Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival Cruise

[SaluteToTheHill]

Not a fan of cruises. I prefer the All Inclusive resorts. No schedule, do whatever whenever with no upcharges or worrying what # drink im on.

Which all inclusives have you stayed at? We cruise every year but at some point I want to choose one of our favorite spots and do an all inclusive. We have done day passes at a few but never stayed a full vacation.

 

[WallyBalls]

Not a fan of cruises. I prefer the All Inclusive resorts. No schedule, do whatever whenever with no upcharges or worrying what # drink im on.

I think that's why I wasn't wild about the cruise we went on a few weeks ago.

We did Sandals in the Bahamas for our honeymoon the year before. It spoiled me.

 

[SaluteToTheHill]

Yall gotta learn how to get around paying for liquor on a cruise. Ive done this the last few years with no issues. Even done this for friends. Get yourself a wine corker, bag of wine corks, and some shrink wine seals. You do this once and it will more than pay for those items. Carnival allows you to carry on one bottle of wine per adult. Buy some wine, drink the wine. Fill bottles with rum, whiskey, whatever, recork and shrink wrap seal. It will look like it just came from the liquor store. Don't get a clear glass bottle of white wine and fill it with dark rum. I always get dark glass wine bottles. I even used the same bottles for our last two cruises. I always fill bottles with rum and each morning I have a couple decanters of coffee delivered to the cabin. After finishing the coffee I fill them with guava juice from the breakfast bar and put them in the cabin fridge, ready for mixing drinks that night.

 

[VolAllen]

Yall gotta learn how to get around paying for liquor on a cruise. Ive done this the last few years with no issues. Even done this for friends. Get yourself a wine corker, bag of wine corks, and some shrink wine seals. You do this once and it will more than pay for those items. Carnival allows you to carry on one bottle of wine per adult. Buy some wine, drink the wine. Fill bottles with rum, whiskey, whatever, recork and shrink wrap seal. It will look like it just came from the liquor store. Don't get a clear glass bottle of white wine and fill it with dark rum. I always get dark glass wine bottles. I even used the same bottles for our last two cruises. I always fill bottles with rum and each morning I have a couple decanters of coffee delivered to the cabin. After finishing the coffee I fill them with guava juice from the breakfast bar and put them in the cabin fridge, ready for mixing drinks that night.

In January, we snuck on a handle of vodka, 20 rum mini bottles, 20 vodka mini bottles, 2 pints of Evan Williams, and a pint and some mini Fireball's, and some "rum runner" style liquid bags we bought at the Dollar Store and filled with more vodka. I have a few pics with all the stuff in our room, but not sure how to post it on mobile. But we literally split all the alcohol up between 3 or 4 pieces of luggage thinking that it all wouldn't make it through and when the crew dropped the luggage off at our room, it was like Christmas morning.

The cruise was still lame. A guy died at Freeport and we had to stay there for like 8 extra hours while we waited for the coroner.

 

[KnoxRealtorVOL]

In January, we snuck on a handle of vodka, 20 rum mini bottles, 20 vodka mini bottles, 2 pints of Evan Williams, and a pint and some mini Fireball's, and some "rum runner" style liquid bags we bought at the Dollar Store and filled with more vodka. I have a few pics with all the stuff in our room, but not sure how to post it on mobile. But we literally split all the alcohol up between 3 or 4 pieces of luggage thinking that it all wouldn't make it through and when the crew dropped the luggage off at our room, it was like Christmas morning.

The cruise was still lame. A guy died at Freeport and we had to stay there for like 8 extra hours while we waited for the coroner.

Geez. How did he die?

 

[VolAllen]

Geez. How did he die?

I'm really not sure. Heart attack maybe? At least he was on vacation.

 

[hog88]

Which all inclusives have you stayed at? We cruise every year but at some point I want to choose one of our favorite spots and do an all inclusive. We have done day passes at a few but never stayed a full vacation.

