bethany102399
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,513 
|
Post by bethany102399 on May 12, 2017 20:16:26 GMT
I have nothing going on at work today, so I'm looking at alternatives for next year's "dream trip". My hope is to go on a Disney cruise, but the costs are just so high. Even people on the Disboards people think they're high, and many of them are hard core Disney people.
So, as I have time to obsess at the moment I'm looking at RCCL and Carnival. as we're locked into leaving from Port Canaveral my choices are Majesty of the seas (Royal) and Carnival Liberty. Both ships would give us an extra day on the boat, would cost less (even with the added alcohol package for DH and I).
Both ships are "older" but have both seen drydock refurbishments in the last few years. For my older kids (who don't care about the characters) they provide very similar options to the Disney ship. all the pools have a big water slide, there are kids clubs that would cater to both of them. They all offer an abundance of food at all hours. I'm the only one in the family that wants the "Disney magic" and with 2 days in Orlando pre-cruise I can't help but think we can eat dinner in downtown disney and enjoy the magic for a heck of a lot less than we'd spend to go on the ship.
I've heard that there is a heavy sales pitch on Royal. Has anyone experienced that?
I'm also really nervous we'd be stuck on a booze cruise as it would be a 4 day trip.
The cabins are smaller, but we'd be able to afford a veranda.
The big one for me is that Disney offers an on-board smart phone app that allows texting between people on the ship. This would allow DD 12 to have some freedom but with the ability to keep in contact should either of us need it. I'm not seeing where that is an option on the other 2 ships and leaves me nervous to give her as much freedom as I would knowing we could be in contact at any time.
As I told DH last night, how blessed are we to be dithering about which cruise ship to take for a vacation. This just seems so first world problem. Yet I'd be curious as to your experiences with ether ship or cruise line.
|
|
Anita
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,642
Location: Kansas City -ish
|
Post by Anita on May 12, 2017 20:19:32 GMT
Carnival has the app that allows texting as well, for your comparison needs.  |
|
bethany102399
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,513
|
Post by bethany102399 on May 12, 2017 20:24:41 GMT
Carnival has the app that allows texting as well, for your comparison needs. THANK YOU that's a huge deal to me, as we're right at the beginning of letting her have some freedom. She's also a little skittish and likes to be sure I'm going to answer when she calls. |
|
scrapngranny
Pearl Clutcher
Only slightly senile
Posts: 4,760
|
Post by scrapngranny on May 12, 2017 20:26:41 GMT
We have traveled on Carnival twice. We have not been on RC, but relatives have. RC is more upscale than Carnival. I think there might be more for the kids to do on Carnival. We went to Mexico last summer, on Carnival, with 5 kids ages 18-7 and they all found plenty to do. I think the cabins are bigger on RC.
Really, I don't think you can go wrong with either one. Cruising is the ultimate vacation.
|
|
amom23
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,329
|
Post by amom23 on May 12, 2017 20:28:44 GMT
We have cruised on both and had fun trips. Neither was a "party" cruise.
|
|
|
|
Post by mom on May 12, 2017 20:29:59 GMT
We cruise only on Royal Caribbean and go every year, atleast once. We have cruise on Majesty of the Seas and it is a nice boat. The food is perfection - seriously some of the best food! We have nothing but excellent customer service., our rooms were great, and you can't beat the whole experience you get.
On RCC you can purchase a texting package - we do when we travel with kids and friends. RCC also have a teen program on their ships that allow the teens to go and do 'other' stuff while the parents do what they want. Our kids loved it Its free and DS's both met other kids there and had a blast.
If there are any particular questions you have, shoot them to me. We won't ever consider leaving RCC as DH feels like they are the best.
Edited to add: for kids, you can ice skate, rock wall climb, video games, dances, special cupcake classes, scavenger hunts, wave surfing, and I am sure more that I can't think of!
|
|
|
|
Post by beachbum on May 12, 2017 20:31:49 GMT
I've cruised with both Royal and Carnival several times and like them both. I haven't been on either of those ships, but have been on the Carnival Elation which is the sister ship to the Liberty - loved the layout. I think the food is better on Carnival, entertainment is better on Royal. Will it be a booze cruise? Who knows, depends on the group that boards with you. I've been on many cruises (I think it's 19) and have never been on a cruise that was too rowdy. If someone is loud and obnoxious you can just walk away and go somewhere else, there's plenty to do, that's the joy of cruising.
