P. Contini

My husband and I are interested in taking a cruise this Jan/Feb. We are trying to decide between Carnvial Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean. I am in my early 30's and he is in his early 40's.

I would appreciate any feedback on these two cruise lines. Also, what you may suggest for being a better destination eastern vs. western caribbean.

Thank you for your comments.

Bob Renner

I have only been on Royal Caribbean and have very high regards for the service provided. I think Carnival is perceived as more of a party atmosphere and may cater to more singles. As for destination, it really doesn't matter because you are at each island for such a short time. Unless you have a particular stop in mind go for the best deal.

Bob Renner

I have only been on Royal Caribbean and have very high regards for the service provided. I think Carnival is perceived as more of a party atmosphere and may cater to more singles. As for destination, it really doesn't matter because you are at each island for such a short time. Unless you have a particular stop in mind go for the best deal.

Bob Renner

I have only been on Royal Caribbean and have very high regards for the service provided. I think Carnival is perceived as more of a party atmosphere and may cater to more singles. As for destination, it really doesn't matter because you are at each island for such a short time. Unless you have a particular stop in mind go for the best deal.

barbara

I'm sure you will be pleased with either line. I have cruised five times with Carnival and 3 with RCL. To be honest, they seem very much alike to me, although I have had some problems with shore excursions with RCL and have never had a problem with Carnival) but don't know if that really reflects on the line or just the people working the ship). Since I have been satisfied with both, I generally go for Carnival because as a rule their rates are lower. As for Eastern vs. Western, it depends on what you are looking for. Western seems to be better for snorkeling, scuba, beach-type things and the Eastern has more action. I am not much of a beach person, so I like the Eastern itineraries better. Actually, my preference is Southern Caribbean leaving from San Juan PR, only because I prefer more ports and less days at sea. You might want to try logging onto www.cruiseopinion.com. You can read passengers' opinions of just about any ship floating. Whatever you choose, have a good time.

Susanne

Hi! I have sailed on Carnival's Imagination in 1995, and on the Sensation in 1996. I had a great time on both cruises. The food was very good, and the entertainment fantastic. My husband and I are in our late 30's, and early 40's. We actually saw more married couples than singles. The atmosphere is festive, if you like to participate, or can be quiet if you prefer. There really is something for everyone. We DID NOT see the swingers, or drunks that Carnival sometimes gets a bad rap for. The people that we met were great! The crew were great and very helpful in every way. We are scheduled for our 3rd cruise in December 97 on the Destiny. We have been very pleased with the quality and cost of Carnival.

jean

My husband and I have cruised Carnival 3X and goung on our 4th this January. We really like Carnival because it offers lots of entertainment and good food. Also the fares are always less than other lines. We have never had problems with them as far as loud partiers or kids. We are 40 and enjoy the vast variety of people on the ships.As far as Eastern or Western either are very good. Do one of them this time and then next year do the other!!

Mindy Bilker

We have been on both Royal Caribbean and Carnival. They offer different things. While Carnival is glitz and glitter, Royal Caribbean is more sedate. The food on Royal Caribbean was much better than Carnival. I thought the shows on Royal were better, but my husband thought Carnival's were better.

Good Luck!!

Totty

Another cruiseline to consider is World Ecxplorer.
Smaller, less expensive, longer time in ports of call. You can check them out online: wecruise.com

Frank Zuccaro

RCL is perceived as more formal (their attempt at lofty elegance didn't impress me- this ain't Crystal). RCL has somewhat better cuisine. Carnival is less formal, livlier. The interiors are a monument to neon glitz. It's a friendlier cruise and for us a LOT less expensive. When we attempted to book this season, RCL appeared to practice some shameful 'bait and switch' pricing tactics, especially at their web page (these c'mon prices were never available to our (2) travel agents) We wrote to RCL twice but never received the courtesy of a reply. We're in our 40's.

mike allen

I escorted 30 of my newspaper readers on the RCL eastern Caribbean cruise...and they loved it. They particularly enjoyed the friendly staff. They food as magnificent. If any grumbles it would that the shore excursions were too expensive. I also took 25 of my readers on a RCL Far Eastern cruise on the Sun Viking and again they thought it was wonderful. I am planning to take another party on the RCL Alaskan cruise next year. I guess that all speaks for itself!

leah

I have travelled on both Carnival and RCCL, and I feel very confident in saying that the staff on RCCL surpassed any other cruise line I have ever been on. Excellent service, very clean, great food--couldn't be better! GO RCCL!