We did an AI a few years ago in Cancun, it was the Blue Bay Getaway then, not sure what it is now. It was a shocker and a blast.

This was our first no kid vacation in a loooong time so when booking I saw "adults only" and thought great, will not have to deal with other peoples kids. I was right, but it was also topless optional around the pool and that's right where they walk you on your way to your room.

Needless to say the wife was a bit shocked and upset wondering what kind of place I bought her to when in addition to the topless women around the pool there was a naked man standing on his balcony. After a few curse words, I'm leavings and several drinks she calmed down and we had a blast.

Haven't been back but had a blast.

 

[VolnTitan]

Stupid people dying and holding up the cruise...

 

[SaluteToTheHill]

In January, we snuck on a handle of vodka, 20 rum mini bottles, 20 vodka mini bottles, 2 pints of Evan Williams, and a pint and some mini Fireball's, and some "rum runner" style liquid bags we bought at the Dollar Store and filled with more vodka. I have a few pics with all the stuff in our room, but not sure how to post it on mobile. But we literally split all the alcohol up between 3 or 4 pieces of luggage thinking that it all wouldn't make it through and when the crew dropped the luggage off at our room, it was like Christmas morning.

The cruise was still lame. A guy died at Freeport and we had to stay there for like 8 extra hours while we waited for the coroner.

Yea, they just spot check so there is always chance a chance you can get liquor through like that but its a crap shoot. There's no deterrent not to try though. If you get caught they just keep it and if its still sealed you can get it back upon your return. Its not like you have to walk the plank so there's no reason not to give it a shot but the wine bottle method I mentioned is fool proof.

Crazy that a guy died. Ive heard of that happening but never on one of our cruises.

 

[SaluteToTheHill]

We did an AI a few years ago in Cancun, it was the Blue Bay Getaway then, not sure what it is now. It was a shocker and a blast.

This was our first no kid vacation in a loooong time so when booking I saw "adults only" and thought great, will not have to deal with other peoples kids. I was right, but it was also topless optional around the pool and that's right where they walk you on your way to your room.

Needless to say the wife was a bit shocked and upset wondering what kind of place I bought her to when in addition to the topless women around the pool there was a naked man standing on his balcony. After a few curse words, I'm leavings and several drinks she calmed down and we had a blast.

Haven't been back but had a blast.

Thats funny. Some friends of our done an AI in Dominican Republic a few years ago and had a blast. We will definitely do one eventually. One place I would like to go spend a week is Puerto Rico, I love PR.

 

[hog88]

Thats funny. Some friends of our done an AI in Dominican Republic a few years ago and had a blast. We will definitely do one eventually. One place I would like to go spend a week is Puerto Rico, I love PR.

I've only been to Old San Juan, it was the day before trash day so it was all piled up in the streets and stunk to beat heck. Wasn't impressed. I'd like to go back and see more of the island.

 

[volmanbill]

We found this great little hole in the wall on the last San Juan visit. It's a short walk from the "shopping square". Nothing fancy, but authentic, local cuisine and no tourist prices. As opposed to Senior Frogs...lol

El Jibarito, San Juan - Restaurant Reviews - TripAdvisor

 

[smashmouth98]

Which all inclusives have you stayed at? We cruise every year but at some point I want to choose one of our favorite spots and do an all inclusive. We have done day passes at a few but never stayed a full vacation.

I just got back last week from the Hard Rock in the Dominican Republic, 2nd time staying there. It is nice just very big. we definitely took adavantage of the trolley's. Food was decent/good. Im picky. You just have to find a couple good options and run with them. The burger we had on the beach was a staple for me all week. Jasie took great care of us.

Also stayed at the Excellence in the Dominican on our honeymoon. This is geared towards couples, no kids allowed. very quiet & upscale. 5* all the way. $$$

Sandals in Montego Bay, Jamacia. great for families & newlyweds. Lots of activities that are no additional charge. Me & the wife learned how to sail!! I have mad skills. We were headed towards land lost wind, I took control. continued towards land, picked up speed then flipped the rudder, change direction. Got us out of the sketchy area!!!

