I’ve been quoted as saying “if I can’t afford Disney, then I can’t afford a cruise.” That was immediately following a hellish trip on the Carnival Sensation . Now that some time has passed and I’ve had a chance to recover, I’ve realized that I may have been a little hasty. I’ve recently revised my stance to just a strict never go on a Carnival Cruise again policy. Good news Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, and Princess, you can still wow me (but probably not as much as Disney Cruise Lines).
Note that this is just a comparison of my most recent cruising experiences, Disney and Carnival… as if there is a comparison. So, this is why I only cruise Disney (unless something that’s not Carnival comes up).
~The Ships~
I mean, come on! Disney ships are so pretty! I’ve often wondered why other cruise lines don’t utilize more color or design on their ships. I know they are under some Coast Guard guide lines, but it seems like they could get a little more creative. They just can’t have Mickey Mouse Yellow life boats, Disney dibsed those.
~The Service~
No comparison! I don’t know how Disney does it, but from the second you get on that boat everyone on staff knows your name, and by day two they all know your drinking habits and how you like your steak cooked. Our room attendant on our Carnival Cruise came into our room between 6:30 and 7pm everyday, and everyday we had to tell him that our dinner was at 8:30pm and to just come then.
~The Towel Animals~
I know this does not make or break a cruise and on its own doesn’t mean much, but I’ll let the picture do the talking.
~Lounges and Bars~
Which would you rather go to, a dark cozy lounge full of comfy plush furnishings and creative champagne cocktails or a piano bar full of florescent lights and abrasive colors where you can sit inside a giant hand while you enjoy a glass of sour mix masquerading as a Long Island Iced Tea? A top deck pool bar with bar stools in ankle deep water far away from screaming children, or a bar in a midship hallway that allows the cigarette smoke to gently breeze through the rest of the ship while couples in jean shorts grope each other? You get the idea.
~Food and Drink~
This is maybe the most important part of a cruise for me. I know it embarrassing, but I once gained 6lbs on a 5 day cruise. In the words of Walt Disney, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” The Disney Fantasy offers 3 uniquely themed rotating dining rooms, 2 adult exclusive fine dining restaurants, a top deck buffet, 24 hour room service, and fun poolside pizza, hamburger, and hot dog spots. The Carnival Sensation seats you in one of two dining rooms where they serve the same menu of over cooked meats and unseasoned mashed potatoes every day or a buffet with a half hour line all day. However, I will concede that the pizza on the Carnival Sensation was edible, because I’m a big person (especially after my Disney Cruise).
Well there you have it, why I cruise Disney and why I’ll never again cruise Carnival. Perhaps an unfair comparison, but even with the price difference I still think Disney is the way to go. What do you think?
I haven’t been on Disney Cruises yet but I have heard the best things about Disney Cruises for adults and kids!
Valerie recently posted…Drink Me I’m Irish
It’s really great. I’ve been on 5 Disney Cruises now and I’ve never traveled with kids. It’s so great for adults too.
I’m dying to go on a Disney cruise now! They look so amazing! thanks for sharing ♥
http://storybookapothecary.com ♥ stop by and chat with me! 🙂
Tianna recently posted…HerbFarmacy Skincare Review
They’re really so amazing! You’ll love it.
I have been on celebrity. I love it but would like to do Disney.
Debbie Denny recently posted…Mom… Dad… I hate to be the one to tell you – Frozen 2 is COMING!
I love love love Disney, but I’ve heard great things about Celebrity as well. How did you enjoy your Celebrity Cruise?
Disney Cruises are very impressive, I hope you had such an amazing time!
It was just amazing. I’ve been a few times and they continue to out-do themselves.
The service and attention to details Disney provides is outstanding. This looks like a great trip for adults too.
Rachee recently posted…Get some Zzzz’s with Hyland’s 5 Day Sleep Challenge #giveaway
No one does it like Disney. It’s great for adults too. They even have their own section of the ship!
Disney has the best customer service ever! I have always wanted to experience a Disney Cruise. One day.
Heidi Wagoner recently posted…Adventures With Anya: Custom Dress – Hoi An Vietnam
I think the customer service on the ships is even better than in the parks and resorts!
Wow, those towel animals are simply the best!
Nelson Mochilero recently posted…Comment on Una tarde por los bosques de República Checa by Recapitulando experiencias de viaje por Europa « Nelson Mochilero
Right? I was a little tempted to steal the sting ray.
Aha love this! Disney is where my hearts at, and if I had the option to have towel animals…um yeah I would choose it too! Great post! Hope to get to experience something similar!
Andrea recently posted…A Solo Girl’s Guide to Making Friends
If you get the change to go on a Disney Cruise, go for it! Especially if you love Disney. There are all sorts of “Disney” touches on the boats.
Straight to the point. Well, we have only been on one cruise and it was on neither of the two you mentioned. But since you have had the experience, it kind of gives us a starting point. Love cruises.
Cruises in general are great. I think I just had one bad experience with Carnival. Disney will always be my favorite, but I’m sure there are other great ones out there too. It’s such a great and reasonably priced vacation if you live near a port.
I haven’t been on a Disney cruise but we did out first trip with Royal Caribbean in December and it was fantastic. I’m addicted to cruising now! I’m sure my kids would love a Disney cruise.
Bethaney – Flashpacker Family recently posted…Pick Our European Eurail Adventure
It’s great for all ages! The kids on the boat looked like they were having a blast, and I know the adults were.
Wow, that is incredible service! That lounge bar looks really cool, too. I know the prices are really variable, but do you have a rough price comparison between the two cruise lines for a similar trip?
