Disney vs. Carnival

[PeterandTink]

We were on the Wonder 9-9 - 9-13.. It was our first cruise with Disney. I had sailed with Carnival 8 times prior and enjoyed them but I think Disney has them beat hands down all the way around. Of course there were more things for the kids to do..its Disney. But with Disney the pools were fresh water and stay open later than Carnivals do. Every one I have been on with Carnival the pools close kinda early and unless you want to party or go to the casino there isnt much to do. I also thought the food was better and alot more choices. Also the sodas are included, the last time I was on Carnival we had to purchase a drink card for about 30.00 per person. It felt like there were more staff on Disney than Carnival not sure what the numbers are..but they were much friendlier and really did make you feel like they were glad you were there. I thought it was nice to have the rotation of dinning rooms, Carnival doesnt offer that...or didnt last yr when we sailed with them. I also liked the package deal on the pics that is cheaper as well. Carnival also automatically bills the tips to the sail and sign card..should you want to adjust them you have to take time and go get it done...I was surprised that the ship never seemed crowded except for the Pirate Party and the sail away party. These were both well worth dealing with the crowd. Alot better than the deck party or Gala Buffet Carnival offers.. There was more food, again..better variety and well they are Disney they speak for themselves.
It rained the say we were at Castaway cay and were to have a day at sea the next..( our last day ) they instead took us back to Casataway Cay. so we got a second dip It was a wonderful day. Castaway Cay is great we all snorkeled and then dropped the kids off as we headed to Serenity Bay..We had spent 9 days on St John in June of this yr.It reminded me of being there...truly beautiful places.. I was surprised at the activites that were available on board while we were in Nassau.. infact we didnt even get off the ship. We had been there before and was more impressed with the ship than the port. Even though the cost maybe a little higher I thought it was well worth the extra bucks. We enjoyed Quiet Cove at night while the kids were doing things with the Club. I would go to get them and they didnt want to leave..Carnivals Camp Carnival closed rather early as far as I remember and often was closed for a few hrs in the day time.My kids throughly enjoyed it and hated to leave. I have a family member that books for Carnival and she does get us alot of good deals. But I would take Disney over them and be glad to pay the extra...Infact we booked again while we on board to get the discount and OBC. This time we want to do a 7 day because there was still some much we didnt get to do this time. Hopefully the 09 schedule will be out soon and we can get ready to go again. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone...adults with or without kids I could go on and on...if you want to see our pics they are available at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jnjshaw/sets/

 

[mmouse37]

You really can't even compare the two lines...it is like comparing apples to oranges....that said we still enjoyed our Carnival trips (on newer ships) and would sail with them again in the future.

DCL is definitely my favorite but our young adult children really enjoyed the nighlife that Carnival had going on.

Our kids were on 11 DCL cruises (me on 16) and always enjoyed them but as they are older now, other ships have more for them to do at this point in their lives.

 

[PeterandTink]

Thats true, mine are 9 and 10 and eventually they will out grow Disney. but Im going to enjoy it til they do..LOL

 

[mmouse37]

It's not that they even grew out of "Disney" they still love all Disney has to offer but the nightlife on DCL is non-existent after midnight. On Carnival and RCCL they danced into the wee hours and had a really good time.

We are trying to get a family DCL cruise next October and hoping they will join us!!!

 

[Mickeyhugger]

So glad to hear you enjoyed your Disney cruise.

Our family has sailed DCL, Carnival, and RCCL (NEVER again with RCCL!) While we did enjoy Carnival, DCL is our ultimate favorite. Yes, it's more $$, but definitely gives meaning to 'you get what you pay for.' You're correct about there being more staff on DCL. I don't remember where I read it, but it seems I remember reading that DCL's ratio is 1 to every 3 passengers, whereas other cruiselines have 1 to every 12! That's why we all pay more, but it's okay with me. I'd rather sail DCL less often, than another line more often.

 

[PeterandTink]

So glad to hear you enjoyed your Disney cruise.

Our family has sailed DCL, Carnival, and RCCL (NEVER again with RCCL!) While we did enjoy Carnival, DCL is our ultimate favorite. Yes, it's more $$, but definitely gives meaning to 'you get what you pay for.' You're correct about there being more staff on DCL. I don't remember where I read it, but it seems I remember reading that DCL's ratio is 1 to every 3 passengers, whereas other cruiselines have 1 to every 12! That's why we all pay more, but it's okay with me. I'd rather sail DCL less often, than another line more often.

We have never sailed with RCCL but did price it for a 7 day to compare it to Disney's pricing once we got back home and there was only about 200 difference..so we opted to stay with Disney

 

[PeterandTink]

It's not that they even grew out of "Disney" they still love all Disney has to offer but the nightlife on DCL is non-existent after midnight. On Carnival and RCCL they danced into the wee hours and had a really good time.

We are trying to get a family DCL cruise next October and hoping they will join us!!!

