Thread: Need some help

We want ot book a cruise for the week our boys are on vacation(12&16). I have been on a short Royal Carribean cruise with my boys and loved it. My husband has not cruised yet. We can't afford Royal Carribean this time, so expensive during this week. I am wondering about Carnival Cruise lines. We found one good deal on the Freedom but I'm wodering about the ships and I don't know anyone who has gone Carnival. Can anyone help??? Thanks We would be traveling the week of 2/18/2011

Hi Silvana,

I've cruised with both Carnival & Royal Caribbean. I think both of those cruise lines are very similar. Carnival's decor is a bit more "Vegas" and Royal Caribbean's decor is more subtle. Where Royal Caribbean has the rock climbing wall, Carnival has the water slide. We liked Carnival's food better, but Royal's perks better if booking a Suite. Do you have specific questions about Carnival?

the kids will have more fun on a carnival from my experiences and im sure you'll have a great time

If you want a short cruise, I'd suggest Carnival Sensation. She's a really good ship with great service and food.

We've been on several Carnival cruises and I imagine your teens should have a lot of fun. The reason fares will be expensive that week (on any ship) is because just about every school will be out for winter break. So demand is up.

I've been on 4 Carnival cruises about to embark on my 5th next month. I've also been on the Freedom. It entered service new in 2007 and is a very nice ship. Carnival is much like Royal Caribbean except that their ships are as mentioned above Vegas like, while Royal Caribbean's ships are more elegant in interior decor. They(Carnival) have the Twister Waterslide, Seaside Theater, their large outdoor movie screen and many other activities.
I think you'll like Carnival, the kids programs are great. The 12 year old can be enrolled in Circle C while the 16 year old can enrol in Club O2. Go ahead, try Carnival.

Having sailed on several ships from both cruise lines, I can tell you that while both are good for families, RCCL newer ships have more amenities for families. And as such, they are more in demand, so they are going to command a higher price. While Carnival doesn't have as many amenities, it's tough to beat their rates. The 7/20/11 sailing of the Freedom is actually not too bad of a price considering the time of year, but don't wait to book because prices could be going up.

Pete

I must have been blurried eye the other day. I read 2/18 as 12/18.