Prymsu: A question

[Samsma]

Hi! I see you have been on several Carnival Cruises as well as Disney. We have two kids who will be 10 and 4 when we cruise on the Magic next summer. As there is a big price difference between the two companies, would the kids notice a major difference besides the characters?

 

[prymsu]

yes, in my opinion, there is a huge price difference between the two cruise lines. Our son has loved the carnival capers kids programs on the cruises we have been on. They do have activities divided up by age. The areas are not as elaborate as what you will find on DCL. The groups are much smaller, because there are lots of folks on Carnival cruising without kids. You get a schedule of activities planned for the cruise for the kids, similar to the navigators.

let me know if there is any other questions you may have about this. i will do my best to help!

 

[DISNEYGATOR]

I don't have kids, but I have sailed on Carnival, and one MAJOR difference is the Adult Only areas that are on DCL...Adult only pools, hot tubs, Adult only restaurant, Adult only beach. I am sure all the kiddies were having fun, but on DCL I never saw them! And Quiet Cove/Serenity Bay, and especially Palo are to DIE for!

I also liked the family atmosphere (sometimes things on Carnival got a little rowdy/raunchy..shows/partying, etc).. granted nothing to bad on Carnival, but I am a G and PG type of gal, and like all that DCL does to keep things that way.

I also liked the highly-themed rotation dining on the DCL, and thought the ship (I was on the Wonder) as a whole was a lot nicer then the Carnival Cruise. I am a Disney-holic though, so that might make me biased to the hidden mickey's and Disney Decor.

State Rooms are also 100 times nicer on DCL. Carnival, it was like a closet. Not that way on DCL, I had a Cat. 8 last time, and it was very spacious... felt like I was in a hotel room really, not a cruise stateroom.

I guess if I had to narrow it down to two main reasons why I sail DCL rather then Carnival--Adult only areas and state-room accomidations...Hope that helps.