Cruises are like any vacation - go with a good attitude and you'll enjoy yourself, don't sweat the small stuff - Have fun, try something new, let your hair down!! (and show us all the pictures later, LOL)
|
|
BGsMom
Junior Member
Posts: 88
Location: NC
|
Post by BGsMom on May 12, 2017 20:39:47 GMT
The Carnival Liberty is bigger (110,000 tons vs 74,000 tons) and newer (2005 vs 1992), but you are right both have been updated. However, Carnival's port stops are Nassau and Freeport, while Royal goes to Nassau and CocoCay ( a private island). I'm not sure if where the ship goes matters to you, but I dislike Freeport and Nassau is not much better. I've never been to CocoCay, but Carnival's private island is pure heaven, so I would assume it is similar. As far as food, activities, shows, etc; I find Carnival better in some areas and Royal Caribbean better in others.
Carnival's Hub app does have texting. I think it is $5 per device per cruise. We used it on our last cruise and it worked fine for messaging one another. They also offer different internet plans that I feel is not too expensive. I don't know if RC offers a texting plan, they do have internet plans, but have never used those.
Also the Cruise Critic forum has a wealth of information that might help you make your choice.
|
|
basketdiva
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,613
|
Post by basketdiva on May 12, 2017 20:54:27 GMT
We prefer Royal Caribbean. Always had a great time.
Seems any cruise could turn into a "booze" cruise if enough people buy those drink packages and try to get their money's worth out of it. I wouldn't ever drink $50a day in alcohol and be able to function!!
|
|
|
|
Post by pinkgreen on May 12, 2017 20:54:36 GMT
I have been on two cruises. On on Carnival - out of Galveston, the other on RC out of Port Canaveral. The Carnival Cruise was a seven
day, while the RC was a four day.
All things considered, I found no significant difference between the two cruise lines. I also was wondering if the four day cruise would feel like a booze cruise, but it did not. I did determine that for all of the work it takes to get on the ship, I prefer a longer trip.
We cruised on the Majesty last year after some updates. I found that although it was lacking some of the features of the bigger ships, tha smaller footprint was easier to navigate.
For me, the most important factor in choosing a cruise has turned out to be sailing dates and port location. That being said, I would love to go on a Disney cruise. I just can't make myself pay the difference in price compared to Carnival or RC.
|
|
janeinbama
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,172
Location: Alabama
|
Post by janeinbama on May 12, 2017 20:57:32 GMT
We have only done RC and went to CocoCay. Beautiful island, my favorite day. I had researched on CC and we walked to the quiet private side of the island - not jet skies or music playing.
|
|
bethany102399
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,513
|
Post by bethany102399 on May 12, 2017 20:59:12 GMT
For me, the most important factor in choosing a cruise has turned out to be sailing dates and port location. That being said, I would love to go on a Disney cruise. I just can't make myself pay the difference in price compared to Carnival or RC. thank you, and I tend to agree. I did look and see what we would be able to do if we did not lock ourselves into Port Canaveral, and I agree with the above. The cost difference is close to a grand, if you compare apples to slightly larger apples (same itinerary, but oceanview on Disney, Veranda on RCC or Carnival). You guys are making me feel better about the booze cruise thing. thank you. |
|
valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,625
|
Post by valincal on May 12, 2017 21:03:43 GMT
We prefer Royal Caribbean. Always had a great time. Seems any cruise could turn into a "booze" cruise if enough people buy those drink packages and try to get their money's worth out of it. I wouldn't ever drink $50a day in alcohol and be able to function!! We sailed recently with Carnival and had the drinks package. It also includes specialty coffee drinks, bottled water and pop. Definitely not worth it for most people though. OP, I've sailed with both and I like RCL a little better but Carnival can be less expensive. I like the private islands...I was at Coco Cay many years ago and it was very nice. That would clinch it for me. eta...our ship stopped at Labadee, not Coco Cay. We won't sail with Disney because we don't have small kids and we like to frequent the casino when we are cruising. |
|
|
|
Post by mom on May 12, 2017 21:40:01 GMT
CoCo Cay is a grest island! And if you go to Nassau you can get an excursion to the Atlantis. Seriously so much fun for our whole family!
