Carnival vs. Royal Caribbean
 

My husband, 5 yr. old and I are taking a cruise in March '03. I like the look of the Royal Caribbean (Explorer), but have heard Carnival is a good family cruise. Any comparisons?

Uh oh here we go!

Hi Lori,<BR><BR>Carnival is a great family line but if you have the opportunity to go on the Explorer, you should. It is a ship you will never forget.<BR><BR>Paul

Lori,<BR>Just saw a good price myself for Explorer in June, but it's on Deck 2. Outside w/balcony. Anyone have any opinions about this location? Thanks,<BR>Ted

Ted:<BR><BR>Do you mind telling us where you saw a good price on Explorer for June (with balcony). Am interested in that myself.<BR><BR>Thanks!<BR>

Ted - I'd be carefull about balcony cabins on deck 2 - there aren't any! The lowest level with balconies is deck 6.<BR><BR>Lori - I agree with Paul, go with the Explorer.

The only thing i noticed on Royal Caribbean is there are surcharges on alot of the restaurants as opposed to Carnival so it would be more expensive. I personally like the way cruises were with everything included not being nickeled and dimed to death!!!!

There's only one restaurant on the Explorer (or any Voyager class ship for that matter) that charges extra - very similar to what they do on the Millenium class Celebrity ships. These are very upscale restaurants that are there for special occasions. They run between $20 and $25 per person and they don't expect more than 100 guests per evening. There are no alternative restaurants on the generation of RCCL ships prior to the Voyager class (Majesty, Enchantment, etc.)

There was on the Legend of the Seas, an italian restaurant, nothing very special. I think the charge was $5 per person. I agree, I think this charging is nonsense.

Merriem<BR>I'm with you on that charging bizness.When I'm cruising, I wanna CRUISE !! Not be charged.<BR>J

You do not have to pay to eat in an alternative restaurant. It is available for your enjoyment but eating in the regular dining room is fine.<BR><BR>Cruise lines are attempting to make up for lost revenue. Cruises are a real bargain. You will find more "things' to pay for as time goes on.<BR><BR>You see, there are too many ships and the cruise lines must fill the berths. Once they get you on the ship then they will find ways to get you to spend more money.<BR><BR>Bottom line. It is not necessary to indulge. Don't spend your nickel and dime.<BR><BR>Paul