DCL vs. Carnival

[wendydarling33]

I like Carnival and most of its ships but I DID NOT like the Inspiration . TOo old and too tacky and too booze-cruisy. I have liked the newer ships but would not do that one again.

 

[Ofinn]

The Breeze was very nice. Also the Magic and Dream, which are in the "Dream" class are sister ships to the Breeze. I've been on Dream and have Vista (2 sailings) and Magic booked within the next 18 months.
I do like their Conquest class boats, as they are the first cruises that started sailing on..and most have the upgrades...but it's Farcus designed...so once you sail on the Breeze, you realize Farcus designed boats are substandard from a purely cosmetic point of view. But the Carnival experience itself has always been wonderful for me and my family.

I'm waiting for some people on these boards to come back from their Vista cruises and write a review. I would like to see some reviews from people that haven't sailed anything but DCL. I do like the Carnival itinerary's. My dh loves the Caribbean, but it would take a very deep discount to get back me back on a DCL Caribbean cruise. I just don't see the point in spending a lot of money on ports I have been to a couple of times.
Have you been to Belize, Honduras, Grand Turk, Dominican Republic, or Aruba? If so what did you think? The Breeze and Vista sail to these ports I haven't been to any of them.

 

[mevelandry]

Here is the link for my thread (Carnival vs DCL). I think you'll find interesting infos here:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/we-chose-the-dark-side-carnival-vs-disney.3502886/

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

I'm waiting for some people on these boards to come back from their Vista cruises and write a review. I would like to see some reviews from people that haven't sailed anything but DCL. I do like the Carnival itinerary's. My dh loves the Caribbean, but it would take a very deep discount to get back me back on a DCL Caribbean cruise. I just don't see the point in spending a lot of money on ports I have been to a couple of times.
Have you been to Belize, Honduras, Grand Turk, Dominican Republic, or Aruba? If so what did you think? The Breeze and Vista sail to these ports I haven't been to any of them.

I'll be boarding Vista in 6 days in Barcelona. Will post a mini review comparing Vista vs Fantasy when we return to the states around 6/15. We also booked Vista for 6/3/17 for the 8 night Southern Caribbean going to the above ports. We only paid $5200 for 4 in 2 connecting inside cabins including gratuity and trip insurance. We really don't want to do the same islands over and over. I loved the itinerary for the southern Caribbean on the Fantasy but that was more than our Vista and Wonder B2B Mexico cruises combined.

 

[21stamps]

I'll be boarding Vista in 6 days in Barcelona. Will post a mini review comparing Vista vs Fantasy when we return to the states around 6/15. We also booked Vista for 6/3/17 for the 8 night Southern Caribbean going to the above ports. We only paid $5200 for 4 in 2 connecting inside cabins including gratuity and trip insurance. We really don't want to do the same islands over and over. I loved the itinerary for the southern Caribbean on the Fantasy but that was more than our Vista and Wonder B2B Mexico cruises combined.

That is a great itinerary!!!!! My top 3 Caribbean islands- DR, Curacao, St Lucia. Aruba and Turks & Caicos right behind...

I have actually considered cancelling my upcoming cruise on Carnival (already past pof but was "complimentary" so only paid upgrade, taxes and fees)...I just got a new offer yesterday afternoon that does NOT have the Vista blocked out!!!!!

We'll see, I'm waiting on a return call.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

That is a great itinerary!!!!! My top 3 Caribbean islands- DR, Curacao, St Lucia. Aruba and Turks & Caicos right behind...

I have actually considered cancelling my upcoming cruise on Carnival (already past pof but was "complimentary" so only paid upgrade, taxes and fees)...I just got a new offer yesterday afternoon that does NOT have the Vista blocked out!!!!!

We'll see, I'm waiting on a return call.

I'm so looking forward to the Vista, I think she is an amazing ship! I think DCL really needs to put something like the Havana Cabana area on the 2 new ships for Concierge, they will be able to sell those cabins for huge $$$$, (not that I'll be able to afford them, but they would sell great I think). I think the typical concierge traveler would love having their own private pool, spas, lounge and full service restaurant in a dedicated area on the ship. I keep looking to book an Havana Cabana Suite but can never find one available for when we can cruise.

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

We've never done a Carnival cruise but when we did DCL Western Caribbean, A Carnival boat pulled up right next to us at one of the ports. I have no idea what boat it was but all I could think was, thank goodness we are not on that boat. It looked so completely run down, everything just looked really old in general. Kind of put a bad taste in my mouth. If we were to try a different line it would probably be RCL.

 

[21stamps]

I'm so looking forward to the Vista, I think she is an amazing ship! I think DCL really needs to put something like the Havana Cabana area on the 2 new ships for Concierge, they will be able to sell those cabins for huge $$$$, (not that I'll be able to afford them, but they would sell great I think). I think the typical concierge traveler would love having their own private pool, spas, lounge and full service restaurant in a dedicated area on the ship. I keep looking to book an Havana Cabana Suite but can never find one available for when we can cruise.

It looks like a great ship and your cruise, well all of them, sound wonderful!