Sonja @ Breadcrumbs Guide recently posted…How I Scored 2 Free Flights to Maui
I know they vary quite a bit. I’m actually super spoiled since I know people who work for Disney and they get amazing amazing discounts on last minute cruises. From what I understand regular price for Disney is almost double Carnival, but even at that I think it’s totally worth it. It’s more than double the experience.
I so want to cruise Disney at least once in my life!! We stayed at the Disney resort in Orlando – obviously not the same as a cruise, but the same towel animals on our beds each day after housekeeping had come through – loved the small little extra touches :D!
Meg Jerrard recently posted…Legal Travel to Cuba For Americans
Disney cruises are full of the small touches that add up to such a great experiences. They even do classes to teach you how to make the towel animals.
I dislike cruise ships but would love to go on a Disney cruise. I would much rather spend a week on a island than a week on a ship.
I figure I should point out that between Carnival owes Celebrity Cruse Lines.
Jennifer @ Made all the Difference recently posted…14 Traditional Pies from Around the World
I used to feel that way too, and still do to an extent. I still love getting of the boat and exploring the ports. I have friends that just stay on the boat the whole time and that would drive me crazy, but I’ve learned to love the sea days. It’s a different kind of vacation though, it’s very fun and relaxing, but not so adventurous.
Looks like fun! I haven’t been on a cruise in years. Wasn’t a great experience but possibly I should reconsider?
Jennifer recently posted…A Different View of Playa’s Fifth Ave
I’ve never been disappointed with Disney, and I’ve heard a lot of great things about other cruise lines too. I would just stay away from Carnival. That’s just me though, I know a lot of people that love them as well.
I have never been on a cruise and have nothing to compare anything too! 🙂 We are thinking of doing a Disney cruise next year, but I have been worried about the cost because I have heard it is pretty high…so we will just see if we can budget it in! It would be the best choice for us with 4 kids along!
Jamie recently posted…Family Verse of the Week Challenge: Week 11
Unfortunately they are expensive, but I do think they are worth every penny. Discount sites like expedia and travelocity sometimes offer pretty good deals on them though if you keep an eye out.
This looks like a great cruise to take. I love they take care of details such knowing their guest names and making those pretty animal towels. Thanks for sharing this! 😉
Gloria @NomadicChica recently posted…QOTD | What is meant to be will be
It’s all in the details and Disney does that better than anyone! Thanks for stopping by.
Totally agree on your review of Disney cruises! I haven’t been on one in quite a few years, but I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to go on one again!
Gina Zammit recently posted…Comment on Thirsty for Travel: Tequila by Chris Wotton
If it’s been a while you should definitely try to go again. They are constantly improving and adding new things.
I’m a total Disney Cruise Line fangirl, next sailing is to Norway and Iceland this summer – can’t wait 🙂
I’ve never sailed Carnival, I’ve heard so many not-so-good things about them – maybe I’m being unfair or perhaps if I’d sailed on them first it would be different but I think DCL have just spoiled me for life now, haha.
I have sailed Royal Caribbean and really enjoyed it. They’re not as good as DCL but they’re not as expensive either so I think when measuring them up relatively speaking, it’s a decent alternative. Only something I really consider for the ship (we wanted to sail on a ship with a central Royal Promenade – which I have to say was awesome, would love it if a Disney ship had a promenade instead of just the atrium as a centre point), or the itinerary. With DCL having only 4 ships then it can get a little repetitive sometimes.
Penny @ OnePennyTourist recently posted…Disney’s Vero Beach resort: Exploring the Florida coast
I’ve only been on one of the smaller Royal Caribbean ships. It was just okay, still fun though. Disney does kinda ruin other cruise lines for you doesn’t it?
To be honest, I always thought a Disney cruise sounded horrible, simply because there are BOUND to be kids everywhere! A close friend went on a Disney cruise in early 2015, and absolutely LOVED it! From the “adults-only” areas to the various restaurants to the ship itself, she said it was well worth the cost. Carnival just looks tacky to me. Having never been on a Carnival cruise, I can’t attest to that, but this post backs up all I’ve seen and heard about the company. Your Disney cruise, on the other hand, looks great! And that food. I have to go get some.
Adventuring The Great Wide Somewhere recently posted…The Fortified City of Langres
The food on the Disney Cruise Line is to die for! While they do probably have more kids on Disney, there is so much for them to do and there are separate adult areas so you don’t really notice.
I’ve never been on a cruiseship. Well, only for a quick tour but not to stay on. It’s on our bucket list, so hopefully one day.
Rhonda Chapman recently posted…Whatâs seasonal SEO and why optimise your blog for it?
If you search the off season you can usually find them for a pretty good deal, and the weather is almost always nice in the Caribbean!
[…] year I try to take a cruise with my friends here in Orlando. It’s usually a Disney Cruise since those are obviously the best, but it turns out those are also obviously the most expensive […]
Thanks for sharing! I can totally relate to the way you feel. I personally loved my Disney cruise and would do it again in a heartbeat! Unfortunately, it is much more expensive than most other cruises, so it’ll be a rare treat for me. I’ve also had a bad experience with a Carnival cruise and vowed to never sail with them again. Currently, I’m sticking strictly to Royal Caribbean as they are the next best thing to my Disney cruise experience!
I hear ya. I’ve been lucky because I know so many people that work for Disney that I can usually finagle a discount. I’ve also had good experiences on Norwegian, it’s not quite Disney but it’s A LOT cheaper.