We chose the dark side - Carnival VS Disney

[Tonka's Skipper]

You must really hate Carnival Go to cruisejunkie.com sometime for statistics. It's interesting reading for the industry standard.

I don't hate "
Carnival I am afriad of them and how they run their vessels.

I am a professional in the Martime industry

AKK

 

[RedSox68]

I don't hate "
Carnival I am afriad of them and how they run their vessels.

I am a professional in the Martime industry

AKK

Well around here, several of my friends and co-workers who average 2-3 cruises a year are steering clear (for now) anything on Royal Caribbean. Between sailing through that storm deliberately and endangering everyone, and then the very next week having the Norovirus breakout, and then losing the guy last month, they seem to be having a bad run of late. When I think of overdrinking, missing people and questionable deaths on board, RCCL is the one that always comes to mind. JMO

 

[mevelandry]

Frankly Carnival Inc. owns various lines and the accident, fire and deaths far exceeds thier % of ships. Not to mention on the Costa Concordia , has 32 deaths, and 3 office executives, the Master, a deck Officer and the helmsman have been convicted of criminal actions.

Everyone in the Maritime industry is rolling thier eyes in disgust that the higher ups are blaming the poor helmsman, who by the records I have seen and heard , followed orders

This is not bastering, this is raising questions, very serious questions on the Carnival Inc operations.

The international and US authorities have forced Carnival to make many additions and improvements. However I question why this was required in the first place.

Everyone is free to sail any line they wish. My family and friends would not sail across a bay on Carnival.

AKK

I want to be as delicate as possible, I don't want to hurt anybody...

...but the reason why I said on my first post that I was looking for Carnival fans is because I wanted to avoid comments/debates like this one.


I'm aware of the history of Carnival and I know many people who sailed with them, were very happy with them and are still alive after sailing with them.



Now, If you don't mind, I would prefer to go back to the main subject, which was differences between Carnival and DCL and other informations.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I want to be as delicate as possible, I don't want to hurt anybody...

...but the reason why I said on my first post that I was looking for Carnival fans is because I wanted to avoid comments/debates like this one.


I'm aware of the history of the Carnival and I know many people who sailed with them, were very happy with them and are still alive after sailing with them.



Now, If you don't mind, I would prefer to go back to the main subject, which was differences between Carnival and DCL and other informations.

No problem Madem,

I was pointing out the issues, things that need to be included.

I'll leave you alone and again wish you a happy cruise.

AKK

 

[Ofinn]

I want to be as delicate as possible, I don't want to hurt anybody...

...but the reason why I said on my first post that I was looking for Carnival fans is because I wanted to avoid comments/debates like this one.


I'm aware of the history of Carnival and I know many people who sailed with them, were very happy with them and are still alive after sailing with them.



Now, If you don't mind, I would prefer to go back to the main subject, which was differences between Carnival and DCL and other informations.

I was wondering how long that would take, and not at all surprised by who posted it.

 

[Ofinn]

Well around here, several of my friends and co-workers who average 2-3 cruises a year are steering clear (for now) anything on Royal Caribbean. Between sailing through that storm deliberately and endangering everyone, and then the very next week having the Norovirus breakout, and then losing the guy last month, they seem to be having a bad run of late. When I think of overdrinking, missing people and questionable deaths on board, RCCL is the one that always comes to mind. JMO

They do seem to have a lot of people jumping overboard lately. Not the best year for them. I wouldn't hesitate to cruise on any line though. If the price, ship, and itinerary were a good fit for my family.

 

[TXDCLfan]

That "captain" is serving time in Italy. He's a disgrace to the maritime industry and to Italians. He's pretty much the most hated man in Italy. I listened to the Italian coast guard call mandating him to return to his ship to assist in the evacuation and he refused. Blaming Carnival for the act of one loser Captain is pretty ridiculous imo.

Exactly

 

[Hundredacre]

One word: Gaffigan. Just like what he says about McDonald's. "It's fun telling people you go to McDonald's. They always give you that look like 'oh, I didn't know I was better than you.'"

We love McDonald's! !

 

[mevelandry]

On another forum, I read the greatest review (with many pictures) of Victory. I'm so excited! So far the food looks good and the cruiseship looks clean enough.