 

[TrySomethingNew]

We've never done a Carnival cruise but when we did DCL Western Caribbean, A Carnival boat pulled up right next to us at one of the ports. I have no idea what boat it was but all I could think was, thank goodness we are not on that boat. It looked so completely run down, everything just looked really old in general. Kind of put a bad taste in my mouth. If we were to try a different line it would probably be RCL.

Interesting. Yesterday I was chatting with a friend near Baltimore port, where an older Carnival ship and older RCCL ship sail out of. Since I'll be in the area later this year, I asked friend if they've done either, answered yes, but to not even consider Carnival, it was not worth it (friend has sailed many DCL -US and Europe- and travelled with kids extensively). We didn't get into a lot of details, so can't offer much there but was surprised at this blanket dissaproval. Of course I mentioned the Havan cabana suites on Carnival and friend quickly looked them up and summed up their appeal: "I don't think I would ever leave my cabin if I was in one of those!" It will be interesting to see the reviews over this year on what seems to be a very nice Carnival ship!

 

[Love2Cruz]

I'm waiting for some people on these boards to come back from their Vista cruises and write a review. I would like to see some reviews from people that haven't sailed anything but DCL. I do like the Carnival itinerary's. My dh loves the Caribbean, but it would take a very deep discount to get back me back on a DCL Caribbean cruise. I just don't see the point in spending a lot of money on ports I have been to a couple of times.
Have you been to Belize, Honduras, Grand Turk, Dominican Republic, or Aruba? If so what did you think? The Breeze and Vista sail to these ports I haven't been to any of them.

Yes, I have been to all those cruise ports. The Vista trip reports are already coming out LouTheGlue on the Carnival board on CC has a good one, with great pics.
Grand Turk is probably my favorite as it's right off Margaritaville, which is free and Jack's Shack that has good food and drinks and free wifi. Basically, no need to do an excursion unless you want to see the rest of the island.
Cabanas on Grand Turk are only 150 each (not pp) if you want a private a/c space with free waiter service....there are the ones that are close to the swim up bar and ones that are closer to the beach, depending on what you like.
Belize is nice, different. I did an excursion through the rain forest and saw monkeys and other indigenous animals in their natural habitat, very cool.
Honduras, we did a beach day, also nice. Central America is different from the Caribbean, but I enjoyed it. Dominican Republic is a Carib. island, but more Spanish obviously, nice excursions, I did a resort stay for that one. Good food too.
In my post, I meant to say I did the Breeze, not Dream. I loved the Breeze. The Vista takes it a step higher. Check out that review, I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised. I booked a Family Harbour OV for my first cruise, and a balcony on Lido for my second cruise next year.

 

[Ofinn]

Yes, I have been to all those cruise ports. The Vista trip reports are already coming out LouTheGlue on the Carnival board on CC has a good one, with great pics.
Grand Turk is probably my favorite as it's right off Margaritaville, which is free and Jack's Shack that has good food and drinks and free wifi. Basically, no need to do an excursion unless you want to see the rest of the island.
Cabanas on Grand Turk are only 150 each (not pp) if you want a private a/c space with free waiter service....there are the ones that are close to the swim up bar and ones that are closer to the beach, depending on what you like.
Belize is nice, different. I did an excursion through the rain forest and saw monkeys and other indigenous animals in their natural habitat, very cool.
Honduras, we did a beach day, also nice. Central America is different from the Caribbean, but I enjoyed it. Dominican Republic is a Carib. island, but more Spanish obviously, nice excursions, I did a resort stay for that one. Good food too.
In my post, I meant to say I did the Breeze, not Dream. I loved the Breeze. The Vista takes it a step higher. Check out that review, I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised. I booked a Family Harbour OV for my first cruise, and a balcony on Lido for my second cruise next year.

Thank you. Belize and Honduras really interest me. I guess because it's something different. Like you said central America not the caribbean. The Breeze has some cruises going there. I'll figure it out when I get back from Europe.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Thank you. Belize and Honduras really interest me. I guess because it's something different. Like you said central America not the caribbean. The Breeze has some cruises going there. I'll figure it out when I get back from Europe.

Here is a link to a great review on the Carnival Glory that hit Belize and Roatan

Glory - 4/25/15 - If you write a review and nobody reads it...
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2206471

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

Yes, I have been to all those cruise ports. The Vista trip reports are already coming out LouTheGlue on the Carnival board on CC has a good one, with great pics.
Grand Turk is probably my favorite as it's right off Margaritaville, which is free and Jack's Shack that has good food and drinks and free wifi. Basically, no need to do an excursion unless you want to see the rest of the island.
Cabanas on Grand Turk are only 150 each (not pp) if you want a private a/c space with free waiter service....there are the ones that are close to the swim up bar and ones that are closer to the beach, depending on what you like.
Belize is nice, different. I did an excursion through the rain forest and saw monkeys and other indigenous animals in their natural habitat, very cool.
Honduras, we did a beach day, also nice. Central America is different from the Caribbean, but I enjoyed it. Dominican Republic is a Carib. island, but more Spanish obviously, nice excursions, I did a resort stay for that one. Good food too.
In my post, I meant to say I did the Breeze, not Dream. I loved the Breeze. The Vista takes it a step higher. Check out that review, I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised. I booked a Family Harbour OV for my first cruise, and a balcony on Lido for my second cruise next year.