I hope they do join you..I have older kids as well 26,21 and new grandbaby I would love for them to join us on one as well

 

[Makua]

We did a Carnival cruise in August. My DD, 20, planned it. As mmouse said she wanted the "nightlife" We've done 6 Disney cruises so I was very aprehensive about Carnival, especially their party boat reputation. I was determined to have a good time and not compare it to Disney. Yeah, right! One thing that really stood out to us was the cleanliness of the ship. If someone on a Disney ship left a glass along a walkway it was gone in minutes. We watched one glass in a major walkway for 3 days on Carnival. The tables up on the deck were very often unbussed (is that a word?) and the drink and ice cream areas were so dirty that you really didn't want to use them. I know that it was the people using them that made them this way but there was no one around to keep them clean. The rooms were much smaller, I really missed the couch in the room. And the shower had no place to put your foot to shave your legs! I know female problem But there were also things that I think Carnival did better. Embarkation was much better, you checked in and walked on the ship, no waiting around for numbers to be called. I had heard horror stories of deembarkation but we did the self carry and were off the ship by 8am. Actually a little too early, we were just finishing breakfast when they called our floor. The shows were fabulous! I enjoy Disneys shows but have seen them 6 times, it was nice to see something new. Yes I know if I went 6 times on Carnival I would still see the same shows. The food was comparable, I did miss changing restaurants. Disney is obviously geared more toward children but since I have no little ones I can't really comment on the kids clubs. The shopping on Carnival is better. Would I sail Carnival again? Yes. It would not be my first choice but it is less expensive and they go more places. I can't wait to see what the new itineraries will be for Disney.

 

[PeterandTink]

We did a Carnival cruise in August. My DD, 20, planned it. As mmouse said she wanted the "nightlife" We've done 6 Disney cruises so I was very aprehensive about Carnival, especially their party boat reputation. I was determined to have a good time and not compare it to Disney. Yeah, right! One thing that really stood out to us was the cleanliness of the ship. If someone on a Disney ship left a glass along a walkway it was gone in minutes. We watched one glass in a major walkway for 3 days on Carnival. The tables up on the deck were very often unbussed (is that a word?) and the drink and ice cream areas were so dirty that you really didn't want to use them. I know that it was the people using them that made them this way but there was no one around to keep them clean. The rooms were much smaller, I really missed the couch in the room. And the shower had no place to put your foot to shave your legs! I know female problem But there were also things that I think Carnival did better. Embarkation was much better, you checked in and walked on the ship, no waiting around for numbers to be called. I had heard horror stories of deembarkation but we did the self carry and were off the ship by 8am. Actually a little too early, we were just finishing breakfast when they called our floor. The shows were fabulous! I enjoy Disneys shows but have seen them 6 times, it was nice to see something new. Yes I know if I went 6 times on Carnival I would still see the same shows. The food was comparable, I did miss changing restaurants. Disney is obviously geared more toward children but since I have no little ones I can't really comment on the kids clubs. The shopping on Carnival is better. Would I sail Carnival again? Yes. It would not be my first choice but it is less expensive and they go more places. I can't wait to see what the new itineraries will be for Disney.

Yes I agree I would sail Carnival again the shopping on board is cheaper and they do offer more ports than Disney. I also think the ships arent as clean as Disneys . We were surprised at the sanitinzing stations and that CM's were there handing out wipes as you go into eat. I think we have waited once to actually board with Carnival and pretty much have always waited for the floors to be called or colors for debarking..We didnt have to wait at all with Disney to get on or off...but we didnt check in til about 1 and I liked the fact that you got up and ate and then left..no sitting around waiting to be called.
I wouldnt rule out Carnival esp since my sis books for them and we do killer deals..usually 7 days for around 400. But I will go with Disney again unless they just get way outta price range...

 

[lawhit88]

Disney when we feel like we can splurge...
Carnival when we need our cruise fix

 

[PeterandTink]

Disney when we feel like we can splurge...
Carnival when we need our cruise fix

Hehe...now thats what I was trying to say...good point LOL

 

[mruhaak]

Thanks for sharing your photos! I enjoyed looking at them!

 

[rylisal]

Hi all!
Been reading this with interest!
We are booked on The Magic for 7 nights next year(Oct '08 to Costa Maya), & my parents are now joining us on the vacation to Orlando for our 1st week but they didnt fancy Disney Cruise, so have booked Carnival Glory for 7 nights while we are on the Magic!
They are both 'young' 70 somethings, have cruised many times but never Carnival...How do you think they will like it?
We have only done Disney cruise once(3 night wonder in Feb this year) but didnt want to do any other even though they are cheaper..Afraid they wont 'live up' to Disney!
Should i try (Again!) to get my parents to change their booking to Disney or will they like it on Carnival, & I'm worrying for nothing!??

 

[Mickeyhugger]

Hi all!

Should i try (Again!) to get my parents to change their booking to Disney or will they like it on Carnival, & I'm worrying for nothing!??