I think you always have the choice to do or not to do what is offered to you. If you don't like hairy chests contests, you don't attend. You hate Casinos? You don't go.

Are we going to enjoy it as much as our Disney cruise? Who knows. Maybe we will. I wanna do everything I can to make sure we get the best Carnival has to offer.

Remy was the best meal of my life... But I can still enjoy a Big Mac.

 

[Our 2 Princesses]

Not sure why Carnival wouldn't allow 3 people in the same room... ?

We are on the Carnival Magic next summer. I know for a fact that this ship does offer rooms for 3 people because my sister and 2 daughters are sharing a room.

 

[Our 2 Princesses]

That is the exact itinerary I've been eyeing!

This is the itinerary we're on next summer. Can't wait!

 

[trvlgirlmq]

On another forum, I read the greatest review (with many pictures) of Victory. I'm so excited! So far the food looks good and the cruiseship looks clean enough.

I think you always have the choice to do or not to do what is offered to you. If you don't like hairy chests contests, you don't attend. You hate Casinos? You don't go.

Are we going to enjoy it as much as our Disney cruise? Who knows. Maybe we will. I wanna do everything I can to make sure we get the best Carnival has to offer.

Remy was the best meal of my life... But I can still enjoy a Big Mac.

Check out this website from a frequent Carnival cruiser. He posts actual menus and food pictures. Gives a good idea of what is available in the MDR>

http://www.zydecocruiser.net/menus/CarnivalCruiseLineMenus.htm

 

[mevelandry]

Check out this website from a frequent Carnival cruiser. He posts actual menus and food pictures. Gives a good idea of what is available in the MDR>

http://www.zydecocruiser.net/menus/CarnivalCruiseLineMenus.htm

Wow! I already know what I am going to eat! It looks amazing!

 

[Mickeyhugger]

You heard about the guy who drowned at CC, right? Is that Disney's fault?

But not going to do the tit for tat with you as clearly you're biased and determined to shed a bad light on Carnival and turn people off their brand....Have fun with it.

I agree!

 

[Love2Cruz]

Also check out reviews by JIMZIM and Gambee...JIMZIM has a dozen or so reviews on many different Carnival ships, he as since branched out to other lines.

 

[Love2Cruz]

Remy was the best meal of my life... But I can still enjoy a Big Mac.

Exactly...I can dress up and dress down....But I also don't particularly feel a Carnival cruise is a dress down as I do think they have a great product, without pretense. There are no "suite privileges" or "concierge" or "yacht club" type experiences on Carnival..everyone is pretty much treated the same, whether you have their Captain's suite or an inside cabin. Only people with perks are the Platinum and Diamond members who get priority embarkation and a special Captain's "tea"..which is a reward for your loyalty but not a reward for how much $ you spend or what kind of cabin you can afford. To me, Carnival feels more like your local watering hole, where you can get your favorite meal and have a great drink and get great service from your favorite bartender.

On the flip side, I honestly didn't feel DCL had snobby people but that was what I heard before I cruised with them. I thought the guests were very polite. DCL has more wholesome experiences, is much more understated..and frankly, a little boring ...no reggae or calypso on the pool deck for example....Now lots of people like that...I am used to cruising with a caribbean vibe on a caribbean itinerary..so I was disappointed on that end...but still had such a nice relaxing time...I still believe DCL offers a great product and going to sail them when I can to give my DD that experience. Their productions are much better than Carnival's..also much more G-rated.

If I had to rate both companies in the different areas, here is how "I" would rate them

Service: TIE (yes Carnival offers GREAT service...equal to Disney, from your cabin stewards, to servers, barmaids...etc)
Food: Carnival-no contest-most options are included, but they do have a steakhouse..I haven't done Palo or Remy though so I can only speak to their included offerings. Disney does have a great buffet lunch, but I did not enjoy their dinners.
Pools: Disney(Aquaduck is pretty much best "slide" at sea, and their pools are freshwater, Carnival's are salt)
Entertainment: Disney for shows, Carnival for adult entertainment
Kids Club: Disney
Itineraries/Excursions-Carnival-larger selection/more ships so makes sense
Rooms: Tie with an edge to Disney for decor. Carnival rooms are very spacious as are Disney's.
Bars: Tie- FYI..the Casino bars in Carnival do a very generous pour....Be aware of those MAI TAI's!!
Clubs/Comedy: Carnival
Casino..duh Carnival
Private Islands: CC-Disney...though Carnival does have Half Moon Cay, but I haven't visited that yet so cannot comment.

