New to Princess

Kenzibell · November 18, 2008

Our family has cruised on three Carnival ships, but have decided it is time to make the leap and try Princess. We booked a mini-suite on the dolphin deck. I am curious as to what to expect as far as all of the differences, good and bad, from Carnival. I know there are a lot! Any insight would be great!

sailingrose · November 18, 2008

I sail on Princess but not Carnival so I'm sorry I can't help.

rogue · November 19, 2008

The ships on Carnival are certainly more glitzy than on Princess. The lounges may be a bit livelier at night, but that probably depends on the ship and the passengers on that particular cruise. I find that the food is pretty equivalent. Princess controls the teens better than Carnival. I find the excursions just about the same. The service on both of these lines are pretty equivalent, maybe Princess has it by a bit, but not much. I think that if you ask a Carnival devotee which is better, he say "Carnival", and vice versa for a Princess devotee. Personally, I would rather be on Princess, but I'm not against going on Carnival again.

MrsAmanda7 · November 19, 2008

I, too have not been on Carnival. However, I have stayed in a mini-suite on the dolphin deck each time I have cruised with Princess. Despite what some may say, I like how the balcony juts out from the rest.

Visit My Review for Caribbean Princess

I truly enjoy Princess and can't wait to go back again soon.

zebra · November 20, 2008

I've also cruised on both these lines - and personally would put Princess way ahead of Carnival. We last cruised on Carnival in April and have no interest in cruising them again. Yes Princess is not as glitzy and gaudy but it is very beautifully appointed and more in line with the Caribbean color scheme. We have stayed many times in a mini-suite on Dolphin deck and also personally enjoy the larger open deck to the other decks. You'll love the mini-suites. Other favorites of Princess is their fresh water swimming pools and their fabulous pizza!! Any other specific questions you have, I would be happy to try and answer for you. Hopefully you'll love Princess as much as we do!

TheSkipper · November 20, 2008

Having cruised on both lines a bunch (22 times on Princess and about 15 on Carnival) and have future cruises scheduled for both again, I agree with Howard. Princess has more "class." And is more sophisticated IMHO. But I still enjoy them both.

I would advise you not to expect too many changes except that everything will be "toned down" a bit. You will find things like "High Tea" which you did not see on Carnival.

Have fun and enjoy. :thumbup:

swom · March 14, 2009

I don't know when you are cruising or if you already have, but just wanted to mention that the Dolphin Deck is totally uncovered. But from your post, I think you are in an inside cabin, so that won't be a problem at all.

I love Princess, I hope you enjoy your cruise!!!

Marguerite · March 23, 2009

Princess is our favorite line. We always get a mini suite on Dolphin Deck but decided this year to try a mini suite on anohter deck that has the balcony covered. It's nice to get out of the sun for a while and on the dolphin deck that's not usually possible.

One of the reasons that we like Princess so much is their costumer relations is quite good. On 2 sailings we had some minor problems, when we returned home I wrote a nice letter to them staing the issues and we were compensated very well.

We booked a cruise for this year almost a year in advance & in 8 short weeks we will be off!! We live in Ct. so are sailing from New York, no airport hassles! We did the exact same cruise last year.

Marguerite

Marguerite · March 23, 2009

Princess is our favorite line. We always get a mini suite on Dolphin Deck but decided this year to try a mini suite on anohter deck that has the balcony covered. It's nice to get out of the sun for a while and on the dolphin deck that's not usually possible.

One of the reasons that we like Princess so much is their costumer relations is quite good. On 2 sailings we had some minor problems, when we returned home I wrote a nice letter to them staing the issues and we were compensated very well.

We booked a cruise for this year almost a year in advance & in 8 short weeks we will be off!! We live in Ct. so are sailing from New York, no airport hassles! We did the exact same cruise last year.

Marguerite