Do you have a link to your review?

 

[Love2Cruz]

Do you have a link to your review?

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2360126

From Lou on CC-they were on the Vista's second sailing. Great photos.

 

[Love2Cruz]

Ofinn, I think the excursion I mentioned about the rain forest was in Costa Rica and not Belize...(they all sort of blend in after a while..lol) Belize is very famous for their shopping, I don't think I did an excursion, but they are known to have beautiful beaches. I did shop and bought some paintings and some nice linen for my table...it's so pretty, I haven't even put it out yet. We just walked around the port..it's a bit shady, so I think we returned to the ship. If I were to go to Belize again, I would do an excursion.
I Loved Costa Rica though, the rain forest excursion takes you on a raft type boat through a river in the rain forest...it was a great excursion, also went through the banana plantation, Chiquita, it's interesting how our bananas get processed and for how cheap those poor people work. There was a drinking stop, but I just can't recall what it is now. I did that Itin about 5 years ago.

 

[tee11]

I will add that Disney has wonderfully childproofed cabins.
This is major for anyone with kids under 6 in my opinion. This includes too many features to list here...
Having cruised other lines before Disney I was so, so happy so see the Disney cabins!

 

[Ofinn]

Ofinn, I think the excursion I mentioned about the rain forest was in Costa Rica and not Belize...(they all sort of blend in after a while..lol) Belize is very famous for their shopping, I don't think I did an excursion, but they are known to have beautiful beaches. I did shop and bought some paintings and some nice linen for my table...it's so pretty, I haven't even put it out yet. We just walked around the port..it's a bit shady, so I think we returned to the ship. If I were to go to Belize again, I would do an excursion.
I Loved Costa Rica though, the rain forest excursion takes you on a raft type boat through a river in the rain forest...it was a great excursion, also went through the banana plantation, Chiquita, it's interesting how our bananas get processed and for how cheap those poor people work. There was a drinking stop, but I just can't recall what it is now. I did that Itin about 5 years ago.

I think Belize has some Mayan pyramids. Costa Rica is on my bucket list. My brother spent 10 days there and loved it. I understand what you mean about all blending together. We have been to a number of Caribbean Islands. We did the Southern on the Magic and I think we hit 5 on that cruise.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

Interesting. Yesterday I was chatting with a friend near Baltimore port, where an older Carnival ship and older RCCL ship sail out of. Since I'll be in the area later this year, I asked friend if they've done either, answered yes, but to not even consider Carnival, it was not worth it (friend has sailed many DCL -US and Europe- and travelled with kids extensively). We didn't get into a lot of details, so can't offer much there but was surprised at this blanket dissaproval. Of course I mentioned the Havan cabana suites on Carnival and friend quickly looked them up and summed up their appeal: "I don't think I would ever leave my cabin if I was in one of those!" It will be interesting to see the reviews over this year on what seems to be a very nice Carnival ship!

I wonder if your friend has even sailed on Carnival?

The Carnival Pride sails out of Baltimore and it's probably the most enjoyable ship I've ever been on. It has the best crew at sea (and that's having sailed on DCL 6 times, I still think the crew of the Pride is the best I've ever experienced). The ship also has the Funship 2.0 upgrades which are fantastic and really ups the variety of places on the ship including upgrades to food and small group live bands. I sailed a 14 repositioning cruise and a 21 B2B on that ship and have booked 2 more cruises this summer - I can't say enough good stuff about that ship.

 

[TrySomethingNew]

I wonder if your friend has even sailed on Carnival?

The Carnival Pride sails out of Baltimore and it's probably the most enjoyable ship I've ever been on. It has the best crew at sea (and that's having sailed on DCL 6 times, I still think the crew of the Pride is the best I've ever experienced). The ship also has the Funship 2.0 upgrades which are fantastic and really ups the variety of places on the ship including upgrades to food and small group live bands. I sailed a 14 repositioning cruise and a 21 B2B on that ship and have booked 2 more cruises this summer - I can't say enough good stuff about that ship.

I know this friend has done some cruises out of Baltimore as she commented on the wonderful ease of to/from port. I know she's doneRCCL and possibly the Carnival one. However, funny you should say all those good things Bc of the two ships, I kept thinking the Carnival one was more appealing to me (never having sailed CCL or RCCL), including the ports. I still may try it out, but it will be a last minute cruise related to visiting relatives in that area (likelihood will be related to how crazy they might be driving me...I'll be bringing passports just in case...).

 

[jahber]

Here is a link to a great review on the Carnival Glory that hit Belize and Roatan

Glory - 4/25/15 - If you write a review and nobody reads it...
http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2206471

We sailed the Carnival Dream to Roatan and Belize. They are amazing! Really beautiful and something different from the same old same old you get on DCL itineraries.