 

[Love2Cruz]

Also, don't forget to stop by the Coffee Bar for a Strawberry Cheesecake and a Latte.

 

[mevelandry]

Also check out reviews by JIMZIM and Gambee...JIMZIM has a dozen or so reviews on many different Carnival ships, he as since branched out to other lines.

Gambee's review is the review I was talking about. I wrote down many tips coming from his review.

 

[mevelandry]

If I had to rate both companies in the different areas, here is how "I" would rate them

Service: TIE (yes Carnival offers GREAT service...equal to Disney, from your cabin stewards, to servers, barmaids...etc)
Food: Carnival-no contest-most options are included, but they do have a steakhouse..I haven't done Palo or Remy though so I can only speak to their included offerings. Disney does have a great buffet lunch, but I did not enjoy their dinners.
Pools: Disney(Aquaduck is pretty much best "slide" at sea, and their pools are freshwater, Carnival's are salt)
Entertainment: Disney for shows, Carnival for adult entertainment
Kids Club: Disney
Itineraries/Excursions-Carnival-larger selection/more ships so makes sense
Rooms: Tie with an edge to Disney for decor. Carnival rooms are very spacious as are Disney's.
Bars: Tie- FYI..the Casino bars in Carnival do a very generous pour....Be aware of those MAI TAI's!!
Clubs/Comedy: Carnival
Casino..duh Carnival
Private Islands: CC-Disney...though Carnival does have Half Moon Cay, but I haven't visited that yet so cannot comment.

Wow, thanks for you review!

Food: Can't wait! I wasn't impressed with food in DCL's dining rooms (except with Royal Palace that we really enjoyed) and I loved Cabanas. Palo and especially Remy were amazing.

Would you say the food at the Lido is as good as Cabanas?

Entertainment: I thought Disney was lacking adult entertainment (very alcohol oriented) Very excited for the Comedy Club, I can't wait... And even though I'm not a Casino fan I will definitely try it.

 

[Love2Cruz]

Wow, thanks for you review!

Food: Can't wait! I wasn't impressed with food in DCL's dining rooms (except with Royal Palace that we really enjoyed) and I loved Cabanas. Palo and especially Remy were amazing.

Would you say the food at the Lido is as good as Cabanas?

Entertainment: I thought Disney was lacking adult entertainment (very alcohol oriented) Very excited for the Comedy Club, I can't wait... And even though I'm not a Casino fan I will definitely try it.

I think Lido on Carnival has a better breakfast...for example, made to order omelettes/real eggs however you want them.. along with all the other usuals....I didn't see that on Disney..but Disney did have Mickey waffles...so hmmm...maybe a wash.

Cabanas had a nicer lunch buffet...but Carnival has LOTS more choices such as Guy's Burgers, Iguanas, NY DELI, Indian food, Asian food, Fried Seafood-Second floor of Buffet, it's a bit hidden, so you have to look for it-great fried calamari, oysters and a seafood stew. Their buffet is standard fare..but I go to their other lunch options...Also, on the newer ships, the italian restaurant is free for Lunch....not sure if Victory has it. On Sea Days, they have a nice brunch in the Dining Room...But Disney has STone Crabs....sigh...they are both so good, it's hard to pick..lol

Dinner is where Carnival beats Disney in my opinion. Also, at the Dining room, they have Steak house offerings for an upcharge...so for example, I cruise with my daughter lately, just her and I, so I can't really go to the Steakhouse, but I can order their food at the Main Dining room. Also on 6 days or longer, Carnival still does Lobster tail at their dining room, included..and you can repeat as much as you'd like...very very good...as well as Prime Rib and their escargot is way better than Disney's imo. And don't forget the Chocolate Warming cake for dessert.

While Disney's venues are nicer, the food is better on Carnival.

I will post some of my pics....