This was our 5th/6th cruise, 2nd one with a kid (turning 6 next week), and all but the very first (Princess) were with Royal Caribbean. We were originally booked on the Oasis for the first week in June, but upon finding out that the dates conflicted with my work schedule and that we weren't getting an income tax refund, we decided to make changes and try out Carnival for the first time- we saved $1000 for just 1 day less in our itinerary, and had a nicer balcony (ocean vs. central park)! We were kind of anxious about it- I'm a firm believer in "you get what you pay for" and my husband's not really a "fun ship" kind of guy- but we are proud to say that the Magic has converted us to Carnival!
First off, some Royal vs. Carnival differences that we noticed:
- I appreciated on Carnival that they were not always trying to sell you something. I remember on Royal that there is a "drink of the day" and the servers are always shouting about it as they walk around, plus they came to your table during dinner to try to sell you on the specialty restaurants and chef's table. Much more laid back atmosphere on Carnival about that kind of thing!
LOVED the cove balcony! After our last cruise with a free balcony upgrade, we swore we'd never go back, but this was even better! Location of room had NO excess noise from other areas on the ship, even when docking. Balcony offered great privacy, shade during the day, beautiful view of the water, and the ship's bulkhead offered a perfect footrest for those of us with shorter stature :) I like that the twin sleeper sofa had bolster cushions we could put on during the day and actually sit on it comfortably. Bed was bigger than our queen at home!
Great pool and waterslides! Food and drink are expensive- go back on the ship for lunch, if you can. $20 to rent an umbrella for the day- worth it!
Beautiful water and great swimming right by the pier! For fewer people and less of a party atmosphere, walk down the beach to Jack's Shack- free rum shot, free loungers, good food and drink, and just $10 to rent an umbrella for the day.