Now Jade in Puerto Morales Mexico. Okay food.

Iberostar in Cancun.

The best thing is they all offer FREE ALCOHOL!!! Whatever you like. no limitations!!!!

The best thing to do is go explore the countryside. My favorite excursion is the Chitzenitza Mayan Ruins. The coolest thing I have ever done. I would go every time.

Zip Line in Dominican was cool. Long runs.

 

[smashmouth98]

Mexico & the D.R. are good values. comparable pricing. main cost will be the flight!! I got robbed on my last set of plane tickets.

I think parts of Europe are on our list for next travel destinations... Never been over there. Def want to check out Rome. who knows after that. heard Greece is Beautiful!!

 

[SaluteToTheHill]

I've only been to Old San Juan, it was the day before trash day so it was all piled up in the streets and stunk to beat heck. Wasn't impressed. I'd like to go back and see more of the island.

We always cruise in the off season so when we were there it was very quiet. The people there were so nice. We went to tour El Morro then wondered around the city. We found a cool little Puerto Rican restaurant were I had mofongo.

 

[SaluteToTheHill]

I just got back last week from the Hard Rock in the Dominican Republic, 2nd time staying there. It is nice just very big. we definitely took adavantage of the trolley's. Food was decent/good. Im picky. You just have to find a couple good options and run with them. The burger we had on the beach was a staple for me all week. Jasie took great care of us.

Also stayed at the Excellence in the Dominican on our honeymoon. This is geared towards couples, no kids allowed. very quiet & upscale. 5* all the way. $$$

Sandals in Montego Bay, Jamacia. great for families & newlyweds. Lots of activities that are no additional charge. Me & the wife learned how to sail!! I have mad skills. We were headed towards land lost wind, I took control. continued towards land, picked up speed then flipped the rudder, change direction. Got us out of the sketchy area!!!

Now Jade in Puerto Morales Mexico. Okay food.

Iberostar in Cancun.

The best thing is they all offer FREE ALCOHOL!!! Whatever you like. no limitations!!!!

The best thing to do is go explore the countryside. My favorite excursion is the Chitzenitza Mayan Ruins. The coolest thing I have ever done. I would go every time.

Zip Line in Dominican was cool. Long runs.

That all sounds great. We saw the Mayan Ruins of Tulum in Mexico. It was neat to see but it was so hot the day we were there it was hard to really enjoy it. I guess the coolest excursion I have done was cave tubing in Belize. That was amazing.

 

[smashmouth98]

I had an excursion booked for Telum, but stayed up too late & hungover to go. Im pissed I missed it. The history was very cool. The fact they had a calendar over 2000 yrs ago that was extremely accurate, down to minutes!!

The wife & I talk about the Chitzenitza excursion all the time. Towards the end they allow you to explore the grounds on your own. Lots to see. It was brutally hot that day as well. No clouds or wind.

 

[MSUDuo]

Going to bump this one up.

Wife and I are starting to look at cruises for Spring Break. Neither of us have ever been and my parents took a week long Alaska cruise this summer and loved it.

We are looking to sail out of Houston or New Orleans as we want to drive down instead of paying to fly somewhere.

With all that said, I don't even know where to begin. I have started looking at Vacations To Go and they seem to have decent (in my uneducated opinion) prices.

Any tips or tricks? Things to look out for?

 

[barknoxbrawler]

Going to bump this one up.

Wife and I are starting to look at cruises for Spring Break. Neither of us have ever been and my parents took a week long Alaska cruise this summer and loved it.

We are looking to sail out of Houston or New Orleans as we want to drive down instead of paying to fly somewhere.

With all that said, I don't even know where to begin. I have started looking at Vacations To Go and they seem to have decent (in my uneducated opinion) prices.

