Ron - interesting question about the Maasdam! I've read several threads on different boards about booking the ship for the parties. I think its kind of a "cult" type thing - the way Cancun has become the mecca for high school senior trips. Once it gets started and the rumors fly about how much fun everybody had, how the beer was flowing, how the boys were hot and the women were easy - every red blooded American senior wants to be part of it - so it perpetuates over several years. It always moves on, though. Fort Lauderdale in the sixties, New Orleans in the seventies, somewhere in the eighties and Padre Island in the ninties.<BR><BR>Th Maasdam thing will happen just because the twenty year olds will book it so as not to miss the "big party".

RCCL has very nicely pulled from Carnival. They have pulled all the undesriables from Carnival unfortunately. I am almost inclined to agree with Paul at this time that Carnival is the better deal since RCCL has been slipping. Bigger is not always better.

Our last 2 out of 7 cruises over 32 years have been on Carnival. In 12/99 we had the worst waiter, decent food and on of the best cabin stewards ever. In 12/01 we had the 2nd best food and waiter (since our first cruise in 1969 and w\how can you compare over more than 4 decades)and the WORST cabin steward ever even though we were in a mini suite. Service is a luck of the draw deal and if below acceptable then see the people in charge. A change WII BE MADE!! Perhaps the difference in $$ is due to ship size (part of the base for port charges) and the extra amenities and activities RCL has on their newer ships. Carnival does NOT have ice skating or rock climbing for example. If these are important to you then pay to go on RCL, if not try Carnival.

I believe there is not that much of a difference between the two cruise lines. They both have the same amount of passengers that wish to have an exciting time on a ship. The atmosphere on RCCL tends to tone the hyper passengers down. Carnival hires top notch show production companies that are very creative. RCCL is playing catch-up. The food on RCCL, of course, is not what it was ten yers ago while Carnival has improved 150%. The frozen desserts on Carnival is bringing them down. RCCL desserts are to die for. The buffet venue on the newest Spirit Class ships where ethnic food is at a separate counter is wonderful. Hope this "food court" idea continues and RCCL decides to do the same. It certainly cuts down on the buffet lines.<BR><BR>Of course the 3 new Voyager Class ships on RCCL ships can not be beat as a destination. Curious to see what Carnival will do with their new Ultra-mega Constellation and Glory. They will have to go some to beat RCCL.<BR><BR>Cruise lines and ships are getting more and more interesting. There is something for everyone no matter what your lifestyle and food preference.<BR><BR>Happy cruising,<BR><BR>Paul

The Constellation is owned and operated by Celebrity. Maybe you meant the Conquest. Sorry.

<BR>I did mean the Conquest. Just too many new ships. But at least they have names not like the R1, R2, R3, R4, etc. of Renaissance. That was a real mess. Never know who went on what ship and what was the difference.<BR><BR>Paul

RCI prices are inflated. At any given time its prices would be higher than Celebrity which is supposed to be their premium line.

I do have to agree with you Jared and also love2travel. It does all depend on the timing.<BR><BR>Paul