|
|
|
|
Post by myboysnme on May 12, 2017 22:15:44 GMT
I cruised on Royal Caribbean = one of the best weeks of my life. First class all the way.
|
|
|
|
Post by mnmloveli on May 12, 2017 22:29:56 GMT
Royal Caribbean LOVER here ! I've been on multiple Carnival cruises too. You can't go wrong with either one. I think Royal's shows and food are better. I never felt "sales pressure" on either ship. If you can afford the extra dollars, definitely go Royal.
|
|
|
|
Post by dockmaster on May 12, 2017 22:31:48 GMT
The liberty also sales to Half Moon cay and Princess cay. It just depends on the sailing that you choose. The Liberty is a beautiful Ship. The Hub app is $5 per device for the cruise.
Have never sailed RCCL, but have sailed Liberty 2x, most recently at Spring break.
|
|
blue tulip
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,983
|
Post by blue tulip on May 12, 2017 22:46:11 GMT
Carnival has the app that allows texting as well, for your comparison needs. [/quotke] We used this app on our cruise in April, it was well worth the $5 each phone for the ability to text. Also, our 9 yr old loved the kids club and that he could check himself in and out. Our 12 yr old liked his club too, but didn't go as often. |
|
|
|
Post by krcrafts on May 12, 2017 23:30:11 GMT
I'm relieved to read that the Carnival cruises aren't necessarily booze cruises. We've only been on 2 cruises (both Disney without kids -- ours are adults. We went alone and LOVED IT!!), but we're cruising on Carnival in a couple of weeks and by reading in the FB groups and on Crusie Critic, it just seems like they are booze cruises. So glad to hear they aren't!
OP, good luck deciding on a cruise line. And I hope you love it! If you ever get a chance to go on a Disney one, I highly recommend it. So much fun!
|
|
|
|
Post by Lexica on May 12, 2017 23:37:19 GMT
It has been years since I've been on a cruise, so my information is too old to be worth sharing, but coincidentally, I got caught up in a click bait article this morning about things that go on during cruises from the employee's side and bits of information about various cruise lines. There was some interesting information, and then they went into a few bad things that have happened on cruises. I wouldn't worry about the bad things myself, but it was interesting to read about them. If you have some downtime and feel like looking at it, here it is. Cruise Ship Article |
|
|
|
Post by walkerdill on May 13, 2017 0:08:04 GMT
I'm going on the Liberty in 2 weeks. We don't drink so I'm hoping it's not a booze cruise too! It will be my first cruise. I'll let you know how it goes 😉
|
|
Madi & Me
Full Member
Posts: 248
Jun 25, 2014 22:20:27 GMT
|
Post by Madi & Me on May 13, 2017 2:07:37 GMT
I'll be on the Liberty next weekend so I can update you when we return. I've been on RC once (with my second cruise coming up in September on the Oasis) and this will be my 7th Carnival cruise. I can truly say we have enjoyed all of our cruises and always anxiously await our next one. I can't think of any difference between our experiences on both lines (at least nothing worth mentioning). We have sailed Carnival on a variety of itineraries over the span of 4 and 8 day cruises and the only time I ever felt we were on a "party" cruise was a 4 day out of Miami. That was a bit of a wild crowd but we didn't let it ruin our trip.
I think you will have a great time no matter the choice you make. The Carnival Hub app will allow you to text your family onboard and I believe we only paid $5 per person. It allowed us to message each other and view the Fun Times activities for the day. They do have a website for their app with more details in case you want to check it out.
If you still have a hard time deciding, maybe compare itineraries and ships side by side and go with the one that stands out to you the most. I'll let you know what the Liberty is like when we get back. Happy sailing!
|
|
StephDRebel
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,663
Location: Ohio
|
Post by StephDRebel on May 13, 2017 2:54:03 GMT
Really look at the price of the booze package. I didn't think it was worth it and we drink fairly often on vacation. Youre in port a lot and it was something like 6 drinks a day to make it worth it over buying individual drinks.