If you think there's a snowball's chance, I'd ask them once more to book DCL. Carnival Glory was great, but there were MANY teenagers on-board (it was spring break.) While our family doesn't have a problem w/teenagers, I think they would like DCL (w/the rotational dining, and earlier nights, shows, etc) better. Good luck!

 

[PeterandTink]

I agree with Mickeyhugger..Id try to get them to do Disney instead..we were on the Glory last yr and although nice. Id go with Disney. My mom is a "young" 70. She was on the Liberty while we were on Disney and from talking to her I think she would have had a better time on Disney. Infact shes going to book with us when the new schedule comes out. I also think the one in Oct. 08 to Costa Maya would be a killer trip. I have looked at that one should the 09 schedule be something we are not interested in...good luck...

 

[happymommy]

I'm not surprised to read this comparison. My BIL and his wife and two daughters went on a Carnival cruise for (I think) 5 or 6 days on an older ship from Florida a couple of years back. It sounded like there was nothing really to do (they don't party or gamble) no room service and the food sounded like mainly buffets. The kids had almost nothing to do. The room was super tiny. Now the cruise itself was inexpensive, but they had to fly from here in MD and take a connecting flight, and went down the day of departure (they weren't well informed from the DIS!) and it just sounded like no fun.

The RCCL does sound like it has some neat ships, and maybe when my kids are older it would be fun to look into one of those huge ones! But Disney does appeal to me; can't wait for our first cruise!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I'm not surprised to read this comparison. My BIL and his wife and two daughters went on a Carnival cruise for (I think) 5 or 6 days on an older ship from Florida a couple of years back. It sounded like there was nothing really to do (they don't party or gamble) no room service and the food sounded like mainly buffets. The kids had almost nothing to do. The room was super tiny. Now the cruise itself was inexpensive, but they had to fly from here in MD and take a connecting flight, and went down the day of departure (they weren't well informed from the DIS!) and it just sounded like no fun.

The RCCL does sound like it has some neat ships, and maybe when my kids are older it would be fun to look into one of those huge ones! But Disney does appeal to me; can't wait for our first cruise!

It may have been the boat.

We just got off the Glory today. Holy heaven did my girls not want to leave Camp Carnival. We had room service daily.

Can't say it is the cat's meow of cruising for me, but there was plenty to do.

My daughter said she wanted to go on the Magic next for a Disney cruise. I said I wasn't sure when we would be able to do it. (I'm sooooo evil!!! ) She ended up crying (real crying--not the drama llama cry). I felt so bad for her. But the surprise next week will be sooooo worth it!

I just wrote a report on the glory and plan on comparing it to the Disney Wonder when we come off of that at the end of next week.

I will say that there was a group of Red Hat Ladies on our Glory cruise this week and they seemed to be having a REALLY good time! (Red Hats are ladies over the age of 50). I know there was a 78 year old in the group as she was part of the Welcome aboard show on the first night.

There also were HARDLY any teenagers on board this week. So maybe if they avoided the summer and school vacations then it would be okay.

 

[PeterandTink]

I'm not surprised to read this comparison. My BIL and his wife and two daughters went on a Carnival cruise for (I think) 5 or 6 days on an older ship from Florida a couple of years back. It sounded like there was nothing really to do (they don't party or gamble) no room service and the food sounded like mainly buffets. The kids had almost nothing to do. The room was super tiny. Now the cruise itself was inexpensive, but they had to fly from here in MD and take a connecting flight, and went down the day of departure (they weren't well informed from the DIS!) and it just sounded like no fun.

The RCCL does sound like it has some neat ships, and maybe when my kids are older it would be fun to look into one of those huge ones! But Disney does appeal to me; can't wait for our first cruise!

I too will be checking on RCCL as ours get older too..I think they offer alot neat things for older ones..

 

[PeterandTink]

It may have been the boat.

We just got off the Glory today. Holy heaven did my girls not want to leave Camp Carnival. We had room service daily.

Can't say it is the cat's meow of cruising for me, but there was plenty to do.

My daughter said she wanted to go on the Magic next for a Disney cruise. I said I wasn't sure when we would be able to do it. (I'm sooooo evil!!! ) She ended up crying (real crying--not the drama llama cry). I felt so bad for her. But the surprise next week will be sooooo worth it!

I just wrote a report on the glory and plan on comparing it to the Disney Wonder when we come off of that at the end of next week.

I will say that there was a group of Red Hat Ladies on our Glory cruise this week and they seemed to be having a REALLY good time! (Red Hats are ladies over the age of 50). I know there was a 78 year old in the group as she was part of the Welcome aboard show on the first night.

There also were HARDLY any teenagers on board this week. So maybe if they avoided the summer and school vacations then it would be okay.

I will be anxious to read your report when you return please keep us informed
Thanks

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I will be anxious to read your report when you return please keep us informed
Thanks

No problem!

I will say I warned my kiddos about the salt water and with advanced warning they were rather unphased by it.

I also had to pack my sons bathtub since they don't have bathtubs on board the Glory. It did come in handy at the pool since they don't have an infant area either. But I will have no trouble leaving it home next week.