OK, guys. Listen up. I need your help. I am a thirty-year old, single female travelling with another single female. I am looking to <BR>relax and I love good food!!! I am looking for a nice time. I enjoy nice shows, but I am more concerned with R&R and pretty scenery (eg. beaches, etc.) In my price range, it looks as if it will be Royal Carribean or Carnival, but I can't decide on which one (I've never cruised before) Can anyone give their suggestions as to which cruise line is nicer? <BR> <BR>Thanks for your help!!!

<BR>I would choose Royal Caribbean since it is a tad more elegant than Carnival. <BR> <BR>Paul

Definitely RCL over Carnival--it's a lot more upscale. Carnival is like Spring break 365 days of the year!

To ****, <BR> <BR>I disagree with Paul on the food aspect. I just returned from RCCL's, "Sovereign of the Seas". The food was NOT good. May I suggest that you look into some of the upper lines. If I go on another cruise I certainly will.

I used to be a travel agent and have booked and toured both. RCCL definately has more an elegant, relaxing feel. Carnival ships are filled with bright colors and modern art-lots of energy. Carnival is a great product, but it's like Vegas while RCCL is more like a Hyatt. Have you also considered Princess and NCL?

<BR>I really wouldn't consider RCCL a "Hyatt." It is a mass-market cruise line. <BR> <BR>I stated the food is good and getting better. Still not great. Hope it returns to the way it was in the past. <BR> <BR>Paul

Definitely RCCL over Carnival, but I would take Celebrity over both of them. <BR>More laid back, great food. Check out and find one that has an itinerary you want.

Thanks guys for your help!!!!! You've <BR>given me a lot to think about!

Try the Celebrity lines. The Galaxy was just great!! Compare prices on-line to save $$. I traveled just like you last Thanksgiving and it was terrific! <BR>Marcia <BR>

Thanks, Marcia. After reading everyone's responses, I'm leaning toward Celebrity or Royal Carribean. <BR>The only thing that scares me about <BR>Royal Caribbean is the food. I'm getting the vibe that it is not all that great!

I've been on RCCL three times--two cruises had great food--the last one was just so-so. Was on Celebrity Galaxy during X-mas week. The ship was totally booked, but never seemed crowded. Food and service was wonderful. Was with my sister. VERY relaxing. We just visited beaches on our own in most ports. We also go for R & R.

To*** <BR> <BR>As stated before RCCL over Carnival if prices is ooblject--BUT if food is concern then DEFINITELY CELEBRITY over both of the above--went on it Thanksgiving of lastyear (the Century) and food was wonderful for larger sized cruise--much better than RCCL-which went on year before and found food ok-but VERY salty--and I don't add salt to my food at dinner table--feet swelled up something fierce! But RCCL has slightly better shows in evening--that said--if you can get a Celebrity Cruise at the RCCL price-then go for it. There's so much competition out there now that all the lines run specials! For a larger mass market cruise my best bets are Celebrity and Holland America--but the age level on Holland America is older-lots more seniors--whereas Celebrity,while having seniors also has younger folks. Good luck!

Celebrity, hands down. You may know RCI owns Celebrity now,but still they seem to discount it a liitle more than their primary brand. Celebrity is a little more polished, some people might say stuffy, but in m experience the food and service were markedly better.

<BR>Since everyone is pushing Celebrity, here is some good news: <BR> <BR>Your travel agent has $100 stateroom savings coupon for most all ships and dates. Category 12 and above. Also the Century, Western Carribbean 7 nights has "Y" staterooms available in August no less, for $879 pp all port and taxes included. <BR> <BR>Book quick. <BR> <BR>Paul

Thanks, Guys!! I will definitely look <BR>into Celebrity. You guys are great!