We took wine on board with us for dinner per their policy and saved a decent amount of money by paying for a mixed drink when we wanted out which wasn't really often after we had cocktails on the beach in port
|
|
|
|
Post by elaine on May 13, 2017 3:31:26 GMT
LOL! I'm not following you, I swear! But, having just told you about the Disney Cruise we just took, we have booked the 4-day on RCL Majesty. The reason we booked it is that we are going with the BudddyCruise.org group. Each year they schedule a cruise with a group and activities for families with special needs kids - so my boys with Autism and I are going on the October 30 sailing.
Given that you even have to pay for a soft drink package for the kids to drink and our family-sized stateroom is literally only 1/2 the square footage of our Disney stateroom minus the footage for the verandah, I'm not sure that there is really any price savings.
My husband can't go with the boys and I in October, otherwise I'm not sure one stateroom would really be big enough for us given what we are used to. We do spend some time in the room before dinner and before going to sleep, and I'm dreading doing it in 120 square ft. even with 3 of us.
I'm going to schedule snorkeling for the day at Nassau, because now that I've done Nassau twice with Disney, I don't care to do it again. Either snorkeling or spending the day on the ship, which will be less crowded.
I am excited to see their island. I so love Disney's, partially because it is just the ship's passengers, so hope that this will be great too!
|
|
bethany102399
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,513
|
Post by bethany102399 on May 13, 2017 4:29:57 GMT
Elaine! How was your recent DCL trip?
The size of the cabins on the other cruise lines bother me as well. Honestly, things keep adding up pushing me back to Disney for this trip. If we were looking at a more port intensive trip I'd be singing a different tune, but the little things are adding up to make the cost "worth it" for us at this time.
|
|
|
|
Post by elaine on May 13, 2017 14:37:22 GMT
Elaine! How was your recent DCL trip? The size of the cabins on the other cruise lines bother me as well. Honestly, things keep adding up pushing me back to Disney for this trip. If we were looking at a more port intensive trip I'd be singing a different tune, but the little things are adding up to make the cost "worth it" for us at this time. It was great! Not a drop of rain - everything was perfect. The boys just loved the live Disney Musical shows after dinner, and they played Born In China in their theater, even though it was just opening in the regular theater that weekend, and we went to see it on our day at see - the theater was packed!. It was such a treat to see it on the ship. They also played Beauty and the Beast a number of times. I watched Dumbo, with my younger son, on the pool screen one afternoon. I hadn't seen it in many years - it was great. You really can hear and see, even though your on the pool deck. Plus, you can jump in the pool to cool off and watch from there. We did an amazing snorkeling trip when we were at Castaway Cay - well worth it!  We had a king-sized bed, a couch that turned into a twin bed and then another twin bed that folded down from the wall onto the floor - no climbing any ladders, etc. Everyone could sit comfortably and hang out in the room - and as you can see, my boys are actually bigger than my dh and I, so it held 4 adults very comfortably. It was 299 sq ft, including the verndah, which was probably about 40 sq ft. So, the family cabin is about 250 sq ft on the inside. On the RCL Majesty, we will only have 120 sq ft and I'm a little nervous about it, simply because my kids need down time so we do spend some time in the room.   |
|
|
|
Post by terri on May 13, 2017 14:46:17 GMT
I've been on both with kids and they were both a lot of fun. As some posters have said, I didn't think there was a huge difference between the two. I like the private islands on all the big cruise lines so that would probably sway my decision. I'm sure you will have a blast whichever you choose!
|
|
|
|
Post by papersilly on May 13, 2017 14:56:10 GMT
We sailed on the Liberty a few months after it launched. Great ship. We've done 3 Carnival cruises and enjoyed them all. We stayed in their veranda suites.
|
|
|
|
Post by dockmaster on May 13, 2017 15:53:18 GMT
Cabins on Liberty are 185-220 sq ft. 120sqft would be tight just for 2, couldn't imagine packing in 3 or 4.
|
|
pridemom
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,843
|
Post by pridemom on May 13, 2017 16:31:27 GMT
Isn't Norwegian Epic still sailing out of Port Canaveral part of the year? It's huge and has lots of youth activities.
|
|
_on_the_beach.jpg)
