has FRESH water pools!

 

[aprilgail2]

I have been on Carnival cruise line and their ships are more singles and couples party type ships....I didn't see a big bunch of kids on the ones I went one.

 

[PiperG]

If you have kids, I think DCL is the only way to go. DS 5 is typically pretty aprehensive about new stuff. However, the club staff and itenerary (sp?) WOWd him. We had to drag him out of there!

In addition, the wait staff was extremely attentive to the children. I need to learn that trick about pouring ketchup into the shape of Mickey Mouse!

 

[MFan]

We have cruised on both. They offer very different experiences. Disney is by far the most family friendly cruise line in the industry. It provides entertainment geared toward both adults and children, and most can be enjoyed by both together. Carnival is not nearly as family oriented. Although Carnival offers a very good kids camp, it still feels like an add-on. To give you a feel for the different priorities between the two cruise lines, the amount of floor space dedicated to children on Disney ships is taken up by casinos on Carnival.

Not sure of the make up of your family and your interest. If you only have adults & teenagers, then Carnival will be perfectly fine. If you have children under ten, Carnival will be ok, but a Disney will be terrific. However, if anyone in your family is looking for a little slot or card table actions, you can scratch Disney off your list. There is no casino aboard a Disney ship.

 

[mrsltg]

Definitely go with DCL over Carnival! Carnival has been nicknamed the "McDonald's" of cruise lines for several reasons. The food is ok... far from spectacular. The activities are adult oriented, but more "adult on Spring Break" oriented. Carnvial children's programming is also not comparable to Disney. DH and I sailed on Carnival for our honeymoon, and trust me, we are far from being the most sophisticated people you'll ever meet, but we felt like we had stumbled onto a bad episode of the Beverly HillBillies!

Everything that I've been told about DCL speaks to the opposite. I have friends who have cruised both lines and they all tell me, hands down, Disney comes out on top.

Of course, you can make your own fun and have a wonderful vacation anywhere!

JMHO...
Erin