Any tips or tricks? Things to look out for?

I have been on both. My experience is pretty true with everyone else. Carnival for more of the party scene (not all the trips have been) and RC for a more laid back experience (and some of them have been a little rowdy). That's just what I have seen but I think it holds true across the board for carnival vs RC comparisons. I've only sailed out of Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Miami and Fort Laudrdale but I've been all over the Caribbean. You won't be disappointed anywhere you go for a first time but after the second trip and a different location, you will start to get the feelfor what you like and don't like at each stop. I love Key West on doing a short cruise and Belize City of going on a longer cruise.

 

[hog88]

Going to bump this one up.

Wife and I are starting to look at cruises for Spring Break. Neither of us have ever been and my parents took a week long Alaska cruise this summer and loved it.

We are looking to sail out of Houston or New Orleans as we want to drive down instead of paying to fly somewhere.

With all that said, I don't even know where to begin. I have started looking at Vacations To Go and they seem to have decent (in my uneducated opinion) prices.

Any tips or tricks? Things to look out for?

I always book directly with the cruise line, I generally do a mock booking on the website to get the full price then call. It's worked in the past where we got a better deal than what was available on line. Right now I think NCL is giving away their drink package with some bookings. That can be a major savings by itself.

 

[WiseGuy]

Going to bump this one up.

Wife and I are starting to look at cruises for Spring Break. Neither of us have ever been and my parents took a week long Alaska cruise this summer and loved it.

We are looking to sail out of Houston or New Orleans as we want to drive down instead of paying to fly somewhere.

With all that said, I don't even know where to begin. I have started looking at Vacations To Go and they seem to have decent (in my uneducated opinion) prices.

Any tips or tricks? Things to look out for?

Leaving out of Houston or NO will seriously limit the quality of ships in my experience.

 

[volmanbill]

I always book directly with the cruise line, I generally do a mock booking on the website to get the full price then call. It's worked in the past where we got a better deal than what was available on line. Right now I think NCL is giving away their drink package with some bookings. That can be a major savings by itself.

I agree with booking direct. Always remember to ask for any discounts you might be entitled to. I just booked NCL for New Years and saved a good bit by booking through their casino services division. Because I racked up some points in Vegas, my Total Rewards level earned me a nice discount. I also got the free booze package.

If you like cruising, consider booking your next trip while onboard. You'll get discounted deposit rates (fully refundable) and a credit on the current trip.

 

[TNsnyper20]

My wife and I have been on several cruises through carnival. We always book direct after watching the price for a few weeks to make sure it doesn't drop any more. We typically book a general room and carnival will call and offer an upgrade for a better price if the boat isn't full. Reality is you don't spend much time in the room with so much going on anyways. Be very careful about booking expeditions from the cruise line as you can do some of them cheaper when you get to port (research research research).

The best part about a cruise. Putting the cell in airplane mode with no worries about being bothered by work or even tempted to check emails.

They are fun and well worth the money.

 

[MSUDuo]

Found a 7 day Carnival Cruise out of New Orleans for $469 a person. Going to call on it tomorrow and book it. Makes stops in Mexico, Honduras, and Belize.

 

[Sin City Vol]

Going to bump this one up.

Wife and I are starting to look at cruises for Spring Break. Neither of us have ever been and my parents took a week long Alaska cruise this summer and loved it.

We are looking to sail out of Houston or New Orleans as we want to drive down instead of paying to fly somewhere.

With all that said, I don't even know where to begin. I have started looking at Vacations To Go and they seem to have decent (in my uneducated opinion) prices.

Any tips or tricks? Things to look out for?

Do you drink alcohol? If so, go to an all inclusive resort. I'm not a huge fan of a cruise, I feel stuck. At least all inclusive I can leave the resort if I want and I can be on the beach everyday! Depends on what you want out of a vacation. Want to drop some big $$$ go to Atlantis, UNREAL