where to post

[seasun]

I didn't know where or if I could post a question asking if I should cruise on RCI or Carnival. I have cruised on RCI before and had a good cruise. We are traveling with some friends in 2010 and are trying to decide which cruise to go on. I have heard positive and negative things about Carnival, so I am not sure I want to travel with them. So I thought maybe those who cruise, may have some insight.

thanks

[Phil&Liz]

You could simply start with where you want to sail from and where the ship(s) sail to.

Begin with finding out what ports are of interest to you and what you might like to do ashore at those ports.

Then look at what each line offers for those itineraries. Compare and contrast the two lines and see what you find.\

Try not to read into or listen to all the hype or bashing going on. Decide on the merits you find on your own.

Phil & Liz

[green_rd]

If you have specific questions or concerns - fire away right here.

I doubt you will be disappointed with either line.

[katlady]

Here is an interesting thread that appeared on the RCL message board and might help you. I haven't cruised RCL since 1994; so I'm of no help. I'm thinking of either the Splendor or the Mariner of the Seas for 2010 so I understand your confusion.
http://www.cruisemates.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=608241

[skymaster]

Hi SeaSun:
I'd suggest you go over to "People/ChitChat" and post the question there. If you post it here, you'll no doubt get a very positive Carnival answer, and if you post it on the RCI site, you'll get a very positive RCI answer. I think if you post the question on "ChitChat", you'll get very honest opinions from a lot of folks. As someone else mentioned, throw out the VERY positive, and the VERY negative answers, and make your choice. I'd phrase the question something like: Which ship would you choose?

Good luck,

Ken
"SKY"

[flowers]

I'v been on both and for the same price, I'd personally lean toward RCL. I just got back from Voyager and we had a great cruise.

I love RCL's ships and how they look. That being said I lean toward preferring the food on Carnival, but we had great food all last week, RCL did better than usual with the choices.

Service wise I had had issues with Carnival that outweigh the things they do better. If you have any issues, Id rather be on a RCL ship. Im still cruising Carnival so its not enough to quit cruising Carnival, just how I lean. RCL has just been better to me.

[seasun]

I want to thank everyone for their input. I will follow your suggestions.

[colorcrazie]

I'm the opposite of flowers. We have had much better luck on Carnival than RCI. The service on the Legend, our most recent was amazing. But, I have switched what little loyalties I have to cruise lines many times over the years. Was NCL all the way for a time, then Royal, then HAL, then Carnival. So, choose your best itinerary for the money you want to spend and go.
Any cruise works for me!
Marty

[Dan40]

Right now, people are fleeing from RCL and going to Carnival. Experienced cruisers. RCL has cut WAY back on loyalty programs and priced themselves way above Carnival. And then they serve marginal food. RCL has the nicest ships. NOTHING ELSE going for them. And I'm a Diamond [10+] RCL cruiser.

[brad813]

Depending on how big your group is, you may qualify for group rates. Both lines start group rates at 8 cabins, so you may want to check into that if you have enough people. Carnival usually costs less, but both are excellent lines for groups.