We have taken a dozen cruises on Carnival and enjoyed each one. With the kids getting older we thought we'd try out Royal Caribbean with all the additional activities they offer. The kids did enjoy the waverider and rock climbing wall but overall everyone was disappointed. Believe it or not, the kids (ages 9, 12, and 14) said they still prefer Carnival. Here's why:

The beds on the Independence were TERRIBLE. I woke up each morning upset (and throughout the night!) with my back and hip bothering me. I spoke to numerous other guest and over heard other people's conversations on this. One family said they were in a JR suite and had the same issues. Such low hanging fruit!!! I respectfully let guest services know and they kept adding duvet covers that did not help. It was like sleeping on plywood, definitely not what we we're looking forward to on vacation!

Additionally, with the exception of the dining room staff, customer service was aweful! I am very sensitive to culture given the organization I work for has struggled with this and it appeared to me the employees were not friendly or happy, and at times down right rude. More than not the casino dealers were grumpy which does not make it fun to "donate" your money and we tend to donate more than win!!! Read more